6.2 The First Purpose Built Car Powered by an Internal Combustion Engine

• It is generally accepted that the three-wheeled motor car invented in Germany by Karl Benz in 1885 which he built and tested in 1886, is the world's first purpose built car powered by an internal combustion engine.

• Benz was granted a patent (DRP No. 37435) for his vehicle dated 29 January 1886.

• The car he built was called the “Benz Motorwagen” and was powered by a 954 cc 4 stroke, petrol fuelled engine.

• It was a purpose built motor car, rather than the conversion of a stagecoach, cart, wagon or boat.