Shape:
* More like a horse-drawn carriage: The silhouette would be tall and boxy, with a long wheelbase and a high, often rounded, body.
* No windshield: The driver and passengers would be exposed to the elements, often wearing goggles and scarves for protection.
* Minimal bodywork: Metal panels were often minimal, with the chassis and mechanical components largely exposed.
* Solid wheels: Pneumatic tires weren't common yet, so you'd see solid rubber tires or even wooden wheels.
Features:
* Small, single-cylinder engines: Producing only a few horsepower, these engines were loud and inefficient by today's standards.
* Hand crank ignition: Starting the car was a physical process involving a crank that needed to be turned rapidly to fire the engine.
* Simple, open-air cab: No doors, no roof, and no elaborate interior appointments. Imagine a basic bench seat and maybe a small steering wheel.
* No headlights: Cars would use oil lamps or acetylene gas to illuminate the road at night.
Overall Appearance:
* Rustic and utilitarian: Cars of this era were more about basic functionality than aesthetic appeal. They had a very industrial, almost makeshift look.
* Slow and noisy: Cars were much slower than today's vehicles, and the engine would be a constant, loud presence.
Famous examples:
* The Panhard & Levassor: One of the earliest successful automobiles, it featured a small engine and a long, horse-drawn carriage-like body.
* The Benz Velo: A three-wheeled vehicle with a powerful engine for its time, it set a benchmark for early automobile design.
* The Daimler Phoenix: A more luxurious vehicle, it boasted a powerful engine and an elegant, open-air body.
The cars of 1900 were a far cry from the sleek, high-tech vehicles we drive today. They represented the dawn of the automobile age, filled with adventure and a sense of pioneering spirit.
