Alex Myrwold / Staff Photographer

Transportation can date back to when cavemen were using wheels to roll down hills or even using animals to get around. But the newer inventions, such as cars and planes, were invented in the 1800s. Since then, we have come a long way with our means of transportation into the 21st century.

With technology becoming greater and more advanced, the progression of an automobile has evolved from the horse-drawn carriage, to a simple rear engine, to the brand-new BMW that can have a top speed of more than 150 mph. With technology, the development of cars has improved in a matter of only 120 years.

Today, it is easy to see that automobiles have become a canvas for any engineer or designer. The innovations of design, speed and the overall appearance of present automobiles are proof that technology has positively affected our vehicles. Past designs were not as fast, as efficient or even comfortable because of the lack of technology.
“In terms of appearance, I for one think that we have made incredible leaps forward in this area,” San Diego Automotive Museum research director Kenn Colclasure said. “Granted, the beautiful creations of the 1930s are difficult to top (Cord, Bugatti, etc.), but sleek, low resistance designs of today have produced a form of art.”

Yes, many of you may be infatuated with classic designs such as the 1965 Ford Mustang or the really expensive Rolls-Royce. The obsession to own a classic car has become a popular trend over the years, not only because of their rarity and design, but because of the price.

Prices of cars today vary, but a simple comparison to those of the past is the biggest shock of all. For example, in 1910, you could buy a five passenger Ford for $1,075. Today the price would be around $20,000. Even if you factor the economy and value of the dollar then, it is still a big difference.

“The commuter practically lives in the car with entertainment and communications on board,” Colclasure said. “A hundred years ago, the person was adapting to the car. Today, the car is adapting to the person and that person’s needs.”

The enhancements of new gadgets in the car, like TV screens and explosive stereo systems, have also been a popular craze over the years. It is transforming the automobile and turning into a way to express one’s style and image.

Although not as common as cars, the airplane is one of the greatest inventions of all time. It allows people to explore the world more efficiently and faster than any other mode of transportation. The theory of flying started with the great Leonardo da Vinci and his drawings in the late 1400s, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that the Wright brothers actually accomplished da Vinci’s dream of flying.

Today, the plane is not simply used for transporting people to another place far away, but also for shipping supplies and doing business with other countries. The development of aircrafts has been useful for defense in wars, as a mode of transportation and for business purposes. Flying has become a norm; something everyone does in an industrialized nation.

The role of the travel agent has diminished over the last couple of years. They’re simply not as needed as much as in the past because of the outbreak of the Internet. Web sites such as www.expedia.com and www.orbitz.com make it easier for travelers to purchase a plane ticket within the comforts of their own home. These Web sites help consumers customize a complete package that will suit any need, making the process of transportation and travel quicker and easier.

The transformation of transportation in the last 120 years has been astounding. The advancements of technology and productivity have made it very easy to produce large amounts of transportation that allow a higher possibility to own your own means of transportation with custom details. In the coming years, what we think are the new and top-of-the-line models today will become classics, all along adapting to the future expectations of transportation.