1897-1899
Innovations 1897-1899
1887
R.E.Olds builds his first horseless
carriage. It is a three wheeled
steam powered vehicle.
(At this time, steam and electric
powered carriages were more
common than combustion based
engines, which were more
complex and harder to control.).
1893
Olds becomes the first American
automobile exporter.
He ships this four wheeled steam
powered vehicle to a purchaser in
Bombay, India. This is the 2nd car
built by Ransom Olds (seen at the
steering lever). The vehicle is
never delivered however, becuase
the ship sinks en route.
1896
R.E.Olds receives a patent for a
'vapor' (gasoline) engine.
1897
Olds publicly offers for sale his
first gas powered vehicle.
Olds motor vehicle company is
formed August 21, 1897.