July 3, 1886: Invention of the Automobile
Karl Benz is often credited as the inventor of the automobile, as he created the first gasoline-powered auto in 1885. On July 3rd, 1886, Benz unveiled his invention to the world in Mannheim, Germany.
July 27, 1888: Electric Tricycle Demonstration
In June, we marked the 125 year anniversary of Henry Ford's Quadricyle. In July, the first electric tricycle is unveiled to the public by Philip W. Pratt in Boston, Massachusetts.
July 30, 1898: First Printed Car Ad
Scientific America features the first car advertisement in print, promoting the Winton Motor Car Company. I think we've come a long way since then!
July 23, 1903: First Ford Car Sold
Ford sells its first car, the Model A. The car was sold to Dr. Ernst Pfenning of Chicago, Illinois.
July 21, 1904: First Car to Top 100 mph:
In Ostend, Belgium, Lous Rigolly achieves a speed of nearly 104 mph, becoming the first person to drive a car over 100 mph.
July 29, 1909: Buick Buys Cadillac
Buick acquires Cadillac on behalf of General Motors for nearly $5 million.
July 24, 1910: Alfa Romeo Founded
A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) was founded in Milan, Italy. By 1920, the company would officially be known as Alfa Romeo.
July 11, 1916: Federal Road Act Enacted (also known as the Bankhead-Shackleford Act)
President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Road Act to improve road quality and encourage the building of a national highway system. Now, if we could only do something about traffic.
July 17, 1923: Lincoln Trademark Registered:
Just over a year after purchasing Lincoln, Ford registered the Lincoln Motorcar Company trademark.
July 31, 1928: Chrysler Acquires Dodge Brothers
For a staggering $170 million, the Dodge Brothers Company is acquired from investment bankers Dillon Read by the Chrysler Corporation.
July 12, 1933: First Dymaxion Car
I admit it, I love this car and hope that sometime someone will bring it back. Buckminster Fuller’s company Dymaxion produced the first Dymaxion car. In case you have not seen it, check this out!
July 16, 1935: Birth of the Parking Meter
Last, but not least, is something we all have come to appreciate, or despise, depending on how many tickets you've gotten over the years. The first parking meter is installed in Oklahoma City, invented by Carl C. Magee.
July 24, 2000: Fourth Generation Dodge Caravan begins
Most of us today are used to seeing "family"-sized vans and wagons on the highways. However, back in 1994 Chrysler introduced the world to minivans and the rest is history. On July 24th, Chrysler launched its latest 4th generation minivan from the same manufacturing plant where it all began. You can take a trip down memory lane. Check out minivans in OfferUp's marketplace.
History dates originally posted by Automotive History and Blackburn