Car History.06 Pioneer of the Internal Combustion Engine 2

 Lenoir approached a strangely shaped three-wheeled carriage.

At the front, it had a vertical circular handle, like those used in steam cars of the time, connected to the front wheel, and at the very front, a horn was attached to alert people that the carriage was coming.

What was unusual was that, unlike an ordinary carriage, there was a small box-like object attached beneath it, and on the right side of this box, a gear protruded, connected by a chain to the drive shaft of the wheel.

Lenoir’s Hippo

“Mr. Daimler, I named this fellow ‘Hippo’. Please, climb aboard.”

Normally, to start a steam engine, you had to stoke the fire until enough steam was produced for the engine to operate.

But Lenoir’s Hippo was completely different. Although it shook violently, it was lighter, more agile, and faster than any carriage powered by a steam engine so far.

“My goodness! Could it be… is this the coal gas engine you invented two years ago?”

When Daimler, seated next to Lenoir, asked in amazement, Lenoir stretched his left arm out to the side from the driver’s seat to make a left turn and answered with a smile.

“That’s right. After countless mistakes and experiments, I finally completed it. There are still many shortcomings, but even so, it is lighter and more powerful than any carriage driven by steam.”

The Hippo slowed down to make a right turn, and Lenoir stretched his left hand forward.

This hand signal was used at the time by steam car drivers to indicate left or right turns, allowing oncoming steam vehicles or pedestrians to anticipate the carriage’s movement in advance.

This can be regarded as the origin of what we now call the car’s left and right turn indicators.

“Mr. Lenoir, this is truly remarkable. You could mass-produce and sell it. Look! So many people passing by are staring in astonishment. Perhaps because it is smaller than a steam-powered carriage yet moves at greater speed, they are amazed.”

“Haha! It’s still only in the demonstration stage. I plan to further improve and develop it to create a perfected Hippo.”

Receiving admiration from both the many onlookers and from Daimler, one of the greatest engineers of the time, made Lenoir feel good.

The breeze brushed his ears, and before long, the Hippo arrived at his La Roquette factory.

As Daimler got off the carriage, he shared his thoughts with Lenoir.

“Mr. Lenoir, I believe this Hippo will bring a revolution to transportation. You have truly made a great invention.”

“Not at all. I merely thought of replacing the steam engine with my gas engine. I never dreamed of a revolution in transportation.”

But Lenoir’s thoughts were mistaken. As Daimler had said, Lenoir had created the transitional stage from external combustion engines (steam engines) to internal combustion engines.

Later, many others would model their engine designs after Lenoir’s invention.

Daimler and Lenoir once again engaged in a heated discussion about the Hippo. At that moment, an elderly gentleman entered through the main gate of the factory and greeted Lenoir.

“Good day. Are you Mr. Lenoir?”

“Yes, I am, but who might you be?”

“I happened to see your carriage earlier on the road. Watching that small car running at such speed, I asked around until I found my way here. I am very interested in cars. May I take a look?”

“Oh, is that so? Please, come this way.”

Lenoir introduced his carriage to the elderly visitor and stood beside Daimler with a satisfied smile.

“Mr. Daimler, your presence seems to draw people in.”

“Not at all. It is your marvelous invention that attracts them.”

“Haha, thank you. By the way, earlier you said that after creating your engine, you still hadn’t decided where it might be applied?”

“That’s right. I hadn’t thought about it until now, but it seems you have opened my eyes.”

“That’s a relief. For me, I feel I can rest easy now. I don’t think I could make an engine any better than this. I spent 20 years and all my wealth to create this Hippo, leaving me a poor inventor. Moreover, I am already old and lack the strength to come up with further ideas. But you, Mr. Daimler, are different. With my knowledge and your brilliant mind, I believe you can create the ultimate and most powerful engine ever made. That has always been my dream. Mr. Daimler, please fulfill my dream.”

Daimler was deeply moved. Someone truly understood his dream, and his heart swelled with emotion.

Grasping Lenoir’s hand, Daimler said:

“I will. Mr. Lenoir, your dream and mine—two goals as one—I will surely accomplish them.”

At that moment, the elderly gentleman who had been observing the Hippo approached and said:

“Mr. Lenoir, this is extraordinary. This is not a steam engine, is it? I’ve never seen such an engine. What sort of magic have you done?”

“This is an engine powered by coal gas. Quite different from any steam engine. After countless experiments, I finally made it stable enough to run on public roads.”

“Oh! I see. Mr. Lenoir, if I were to order a car, would you be able to build one?”

“I had not considered custom orders, but yes, it is possible.”

“Excellent. I will contact you soon. Please make it splendid.”

“Of course. But may I ask, who are you and where are you from?”

“Haha! You will find out soon enough. Since this will likely be a gift, make it with a beautiful exterior. Money is no issue if the appearance is magnificent.”

With these words, the old gentleman left.

That elderly man turned out to be an aide to Alexander II of Russia, and he would present Lenoir’s car—the world’s first internal combustion automobile—to the emperor.

Later, another Hippo was sold to the United States. Despite 20 years of research and having spent all his wealth, Lenoir sold only two Hippos and never escaped poverty.

Daimler bid farewell to Lenoir as he prepared to return to his homeland, Germany.

As he departed France, Daimler felt something burning passionately within his heart.

Thus, Lenoir created a simpler gas-powered automobile.