Cars have been a symbol of innovation and progress for over a century, shaping our world in countless ways. Whether you’re a seasoned auto enthusiast or just curious about the fascinating world of driving, there’s always something new to learn.
In this blog, we delve into ten captivating facts about cars and driving that will both surprise and delight you. From groundbreaking historical milestones to quirky trivia that you can share at your next gathering, we've got it all covered. Buckle up and join us on this exciting journey through the intriguing and often unexpected world of automobiles.
The Number of Cars in the World
Here's a mind-boggling fact: despite the car being invented less than 140 years ago, estimates put the number of cars on the world's roads in 2024 at 1.47 billion. That's roughly one car for every 5.5 people. We can only imagine how many cars have been built since 1886.
The First Petrol-Driven Car
Was the famous Ford Model T the first petrol-driven car? Nope, that's a common misconception. While some of you might already know this, the credit for the first petrol-powered car actually goes to Germany's legendary Carl Benz. On 29 January 1886, Benz applied to patent a "vehicle powered by a gas engine." This date became the official patent date once approved. That historic Benz vehicle looked more like a fancy tricycle than a car we’d recognise today, with a top speed of 16km/h, this invention truly changed the world.
The First Mass-Produced Car
You might think this accolade belongs to the Ford Model T, but that's not the case either. Carl Benz, again, claims this title with his Benz Velo, which was mass-produced before the end of the 19th century. It even had four wheels, resembling a modern car more than his initial three-wheeled design. America's Oldsmobile also managed to mass-produce cars before Ford. Where Henry Ford made his mark was in perfecting the assembly line, making the Model T affordable and available in large numbers. Benz may have invented the car, but Ford took it to the masses.
The World's Most Expensive Car
In 2024, the world's most expensive new car is the £25 million Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail, with its sibling, the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, not far behind at over £20 million. And just to continue the German connection, the most expensive car ever sold is a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which fetched an astonishing £114 million in 2022.
The World's Most Expensive Car Number Plate
The UK record for the most expensive number plate is over £500,000, paid by classic Ferrari dealer John Collins. However, this pales in comparison to the world's priciest plate, the Dubai number P 7, which sold for the equivalent of £12 million in 2023. Several UAE plates have sold for over £1 million each.
(The "P" is the series identifier, and only appears in small print on the left of the plate. The actual registration number is just the digit "7")
The Safest (and Dodgiest) Places to Drive in Europe
According to a study by Vignetteswitzerland.com, Norway is the safest place to drive in Europe, with 21.28 fatalities per million people in 2022. Romania, on the other hand, is the least safe, with 85.81 deaths per million. Sweden is the second safest, while the UK ranks third with 25.89 deaths per million. This might surprise anyone who’s ever driven in London!
The Most Popular Car of All Time
In terms of sales and volume, the most popular car ever made is the Toyota Corolla, with over 50 million units sold since its debut in 1966. The Corolla also appears in various guises, such as the Suzuki Swace, and has been rebadged by Chevrolet and Daihatsu, among others.
Volkswagen Sells More Sausages Than Cars
It sounds like a joke, but it’s true: Volkswagen also makes sausages. Their critically acclaimed currywurst sausage has been produced since 1973, selling more units than their cars. If you’re curious, you can order VW part number 199 398 500 A—it’s an actual part number for the sausage!
The Worst Place to Be a Criminal Getaway Driver
Dubai must be the worst place for a getaway driver. The Dubai police department boasts over a dozen supercars, including a Bugatti Veyron, capable of over 260 mph. Their impressive response times likely contribute to the city's low crime rate.
The Average Car Has Around 30,000 Parts
Dismantle a modern car completely, and you’d end up counting around 30,000 parts, including screws, bolts, and wires. Of course, we don't recommend trying this—you're bound to have some bits left over, much like with self-assembly furniture.
So there you have it, ten random yet surprisingly interesting facts about cars and driving. From historical milestones to quirky trivia, the automotive world is full of fascinating tidbits. Keep these in mind for your next trivia night or casual conversation with fellow car enthusiasts!
For more information, why not check out our Top 10 bizarre-looking cars footballers have owned blog? We also produce a range of weekly blogs on various topics, which can be found in the blog section of our website.
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