History of the automobile - Revision history

Red marquis: /* Further reading */

2010-03-29T00:44:54Z

Red marquis: /* Veteran era */

2009-08-29T13:52:52Z

Veteran era

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	===Veteran era===		===Veteran era===

	The first production of [[automobile]]s was by [[Karl Benz]] in 1888 in Germany and, under licence from Benz, in France by [[Emile Roger]]. There were numerous others, including tricycle builders [[egg (car)\|Rudolf Egg]], [[Edward Butler (inventor)\|Edward Butler]], and [[Léon Bollée]].<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p.20-23}}~~ Bollée, using a ~~{{convert\|~~650~~\|cc\|0\|lk=on}}~~ engine of his own design, enabled his driver, Jamin, to average 45 kilometres per hour (28.0 mph) in the 1897 [[Paris-Tourville]] rally.<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p.23}}~~ By 1900, mass production of automobiles had begun in France and the United States. The first company formed exclusively to build automobiles was [[Panhard\|Panhard et Levassor]] in France, which also introduced the first [[inline-four engine\|four-cylinder engine]].<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p.22}}~~ Formed in 1889, Panhard was quickly followed by [[Peugeot]] two years later. By the start of the 20th century, the [[automobile industry]] was beginning to take off in western Europe, especially in France, they produced 30,204 in 1903, representing 48.8% of world automobile production that year.		The first production of [[automobile]]s was by [[Karl Benz]] in 1888 in Germany and, under licence from Benz, in France by [[Emile Roger]]. There were numerous others, including tricycle builders [[egg (car)\|Rudolf Egg]], [[Edward Butler (inventor)\|Edward Butler]], and [[Léon Bollée]].<ref name=georgano/> Bollée, using a 650 cubic centimetres (40 cu in) engine of his own design, enabled his driver, Jamin, to average 45 kilometres per hour (28.0 mph) in the 1897 [[Paris-Tourville]] rally.<ref name=georgano/> By 1900, mass production of automobiles had begun in France and the United States. The first company formed exclusively to build automobiles was [[Panhard\|Panhard et Levassor]] in France, which also introduced the first [[inline-four engine\|four-cylinder engine]].<ref name=georgano/> Formed in 1889, Panhard was quickly followed by [[Peugeot]] two years later. By the start of the 20th century, the [[automobile industry]] was beginning to take off in western Europe, especially in France, they produced 30,204 in 1903, representing 48.8% of world automobile production that year.

	In the United States, brothers [[Charles Duryea\|Charles]] and [[Frank Duryea]] founded the [[Duryea Motor Wagon Company]] in 1893, becoming the first American automobile manufacturing company. However, it was [[Ransom E. Olds]], and his [[Olds Motor Vehicle Company]] (later known as [[Oldsmobile]]) who would dominate this era of automobile production. Its large scale production line was running in 1902. Within a year, [[Cadillac]] (formed from the [[Henry Ford Company]]), [[Winton automobile\|Winton]], and [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] were producing cars in the thousands.		In the United States, brothers [[Charles Duryea\|Charles]] and [[Frank Duryea]] founded the [[Duryea Motor Wagon Company]] in 1893, becoming the first American automobile manufacturing company. However, it was [[Ransom E. Olds]], and his [[Olds Motor Vehicle Company]] (later known as [[Oldsmobile]]) who would dominate this era of automobile production. Its large scale production line was running in 1902. Within a year, [[Cadillac]] (formed from the [[Henry Ford Company]]), [[Winton automobile\|Winton]], and [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] were producing cars in the thousands.
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	Within a few years, a dizzying assortment of [[automotive engineering\|technologies]] were being produced by hundreds of producers all over the western world. [[Steam car\|Steam]], [[electric vehicle\|electricity]] and [[petrol engine\|petrol/gasoline-powered]] automobiles competed for decades, with petrol/gasoline [[internal combustion engine]]s achieving dominance in the 1910s. Dual- and even quad-engine cars were designed, and [[engine displacement]] ranged to more than a dozen litres. Many modern advances, including [[hybrid electric vehicle\|gas/electric hybrids]], [[multi-valve]] engines, [[overhead camshaft]]s, and [[four-wheel drive]], were attempted, and discarded at this time.		Within a few years, a dizzying assortment of [[automotive engineering\|technologies]] were being produced by hundreds of producers all over the western world. [[Steam car\|Steam]], [[electric vehicle\|electricity]] and [[petrol engine\|petrol/gasoline-powered]] automobiles competed for decades, with petrol/gasoline [[internal combustion engine]]s achieving dominance in the 1910s. Dual- and even quad-engine cars were designed, and [[engine displacement]] ranged to more than a dozen litres. Many modern advances, including [[hybrid electric vehicle\|gas/electric hybrids]], [[multi-valve]] engines, [[overhead camshaft]]s, and [[four-wheel drive]], were attempted, and discarded at this time.

	By 1900, it was possible to talk about a national automotive industry in many countries, including Belgium (home to Vincke, which copied Benz; [[Germain]], a pseudo-Panhard; and [[Linon]] and [[Nagant]], both based on the [[Gobron-Brillié]]),<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p,25}}~~ Switzerland (led by [[Fritz Henriod]], Rudolf Egg, [[Saurer]], [[Johann Weber]], and [[Lorenz Popp]]),<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p.25}}~~ [[Vabis\|Vagnfabrik AB]] in Sweden, [[Hammel]] (by A. F. Hammel and H. U. Johansen at Copenhagen, in Denmark, beginning around 1886),<ref name=georgano/>{{rp\|p.25}} [[Paul Henningsen Irgens\|Irgens]] (starting in Bergen, [[Norway]], in 1883, but without success),<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p.25-26}}~~ Italy (where [[Fiat\|FIAT]] started in 1899), and as far afield as Australia (where [[Pioneer (Australian automobile)\|Pioneer]] set up shop in 1898 (with an already archaic paraffin-fuelled centre-pivot-steered wagon).<ref name=georgano/> Meanwhile, the export trade had begun to be global, with Koch exporting cars and trucks from Paris to Tunisia, Egypt, Iran, and the Dutch East Indies.<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p25}}~~		By 1900, it was possible to talk about a national automotive industry in many countries, including Belgium (home to Vincke, which copied Benz; [[Germain]], a pseudo-Panhard; and [[Linon]] and [[Nagant]], both based on the [[Gobron-Brillié]]),<ref name=georgano/> Switzerland (led by [[Fritz Henriod]], Rudolf Egg, [[Saurer]], [[Johann Weber]], and [[Lorenz Popp]]),<ref name=georgano/> [[Vabis\|Vagnfabrik AB]] in Sweden, [[Hammel]] (by A. F. Hammel and H. U. Johansen at Copenhagen, in Denmark, beginning around 1886),<ref name=georgano/>{{rp\|p.25}} [[Paul Henningsen Irgens\|Irgens]] (starting in Bergen, Norway, in 1883, but without success),<ref name=georgano/> Italy (where [[Fiat\|FIAT]] started in 1899), and as far afield as Australia (where [[Pioneer (Australian automobile)\|Pioneer]] set up shop in 1898 (with an already archaic paraffin-fuelled centre-pivot-steered wagon).<ref name=georgano/> Meanwhile, the export trade had begun to be global, with Koch exporting cars and trucks from Paris to Tunisia, Egypt, Iran, and the Dutch East Indies.<ref name=georgano/>

	Innovation was rapid and rampant, with no clear standards for basic vehicle architectures, [[car body style\|body styles]], construction materials, or controls. Many [[veteran car]]s use a tiller, rather than a wheel for [[steering]], for example, and most operated at a single [[gear ratio\|speed]]. [[Chain drive]] was dominant over the modern [[drive shaft]], and closed bodies were extremely rare.		Innovation was rapid and rampant, with no clear standards for basic vehicle architectures, [[car body style\|body styles]], construction materials, or controls. Many [[veteran car]]s use a tiller, rather than a wheel for [[steering]], for example, and most operated at a single [[gear ratio\|speed]]. [[Chain drive]] was dominant over the modern [[drive shaft]], and closed bodies were extremely rare.

	On 5 November 1895, [[George B. Selden]] was granted a United States patent for a two-stroke automobile engine (US patent 549160). This patent did more to hinder than encourage development of autos in the USA. Selden licensed his patent to most major American auto makers, collecting a fee on every car they produced. The [[Studebaker]] brothers, having become the world's leading manufacturers of horse-drawn vehicles, made a transition to electric automobiles in 1902, and gasoline engines in 1904, but they continued to build horse-drawn vehicles until 1919.<ref name=Longst>{{cite book\|title=A Century on Wheels: The Story of Studebaker\|last=Longstreet\|first=Stephen\|publisher=Henry Holt and Company\|location=New York\|id=1st edn., 1952\|page=121}}</ref>~~{{rp\|p.90}}~~ In 1908, the first South American automobile was built in Peru, the ''[[Grieve]]''.<ref>http://enperublog.com/2009/05/07/the-first-peruvian-car/</ref>		On 5 November 1895, [[George B. Selden]] was granted a United States patent for a two-stroke automobile engine (US patent 549160). This patent did more to hinder than encourage development of autos in the USA. Selden licensed his patent to most major American auto makers, collecting a fee on every car they produced. The [[Studebaker]] brothers, having become the world's leading manufacturers of horse-drawn vehicles, made a transition to electric automobiles in 1902, and gasoline engines in 1904, but they continued to build horse-drawn vehicles until 1919.<ref name=Longst>{{cite book\|title=A Century on Wheels: The Story of Studebaker\|last=Longstreet\|first=Stephen\|publisher=Henry Holt and Company\|location=New York\|id=1st edn., 1952\|page=121}}</ref> In 1908, the first South American automobile was built in Peru, the ''[[Grieve]]''.<ref>http://enperublog.com/2009/05/07/the-first-peruvian-car/</ref>

	Throughout the veteran car era, however, automobiles were seen as more of a novelty than a genuinely useful device. [[breakdown (vehicle)\|Breakdown]]s were frequent, [[fuel]] was difficult to obtain, [[road]]s suitable for travelling were scarce, and rapid innovation meant that a year-old car was nearly worthless. Major breakthroughs in proving the usefulness of the automobile came with the historic long-distance drive of [[Bertha Benz]] in 1888, when she traveled more than 80 kilometres (50 mi) from Mannheim to Pforzheim, to make people aware of the potential of the vehicles her husband, [[Karl Benz]], manufactured, and after [[Horatio Nelson Jackson]]'s successful trans-continental drive across the United States in 1903.~~{{clr}}~~		Throughout the veteran car era, however, automobiles were seen as more of a novelty than a genuinely useful device. [[breakdown (vehicle)\|Breakdown]]s were frequent, [[fuel]] was difficult to obtain, [[road]]s suitable for travelling were scarce, and rapid innovation meant that a year-old car was nearly worthless. Major breakthroughs in proving the usefulness of the automobile came with the historic long-distance drive of [[Bertha Benz]] in 1888, when she traveled more than 80 kilometres (50 mi) from Mannheim to Pforzheim, to make people aware of the potential of the vehicles her husband, [[Karl Benz]], manufactured, and after [[Horatio Nelson Jackson]]'s successful trans-continental drive across the United States in 1903.

	===Brass or Edwardian era===		===Brass or Edwardian era===

Red marquis at 02:31, 22 August 2009

2009-08-22T02:31:34Z

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	~~{{cleanup}}~~
	The '''history of the automobile''' begins as early as 1769, with the creation of [[steam power\|steam-powered]] [[automobile]]s capable of human transport<ref>Eckermann, Erik (2001). ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=yLZeQwqNmdgC World History of the Automobile.] SAE Press, p.14.</ref> In 1806, the first cars powered by [[internal combustion engine]]s running on [[fuel gas]] appeared, which led to the introduction in 1885 of the ubiquitous modern [[gasoline]]- or petrol-fueled internal combustion engine. Cars powered by [[electric power\|electricity]] briefly appeared at the turn of the 20th century but largely disappeared from commonality until the turn of the 21st century, when interest in low- and zero-emissions transportation was reignited. As such, the early history of the automobile can be divided into a number of eras based on the prevalent method of automotive propulsion during that time. Later periods were defined by trends in exterior styling and size and utility preferences.		The '''history of the automobile''' begins as early as 1769, with the creation of [[steam power\|steam-powered]] [[automobile]]s capable of human transport<ref>Eckermann, Erik (2001). ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=yLZeQwqNmdgC World History of the Automobile.] SAE Press, p.14.</ref> In 1806, the first cars powered by [[internal combustion engine]]s running on [[fuel gas]] appeared, which led to the introduction in 1885 of the ubiquitous modern [[gasoline]]- or petrol-fueled internal combustion engine. Cars powered by [[electric power\|electricity]] briefly appeared at the turn of the 20th century but largely disappeared from commonality until the turn of the 21st century, when interest in low- and zero-emissions transportation was reignited. As such, the early history of the automobile can be divided into a number of eras based on the prevalent method of automotive propulsion during that time. Later periods were defined by trends in exterior styling and size and utility preferences.

Red marquis: /* Brass or Edwardian era */

2009-08-22T02:31:14Z

Brass or Edwardian era

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	Throughout this era, development of [[automotive engineering\|automotive technology]] was rapid, due in part to a huge number (hundreds) of small manufacturers all competing to gain the world's attention. Key developments included electric [[ignition system]] (by [[Robert Bosch]], 1903), [[independent suspension]], and four-[[wheel]] [[brake]]s (by the [[Arrol-Johnston]] Company of Scotland in 1909).<ref name=georgano/> [[Leaf spring]]s were widely used for [[suspension (vehicle)\|suspension]], though many other systems were still in use, with angle steel taking over from armored wood as the [[frame (vehicle)\|frame]] material of choice. [[transmission (mechanics)\|Transmissions]] and throttle controls were widely adopted, allowing a variety of cruising speeds, though vehicles generally still had discrete speed settings, rather than the infinitely variable system familiar in cars of later eras.		Throughout this era, development of [[automotive engineering\|automotive technology]] was rapid, due in part to a huge number (hundreds) of small manufacturers all competing to gain the world's attention. Key developments included electric [[ignition system]] (by [[Robert Bosch]], 1903), [[independent suspension]], and four-[[wheel]] [[brake]]s (by the [[Arrol-Johnston]] Company of Scotland in 1909).<ref name=georgano/> [[Leaf spring]]s were widely used for [[suspension (vehicle)\|suspension]], though many other systems were still in use, with angle steel taking over from armored wood as the [[frame (vehicle)\|frame]] material of choice. [[transmission (mechanics)\|Transmissions]] and throttle controls were widely adopted, allowing a variety of cruising speeds, though vehicles generally still had discrete speed settings, rather than the infinitely variable system familiar in cars of later eras.

	Between 1907 and 1912 in the United States, the [[high wheeler\|high-wheel motor buggy]] (resembling the horse buggy of before 1900) was in its heyday, with over seventy-five makers including [[Holsman Automobile Company\|Holsman]] (Chicago), [[International Harvester\|IHC]] (Chicago), and [[Lincoln Motor Car Works\|Sears]] (which sold ''via'' catalog); the high-wheeler would be killed by the Model T.<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p.65}}~~		Between 1907 and 1912 in the United States, the [[high wheeler\|high-wheel motor buggy]] (resembling the horse buggy of before 1900) was in its heyday, with over seventy-five makers including [[Holsman Automobile Company\|Holsman]] (Chicago), [[International Harvester\|IHC]] (Chicago), and [[Lincoln Motor Car Works\|Sears]] (which sold ''via'' catalog); the high-wheeler would be killed by the Model T.<ref name=georgano/>

	Some examples of cars of the period included the following:		Some examples of cars of the period included the following:

Red marquis: /* Brass or Edwardian era */

2009-08-22T02:30:37Z

Brass or Edwardian era

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	Within the 15 years that make up the Brass or Edwardian era, the various experimental designs and alternate power systems would be marginalised. Although the modern [[touring car]] had been invented earlier, it was not until [[Panhard\|Panhard et Levassor]]'s ''[[Système Panhard]]'' was widely licensed and adopted that recognisable and standardised automobiles were created. This system specified [[front-engine design\|front-engined]], [[rear-wheel drive]] [[internal combustion engine]]d cars with a sliding [[gear]] [[transmission (mechanics)\|transmission]]. Traditional [[coach (carriage)\|coach]]-style vehicles were rapidly abandoned, and buckboard [[runabout (car)\|runabouts]] lost favour with the introduction of [[tonneau]]s, and other less-expensive touring bodies.		Within the 15 years that make up the Brass or Edwardian era, the various experimental designs and alternate power systems would be marginalised. Although the modern [[touring car]] had been invented earlier, it was not until [[Panhard\|Panhard et Levassor]]'s ''[[Système Panhard]]'' was widely licensed and adopted that recognisable and standardised automobiles were created. This system specified [[front-engine design\|front-engined]], [[rear-wheel drive]] [[internal combustion engine]]d cars with a sliding [[gear]] [[transmission (mechanics)\|transmission]]. Traditional [[coach (carriage)\|coach]]-style vehicles were rapidly abandoned, and buckboard [[runabout (car)\|runabouts]] lost favour with the introduction of [[tonneau]]s, and other less-expensive touring bodies.

	Throughout this era, development of [[automotive engineering\|automotive technology]] was rapid, due in part to a huge number (hundreds) of small manufacturers all competing to gain the world's attention. Key developments included electric [[ignition system]] (by [[Robert Bosch]], 1903), [[independent suspension]], and four-[[wheel]] [[brake]]s (by the [[Arrol-Johnston]] Company of [[Scotland]] in 1909).<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p27}}~~ [[Leaf spring]]s were widely used for [[suspension (vehicle)\|suspension]], though many other systems were still in use, with angle [[steel]] taking over from armored [[wood]] as the [[frame (vehicle)\|frame]] material of choice. [[transmission (mechanics)\|Transmissions]] and throttle controls were widely adopted, allowing a variety of cruising speeds, though vehicles generally still had discrete speed settings, rather than the infinitely variable system familiar in cars of later eras.		Throughout this era, development of [[automotive engineering\|automotive technology]] was rapid, due in part to a huge number (hundreds) of small manufacturers all competing to gain the world's attention. Key developments included electric [[ignition system]] (by [[Robert Bosch]], 1903), [[independent suspension]], and four-[[wheel]] [[brake]]s (by the [[Arrol-Johnston]] Company of Scotland in 1909).<ref name=georgano/> [[Leaf spring]]s were widely used for [[suspension (vehicle)\|suspension]], though many other systems were still in use, with angle steel taking over from armored wood as the [[frame (vehicle)\|frame]] material of choice. [[transmission (mechanics)\|Transmissions]] and throttle controls were widely adopted, allowing a variety of cruising speeds, though vehicles generally still had discrete speed settings, rather than the infinitely variable system familiar in cars of later eras.

	Between 1907 and 1912 in the United States, the [[high wheeler\|high-wheel motor buggy]] (resembling the horse buggy of before 1900) was in its heyday, with over seventy-five makers including [[Holsman Automobile Company\|Holsman]] (Chicago), [[International Harvester\|IHC]] (Chicago), and [[Lincoln Motor Car Works\|Sears]] (which sold ''via'' catalog); the high-wheeler would be killed by the Model T.<ref name=georgano/>{{rp\|p.65}}		Between 1907 and 1912 in the United States, the [[high wheeler\|high-wheel motor buggy]] (resembling the horse buggy of before 1900) was in its heyday, with over seventy-five makers including [[Holsman Automobile Company\|Holsman]] (Chicago), [[International Harvester\|IHC]] (Chicago), and [[Lincoln Motor Car Works\|Sears]] (which sold ''via'' catalog); the high-wheeler would be killed by the Model T.<ref name=georgano/>{{rp\|p.65}}
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	*1908–1927 [[Ford Model T]] — the most widely produced and available car of the era. It used a [[epicyclic gearing\|planetary transmission]], and had a pedal-based control system.		*1908–1927 [[Ford Model T]] — the most widely produced and available car of the era. It used a [[epicyclic gearing\|planetary transmission]], and had a pedal-based control system.
	*1910 [[Mercer Raceabout]] — regarded as one of the first [[sports car]]s, the Raceabout expressed the exuberance of the driving public, as did the similarly-conceived [[American Underslung]] and [[Hispano-Suiza Alphonso]].		*1910 [[Mercer Raceabout]] — regarded as one of the first [[sports car]]s, the Raceabout expressed the exuberance of the driving public, as did the similarly-conceived [[American Underslung]] and [[Hispano-Suiza Alphonso]].
	*1910–1920 [[Bugatti Type 13]] — a notable [[auto racing\|racing]] and touring model with advanced [[automotive engineering\|engineering]] and [[automotive design\|design]]. Similar models were the Types 15, 17, 22, and 23.~~{{clr}}~~		*1910–1920 [[Bugatti Type 13]] — a notable [[auto racing\|racing]] and touring model with advanced [[automotive engineering\|engineering]] and [[automotive design\|design]]. Similar models were the Types 15, 17, 22, and 23.

	===Vintage era===		===Vintage era===

Red marquis: /* Pre-WWII era */

2009-08-22T02:29:14Z

Pre-WWII era

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	*1936–1955 [[MG T-type\|MG T series]] — sports cars with youth appeal at an affordable price.		*1936–1955 [[MG T-type\|MG T series]] — sports cars with youth appeal at an affordable price.
	*1938–2003 [[Volkswagen Beetle]] — a design for efficiency and low price, which progressed over 60 years with minimal basic change.		*1938–2003 [[Volkswagen Beetle]] — a design for efficiency and low price, which progressed over 60 years with minimal basic change.
	*1936–1939 [[Rolls-Royce Phantom III]] — [[V12 engine]]d pinnacle of pre-war engineering, with technological advances not seen in most other manufacturers until the 1960s. Superior performance and quality.~~{{clr}}~~		*1936–1939 [[Rolls-Royce Phantom III]] — [[V12 engine]]d pinnacle of pre-war engineering, with technological advances not seen in most other manufacturers until the 1960s. Superior performance and quality.

	===Post-war era===		===Post-war era===

Red marquis: /* Pre-WWII era */

2009-08-22T02:29:00Z

Pre-WWII era

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	===Pre-WWII era===		===Pre-WWII era===
	~~[[Image:Traction avant.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Citroën Traction Avant]]~~
	{{Main\|Classic car}}		{{Main\|Classic car}}
	The pre-war part of the classic era began with the [[Great Depression]] in 1930, and ended with the recovery after [[World War II]], commonly placed at 1948. It was in this period that integrated [[fender (vehicle)\|fender]]s and fully-closed [[car body style\|bodies]] began to dominate sales, with the new [[sedan (automobile)\|saloon/sedan]] body style even incorporating a [[trunk (automobile)\|trunk or boot]] at the rear for storage. The old open-top [[runabout]]s, [[phaeton (carriage)\|phaetons]] and [[touring car]]s were phased out by the end of the classic era as wings, running boards, and [[headlamp\|headlights]] were gradually integrated with the body of the car.		The pre-war part of the classic era began with the Great Depression in 1930, and ended with the recovery after World War II, commonly placed at 1948. It was in this period that integrated [[fender (vehicle)\|fender]]s and fully-closed [[car body style\|bodies]] began to dominate sales, with the new [[sedan (automobile)\|saloon/sedan]] body style even incorporating a [[trunk (automobile)\|trunk or boot]] at the rear for storage. The old open-top [[runabout]]s, [[phaeton (carriage)\|phaetons]] and [[touring car]]s were phased out by the end of the classic era as wings, running boards, and [[headlamp\|headlights]] were gradually integrated with the body of the car.

	By the 1930s, most of the mechanical technology used in today's automobiles had been invented, although some things were later "re-invented", and credited to someone else. For example, [[front-wheel drive]] was re-introduced by André [[Citroën]] with the launch of the [[Citroën Traction Avant\|Traction Avant]] in 1934, though it had appeared several years earlier in road cars made by [[Alvis Cars\|Alvis]] and [[Cord Automobile\|Cord]], and in [[auto racing\|racing cars]] by Miller (and may have appeared as early as 1897). After 1930, the number of [[automotive industry\|auto manufacturers]] declined sharply as the industry consolidated and matured.		By the 1930s, most of the mechanical technology used in today's automobiles had been invented, although some things were later "re-invented", and credited to someone else. For example, [[front-wheel drive]] was re-introduced by André [[Citroën]] with the launch of the [[Citroën Traction Avant\|Traction Avant]] in 1934, though it had appeared several years earlier in road cars made by [[Alvis Cars\|Alvis]] and [[Cord Automobile\|Cord]], and in [[auto racing\|racing cars]] by Miller (and may have appeared as early as 1897). After 1930, the number of [[automotive industry\|auto manufacturers]] declined sharply as the industry consolidated and matured.

Red marquis: /* Vintage era */

2009-08-22T02:27:54Z

Vintage era

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	*1910–1920 [[Bugatti Type 13]] — a notable [[auto racing\|racing]] and touring model with advanced [[automotive engineering\|engineering]] and [[automotive design\|design]]. Similar models were the Types 15, 17, 22, and 23.{{clr}}		*1910–1920 [[Bugatti Type 13]] — a notable [[auto racing\|racing]] and touring model with advanced [[automotive engineering\|engineering]] and [[automotive design\|design]]. Similar models were the Types 15, 17, 22, and 23.{{clr}}

	===Vintage era===		===Vintage era===
	~~[[Image:1926.Austin.Seven.saloon.jpg\|right\|thumb\|1926 Austin 7 Box saloon]]~~
	~~[[Image:Model A Ford linup.jpg\|right\|thumb\|Lineup of [[Ford Model A]]s]]~~
	{{Main\|Vintage car}}		{{Main\|Vintage car}}
	The vintage era lasted from the end of [[World War I]] (1919), through the ~~[[Wall Street Crash of 1929\|~~Wall Street Crash]] at the end of 1929. During this period, the [[front-engine design\|front-engined]] car came to dominate, with closed [[car body style\|bodies]] and standardised controls becoming the norm. In 1919, 90% of cars sold were open; by 1929, 90% were closed.<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p.7}}~~ Development of the [[internal combustion engine]] continued at a rapid pace, with [[multi-valve]] and [[overhead camshaft]] engines produced at the high end, and [[V8 engine\|V8]], [[V12 engine\|V12]], and even [[V16 engine]]s conceived for the ultra-rich.		The vintage era lasted from the end of World War I (1919), through the Wall Street Crash at the end of 1929. During this period, the [[front-engine design\|front-engined]] car came to dominate, with closed [[car body style\|bodies]] and standardised controls becoming the norm. In 1919, 90% of cars sold were open; by 1929, 90% were closed.<ref name=georgano/> Development of the [[internal combustion engine]] continued at a rapid pace, with [[multi-valve]] and [[overhead camshaft]] engines produced at the high end, and [[V8 engine\|V8]], [[V12 engine\|V12]], and even [[V16 engine]]s conceived for the ultra-rich.

	Exemplary vintage vehicles:		Exemplary vintage vehicles:
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	*1925–1928 [[Hanomag 2 / 10 PS]] — early example of [[ponton (automobile)\|envelope styling]], without separate fenders (wings) and running boards.		*1925–1928 [[Hanomag 2 / 10 PS]] — early example of [[ponton (automobile)\|envelope styling]], without separate fenders (wings) and running boards.
	*1927–1931 [[Ford Model A]] — after keeping the brass era [[Ford Model T\|Model T]] in production for too long, [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] broke from the past by restarting its model series with the [[1927 Model A]]. More than 4 million were produced, making it the best-selling model of the era.		*1927–1931 [[Ford Model A]] — after keeping the brass era [[Ford Model T\|Model T]] in production for too long, [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] broke from the past by restarting its model series with the [[1927 Model A]]. More than 4 million were produced, making it the best-selling model of the era.
	*1930 [[Cadillac V-16]] — developed at the height of the vintage era, the [[V16 engine\|V16]]-powered [[Cadillac ~~(automobile)~~\|Cadillac]] would join [[Bugatti]]'s [[Bugatti Royale\|Royale]] as the most legendary ultra-luxury cars of the era.{{clr}}		*1930 [[Cadillac V-16]] — developed at the height of the vintage era, the [[V16 engine\|V16]]-powered [[Cadillac\|Cadillac]] would join [[Bugatti]]'s [[Bugatti Royale\|Royale]] as the most legendary ultra-luxury cars of the era.{{clr}}

	===Pre-WWII era===		===Pre-WWII era===

Red marquis: /* Post-war era */

2009-08-22T02:24:52Z

Post-war era

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	{{See also\|Antique car}}		{{See also\|Antique car}}
			{{-}}
	[[automotive design\|Automobile design]] finally emerged from the shadow of World War II in 1949, the year that in the United States saw the introduction of high-[[compression ratio\|compression]] [[V8 engine]]s and modern bodies from [[General Motors Corporation\|General Motors]]' [[Oldsmobile]] and [[Cadillac\|Cadillac]] brands. The [[unibody]]/[[MacPherson strut\|strut-suspended]] 1951 [[Ford Consul]] joined the 1948 [[Morris Minor]] and 1949 [[Rover P4]] in waking up the [[automobile]] market in the United Kingdom. In Italy, [[Enzo Ferrari]] was beginning his [[Ferrari 250\|250 series]], just as [[Lancia]] introduced the revolutionary [[V6 engine\|V6]]-powered [[Lancia Aurelia\|Aurelia]].		[[automotive design\|Automobile design]] finally emerged from the shadow of World War II in 1949, the year that in the United States saw the introduction of high-[[compression ratio\|compression]] [[V8 engine]]s and modern bodies from [[General Motors Corporation\|General Motors]]' [[Oldsmobile]] and [[Cadillac\|Cadillac]] brands. The [[unibody]]/[[MacPherson strut\|strut-suspended]] 1951 [[Ford Consul]] joined the 1948 [[Morris Minor]] and 1949 [[Rover P4]] in waking up the [[automobile]] market in the United Kingdom. In Italy, [[Enzo Ferrari]] was beginning his [[Ferrari 250\|250 series]], just as [[Lancia]] introduced the revolutionary [[V6 engine\|V6]]-powered [[Lancia Aurelia\|Aurelia]].

Red marquis: /* Post-war era */

2009-08-22T02:24:28Z

Post-war era

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:24, 22 August 2009
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	{{See also\|Antique car}}		{{See also\|Antique car}}

	[[automotive design\|Automobile design]] finally emerged from the shadow of World War II in 1949, the year that in the United States saw the introduction of high-[[compression ratio\|compression]] [[V8 engine]]s and modern bodies from [[General Motors Corporation\|General Motors]]' [[Oldsmobile]] and [[Cadillac\|Cadillac]] brands. The [[unibody]]/[[MacPherson strut\|strut-suspended]] 1951 [[Ford Consul]] joined the 1948 [[Morris Minor]] and 1949 [[Rover P4]] in waking up the [[automobile]] market in the United Kingdom. In Italy, [[Enzo Ferrari]] was beginning his [[Ferrari 250\|250 series]], just as [[Lancia]] introduced the revolutionary [[V6 engine\|V6]]-powered [[Lancia Aurelia\|Aurelia]].		[[automotive design\|Automobile design]] finally emerged from the shadow of World War II in 1949, the year that in the United States saw the introduction of high-[[compression ratio\|compression]] [[V8 engine]]s and modern bodies from [[General Motors Corporation\|General Motors]]' [[Oldsmobile]] and [[Cadillac\|Cadillac]] brands. The [[unibody]]/[[MacPherson strut\|strut-suspended]] 1951 [[Ford Consul]] joined the 1948 [[Morris Minor]] and 1949 [[Rover P4]] in waking up the [[automobile]] market in the United Kingdom. In Italy, [[Enzo Ferrari]] was beginning his [[Ferrari 250\|250 series]], just as [[Lancia]] introduced the revolutionary [[V6 engine\|V6]]-powered [[Lancia Aurelia\|Aurelia]].

	Throughout the 1950s, [[motive power\|engine]] [[power (physics)\|power]] and vehicle speeds rose, designs became more integrated and artful, and cars spread across the world. [[Alec Issigonis]]' [[Mini]] and [[Fiat]]'s [[Fiat 500\|500]] diminutive cars sweptEurope]] while the similar [[kei car]] class put Japan on wheels for the first time. The legendary [[Volkswagen Beetle]] survived Hitler's Germany to shake up the small-car market in the Americas. Ultra luxury, exemplified in America by the [[Cadillac Eldorado\|Cadillac Eldorado Brougham]], reappeared after a long absence, and [[grand tourer]]s (GT), like the [[Ferrari America]]s, swept across Europe.		Throughout the 1950s, [[motive power\|engine]] [[power (physics)\|power]] and vehicle speeds rose, designs became more integrated and artful, and cars spread across the world. [[Alec Issigonis]]' [[Mini]] and [[Fiat]]'s [[Fiat 500\|500]] diminutive cars sweptEurope]] while the similar [[kei car]] class put Japan on wheels for the first time. The legendary [[Volkswagen Beetle]] survived Hitler's Germany to shake up the small-car market in the Americas. Ultra luxury, exemplified in America by the [[Cadillac Eldorado\|Cadillac Eldorado Brougham]], reappeared after a long absence, and [[grand tourer]]s (GT), like the [[Ferrari America]]s, swept across Europe.

	The market changed somewhat in the 1960s, as Detroit began to worry about foreign competition, the European makers adopted ever-higher technology, and Japan appeared as a serious car-producing nation. [[General Motors]], [[Chrysler Corporation\|Chrysler]], and [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] tried radical small cars, like the [[GM A platform\|GM A-bodies]], but had little success. [[Captive import]]s and [[badge engineering]] swept through the US and UK as conglomerates like the [[British Motor Corporation]] consolidated the market. BMC's revolutionary space-saving [[Mini]], which first appeared in 1959, captured large sales world-wide. Minis were marketed under the [[Austin Motor Company\|Austin]] and [[Morris Motor Company\|Morris]] names, until Mini became a [[marque]] in its own right in 1969.<ref>Michael Sedgwick & Mark Gillies, A-Z of Cars 1945-1970, 1986</ref> The trend for corporate consolidation reached Italy as niche makers like [[Maserati]], [[Ferrari]], and [[Lancia]] were acquired by larger companies. By the end of the decade, the number of automobile marques had been greatly reduced.		The market changed somewhat in the 1960s, as Detroit began to worry about foreign competition, the European makers adopted ever-higher technology, and Japan appeared as a serious car-producing nation. [[General Motors]], [[Chrysler Corporation\|Chrysler]], and [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] tried radical small cars, like the [[GM A platform\|GM A-bodies]], but had little success. [[Captive import]]s and [[badge engineering]] swept through the US and UK as conglomerates like the [[British Motor Corporation]] consolidated the market. BMC's revolutionary space-saving [[Mini]], which first appeared in 1959, captured large sales world-wide. Minis were marketed under the [[Austin Motor Company\|Austin]] and [[Morris Motor Company\|Morris]] names, until Mini became a marque in its own right in 1969.<ref>Michael Sedgwick & Mark Gillies, A-Z of Cars 1945-1970, 1986</ref> The trend for corporate consolidation reached Italy as niche makers like [[Maserati]], [[Ferrari]], and [[Lancia]] were acquired by larger companies. By the end of the decade, the number of automobile marques had been greatly reduced.

	In America, performance became a prime focus of marketing, exemplified by [[pony car]]s and [[muscle car]]s. In 1964 the [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] popular [[Ford Mustang\|Mustang]] appeared. In 1967, [[Chevrolet]] released the [[Camaro]] to compete with the Mustang. But everything changed in the 1970s as the 1973 oil crisis, [[automobile emissions control]] rules, Japanese and European imports, and stagnant innovation wreaked havoc on the American industry. Throughout the decade, small imported cars outsold large American ones. Small performance cars from [[BMW]], [[Toyota]], and [[Nissan]] took the place of [[engine displacement\|big-engined]] cars from America and Italy.		In America, performance became a prime focus of marketing, exemplified by [[pony car]]s and [[muscle car]]s. In 1964 the [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] popular [[Ford Mustang\|Mustang]] appeared. In 1967, [[Chevrolet]] released the [[Camaro]] to compete with the Mustang. But everything changed in the 1970s as the 1973 oil crisis, [[automobile emissions control]] rules, Japanese and European imports, and stagnant innovation wreaked havoc on the American industry. Throughout the decade, small imported cars outsold large American ones. Small performance cars from [[BMW]], [[Toyota]], and [[Nissan]] took the place of [[engine displacement\|big-engined]] cars from America and Italy.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:44, 29 March 2010
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	{{Refbegin}}		{{Refbegin}}
	*Berger, Michael L., ''The automobile in American history and culture: a reference guide'', Greenwood Publishing Group, 2001. ISBN 9780313245589		*Berger, Michael L., ''The automobile in American history and culture: a reference guide'', Greenwood Publishing Group, 2001. ISBN 9780313245589
	*~~[[David Halberstam\|~~Halberstam, David]], ''The Reckoning'', New York : Morrow, 1986. ISBN 0688048382		*Halberstam, David, ''The Reckoning'', New York : Morrow, 1986. ISBN 0688048382
	*Kay, Jane Holtz, ''Asphalt nation : how the automobile took over America, and how we can take it back'', New York : Crown Publishers, 1997. ISBN 0517587025		*Kay, Jane Holtz, ''Asphalt nation : how the automobile took over America, and how we can take it back'', New York : Crown Publishers, 1997. ISBN 0517587025
	{{Refend}}		{{Refend}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:52, 29 August 2009
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	===Veteran era===		===Veteran era===

	The first production of [[automobile]]s was by [[Karl Benz]] in 1888 in Germany and, under licence from Benz, in France by [[Emile Roger]]. There were numerous others, including tricycle builders [[egg (car)\|Rudolf Egg]], [[Edward Butler (inventor)\|Edward Butler]], and [[Léon Bollée]].<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p.20-23}}~~ Bollée, using a ~~{{convert\|~~650~~\|cc\|0\|lk=on}}~~ engine of his own design, enabled his driver, Jamin, to average 45 kilometres per hour (28.0 mph) in the 1897 [[Paris-Tourville]] rally.<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p.23}}~~ By 1900, mass production of automobiles had begun in France and the United States. The first company formed exclusively to build automobiles was [[Panhard\|Panhard et Levassor]] in France, which also introduced the first [[inline-four engine\|four-cylinder engine]].<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p.22}}~~ Formed in 1889, Panhard was quickly followed by [[Peugeot]] two years later. By the start of the 20th century, the [[automobile industry]] was beginning to take off in western Europe, especially in France, they produced 30,204 in 1903, representing 48.8% of world automobile production that year.		The first production of [[automobile]]s was by [[Karl Benz]] in 1888 in Germany and, under licence from Benz, in France by [[Emile Roger]]. There were numerous others, including tricycle builders [[egg (car)\|Rudolf Egg]], [[Edward Butler (inventor)\|Edward Butler]], and [[Léon Bollée]].<ref name=georgano/> Bollée, using a 650 cubic centimetres (40 cu in) engine of his own design, enabled his driver, Jamin, to average 45 kilometres per hour (28.0 mph) in the 1897 [[Paris-Tourville]] rally.<ref name=georgano/> By 1900, mass production of automobiles had begun in France and the United States. The first company formed exclusively to build automobiles was [[Panhard\|Panhard et Levassor]] in France, which also introduced the first [[inline-four engine\|four-cylinder engine]].<ref name=georgano/> Formed in 1889, Panhard was quickly followed by [[Peugeot]] two years later. By the start of the 20th century, the [[automobile industry]] was beginning to take off in western Europe, especially in France, they produced 30,204 in 1903, representing 48.8% of world automobile production that year.

	In the United States, brothers [[Charles Duryea\|Charles]] and [[Frank Duryea]] founded the [[Duryea Motor Wagon Company]] in 1893, becoming the first American automobile manufacturing company. However, it was [[Ransom E. Olds]], and his [[Olds Motor Vehicle Company]] (later known as [[Oldsmobile]]) who would dominate this era of automobile production. Its large scale production line was running in 1902. Within a year, [[Cadillac]] (formed from the [[Henry Ford Company]]), [[Winton automobile\|Winton]], and [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] were producing cars in the thousands.		In the United States, brothers [[Charles Duryea\|Charles]] and [[Frank Duryea]] founded the [[Duryea Motor Wagon Company]] in 1893, becoming the first American automobile manufacturing company. However, it was [[Ransom E. Olds]], and his [[Olds Motor Vehicle Company]] (later known as [[Oldsmobile]]) who would dominate this era of automobile production. Its large scale production line was running in 1902. Within a year, [[Cadillac]] (formed from the [[Henry Ford Company]]), [[Winton automobile\|Winton]], and [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] were producing cars in the thousands.
Line 49:		Line 49:
	Within a few years, a dizzying assortment of [[automotive engineering\|technologies]] were being produced by hundreds of producers all over the western world. [[Steam car\|Steam]], [[electric vehicle\|electricity]] and [[petrol engine\|petrol/gasoline-powered]] automobiles competed for decades, with petrol/gasoline [[internal combustion engine]]s achieving dominance in the 1910s. Dual- and even quad-engine cars were designed, and [[engine displacement]] ranged to more than a dozen litres. Many modern advances, including [[hybrid electric vehicle\|gas/electric hybrids]], [[multi-valve]] engines, [[overhead camshaft]]s, and [[four-wheel drive]], were attempted, and discarded at this time.		Within a few years, a dizzying assortment of [[automotive engineering\|technologies]] were being produced by hundreds of producers all over the western world. [[Steam car\|Steam]], [[electric vehicle\|electricity]] and [[petrol engine\|petrol/gasoline-powered]] automobiles competed for decades, with petrol/gasoline [[internal combustion engine]]s achieving dominance in the 1910s. Dual- and even quad-engine cars were designed, and [[engine displacement]] ranged to more than a dozen litres. Many modern advances, including [[hybrid electric vehicle\|gas/electric hybrids]], [[multi-valve]] engines, [[overhead camshaft]]s, and [[four-wheel drive]], were attempted, and discarded at this time.

	By 1900, it was possible to talk about a national automotive industry in many countries, including Belgium (home to Vincke, which copied Benz; [[Germain]], a pseudo-Panhard; and [[Linon]] and [[Nagant]], both based on the [[Gobron-Brillié]]),<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p,25}}~~ Switzerland (led by [[Fritz Henriod]], Rudolf Egg, [[Saurer]], [[Johann Weber]], and [[Lorenz Popp]]),<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p.25}}~~ [[Vabis\|Vagnfabrik AB]] in Sweden, [[Hammel]] (by A. F. Hammel and H. U. Johansen at Copenhagen, in Denmark, beginning around 1886),<ref name=georgano/>{{rp\|p.25}} [[Paul Henningsen Irgens\|Irgens]] (starting in Bergen, [[Norway]], in 1883, but without success),<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p.25-26}}~~ Italy (where [[Fiat\|FIAT]] started in 1899), and as far afield as Australia (where [[Pioneer (Australian automobile)\|Pioneer]] set up shop in 1898 (with an already archaic paraffin-fuelled centre-pivot-steered wagon).<ref name=georgano/> Meanwhile, the export trade had begun to be global, with Koch exporting cars and trucks from Paris to Tunisia, Egypt, Iran, and the Dutch East Indies.<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p25}}~~		By 1900, it was possible to talk about a national automotive industry in many countries, including Belgium (home to Vincke, which copied Benz; [[Germain]], a pseudo-Panhard; and [[Linon]] and [[Nagant]], both based on the [[Gobron-Brillié]]),<ref name=georgano/> Switzerland (led by [[Fritz Henriod]], Rudolf Egg, [[Saurer]], [[Johann Weber]], and [[Lorenz Popp]]),<ref name=georgano/> [[Vabis\|Vagnfabrik AB]] in Sweden, [[Hammel]] (by A. F. Hammel and H. U. Johansen at Copenhagen, in Denmark, beginning around 1886),<ref name=georgano/>{{rp\|p.25}} [[Paul Henningsen Irgens\|Irgens]] (starting in Bergen, Norway, in 1883, but without success),<ref name=georgano/> Italy (where [[Fiat\|FIAT]] started in 1899), and as far afield as Australia (where [[Pioneer (Australian automobile)\|Pioneer]] set up shop in 1898 (with an already archaic paraffin-fuelled centre-pivot-steered wagon).<ref name=georgano/> Meanwhile, the export trade had begun to be global, with Koch exporting cars and trucks from Paris to Tunisia, Egypt, Iran, and the Dutch East Indies.<ref name=georgano/>

	Innovation was rapid and rampant, with no clear standards for basic vehicle architectures, [[car body style\|body styles]], construction materials, or controls. Many [[veteran car]]s use a tiller, rather than a wheel for [[steering]], for example, and most operated at a single [[gear ratio\|speed]]. [[Chain drive]] was dominant over the modern [[drive shaft]], and closed bodies were extremely rare.		Innovation was rapid and rampant, with no clear standards for basic vehicle architectures, [[car body style\|body styles]], construction materials, or controls. Many [[veteran car]]s use a tiller, rather than a wheel for [[steering]], for example, and most operated at a single [[gear ratio\|speed]]. [[Chain drive]] was dominant over the modern [[drive shaft]], and closed bodies were extremely rare.

	On 5 November 1895, [[George B. Selden]] was granted a United States patent for a two-stroke automobile engine (US patent 549160). This patent did more to hinder than encourage development of autos in the USA. Selden licensed his patent to most major American auto makers, collecting a fee on every car they produced. The [[Studebaker]] brothers, having become the world's leading manufacturers of horse-drawn vehicles, made a transition to electric automobiles in 1902, and gasoline engines in 1904, but they continued to build horse-drawn vehicles until 1919.<ref name=Longst>{{cite book\|title=A Century on Wheels: The Story of Studebaker\|last=Longstreet\|first=Stephen\|publisher=Henry Holt and Company\|location=New York\|id=1st edn., 1952\|page=121}}</ref>~~{{rp\|p.90}}~~ In 1908, the first South American automobile was built in Peru, the ''[[Grieve]]''.<ref>http://enperublog.com/2009/05/07/the-first-peruvian-car/</ref>		On 5 November 1895, [[George B. Selden]] was granted a United States patent for a two-stroke automobile engine (US patent 549160). This patent did more to hinder than encourage development of autos in the USA. Selden licensed his patent to most major American auto makers, collecting a fee on every car they produced. The [[Studebaker]] brothers, having become the world's leading manufacturers of horse-drawn vehicles, made a transition to electric automobiles in 1902, and gasoline engines in 1904, but they continued to build horse-drawn vehicles until 1919.<ref name=Longst>{{cite book\|title=A Century on Wheels: The Story of Studebaker\|last=Longstreet\|first=Stephen\|publisher=Henry Holt and Company\|location=New York\|id=1st edn., 1952\|page=121}}</ref> In 1908, the first South American automobile was built in Peru, the ''[[Grieve]]''.<ref>http://enperublog.com/2009/05/07/the-first-peruvian-car/</ref>

	Throughout the veteran car era, however, automobiles were seen as more of a novelty than a genuinely useful device. [[breakdown (vehicle)\|Breakdown]]s were frequent, [[fuel]] was difficult to obtain, [[road]]s suitable for travelling were scarce, and rapid innovation meant that a year-old car was nearly worthless. Major breakthroughs in proving the usefulness of the automobile came with the historic long-distance drive of [[Bertha Benz]] in 1888, when she traveled more than 80 kilometres (50 mi) from Mannheim to Pforzheim, to make people aware of the potential of the vehicles her husband, [[Karl Benz]], manufactured, and after [[Horatio Nelson Jackson]]'s successful trans-continental drive across the United States in 1903.~~{{clr}}~~		Throughout the veteran car era, however, automobiles were seen as more of a novelty than a genuinely useful device. [[breakdown (vehicle)\|Breakdown]]s were frequent, [[fuel]] was difficult to obtain, [[road]]s suitable for travelling were scarce, and rapid innovation meant that a year-old car was nearly worthless. Major breakthroughs in proving the usefulness of the automobile came with the historic long-distance drive of [[Bertha Benz]] in 1888, when she traveled more than 80 kilometres (50 mi) from Mannheim to Pforzheim, to make people aware of the potential of the vehicles her husband, [[Karl Benz]], manufactured, and after [[Horatio Nelson Jackson]]'s successful trans-continental drive across the United States in 1903.

	===Brass or Edwardian era===		===Brass or Edwardian era===

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	===Pre-WWII era===		===Pre-WWII era===
	~~[[Image:Traction avant.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Citroën Traction Avant]]~~
	{{Main\|Classic car}}		{{Main\|Classic car}}
	The pre-war part of the classic era began with the [[Great Depression]] in 1930, and ended with the recovery after [[World War II]], commonly placed at 1948. It was in this period that integrated [[fender (vehicle)\|fender]]s and fully-closed [[car body style\|bodies]] began to dominate sales, with the new [[sedan (automobile)\|saloon/sedan]] body style even incorporating a [[trunk (automobile)\|trunk or boot]] at the rear for storage. The old open-top [[runabout]]s, [[phaeton (carriage)\|phaetons]] and [[touring car]]s were phased out by the end of the classic era as wings, running boards, and [[headlamp\|headlights]] were gradually integrated with the body of the car.		The pre-war part of the classic era began with the Great Depression in 1930, and ended with the recovery after World War II, commonly placed at 1948. It was in this period that integrated [[fender (vehicle)\|fender]]s and fully-closed [[car body style\|bodies]] began to dominate sales, with the new [[sedan (automobile)\|saloon/sedan]] body style even incorporating a [[trunk (automobile)\|trunk or boot]] at the rear for storage. The old open-top [[runabout]]s, [[phaeton (carriage)\|phaetons]] and [[touring car]]s were phased out by the end of the classic era as wings, running boards, and [[headlamp\|headlights]] were gradually integrated with the body of the car.

	By the 1930s, most of the mechanical technology used in today's automobiles had been invented, although some things were later "re-invented", and credited to someone else. For example, [[front-wheel drive]] was re-introduced by André [[Citroën]] with the launch of the [[Citroën Traction Avant\|Traction Avant]] in 1934, though it had appeared several years earlier in road cars made by [[Alvis Cars\|Alvis]] and [[Cord Automobile\|Cord]], and in [[auto racing\|racing cars]] by Miller (and may have appeared as early as 1897). After 1930, the number of [[automotive industry\|auto manufacturers]] declined sharply as the industry consolidated and matured.		By the 1930s, most of the mechanical technology used in today's automobiles had been invented, although some things were later "re-invented", and credited to someone else. For example, [[front-wheel drive]] was re-introduced by André [[Citroën]] with the launch of the [[Citroën Traction Avant\|Traction Avant]] in 1934, though it had appeared several years earlier in road cars made by [[Alvis Cars\|Alvis]] and [[Cord Automobile\|Cord]], and in [[auto racing\|racing cars]] by Miller (and may have appeared as early as 1897). After 1930, the number of [[automotive industry\|auto manufacturers]] declined sharply as the industry consolidated and matured.

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:27, 22 August 2009
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	*1910–1920 [[Bugatti Type 13]] — a notable [[auto racing\|racing]] and touring model with advanced [[automotive engineering\|engineering]] and [[automotive design\|design]]. Similar models were the Types 15, 17, 22, and 23.{{clr}}		*1910–1920 [[Bugatti Type 13]] — a notable [[auto racing\|racing]] and touring model with advanced [[automotive engineering\|engineering]] and [[automotive design\|design]]. Similar models were the Types 15, 17, 22, and 23.{{clr}}

	===Vintage era===		===Vintage era===
	~~[[Image:1926.Austin.Seven.saloon.jpg\|right\|thumb\|1926 Austin 7 Box saloon]]~~
	~~[[Image:Model A Ford linup.jpg\|right\|thumb\|Lineup of [[Ford Model A]]s]]~~
	{{Main\|Vintage car}}		{{Main\|Vintage car}}
	The vintage era lasted from the end of [[World War I]] (1919), through the ~~[[Wall Street Crash of 1929\|~~Wall Street Crash]] at the end of 1929. During this period, the [[front-engine design\|front-engined]] car came to dominate, with closed [[car body style\|bodies]] and standardised controls becoming the norm. In 1919, 90% of cars sold were open; by 1929, 90% were closed.<ref name=georgano/>~~{{rp\|p.7}}~~ Development of the [[internal combustion engine]] continued at a rapid pace, with [[multi-valve]] and [[overhead camshaft]] engines produced at the high end, and [[V8 engine\|V8]], [[V12 engine\|V12]], and even [[V16 engine]]s conceived for the ultra-rich.		The vintage era lasted from the end of World War I (1919), through the Wall Street Crash at the end of 1929. During this period, the [[front-engine design\|front-engined]] car came to dominate, with closed [[car body style\|bodies]] and standardised controls becoming the norm. In 1919, 90% of cars sold were open; by 1929, 90% were closed.<ref name=georgano/> Development of the [[internal combustion engine]] continued at a rapid pace, with [[multi-valve]] and [[overhead camshaft]] engines produced at the high end, and [[V8 engine\|V8]], [[V12 engine\|V12]], and even [[V16 engine]]s conceived for the ultra-rich.

	Exemplary vintage vehicles:		Exemplary vintage vehicles:
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	*1925–1928 [[Hanomag 2 / 10 PS]] — early example of [[ponton (automobile)\|envelope styling]], without separate fenders (wings) and running boards.		*1925–1928 [[Hanomag 2 / 10 PS]] — early example of [[ponton (automobile)\|envelope styling]], without separate fenders (wings) and running boards.
	*1927–1931 [[Ford Model A]] — after keeping the brass era [[Ford Model T\|Model T]] in production for too long, [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] broke from the past by restarting its model series with the [[1927 Model A]]. More than 4 million were produced, making it the best-selling model of the era.		*1927–1931 [[Ford Model A]] — after keeping the brass era [[Ford Model T\|Model T]] in production for too long, [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] broke from the past by restarting its model series with the [[1927 Model A]]. More than 4 million were produced, making it the best-selling model of the era.
	*1930 [[Cadillac V-16]] — developed at the height of the vintage era, the [[V16 engine\|V16]]-powered [[Cadillac ~~(automobile)~~\|Cadillac]] would join [[Bugatti]]'s [[Bugatti Royale\|Royale]] as the most legendary ultra-luxury cars of the era.{{clr}}		*1930 [[Cadillac V-16]] — developed at the height of the vintage era, the [[V16 engine\|V16]]-powered [[Cadillac\|Cadillac]] would join [[Bugatti]]'s [[Bugatti Royale\|Royale]] as the most legendary ultra-luxury cars of the era.{{clr}}

	===Pre-WWII era===		===Pre-WWII era===

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:24, 22 August 2009
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	{{See also\|Antique car}}		{{See also\|Antique car}}

	[[automotive design\|Automobile design]] finally emerged from the shadow of World War II in 1949, the year that in the United States saw the introduction of high-[[compression ratio\|compression]] [[V8 engine]]s and modern bodies from [[General Motors Corporation\|General Motors]]' [[Oldsmobile]] and [[Cadillac\|Cadillac]] brands. The [[unibody]]/[[MacPherson strut\|strut-suspended]] 1951 [[Ford Consul]] joined the 1948 [[Morris Minor]] and 1949 [[Rover P4]] in waking up the [[automobile]] market in the United Kingdom. In Italy, [[Enzo Ferrari]] was beginning his [[Ferrari 250\|250 series]], just as [[Lancia]] introduced the revolutionary [[V6 engine\|V6]]-powered [[Lancia Aurelia\|Aurelia]].		[[automotive design\|Automobile design]] finally emerged from the shadow of World War II in 1949, the year that in the United States saw the introduction of high-[[compression ratio\|compression]] [[V8 engine]]s and modern bodies from [[General Motors Corporation\|General Motors]]' [[Oldsmobile]] and [[Cadillac\|Cadillac]] brands. The [[unibody]]/[[MacPherson strut\|strut-suspended]] 1951 [[Ford Consul]] joined the 1948 [[Morris Minor]] and 1949 [[Rover P4]] in waking up the [[automobile]] market in the United Kingdom. In Italy, [[Enzo Ferrari]] was beginning his [[Ferrari 250\|250 series]], just as [[Lancia]] introduced the revolutionary [[V6 engine\|V6]]-powered [[Lancia Aurelia\|Aurelia]].

	Throughout the 1950s, [[motive power\|engine]] [[power (physics)\|power]] and vehicle speeds rose, designs became more integrated and artful, and cars spread across the world. [[Alec Issigonis]]' [[Mini]] and [[Fiat]]'s [[Fiat 500\|500]] diminutive cars sweptEurope]] while the similar [[kei car]] class put Japan on wheels for the first time. The legendary [[Volkswagen Beetle]] survived Hitler's Germany to shake up the small-car market in the Americas. Ultra luxury, exemplified in America by the [[Cadillac Eldorado\|Cadillac Eldorado Brougham]], reappeared after a long absence, and [[grand tourer]]s (GT), like the [[Ferrari America]]s, swept across Europe.		Throughout the 1950s, [[motive power\|engine]] [[power (physics)\|power]] and vehicle speeds rose, designs became more integrated and artful, and cars spread across the world. [[Alec Issigonis]]' [[Mini]] and [[Fiat]]'s [[Fiat 500\|500]] diminutive cars sweptEurope]] while the similar [[kei car]] class put Japan on wheels for the first time. The legendary [[Volkswagen Beetle]] survived Hitler's Germany to shake up the small-car market in the Americas. Ultra luxury, exemplified in America by the [[Cadillac Eldorado\|Cadillac Eldorado Brougham]], reappeared after a long absence, and [[grand tourer]]s (GT), like the [[Ferrari America]]s, swept across Europe.

	The market changed somewhat in the 1960s, as Detroit began to worry about foreign competition, the European makers adopted ever-higher technology, and Japan appeared as a serious car-producing nation. [[General Motors]], [[Chrysler Corporation\|Chrysler]], and [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] tried radical small cars, like the [[GM A platform\|GM A-bodies]], but had little success. [[Captive import]]s and [[badge engineering]] swept through the US and UK as conglomerates like the [[British Motor Corporation]] consolidated the market. BMC's revolutionary space-saving [[Mini]], which first appeared in 1959, captured large sales world-wide. Minis were marketed under the [[Austin Motor Company\|Austin]] and [[Morris Motor Company\|Morris]] names, until Mini became a [[marque]] in its own right in 1969.<ref>Michael Sedgwick & Mark Gillies, A-Z of Cars 1945-1970, 1986</ref> The trend for corporate consolidation reached Italy as niche makers like [[Maserati]], [[Ferrari]], and [[Lancia]] were acquired by larger companies. By the end of the decade, the number of automobile marques had been greatly reduced.		The market changed somewhat in the 1960s, as Detroit began to worry about foreign competition, the European makers adopted ever-higher technology, and Japan appeared as a serious car-producing nation. [[General Motors]], [[Chrysler Corporation\|Chrysler]], and [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] tried radical small cars, like the [[GM A platform\|GM A-bodies]], but had little success. [[Captive import]]s and [[badge engineering]] swept through the US and UK as conglomerates like the [[British Motor Corporation]] consolidated the market. BMC's revolutionary space-saving [[Mini]], which first appeared in 1959, captured large sales world-wide. Minis were marketed under the [[Austin Motor Company\|Austin]] and [[Morris Motor Company\|Morris]] names, until Mini became a marque in its own right in 1969.<ref>Michael Sedgwick & Mark Gillies, A-Z of Cars 1945-1970, 1986</ref> The trend for corporate consolidation reached Italy as niche makers like [[Maserati]], [[Ferrari]], and [[Lancia]] were acquired by larger companies. By the end of the decade, the number of automobile marques had been greatly reduced.

	In America, performance became a prime focus of marketing, exemplified by [[pony car]]s and [[muscle car]]s. In 1964 the [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] popular [[Ford Mustang\|Mustang]] appeared. In 1967, [[Chevrolet]] released the [[Camaro]] to compete with the Mustang. But everything changed in the 1970s as the 1973 oil crisis, [[automobile emissions control]] rules, Japanese and European imports, and stagnant innovation wreaked havoc on the American industry. Throughout the decade, small imported cars outsold large American ones. Small performance cars from [[BMW]], [[Toyota]], and [[Nissan]] took the place of [[engine displacement\|big-engined]] cars from America and Italy.		In America, performance became a prime focus of marketing, exemplified by [[pony car]]s and [[muscle car]]s. In 1964 the [[Ford Motor Company\|Ford]] popular [[Ford Mustang\|Mustang]] appeared. In 1967, [[Chevrolet]] released the [[Camaro]] to compete with the Mustang. But everything changed in the 1970s as the 1973 oil crisis, [[automobile emissions control]] rules, Japanese and European imports, and stagnant innovation wreaked havoc on the American industry. Throughout the decade, small imported cars outsold large American ones. Small performance cars from [[BMW]], [[Toyota]], and [[Nissan]] took the place of [[engine displacement\|big-engined]] cars from America and Italy.