Classic and Vintage Cars: Since the invention of the wheel, no technical innovation has influenced our lives in such a lasting or revolutionary manner as the motorcar. The first practical horseless carriage designed by Karl Benz took to the road in 1886. Soon many other designers were producing motor cars of all shapes and sizes. In 1908 Henry Ford introduced the Model T. This was the first mass produced car. Over the next few years production costs were reduced to such an extent that the motor car was no longer the plaything of the wealthy. Other makers were left with two choices, either adopt Ford's methods and build for the masses, or construct hand built vehicles of exceptional quality in small numbers for wealthy clients. While hundreds tried, few succeeded in fully exploiting either method. By the late 1920's the die was cast, mass production was in the hands of Ford, General Motors, Benz, Morris, Austin, Fiat, Citroén and Renault. Prior to the Wall Street Crash in October 1929 many makers had succeeded in producing Luxury cars in limited numbers for an exclusive clientele. Few makers, and only the most able at managing to adapt to the grim trading conditions survived to and beyond the early 1930's.