In the relatively short span of 100 years, the American automobile has traveled a somewhat rocky and circuitous road from unwanted child and wealthy toy to the greatest symbol of personal freedom known to man.
The imperfect American horseless carriage was introduced at a time when paved roads were virtually nonexistence, fuel was not readily available, and authorities sought to restrict its progress.
Yet the automotive pioneers prevailed and literally changed the face of the country as well as its economy and technology.
The changes, however, evoked criticism, regulation, and challenges which have endured.