The first practical, modern automobile, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, was invented by Karl Benz in 1885 and patented in 1886, marking a pivotal moment in transportation history. 

Here's a more detailed look:

Karl Benz's Contribution:

Karl Benz, a German engineer, is widely credited with inventing the first practical automobile, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, in 1885, which was patented in 1886. 

The Benz Patent-Motorwagen:

This three-wheeled vehicle, powered by a two-cycle, one-cylinder engine, is considered the first true, modern automobile. 

Simultaneous Development:

Gottlieb Daimler, another German inventor, also developed a gasoline-powered vehicle around the same time, but Benz is often credited as the "father of the car" due to his earlier patent. 

Early Cars:

Before the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, there were other forms of motorized vehicles, such as steam-powered cars and electric carriages, but these were not as practical or widely adopted as the gasoline-powered car. 

Impact and Evolution:

The invention of the automobile revolutionized transportation, leading to the development of the automotive industry and changing the way people lived and traveled. 

Other Pioneers:

While Benz is often credited with the invention, other figures like Gottlieb Daimler, Étienne Lenoir, and Nikolaus Otto also played important roles in the development of the gasoline-powered engine and the automobile. 

Early Car Features:

Early cars were often simple, with basic features like a single forward gear and a lack of amenities like reverse gear or a radio. 

Mass Production and Affordability:

The development of assembly lines, pioneered by Ransom Olds and further refined by Henry Ford, made cars more affordable and accessible to the general public. 

The Ford Model T

Henry Ford's Model T was a runaway success, selling 15 million vehicles by 1927