The first automobiles had no seat belts, brakes or heavy-duty tires. In the early days, folks were just happy to make it to the picnic area without getting a flat tire. Here are the first production cars with turbo charging, navigation and heated seats.

You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby

Automobile technological breakthroughs can happen in any nation. At times, a farm equipment manufacturer or military contractor might realize that a gadget could revolutionize the car industry. Over time, the automobile has become like a mobile home, allowing you to watch television, surf the Web or find a needle in a haystack.

Hindsight is 20/20
The reality is that many makes and models that qualify as Firsts are not as well recognized as others. It takes some time to fully develop a new technology; plus, there are some who might wonder if the technology will be accepted. Remember that a brand new market niche is being created with each new automobile accessory. Here are some of the most important Automotive Firsts:

4WD

Car Throttle reveals the difference between perception and reality with respect to technology – “[a]sk any rally fan which was the first brand to come out with a four-wheel drive performance car, and they’ll tell you it was the Audi Quattro before you can even finish your sentence.” No, the first 4WD production model was the 1966 British Jensen Formula Ferguson. Ferguson was originally a manufacturer of farm equipment, but offered the 4WD as a performance enhancer.

Turbocharged
In the 1880s, the turbo charging concept was being bandied about. The 1962 Oldsmobile F-85 Jetfire offered a methanol-injected model, which also reached the 100bhp/ci threshold.

GPS Navigation

The first gas-bubble gyroscope was found in the 1981 Honda Electro Gyrocator. The 1986 Toyota Soarer GT Limited had a fully-functional global positioning satellite (GPS) system.

Heated Seats

Now, this one you might get. Who has the best heated, adjustable bucket seats in the car industry? The first heated seats were available in the 1966 Cadillac.

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Retracting Hardtop

If you love those stylish curves and big fins of the 1950s vehicles, then you will also love the first retracting hardtop. The 1957 Ford Fairlane Skyliner has the proud distinction of achieving this noteworthy honor. The Fairlane’s fin was not at pronounced as the ’57 Chevy, but these models were kissing cousins.

Four-Valve

The triumph of being the first model with a production four-valve belongs to the 1973 British Triumph Dolomite. The make also expanded the engine from 1850cc to 1940cc.

Cruise Control

Some folks on long voyages couldn’t survive without cruise control. But can you guess the first production model offering this feature? The 1958 Chrysler Imperial made sure that the Emperor would not be found not wearing clothes, but could relax in grandeur while reviewing his domains.

Give thanks to these automotive pioneers. Their technology makes driving an incomparable sensation!