What is the oldest car brand in the world?

Among brands still in existence, French marque Peugeot (founded 1810 as a family business, building cars from 1889) and Germany's Mercedes-Benz (whose Benz Patent-Motorwagen of 1886 is regarded as the first automobile) are the oldest, alongside early names like Škoda, Tatra and Vauxhall.

Which car brands existed in the 1920s?

The 1920s were a boom era for the automobile. Brands already established by then include Peugeot, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Lancia and many more in our archive.

Oldest Car Brands in the World — Historic Marques (2026)

Oldest Car Brands in the World

The oldest car brands in the world trace back to the dawn of the automobile in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This collection lists the most historic surviving marques by founding year — the pioneers that invented the industry.

Many of the earliest marques were founded before the First World War, and the 1900s, 1910s and 1920s produced names that still sell cars today. Ordered from oldest to newest, these brands show just how deep the automobile's roots run.

24 brands in this collection

The oldest marques, by founding year

Frequently asked questions

What is the oldest car brand in the world?: Among brands still in existence, French marque Peugeot (founded 1810 as a family business, building cars from 1889) and Germany's Mercedes-Benz (whose Benz Patent-Motorwagen of 1886 is regarded as the first automobile) are the oldest, alongside early names like Škoda, Tatra and Vauxhall.
Which car brands existed in the 1920s?: The 1920s were a boom era for the automobile. Brands already established by then include Peugeot, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Lancia and many more in our archive.

Oldest Car Brands in the World

The oldest marques, by founding year

MAN

Peugeot

Diatto

Tatra

Studebaker

Foden

Holden

Vauxhall

Changan

Opel

Rover

Spyker

Triumph

Wanderer

Panhard

Irizar

Riley

Scania

Škoda

ABT

Daimler

Leyland

Oldsmobile

Ariel

Frequently asked questions

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