What Were First Cars Built by Major Automakers

Everyone has a first. Here’s a look at the first production cars built by 15 different automakers, some of which exist, and some of which have gone defunct, all of which started with a dream.

First Chevrolet (1912 Chevrolet Series C Classic Six)

While at least one prototype existed before, the first production car from Chevrolet was the Series C Classic Six, introduced in the fall of 1912 as an upscale alternative to Ford’s utilitarian models. Co-founded by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant, the car featured a large 299-cubic-inch inline-six engine producing around 40 horsepower, which was impressive for the era. It rode on a long 120-inch wheelbase and included premium touches like electric lighting and a sophisticated suspension system. Priced at over $2,000, it was far from an economy car, reflecting Durant’s early vision of Chevrolet as a more refined competitor before it eventually shifted downmarket

First Cadillac (1902 Cadillac Model A)

Cadillac completed its first cars, named the Model A in October 1902 and first displayed them the following January. The simple yet well-engineered vehicle set the tone for the brand’s future reputation for precision. Developed from the remnants of the Henry Ford Company after Henry Ford’s departure, the Model A used a single-cylinder engine producing about 10 horsepower. While modest in performance, its real innovation was in its standardized, interchangeable parts, which helped Cadillac win the prestigious Dewar Trophy in 1908. This early commitment to engineering quality quickly established Cadillac as a leader in American luxury.,

First Ford (1903 Ford Model A)

While Henry Ford’s first car was the quadricycle, the first vehicle produced by the Ford Motor Company was the 1903 Model A, not to be confused with the later and more famous Model A of 1927. Founded by Henry Ford, the company’s initial offering featured a two-cylinder engine producing about 8 horsepower and could reach speeds of roughly 30 mph. It was simple, relatively affordable, and reliable for its time, laying the groundwork for Ford’s later success with mass production and the revolutionary Model T.

First Benz (1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen)

Widely regarded as the first true automobile, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen of 1886 represents the origins of what would later become Mercedes-Benz. Created by Karl Benz, this three-wheeled vehicle was powered by a gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine producing less than one horsepower. Though primitive, it marked a turning point in transportation history, proving that a self-propelled vehicle could be practical. Its success laid the foundation for the modern automotive industry.

First BMW (1928 BMW 3/15 PS “Dixi”)

Before BMW entered the automobile market in 1928 with the 3/15 PS, commonly known as the Dixi, it built aero engines and motorcycles. Based on the British Austin 7 under license, the small car featured a 747cc four-cylinder engine producing 15 horsepower. While it wasn’t an entirely original design, it was crucial in establishing BMW as a car manufacturer rather than just an aircraft engine producer. Its compact size and affordability made it popular in post-war Germany, setting the stage for BMW’s future evolution.

First Toyota (1936 Toyota AA)

The first production car from Toyota was the Model AA, introduced in 1936. Inspired by American designs of the era, especially the Chrysler Airflow, it featured a 3.4-liter inline-six engine and a full steel body, which was still relatively advanced for Japan at the time. Developed under the leadership of Kiichiro Toyoda, the AA marked Japan’s serious entry into automobile manufacturing and laid the groundwork for Toyota’s global success.

First Honda (1963 Honda T360)

Honda got its start in motorbikes and entered the four-wheel transportation game with the T360 mini truck in 1963, a compact utility vehicle designed for Japan’s kei car class. Powered by a tiny 356cc four-cylinder engine capable of high revs, it reflected Honda’s motorcycle engineering heritage. Though small, the T360 was innovative and practical, and it was quickly followed by the S500 sports car, signaling Honda’s dual focus on efficiency and performance.

First Lamborghini (1964 Lamborghini 350 GT)

The first production car from Lamborghini was the 350 GT, introduced in 1964 as a direct challenge to Ferrari. Founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini, the company aimed to build refined grand touring cars rather than raw race machines. The 350 GT featured a 3.5-liter V12 engine producing around 270 horsepower, along with a luxurious interior and smooth ride, establishing Lamborghini’s reputation for combining performance with comfort. The first prototype Lamborghini debuted in October 1963.

First Oldsmobile (1897 Olds Motor Vehicle Co 4 Passenger Trap)

The Olds Motor Vehicle Co., which later became Oldsmobile, is often credited with producing America’s first mass-produced car, the Curved Dash, but that wasn’t it’s first production vehicle. Ransom E. Olds and his team built four vehicles in 1897. The Oldsmobile Club of America states Olds was the first car company founded with the purpose of building multiple copies of the same vehicle. The Curved-Dash would later be built after its prototype was the only one to survive a catastrophic factory fire.

First Duesenberg (1921 Duesenberg Model A)

Though brothers Fred and August Duesenberg had been building engines for more than a decade, Duesenberg began serial automobile production of its own with the Model A in 1921, a high-performance car for its time. Powered by a straight-eight engine, it was one of the first American cars with an overhead camshaft design, offering superior performance and engineering sophistication. Though the brand would later become synonymous with extreme luxury, the Model A established its reputation for innovation and speed. That first car was donated the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum in 2020.

First Subaru (1954 Subaru 1500)

The first car developed after Subaru’s founding in 1953 was the internally designated P-1, known as the Subaru 1500 to the public, in 1954. It featured a unibody construction and a 1.5-liter engine, showing advanced engineering for a young company. Although production was limited to just 20 examples in its first year, the P-1 demonstrated Subaru’s early commitment to durability and practicality, values that would later define the brand.

First Volkswagen (1938 Volkswagen Type 1)

Under the Nazis, Volkswagen introduced the Type 1 in 1938 as part of a government initiative to create an affordable “people’s car.” Designed by Ferdinand Porsche and Erwin Komenda, it featured an air-cooled rear-mounted engine and simple, durable construction. Though its early history is complex, the Beetle would go on to become one of the most recognizable and best-selling cars of all time.

First Porsche (1948 Porsche 356)

The first car to bear the Porsche name was the 356, introduced in 1948. Developed by Ferry Porsche while his father served time for war crimes, it used a lightweight design and components derived from Volkswagen models. Its rear-engine layout and nimble handling established the foundation for Porsche’s sports car philosophy.

First Volvo (1927 Volvo ÖV 4)

The first car of the Swedish automaker debuted in 1927, with some 280 examples produced that year. The name, short for Öppen Vagn 4 cylindrar” in Swedish, translates to open carriage, four cylinders. A covered version, the PV 4, debuted later that year and found more success in the Swedish climate.

First Hyundai (1968 Hyundai Cortina)

It took two decades for Hyundai to enter the automotive industry after it was founded by producing the Cortina under license from Ford in 1968. While not an original design, it allowed Hyundai to develop manufacturing expertise and establish itself in the market. This early experience paved the way for the company’s first fully independent model, the Pony, in the 1970s.

First Ferrari (1947 Ferrari 125 S)

The first car built by Ferrari was the 125 S in 1947, powered by a 1.5-liter V12 engine. Created by Enzo Ferrari, it was designed primarily for racing, reflecting the brand’s motorsport roots. Though only a few were built, it marked the beginning of one of the most iconic names in automotive history.