History's Best Selling Vehicles of 1817

Extra! Extra! Step right up to inspect the definitive collection of first-rate vehicles releases from 1817. Discover the genuine articles of American ingenuity that captured the public's fancy and won nationwide acclaim during this historic era.

1. Draisienne (Laufmaschine, Dandy horse)

   Released in 1817 by Karl von Drais

   On June 12, 1817, German inventor Baron Karl von Drais undertook the first documented public ride on his new invention, the 'Laufmaschine' or 'running machine'. He traveled from Mannheim to the 'Schwetzinger Relaishaus' (a coaching inn) and back, a distance of about 14.4 kilometers, in just over an hour. This demonstration was not merely a novelty; it was a direct response to a major crisis. The 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora had led to the 'Year Without a Summer' in 1816, causing global crop failures. This resulted in a severe shortage of oats and the widespread starvation of horses, crippling transportation. Drais's ride was a deliberate showcase of a practical, horse-less alternative for personal mobility.