What were the first automobiles made?

There's no single answer to what the "first" automobile was, as it depends on how you define "automobile." Several inventors were working on self-propelled vehicles simultaneously around the late 19th century. However, some of the earliest and most influential include:

* Karl Benz's Patent-Motorwagen (1886): Generally considered the first practical automobile, it was a three-wheeled vehicle powered by a gasoline internal combustion engine. It's widely recognized as a significant milestone because it was a complete, self-contained vehicle designed for everyday use (as opposed to just a demonstration prototype).

* Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach's automobiles (late 1880s): Daimler and Maybach created high-speed internal combustion engines that were adaptable to various vehicles, including carriages and boats. While they didn't produce a single definitive "first car" like Benz, their engine technology was hugely influential in the development of the automobile.

* Other early attempts: Many other inventors experimented with steam-powered and electric vehicles before the internal combustion engine truly took hold. These earlier vehicles were often less practical and reliable but contributed to the foundational knowledge.

Therefore, while the Benz Patent-Motorwagen is often cited as the first *practical* automobile, it's crucial to acknowledge the parallel developments and contributions of Daimler and Maybach, and the broader context of earlier experimental vehicles. The story of the first automobile is really a story of converging technologies and multiple innovators.