We do not know when in fact the first radio-controlled car was operated, but this 1936 Ford could very well be one of the earliest known examples. This specially equipped car is seen at an promotional demonstration of some type, which was likely to have been conducted somewhere in the Northeast judging by the New York license plate. The car was operated by radio waves passing through the visible antenna, it then delivered the signals to the many different devices operating the throttle, clutch, gear shifter, steering and brakes.

None of the details concerning who owned and demonstrated this unique car or what type of controls were used on it are known. If you can fill in any of the details or lead us to any other early radio-controlled vehicles please send us a comment. You can see many more entertaining photos courtesy of the Benjamin Ames Collection here on The Old Motor. Although was it was not radio-controled, do take a moment to see the Jimmie Lynch Horse Car remote-controlled Dodge.