rush of fame allowed the brothers to form the Duryea Motor Wagon Company and produce early 1900s cars. Orders began arriving soon and unofficially, the American automobile industry was born as the brothers manufactured the first of 13 vehicles in 1896. 5 Facts about Classic cars The first full-scale, self-propelled mechanical vehicle was released in 1769. It was a steam-powered tricycle that was used to haul cannons around town. (But, it weighed 8,000 pounds!) The Benz Patent-Motorwagen is believed to be the first modern automobile. German inventor Carl Benz applied for the patent in 1886, and later, his wife took it on the first-ever, long-distance drive. In 1913, the Ford Model T became the first mass-produced automobile. Three years later, 55 percent of all cars in the world were Model Ts, which is a record yet to be broken. The 1964 Pontiac GTO is widely regarded as the first “muscle car.” Pontiac owned the muscle scene in the early 1960s, but by 1968, that car had plenty of competition. The Ford Mustang also made its debut in 1964. It was officially unveiled at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York. That same day, the car also debuted in showrooms across America, and close to 22,000 Mustangs were purchased. Technology The world has revolutionized that technology is spectacular automobiles. For instance, "Self-driving cars are no longer science-fiction; they are just around the corner of becoming mainstream. The idea is that vehicles will be completely autonomous without any need for human intervention or manual navigation. However, as with any new technology especially one involving the transportation of human beings from point A to point B, there are inherent dangers involved." Most cars run on gasoline because "the gasoline engine has been reliable, practical, and fairly efficient since about 1900. It is easier to control than a steam engine and less likely to burn or explode." See also Brass Era car References Georgano, G.N., "Ajax", in G.N. Georgano, ed., The Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars 1885-1968 (New York: E.P. Dutton and Co., 1974), pp. 30. Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States Defunct companies based in Seattle Defunct manufacturing companies based in Washington (state)