Steam-powered automobiles continued development all the way into the early 20th century, but the dissemination of petrol engines as the motive power of choice in the late 19th century marked the end of steam automobiles except as curiosities. Whether they will ever be reborn in later technological eras remains to be seen…
A couple bring their shopping home in a 1898 Renault. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 1920
The Berlin police raid a community of artists and journalists in South West Berlin. Trucks containing confiscated material and prisoners are being driven away. (Photo by Three Lions/Getty Images). 1933
Madame Lockart and her daughter starting out from Notre Dame, Paris, for St. Petersburg by motor car. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). 1903
The first automobile made in America based on plans by Elwood G. Haynes. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 1893
Mr. W. Weekes drives a Rolls Royce decorated with slogans promoting “Our Day”, which collects fund to help soldiers at the front during World War I. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 1916
A steam driven Victorian fire engine with “crew” aboard. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images). 1879
A General truck with pneumatic tyres. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 29th May 1920
Motor lorries being used to transport passengers during a tube strike in London. (Photo by A. R. Coster/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). January 1919
Passengers aboard the new London lorry bus. (Photo by Nichols/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). June 1919
Workers travel by car during the railway strike. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 30th September 1919
A Leyland lorry during the railway strike, “we supply both milk and baby” is chalked on the bonnet. (Photo by A. R. Coster/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 3rd October 1919
Government lorries employed to relieve congestion at docks. (Photo by Thompson/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). November 1919
A Dennis fire engine belonging to the London Fire Brigade. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 7th January 1914
A car full of “Ragged Children”, who have received Christmas presents. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). December 1925
James Hall (1900–1940) the Hollywood actor signed by Paramount, seen here with Frances, Rud and Baby June Brown, members of his family who came to visit. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). Circa 1929
A charabanc taking a consignment of Yadil to Croydon to alleviate the typhus epidemic in Germany. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). Circa 1926
A volunteer transport driver in her lorry during the General Strike. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). 1926
Wandsworth dustmen on board a lorry which took them to work during a strike. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). Circa 1924
F. Eastmead and designer Angus Jones on their journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back without stopping the engine of their 4 cylinder Sunbeam. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). June 1906
