50 Photos That Show How Wild The First Cars Really Were 100 Years Ago

Long before rush hour traffic and GPS was a thing, there was the glorious, sputtering, and often unpredictable dawn of the automobile. At the turn of the century, these "horseless carriages" were mechanical marvels that terrified pedestrians and thrilled the brave passengers. Driving was less of a chore and more of an adventure that required goggles, a full-body duster coat, and a healthy dose of courage. The roads were mostly dirt, flat tires were a certainty, and a simple trip to the next town over was an epic journey. These 50 photos capture the charming, chaotic, and downright hilarious beginnings of our love affair with the car.