Which automobile is generally recognized as the first mass-produced car?

The Oldsmobile Curved Dash is generally recognized as the first mass-produced automobile.

Ransom E. Olds introduced the model in 1901, and Oldsmobile built thousands of examples during its production run. Its simple design used a curved steel body, a single-cylinder engine, and tiller steering. The car was relatively affordable compared with many hand-built automobiles of the period.

The Curved Dash is sometimes confused with the Ford Model T, which later made automobile ownership far more widespread. Ford’s major contribution was the highly organized moving assembly line introduced for Model T production at Highland Park in 1913. Oldsmobile’s earlier achievement was producing a standardized automobile in substantial quantities before that system became famous.

The car’s light weight, straightforward mechanics, and relatively low price helped establish the idea that automobiles could be manufactured for ordinary buyers rather than only wealthy enthusiasts.