1880s Model cars - Retro Collection in Stock

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Illustration Voitures Rétros Vintage France
The first clandestine car race in history

Dive into the story of these automotive pioneers who revolutionized transportation and receive a captivating anecdote directly by email.

Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures

Why are cars from the 1880s so special in automotive history?

The 1880s marked the true beginnings of the modern automobile. In 1885, Karl Benz presented his Patent-Motorwagen, considered the first true automobile with an internal combustion engine. These early cars still closely resembled horse-drawn carriages with their large spoked wheels and lack of hoods.

What was the top speed of the first automobiles of that era?

Cars in the 1880s typically reached a maximum speed of between 15 and 25 km/h. The Benz Patent Motorwagen of 1885 did not exceed 16 km/h, which was already revolutionary for the era when galloping horses reached 50 km/h but could not maintain this speed for long.

How did you start a car in the 1880s?

There was no electric starter! The first automobiles were started with a hand crank, a sometimes dangerous physical exercise because a kickback could break your wrist. Some models also used a glow-tube ignition system that had to be preheated.

Why didn't these cars have a steering wheel but a steering bar?

The first automobiles of the 1880s did indeed use a horizontal steering bar, similar to those used on boats. The circular steering wheel didn't become widespread until the 1890s. This bar allowed for more precise control at low speeds and was more familiar to drivers accustomed to horse-drawn carriages.

What fuel did cars of that era use?

Contrary to popular belief, gasoline wasn't the only fuel! The 1880s saw the emergence of three types of motorization: gasoline engines (like Benz), electric cars (very popular in cities), and steam cars. Gasoline was actually only sold in pharmacies as a cleaning product!