This road-going steam car was depicted in Trevithick and Vivian's 1802 patent. It was a novel vehicle, but steering was difficult, and it had no suspension.
Image: Science Museum/SSPL
Trevithick's road carriage
In 1801 Trevithick made a full-size road-going steam carriage in Camborne, Cornwall, but it only made one short journey before breaking down.
The following year, in conjunction with his business partner Andrew Vivian, he patented the
high-pressure steam engine for stationary and locomotive use.
In 1803 he made a second steam carriage and demonstrated it on the streets of London. However, Trevithick lost money on this venture and let his work lapse.
What was Trevithick's next move?
