Questions people actually ask

Unlike many big inventions, the idea of the car can’t be credited to any one person. Encyclopaedia Britannica: History of the automobile Most historians agree that Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot of France built the first true automobile: a huge, heavy, steam-powered tricycle. Encyclopaedia Britannica: History of the automobile Karl Benz designed and, in 1885, built the world’s first practical car powered by an internal-combustion engine. Encyclopaedia Britannica: Karl Benz

Karl Benz designed and, in 1885, built the world’s first practical car powered by an internal-combustion engine. Encyclopaedia Britannica: Karl Benz Benz’s three-wheeled Motorwagen first ran early in 1885, and its design was patented on 29 January 1886. It is now kept in Munich. Encyclopaedia Britannica: Karl Benz

In August 1888 Bertha Benz drove the Motorwagen from Mannheim to Pforzheim with her sons Eugen and Richard: the first long-distance drive in a car. Encyclopaedia Britannica: Karl Benz Britannica’s article on Bertha Benz says the trip took about 13 hours over about 60 miles (96.6 km) of unpaved roads. Encyclopaedia Britannica: Bertha Benz Britannica’s Karl Benz article puts Bertha’s drive at some 66 miles (106 km). Encyclopaedia Britannica: Karl Benz

The Model T was built from 1908 until 1927. Encyclopaedia Britannica: Model T More than 15 million Model Ts were built. Encyclopaedia Britannica: Model T

From 1913 to 1925 the Model T came in only one colour: black. Encyclopaedia Britannica: Model T

Britain’s Locomotives on Highways Act of 1865 cut speeds to 2 mph in towns and 4 mph in the country. Encyclopaedia Britannica: History of the automobile It was nicknamed the Red Flag Act because a crew of three had to go with each vehicle, one walking in front with a red flag. Encyclopaedia Britannica: History of the automobile

To celebrate, Harry J. Lawson organised the “Emancipation Run” from London to Brighton on 14 November 1896, the day the Act became law. National Motor Museum: London to Brighton Veteran Car Run The run was revived in 1927, and apart from the war years and petrol rationing it has been held every year since. National Motor Museum: London to Brighton Veteran Car Run Only cars built before 1 January 1905 can take part in the Veteran Car Run. National Motor Museum: London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

The test started on a voluntary basis on 13 March 1935. National Motor Museum: motoring FAQs Britain’s driving test was made compulsory on 1 June 1935. GOV.UK: 80th anniversary of the driving test The first British driving test pass certificate went to Mr R.E.L. Beere of Kensington on 16 March 1935. National Motor Museum: motoring FAQs

Britain’s first motorway, the 8¼-mile Preston By-pass, was opened by Prime Minister Harold Macmillan on 5 December 1958. It is now part of the M6. UK Motorway Archive: Statistics

The Mini, designed by Alec Issigonis, was launched on 26 August 1959, with a transverse engine and front-wheel drive, a first for small cars. British Motor Museum: Mini Madness

For a World Land Speed Record, a car must run through a measured mile and back within an hour. The record is the average of the two runs. National Motor Museum: Record Breakers In 1997 Andy Green drove Thrust SCC through the sound barrier at 763.035 mph. National Motor Museum: Record Breakers

Racing on British public roads was forbidden, so in February 1904 Sir Julian Orde of the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland went to the Isle of Man, which passed the Highways (Light Locomotive) Act 1904. Isle of Man TT Races: History The first Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) race was held in 1907. Isle of Man TT Races: History