FARDIER DE CUGNOT
THE WORLD’S FIRST SELF-PROPELLED VEHICLE
FARDIER DE CUGNOT
THE WORLD’S FIRST SELF-PROPELLED VEHICLE
Production Years: 1770
Country: France
Number Produced: 1
Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot ‘s steam powered Fardier (wheeled cart) was the first self-propelled vehicle in the world, making him the world’s first automotive engineer. He had to design and build the first steam engine in which steam, at a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure, drove a piston in a cylinder. He also invented a rotary valve activated by the piston to let the steam in and out of the machine’s two cylinders. The vehicle was demonstrated in France in 1770, pulling a five ton artillery cannon.
The engineers from Polypack and TBAUTO have given a new lease on life to the Fardier de Cugnot. This is the first time that Nicolas Cugnot’s Fardier has run in over 200 years!
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We apologize for any inconvenience during this challenging time but it is for the health and safety of our staff and guests. Limited entry is mandated by Pinellas County and the State of Florida. We do require that all guests, as well as Museum staff wear face masks and maintain proper social distancing. The Museum is adhering to the CDC Guidelines for keeping the public areas clean. Thank you for understanding and should you have any further questions or concerns, please call 727-579-8226
Please note that the vehicles shown online are part of our collection but may not be on display when you visit. Our team is always in some stage of repair or restoration on a number of vehicles.
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Tampa Bay Automobile Museum
3301 Gateway Centre Blvd.
Pinellas Park, FL 33782 USA
Museum Hours:
Monday - 10am - 4:30 pm
Tue: CLOSED
Wed- Sat: 10am - 4:30 pm
Sunday: Noon - 4:30 pm
Admission:
$12 General Admission
$10 Seniors (62+)
$8 Youth and Active Military
12 and under Free
Groups of 12 or More $8 pp