* Very few were produced: Automobile production was still in its infancy. Only a few thousand cars were manufactured worldwide in 1900, a tiny fraction compared to modern production numbers.
* High cost and exclusivity: Cars were incredibly expensive, affordable only by the wealthy. They were considered luxury items, much like yachts or private airplanes today.
* Simple technology: Engines were typically low-powered, usually between 4 and 10 horsepower. They were often single-cylinder or very small multi-cylinder engines. Electric starters and automatic transmissions didn't exist; starting involved a hand crank (a potentially dangerous process), and shifting gears was entirely manual.
* Limited reliability and durability: Cars were prone to breakdowns. Maintenance was frequent and demanding. Road travel was often unpredictable due to the car's unreliability, and the poor condition of roads themselves.
* Open-air designs: Most cars lacked enclosed bodies. Passengers were exposed to the elements. Some had rudimentary canopies or side curtains for some protection.
* Solid rubber tires: Tires were made of solid rubber, offering a very harsh and bumpy ride. Pneumatic (air-filled) tires were starting to appear but were not yet standard.
* Steam and electric cars were competitors: While gasoline-powered cars were gaining prominence, steam and electric cars were still significant competitors, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
* Limited range and speed: Speeds were modest, rarely exceeding 30 mph (48 km/h), and range was limited by fuel capacity and engine efficiency.
* Rudimentary braking and steering: Braking systems were rudimentary and often unreliable. Steering mechanisms were less precise and required more effort than modern systems.
* Diverse designs and manufacturers: There wasn't a standardized design. Manufacturers experimented with various body styles, engine placements, and drive systems. Many were small workshops or even individual inventors, rather than large-scale corporations.
In short, 1900 cars were experimental, expensive, unreliable, and a far cry from the sophisticated vehicles we know today. They represented a thrilling but very early stage in the development of the automobile.
