The First Cars of The World's Most Famous Carmakers

If you look back at the early car designs of Peugeot or Ford, you might not find anything resembling the modern-day designs. Not all automakers started with luxurious cars and futuristic car models like that of Tesla. This article will be looking at the first car models from the world's most renowned carmakers. Let's dive in!
Mercedes-Benz (1886)
Karl Benz created the first car in 1885 and patented it the following year. However, Benz only adopted the Mercedes name in 1901.
This first car from Mercedes Benz featured only three wheels. The vehicle includes a 954cc 0.75 hp single-cylinder engine. What a great start to automobiles, isn't it?

Photo Credit: in.pinterest.com
Peugeot (1891)
Very few people know that Peugeot started a brand that produced salt and pepper grinders. Peugeot moved to bicycle production only 40 years after its inception. In 1891, Peugeot launched its first car.
Peugeot's first car was a four-wheeler with a rear-mounted V-twin engine. During the first years of production, Peugeot only made five cars. But this number shot up to 500 cars by 1900.

Photo Credit: www.peugeot.ph
Ford (1896)
Do you know that Henry Ford built an experimental car in 1896? Well, this car was Ford's first-ever creation. The vehicle is popularly known as Ford Quadricycle.
Ford started the Detroit Automobile Company in 1899, which was later renamed Henry Ford Company. As a result of a fallout with financial backers, Henry Ford created a new venture – the Ford Motor Company.

Photo Credit: corporate.ford.com
Renault (1898)
Fernand, Marcel, and Louis Renault created Societe Renault Freres in 1899. In the previous year, the trio had developed the 1CV voiturette prototype. This prototype car packed 32 kph power. The type A model received an annual facelift.
Before it went out of manufacturing in 1903, the car was equipped with a 5hp engine. Who knew Renault would transition from these old prototype cars to modern and futuristic wheels!

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org
Opel (1899)
Next on our list is this first model from Opel. Adam Opel started this company in 1862. Opel began as a sewing machine manufacturer before starting its bicycle production business. After the death of Adam Opel, his wife and sons continued the company. In 1899, Opel launched its first car with a 1,545cc 3.5hp single-cylinder engine! The vehicle had two variants – two and a four-seater.

Photo Credit: www.pinterest.es
Fiat (1899)
Fiat or Fabbrica Italiana di Automobili Torino came into existence in 1899. The brand opened its first manufacturing unit in 1900. Fiat only made 24 units that specific year.
The first model from Fiat included a 679cc flat-twin engine. The automaker started with only 35 employees. However, it quickly diversified into 2,700 people workforce by 1908.

Photo Credit: in.pinterest.com
Ever since their first cars, these automakers have supported innovation and technology to deliver the best!
Latest News
car&bike Team | Jun 23, 2026Hero MotoSports Completes 10 Years; Signs 18-Year-Old For Dakar ProgrammeHero MotoCorp marked 10 years of its global rally-raid programme and announced a Dakar talent programme, signing on 18-year-old supercross sensation Shlok Ghorpade.1 min read
car&bike Team | Jun 23, 2026Citroen Aircross Comfort Edition Launched; Prices Start At Rs. 9.09 LakhThe Citroen Aircross Comfort Edition will be offered in three variants - You, Plus, Plus Turbo 7S - and they are priced between Rs. 9.09 lakh and Rs. 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom).2 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 23, 2026Xiaomi YU7 GT Sets First-Ever Driverless Car Lap Record At NurburgringXiaomi’s performance electric SUV complete a 20.8 km circuit of the Nordschleife in 10:29.483 without a driver behind the wheel.1 min read
car&bike Team | Jun 22, 2026New Renault Duster Exports Commence From IndiaRenault has begun exports of the all-new Duster from India, with the first shipment of 750 vehicles heading to South Africa.1 min read
car&bike Team | Jun 22, 2026Skoda Kodiaq RS Bookings Open In India Ahead Of LaunchThe initial allocation is capped at 50 units for India.2 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 21, 2026Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition Launched At Rs 3.99 LakhNew Special Edition gets revised graphics, a new Mamba Black colour and updates to the ergonomics1 min read
Preetam Bora | Jun 15, 20262026 Yezdi Scrambler Review: The Update That Changes EverythingThe Yezdi Scrambler gets a comprehensive update with an updated engine, revised chassis, reduced weight and proper features list. Does it deliver? Here’s our take.10 mins read
Preetam Bora | Jun 10, 20262026 BMW F 450 GS Review: A True GS - But Should You Buy It?The GS badge on a BMW means something and always has. Can the new made-in-India BMW F 450 GS truly live up to that legacy? We spent a few days getting familiar with the F 450 GS to see if it’s worth a buy.12 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 10, 20262026 Tata Altroz Long-Term Review: Initial Impressions After 45 DaysTata’s premium hatchback brings a lot to the table, but some rough edges are still apparent.4 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jun 9, 2026Renault Duster 1.0-Litre Turbo Review: Small Engine, More Than Enough PerformanceThe Renault Duster's TCe100 engine is the 1.0-litre turbo petrol that makes 99 bhp and 166 Nm of peak torque. And it only comes with a 6-speed manual.6 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jun 8, 20262026 Tata Tiago EV Review: Small EV Gets Big ImprovementsThe 2026 Tata Tiago EV promises a sharper design, segment-first features at sub-Rs. 10 lakh price point, and better real-world range. But does it deliver?1 min read

















































































































