The story goes that in 1771 the machine ran into a wall in Paris, and as a result Cugnot was arrested and convicted of dangerous driving. It was the first automobile accident in history.
A replica of the Cugnot Steamer is on display at the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers.
Another French steamer of interest is the Perreaux of 1871.
Notes. 1. It is suggested that Ferdinand Verbiest, a Jesuit in China, was the first to build a steam car around 1672.
Sources: 3-wheelers.com, Wikipedia, et al
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