Description

Would you believe that a self-propelled vehicle actually existed before the start of the Revolutionary War? The "Fardier à vapeur" or Steam Carriage, was built in 1769 by French engineer Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot for the French army. With a top speed of 2.5 miles an hour, its primary use was to haul artillery. Steam-powered vehicles had inherent limitations that ultimately contributed to their decline, such as range and efficiency, start-up time, maintenance, weight, size and speed. The invention of the internal combustion engine was a key factor in their eventual demise. But, would you believe the 1769 Fardier de Cugnot still runs today? It’s officially the world’s oldest self-propelled vehicle and it can be seen on display at the Musee des Arts et Metiers in Paris, France.

Click here for a picture of it on display at Musee des Arts et Metiers in Paris, France