Motor Vehicles to the Rescue: The German attack on Verdun cut the main rail line into the fortified city. The French army relied on a fleet of vehicles, including Paris motor buses, to supply troops and ammunition to the besieged defenders. Credits: Image: Scientific American, July 8, 1916
The Reliable Motor Vehicle, 1916 [Slide Show]
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"Motor Car for the Multitude": The “cyclecar” of 1916 was smaller and more affordable than a regular car—a car for the common man. It was basically a motorcycle and sidecar combination. Image: Scientific American, November 11, 1916
The Open Road: A dirt road may seem sub-par, but this one went up Pike’s Peak, one of the highest mountains in the U.S., where roads and cars in 1916 were increasingly being used for pleasure. Image: Scientific American, January 1, 1916
Luxury Cars: Just for fun, not for work. This advertisement from 1916, as with ads today, sells a lifestyle rather than a product. Image: Scientific American, August 5, 1916
Steam Machine: In 2016, as internal combustion gives way to electric motors, it is good to remember that in 1916 there were also alternatives, such as this prototype for a steam-powered, boiler-fired motor car. It took 1 1/2 minutes to warm up. Image: Scientific American, December 23, 1916
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Car Accessories: Components were marketed directly to the car owner, as in this advertisement for tires made by Firestone (which is still in the business). Image: Scientific American, May 27, 1916
Utility Truck: This “wrecking truck” for the U.S. Army is designed to keep military vehicles on the move and out of the mud (note the small crane on the back). Several were ordered for service “in anticipation of the rainy season in Mexico.” Image: Scientific American, September 9, 1916
Motor Vehicles to the Rescue: The German attack on Verdun cut the main rail line into the fortified city. The French army relied on a fleet of vehicles, including Paris motor buses, to supply troops and ammunition to the besieged defenders. Image: Scientific American, July 8, 1916
Truck Sales: This advertisement from 1916 by one of the largest truck manufacturers in the U.S. hints at the growing importance of these vehicles as a link in the chain from producer to consumer. Image: Scientific American, March 4, 1916
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Automotive Specialties: A 1916 advertisement from a major manufacturer of car batteries (still in business), aimed at car owners. Image: Scientific American, December 2, 1916
Crash-Test Dummy: This vehicle from 1916 sports the latest device developed to reduce truck-pedestrian fatalities in New York City. These days drivers just lean out the window and yell “get outta the street...DUMMY!” Image: Scientific American, October 21, 1916
Replacing Horses: A large vehicle hauling 12 tons of of freshly cut trees out of the forest in 1916. Motor vehicles made it easier to gather natural resources. Image: Scientific American, December 16, 1916
Miniature Bulldozer: A small, highly maneuverable, three-wheel, gasoline-powered bulldozer designed to move ore around inside the cargo holds of ore ships, for unloading by bucket scoops. Image: Scientific American, March 11, 1916
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