Back in the early 1900s, pioneer automobile makers from Germany and America were already testing the limits of their first cars. For instance, the 1900 Tatra Rennzweier – powered by a modified 9-hp Benz engine – was built specifically for racing. Capable of reaching a top speed of 50 mph, the Rennzweier was considered a really fast car – especially compared to the horse-drawn carriages of that time.