Today the 4×4 is one of the most popular vehicle choices on the road and the incredible mix of abilities that they have makes sure that you don’t have to look far to see a 4×4 of some description. This popularity did not happen overnight though and there have been several important points and models that have lead to this popularity. As one of the leading suppliers of 4×4 parts we are keenly aware of the history behind each and every model and type of four wheel drive vehicle on the road. In this blog we are going to explore 5 moments that in our opinion encapsulate the history of the 4×4 market perfectly.
The first ever 4×4 system
You may not believe it but the first 4×4 system was patented in 1893 by an English inventor; Bramah Joseph Diplock patented the first iteration of a four wheel drive system. This system involved 3 differentials that delivered power to all four wheels and even allowed for four wheel steer. Diplock invented the system in order that vehicles could travel over rough terrain easily and without causing damage to the road surface. This was the genesis of 4x4s and the basic system is the basis for almost all 4×4 systems since that point. Despite the system being developed it was not until several years later that it was used in a vehicle designed for use on the road.
The first 4×4 vehicle
There is much contention over which vehicle was the first to carry a 4×4 system and an internal combustion engine but it is widely accepted to be the Spyker 60hp in 1903. It is hard to believe that it was over 110 years ago but the basic technology was the same. The vehicle was actually invented as a hill climb vehicle and was also the first vehicle to have a six cylinder engine. Despite its slightly odd looks it really is hard to overestimate the impact that the Spyker 60hp had as it changed the motoring world forever.
First 4×4 made in large numbers
Again this is the subject of much contention but to our mind it is hard to argue with the Willy’s Jeep being the first 4×4 to be made in huge numbers. Designed as a light, yet capable vehicle that could be used for reconnaissance for the American military the Willy’s Jeep has since become a legend. Its rugged simplicity and incredible reliability meant that well over 600,000 of these vehicles were produced in a relatively short production period of around 5 years. The first Jeep was so good that even today the modern Jeep Wrangler still retains features from the original such as the fold down roof and windscreen.
First commercially available 4×4
Now there is a school of thought that says that that 1938 Gaz-61 takes the crown of the first commercially available 4×4 but seeing as it was mostly used as a military vehicle we do not count it. The Land Rover series 1 is easier to argue for this part as it is really the progenitor of the entire 4×4 sector of the market. It was the first vehicle that viably mixed huge practicality with almost unstoppable off-road abilities. The recipe was one that really stuck and the modern Land Rover Defender differs little from the original series 1, testament to how well the original was designed.
First four wheel drive GT/Sports car
It is increasingly common for sports cars to implement a four wheel drive system to increase grip and traction and therefore increase the accessibility of the speed on offer. Cars such as The Bugatti Veyron and Nissan GTR owe much of their incredible accelerative power to the fact that all four wheels drive them forward. It was the now deceased car maker Jensen that first placed a 4×4 system in a ‘grand-tourer’ style car and started the trend toward 4×4 performance motoring. The Jensen FF model came along in 1966 and coupled a stylish body with a 7 litre V8 and excellent four wheel capabilities to change the market forever. This was the first car that showed that commercially available 4×4 vehicles could also be sporty and paved the way for the incredibly diverse market we see today.
These five points are in our opinion the most pivotal in the history of 4x4s and all are absolutely pivotal in automotive history. The developments in 4×4 technology continue and technological leaps such as the incredible 4×4 system fitted to Ferrari’s FF model show that there is still room for further honing of the original 1893 formula. If you are the proud owner of any 4×4 model and want to ensure that it remains on the road and not part of history then our huge network of spare parts is sure to help. If you are having trouble finding the spare part that you need, don’t hesitate to contact us and our experienced staff will be happy to help.