The Top 5 Most Interesting (and Totally Random) Facts About Cars Throughout History
Cars have been around for well over a century now—and in that time, they’ve been responsible for some of the most unexpected, strange, and flat-out fascinating stories in modern history. At Pendle Lease, we’re passionate about more than just vehicle leasing—we love a great bit of trivia too. Whether you’re looking into a personal lease or a business lease, these odd facts about motoring history might just spark your curiosity (and give you something fun to bring up at your next pub quiz).
Here are five of our favourite interesting and random car facts from the annals of automotive history.
1. 🚙 The First Speeding Ticket Was Issued for Going... 8 MPH
That’s right—back in 1896, long before motorway madness, a man named Walter Arnold of East Peckham, Kent became the first person to be issued a speeding fine. He was caught driving a whopping 8 miles per hour, in an era when the speed limit was just 2 mph. To make matters worse, he didn’t have someone walking in front of the car waving a red flag—which was actually a legal requirement at the time.
Arnold was fined 1 shilling, plus court costs. While it sounds laughable now, it was a huge moment in shaping road laws as we know them today. It also highlights how far the automotive world has come—which is good news if you’re considering a vehicle lease and plan to drive faster than a brisk jog.
2. 🏎 The Fastest Production Car (Legally) Isn't the One You Think
Bugatti? Koenigsegg? McLaren? While those marques regularly top the charts for speed, a lesser-known manufacturer once held the crown. The SSC Tuatara, an American hypercar, briefly claimed the world’s fastest production car title in 2020 after reportedly hitting over 316 mph.
However, due to questions over the accuracy of the measurement, the title has been hotly contested. Regardless, the battle for “fastest production car” remains one of the most thrilling rivalries in automotive history—and proof that leasing a car doesn’t always have to mean playing it safe. While we don’t stock Tuataras at Pendle Lease (yet!), we can still get you behind the wheel of something exciting
3. 🐞 The VW Beetle Was Originally Designed by Hitler (but Perfected by the People)
The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most iconic cars of all time. Loved for its simplicity and unique design, it’s one of the best-selling vehicles ever made. But its origins are a bit darker.
In the 1930s, Adolf Hitler ordered the creation of a “people’s car” (that’s literally what Volkswagen means in German), designed to be affordable, practical, and accessible to the average German family. The design was handed to engineer Ferdinand Porsche—yes, that Porsche—who created the prototype.
Post-WWII, the Beetle shed its controversial origins and became a global symbol of freedom and fun, especially during the counterculture movements of the 1960s and ’70s. If that isn’t a turnaround story, we don’t know what is.
Fun fact: The last original-style Beetle rolled off the line in Mexico in 2003. Whether for nostalgia or novelty, a quirky car in the VW line up can still make for a fun personal lease.
4. 🔋 The First Electric Cars Were Made in the 1800s
Think electric vehicles (EVs) are a recent invention? Think again. Electric-powered carriages were actually developed in the early 19th century, decades before the petrol-powered internal combustion engine took centre stage.
In fact, by the late 1800s and early 1900s, EVs were incredibly popular in cities like London and New York, because they were quieter, cleaner, and easier to start than their gas-guzzling counterparts. But by the 1920s, better roads and improved petrol engines led to EVs falling out of favour.
Fast-forward to 2025, and electric cars are making an unstoppable comeback. At Pendle Lease, our vehicle leasing options include a growing number of electric cars—perfect for drivers who want to combine innovation, efficiency, and lower running costs in a business lease or personal lease.
5. 🛸 There Was Once a Flying Car (and It Actually Worked)
We’re not talking about science fiction—there really was a working flying car prototype. In the 1940s, an inventor named Robert Fulton Jr. built the Airphibian, a road-worthy car that could convert into an aircraft. It was fully certified by the Civil Aeronautics Administration (predecessor to the FAA) in the U.S., and the design actually worked.
Sadly, due to funding and production issues, it never made it to mass market. But the dream of flying cars still lives on. Today, multiple tech startups are developing “air taxis” and vertical take-off and landing vehicles (VTOLs).
Imagine one day being able to choose a business lease for a car that commutes over traffic entirely!
Why This All Matters When You’re Leasing
Sure, these are fun facts—but they also highlight a core truth: the world of motoring is constantly evolving. That’s why car leasing has become such an attractive alternative to buying. With new technologies and models appearing every year, leasing gives you the flexibility to stay up to date with the latest trends without being tied down for the long haul.
Whether you want a timeless classic, a state-of-the-art EV, or just a reliable hatchback for everyday use, leasing offers an affordable and hassle-free way to keep moving.
At Pendle Lease, we specialise in matching drivers with the perfect personal lease or business lease to suit their needs. Our flexible vehicle leasing plans give you access to a huge range of cars, from practical to premium, without the worry of depreciation or ownership headaches.
