Vintage Machines: 40 Rare Historical Images of Early Automobiles
We’ve all seen the Ford Model T and Buick Model 10 countless times – they were legendary, but they weren’t the only cars that shaped the early automotive world. While these icons dominate conversations, there are a number of vintage cars that often get overlooked. Some were technological marvels, others were record-breakers, and a few were just downright stunning in design.
So today, we’ve brought you 40 historical images of early automobiles that you might not have seen so far. From the steam-powered White Steamer to the massive-engined Pierce-Arrow Model 66, these vintage machines tell a broader, more exciting story of early automotive engineering.
1885 Benz Motorwagen
The 1885 Benz Motorwagen is widely recognized as the first practical modern automobile and the first car to enter production. Designed by Karl Benz (seen in the photo), it received its patent in January 1886 and debuted publicly later that year. The car cost 600 German marks ($150) at the time.
The Benz Motorwagen featured a 58.2 cu-in single-cylinder four-stroke engine that produced 2/3 hp (500 watts) at 250 rpm and had a top speed of 9 mph. In 1888, it marked the world's first long-distance car journey when Karl’s wife, Bertha Benz, used it for a trip from Mannheim to Pforzheim in Germany.
1894 Peugeot Type 9
The Type 9 was made from 1894 to 1896 by French automaker Peugeot. It featured a Daimler-designed 1.2 liter V-twin engine, mounted at the rear, producing 3.75 horsepower. Power was sent to the wheels via a chain drive, allowing a top speed of around 18 mph (30 km/h).
Like most European cars made in this era, the Type 9 had very small dimensions and closely resembled horse-drawn carriages. Only 87 units were produced, making it a rare collector's piece today. An 1894 Type 9 was also world’s first vehicle to have pneumatic tires.
1898 Renault Voiturette
Introduced in 1898, the Voiturette (Little Car) was Renault's first automobile. Designed by Louis Renault (seen in the driver’s seat), this two-seater car featured a De Dion-Bouton single-cylinder engine that produced 1¾ hp and enabled a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).
The car's lightweight design, variable-speed gearbox, and hill-climbing ability impressed people to such an extent that Renault ending up selling 13 cars on the first night the car made it first public ride along Rue Lepic in Paris on December 24, 1898. The Voiturette was made till 1903.
1899 Benz 8HP Rennwagen
The 1899 Benz 8HP Rennwagen was the first vehicle designed specifically for motorsport. It introduced the groundbreaking Contra engine, which was in fact the first boxer engine in automotive history. Featuring counter-rotating pistons and a double-offset crankshaft, this flat two-cylinder engine was compact, efficient, and low in vibration… all of which made it perfect for racing.
The car had a 2280cc displacement and produced 8 horsepower at 750 rpm. In July 1899, Fritz Held won the Frankfurt-Cologne long-distance race (193.2 km) at an average speed of 22.5 km/h, with Emil Graf finishing second in an identical car.
1900 Packard Model B
Introduced in 1900, the Packard Model B was the second automobile and the first true production model of the brand. It featured a 142.6 cu-in single-cylinder engine with a 6-inch stroke, delivering nine horsepower. Power was sent to the wheels through a planetary transmission with two forward speeds and a center chain drive… and steering was controlled via a spade-handle lever.
Unlike the Model A, which used a hand lever for speed control, the Model B introduced a foot pedal. In the photo above, the Model B can seen driven by William D. Packard, who founded the Packard Motor Car Company with his brother James W. Packard.
1900 Lohner-Porsche Hybrid
The Lohner-Porsche Hybrid made headlines when it debuted at the Paris Auto Show. Designed by 24-year-old Ferdinand Porsche, it was the first hybrid vehicle ever, featuring two electric motors in the front hub that delivered 2.5 to 3.5 horsepower (peaking at 7 horsepower) and a 44-cell, 80-volt lead battery that offered a three-hour runtime.
The motors were powered by an electric generator, which itself was powered by the combustion engine. The car had an overall weight of 2,160 lbs (with its chassis and body, both made of wood) and had a top speed of 36 mph.
1901 Oldsmobile Model R
The Oldsmobile Model R, better known as the Oldsmobile Curved Dash, was the first mass-produced car. It was a two-seater runabout, priced at $650. This made it competitive against similar early cars, especially the Ford Model C which was priced at $850.
The car featured a flat-mounted, water-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 5 hp and had a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h). It weighed 850 lbs (390 kg) and featured a planetary transmission with two forward speeds and one reverse. Introduced in 1901, it remained in production until 1903, with a total of over 19,000 units produced.
1901 Fiat 8HP
Introduced in 1901, the Fiat 8HP was one of the brand's earliest production cars. It featured a 1082 cc straight-2 engine producing 8 horsepower, a mid-mounted gearbox, a serpentine radiator, and rear-wheel drive. The two vertical cylinders of the engine were housed in a bonnet-type compartment on the car’s front.
The 8HP had a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h), which was remarkable at the time. The car got widespread popularity when eight models took part in the 1901 Giro d’Italia and covered a distance of more than 1000 miles (1600 km).
1901 Mercedes 35HP
Designed by Wilhelm Maybach and produced by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) in Cannstatt, Germany, the Mercedes 35HP marked a revolution in automotive design when it debuted in 1901. Featuring a 35-hp 6.0-liter engine, the car had smooth acceleration and improved handling due to its lower engine placement.
The Mercedes name originated from Emile Jellinek, an Austrian businessman who, in 1900, ordered 36 cars on the condition that he become the sole agent in Austria-Hungary, France, and America and that the cars bear the name of his daughter, Mercedes – a pseudonym he had already used in racing. The name caught on and officially registered as a trademark in 1902. Mercedes merged with Benz in 1926… and the rest is history.
1903 Ford Model A
The 1903 Model A was the first car produced by the Ford Motor Company. Weighing 1,250 lbs, it was powered by a 100 cu-in, two-cylinder engine that produced 8 horsepower… and had a wheelbase of 72 inches, which made it more practical than a horse and buggy.
The Model A perfectly embodied Ford's vision of a high-volume, low-cost automobile. The company’s success, however, hung by a thread. By early July 1903, Ford had just $223.65 left, with no income to pay employees. Thankfully, salvation came on July 13, when three customers placed orders. One of those cars, Tonneau No. 30, is still preserved today.
1903 Cadillac
Unveiled at the New York Auto Show, the 1903 Cadillac (Model A) marked the brand's debut. Henry Martyn Leland of Leland & Faulconer played a key role in its development. The car’s single-cylinder "Little Hercules" engine, transmission, and steering components were all supplied by Leland. Cadillac built 2,497 units just in the first year.
The car was available as a two-seat Runabout for $750, or four-seat Runabout with Tonneau for $850. Both models featured a 6.5-hp engine that worked with a two-speed transmission and was positioned beneath the driver’s seat. The car had a steel frame, longitudinal leaf springs, and rigid axles with rear-wheel braking achieved via friction on the half-shafts.
1903 Packard Model K
Introduced in 1903, the Model K was Packard's first four-cylinder engine car. It marked a major shift by placing the engine in front, adding a radiator grille, and using a four-speed transmission. Later models like the 1904 Model L and M refined the design with Packard's signature sculpted radiator, flat hood appearance, and aluminum-over-wood construction.
By 1905, the Model N added sedans and limousines. Packard used four-cylinder engines until 1913, when the Packard Six replaced them in the lineup. With a production run limited to 34, the Model K had a retail price of $7,300, making it an ultra-expensive car.
1904 Rolls-Royce 10HP (Type A)
The 1904 Rolls-Royce 10HP Type A holds a special place in history as the oldest surviving Rolls-Royce. It was the first car developed under the partnership between Henry Royce and Charles Rolls. Powered by a 1.8-liter twin-cylinder engine, the 10 HP featured a three-bearing crankshaft, twin camshafts, and a three-speed gearbox with shaft drive.
Only 17 units of the Type A model were built and all of them were sold to distinguished buyers, which makes it an incredibly rare piece of automotive history. One of these units was auctioned for £3.52 million in 2007.
1904 Fiat 75 HP
The 1904 Fiat 75 HP was a remarkably powerful race car designed for the Gordon Bennett Cup. It featured a 10,568 cc engine producing 75 hp, chain drive, and overhead inlet valves.
The car's traction was significantly enhanced due to its pressed steel frame that placed most of the weight over the rear wheels. The wheelbase was 2805 mm, with a track width of 1.85 m and 910 mm tires. By 1905, Fiat upgraded the engine to 15,310 cc, increasing power to 100 hp while retaining chain drive.
1905 Renault Type AG
Originally built as a durable and affordable taxi, the 1905 Type AG was powered by a 1.2 liter two-cylinder engine with a top speed suited for city streets. It got popularized due to a 1,500-car order from a Parisian rental company… and soon became a familiar sight in not just Paris, but across the UK and the US, with 1,100 vehicles shipped to London alone.
The Type AG also went on to become a wartime hero during World War I when French authorities requisitioned a fleet of Paris taxis to rush troops to the front lines of the First Battle of the Marne in 1914, earning the name "Taxi de la Marne."
1906 White Steam Car Model M
The White Steam Car Model M (1909) is a historic icon for being one of the first automobiles used by a US president. William Howard Taft – the first president to embrace automobiles – purchased four cars, including this 7-seater White Steamer, which quickly became his favorite.
Manufactured by the White Company of Cleveland, Ohio from 1906 to 1918, the Steam Car Model M featured a 120 cu-in (2 liter) 2-cylinder double-acting steam engine that produced 40 horsepower. Taft's advocacy for automobiles influenced federal road funding, accelerating the US’s shift toward modern transportation.
1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
Widely regarded as the best touring car of its time, the 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was a masterpiece of engineering. Before its full-scale production began in 1907, the car underwent highly publicized durability tests. These tests included a non-stop run of 15,000 miles, which it did without breaking down.
Powered by a 7.0L inline-six engine (7,036 cc), the Silver Ghost delivered smooth performance through a 4-speed gearbox and rear-wheel drive. It had a wheelbase of 135 inches and offered unmatched ride quality, cementing Rolls-Royce's reputation for luxury, excellence, and impeccable craftsmanship.
1908 Mercedes 140HP
The 1908 Mercedes 140HP cemented its place in racing history with a dominant victory at the French Grand Prix. Driven by Christian Lautenschlager, the #35 Mercedes outpaced fierce competition, particularly the 24 French entries, to secure first place. The victory was made even sweeter as two Benz cars finished second and third.
The car was powered by a 12.8-liter overhead valve engine producing 135 hp at 1,400 rpm. Lautenschlager famously retook the lead mid-race and maintained it until the finish line, averaging 111.1 km/h over the grueling 769.88 km course.
1909 Cadillac Model Thirty
Based on the earlier Model G, the Model Thirty was Cadillac's sole model from 1909 to 1911. It was powered by a 226.2 cu-in (3.7 liter) four-cylinder L-head engine, and marked a major milestone in automotive history for being the first production car with an electric starter, eliminating the need for a hand crank.
The 1910 Model Thirty was also the first US car offered with a fully enclosed body. Cadillac continued refining the model until 1914, when it was replaced by the Type 51 – Cadillac’s first V8-powered vehicle.
1910 Pierce-Arrow Model 66
One of the most prestigious American automobiles of the Nickel era, the 1910 Pierce-Arrow Model 66 was defined by its massive inline-six engine, which grew to an 825-cubic-inch displacement by 1913 – the largest engine ever fitted to a passenger car. Originally designed for the Model 65-Q in 1907, this powerhouse delivered a staggering 125 horsepower.
Built on 133- or 140-inch wheelbases, the Model 66 weighed around 4,000 pounds and came in various open and closed body styles. Priced at $7,200, it was a symbol of wealth and exclusivity… and was one of the cars used by President W. H. Taft (seen in the photo).
1911 Daimler 38HP
Daimler merged with the BSA Group in 1910 and adopted knight-sleeve valve design for all subsequent models. For 1911, Daimler launched two new six-cylinder cars – a smaller 3.9 litre saloon and a larger 6.3 litre 38 hp sedan.
The Daimler 38HP sedan stood out for its smooth and near-silent operation. Moreover, its stately presence, marked by a long wheelbase and refined coachwork, made it a favorite among aristocrats and high-ranking officials. Inside, passengers enjoyed plush, hand-stitched leather seating and fine wood paneling, embodying early 20th-century luxury at its peak.
1912 Stutz Bearcat
One of America's earliest sports cars, the 1912 Stutz Bearcat perfectly blended raw power with lightweight buid and racing pedigree. Built on a shortened 120-inch wheelbase, it featured a 6.4 liter straight-four engine from Wisconsin Motor Manufacturing, that churned out 60 horses.
The Bearcat had minimal bodywork, open bucket seats, a small monocle windscreen, and a rear-mounted fuel tank. Its precise chassis, balanced handling and low weight helped dominate the track… and the car won 25 of the 30 races it entered in 1912, forever cementing Stutz’s legacy in the racing world.
1912 Packard Six Series 1-48
The Packard Six Series 1-48, commonly known as the Packard Six, was the brand's first luxury car with a six-cylinder engine. Introduced in 1912, it was the last Packard to use "model" in its name, and was marketed under various names, including Packard Six, Dominant Six, Packard Six-48, Packard 1248, and Packard 48.
Offered in three wheelbase options – 121.5, 133, and 139 inches – the Packard Six had a 525 cu-in (8.6L) T-head engine and rear axle-mounted transmission with three forward gears. The car was replaced by the Packard Twin Six in 1916.
1916 Simplex Crane Model 5 Touring
Known for their lavish interior and superior engineering, Simplex cars were favored by America's wealthiest families, including the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers. The 1916 Simplex Crane Model 5 Touring was no different. Designed by MIT graduate Henry Crane, it featured a massive 564 cu-in (9.2 liter) inline-six engine, producing 110 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission.
Like many luxury vehicles of the era, the Model 5 was sold as a chassis, with bodies custom-built by renowned coachbuilders. Priced at $7,000, this car was among the most luxurious and mechanically advanced cars of its era, perfectly symbolizing pre-war opulence.
1918 Hudson Runabout Landau
As the name suggests, the 1918 Hudson Runabout Landau had a runabout body style with a partially retractable roof (landau top, associated with elegant town cars). It was powered by Hudson's legendary Super Six engine, which was a high-compression L-head inline-six engine known for its impressive performance, better efficiency, and smoother operations compared to other engines of the time.
The car was also known for its lightweight design that allowed for nimble handling. The Runabout Landau was ahead of rivals in many ways... and remains one of the most stylish and well-engineered cars to come from the Hudson Motor Car Company.
1918 Studebaker Big Six
The Big Six was Studebaker's flagship model known for its premium build and robust 5.8L (354 cu-in) inline-six engine. It was named for its 127-inch wheelbase, which was larger than the Special Six at 120 inches.
Early models were only available as four-door touring cars, but by 1926, buyers could choose from various body styles including a Phaeton and Berline. The car’s durability and speed made it popular with law enforcement and rum runners. Studebaker famously featured a 1918 Big Six at the 1924 New York Auto Show with a verified odometer reading of 500,000+ miles to showcase its durability.
1921 Bugatti Type 13 Brescia
The Type 13, first developed in 1910, was refined over the years and by 1921, it featured four-valve technology, a vertical shaft, and an advanced lubrication system. Now known as the Type 13 Brescia, this open-top two-seater weighed just 490 kg and featured a 1.5-liter water-cooled four-cylinder engine producing up to 50 PS, propelling it to a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h).
The Brescia's precise chassis and four-speed gearbox gave it remarkably superior handling (a maneuver can be seen in the photo), cementing Bugatti's dominance on the track. It won almost every racing competition it entered in the 1920s.
1920 Sunbeam 350HP
The Sunbeam 350HP, built in 1920, was one of the first land speed record cars to feature an aircraft engine. Its 18.8 liter V12 was based on the Sunbeam Manitou and Arab aero engines, featuring four blocks of three cylinders arranged in a 60-degree V configuration.
The engine's single overhead camshaft per bank, actuated by a 16-gear system, made it a mechanical marvel. In 1922, Kenelm Lee Guinness (seen in the photo above) set a land speed record at 133.75 mph (215.25 km/h) at Brooklands, the last ever on that track.
1921 Hupmobile Series R
The Hupmobile Series R was a stylish automobile that defined the affordable luxury segment of the early Roaring Twenties. Built by the Hupp Motor Car Company, it featured an inline four-cylinder engine with a 2.8 liter displacement, a 112 inch wheelbase, and mechanical drum brakes.
The Series R had a three-speed manual transmission, wooden-spoke wheels, a refined interior, and a well-crafted body that emphasized both durability and style. The car offered a smooth ride and was available in various body styles to appeal to a large segment of middle-class buyers.
1922 Durant Star
The 1922 Durant Star was launched by William C. Durant (founder of General Motors) to challenge Ford's dominance in the affordable car market. It was designed as a dependable, budget-friendly alternative to the immensely popular Model T.
The Star had a four-cylinder engine and a lightweight yet durable chassis. It provided a smooth and efficient driving experience for the average American family… and was known for its early adoption of left-hand drive, which quickly became the industry standard in the U.S. It was also one of the first affordable cars marketed specifically toward women for its 'ease of operation’.
1922 Hudson Super Six Sedan
Hudson was known for making durable and comfortable vehicles, and this sedan was no different. It was a well-built car with a smooth ride, solid handling, and sturdy build. The car also stood out for its powerful high-compression inline-six engine, that made it one of the best cars of its time.
The Super Six sedan had a classic, elegant look, with sweeping fenders, a tall body, and a detailed front grille. On the inside, it was spacious and well-designed with luxurious materials of the time. In the photo above, the car can be seen in the service of dancers from the Denishawn School, who used it as dressing room for their outdoor performances in LA, California.
1926 Cadillac Series 314
The 1926 Cadillac Series 314 was made between 1925 and 1927 as an upgrade to the Type V-63. It replaced the chain drive with a belt drive… and featured improved suspension as well as a radiator steering system (introduced in 1926). The design included long curved fenders, front-hinged doors, a revised grille, and a one-piece windshield.
Cadillac offered two wheelbases: the standard 3,353 mm version had only closed-body styles, while the custom 3,683 mm version included both open and closed models. The lineup later also added a sport coupe and sport sedan. Production ended in September 1927, with 50,619 units built in total.
1927 Fiat 520
The Fiat 520 was a mid-sized luxury car launched in 1927. It featured a 2,244 cc straight-six engine producing 46 hp, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. The 520 was one of the first Fiat models with a left-hand steering wheel, reflecting the shift to right-side driving in Italy.
The car had a 2,900 mm wheelbase, a length of 4,150 mm, and a curb weight of 1,250 kg. Over 20,000 units were produced before it was succeeded by the Fiat 521 in 1928, though production continued until 1929. Fiat also offered a smaller 520 T version, with a 1,866 cc engine producing 35 hp.
1929 Chrysler 75
The 1929 75 Roadster was a standout among Chrysler's 20s lineup. It featured a 248.9 cu-in L-head inline-six with seven main bearings to produce 75 horsepower… along with a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. This combination delivered exceptional speed and handling, making the Model 75 a serious competitor to Stutz and Bentley.
Chrysler actively raced the Model 75 from 1925 to 1931, securing 3rd and 4th place at Le Mans in 1928, earning it the nickname "Poor Man’s Bentley." It also won the 5-liter class at the Mille Miglia in 1929 and 1930.
1929 Bentley Speed Six
Introduced in 1928, the Bentley Speed Six was a high-performance version of the 6½ Litre model. Featuring a single-port block, two SU carburetors, a high-performance camshaft, and a 5.3:1 compression ratio, it produced a staggering 180 horsepower. Customers could choose from three wheelbase options, with the 138-inch chassis being the most popular.
A racing version with a 6.1:1 compression ratio further boosted output to 200 horsepower, making it a dominant force in motorsport. It won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1929 and 1930, driven by the legendary "Bentley Boys", including Tim Birkin, Glen Kidston, and Woolf Barnato.
1931 MG EX 120
The EX 120 was a groundbreaking experimental race car built by British automaker MG in the early 1930s. Based on the MG M-type Midget, this high-performance speedster was developed with the specific goal of breaking speed records for small-displacement cars.
The EX 120's supercharged inline-four engine was tuned to deliver an impressive power output for its size… and in 1931, it became the first 750cc car to exceed 100 mph, as Captain George E T Eyston (seen in the photo above) hit 103.13 mph, breaking the world mile speed record.
1932 Duesenberg Model SJ
One of the top supercars of its time, the 1932 Duesenberg Model SJ held American honors against rivals like the Rolls-Royce Phantom II, Bentley Speed Six, and Mercedes-Benz 540K. With its gear-driven centrifugal supercharger, the SJ pushed an astonishing 320 horsepower, eclipsing anything else on the road at the time.
It could hit 104 mph in second gear and topped out at 130 mph, making it one of the fastest production cars of its era. Duesenberg's marketing slogan – "the only car that could pass a Duesenberg was another Duesenberg" – was no exaggeration… as the SJ could launch from 0-60 mph in just eight seconds despite its massive, handcrafted luxury build.
1933 Hupmobile K-321 Cabriolet Roadster
The 1933 Hupmobile K-321 Cabriolet Roadster is often regarded as one of the most beautifully designed cars of its era. Built on a 121-inch wheelbase, it was powered by a 228 cu-in straight-six L-head engine, delivering 90 horsepower. It was the brand's one of the best-selling models, with around 4,600 units produced.
The K-321 featured a sleek, sloped front grille and an elongated bonnet that extended over the cowl, incorporating vent doors inspired by Hupmobile’s earlier straight-eight models. Most notably, it was the first full car design by legendary industrial designer Raymond Loewy to go into production without alterations.
1934 DeSoto Airflow
Built from 1934 to 1936, the DeSoto Airflow was one of the most innovative cars of its era. It was made under Chrysler’s badge engineering policy and shared much of its engineering with the larger Chrysler Airflow. However, it had a more affordable price point.
The DeSoto Airflow featured a 115.5-inch wheelbase and streamlined aerodynamics that challenged the boxy, upright designs of the time. This included flush-mounted headlights, waterfall grille, split windshield and enclosed rear fenders. The car also had unibody construction (which was rare at the time) and a stiffer frame with the engine placed directly over the front wheels.
1936 Mormon Meteor
The Mormon Meteor I and III were customized Duesenberg race cars built in the 1930s by American driver Ab Jenkins to break land speed records. In 1936, Jenkins created the Meteor I by installing a Curtiss Conqueror aircraft engine in a Duesenberg Special (which itself was based on a supercharged Duesenberg Model J).
This monstrous car made headlines by setting a 24-hour average of 157.27 mph (253.1 km/h). The Mormon Meteor III, built in 1937, was even crazier. It set a 24-hour record of 161.18 mph (259.39 km/h) in 1940, that remained unbeaten until 1990.
