It was around 1770 when "Le Fardier de Cugnot" set off on its own and traveled at around 4 km/h for around 15 minutes. The "cart" was developed by Nicolas Joseph Cugnot. In principle, the vehicle was a forerunner of the steam locomotive, but the carriage did not need rails.
Although the vehicle impressed people at the time, the concept was not yet really practicable and the steam engine was not yet mature enough. It took a few more decades before any real progress was made.
However, the "Fardier de Cugnot" has survived to this day and has been on display at the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers in Paris since 1801.
In 2007, the idea of building a replica was born. The project succeeded and the vehicle will be on display at the Rétromobile in Paris from March 16 to 20, 2022.
Further information on the Rétromobile Paris can be found on the event website.
