The 1894 Paris – Rouen criterium  was the ever first „Concours du Véehicules sans Chevaux“ and it was organised by the newspaper Le Petit Journal. It’s editor was Pierre Giffard, known under the acronym „Pierre sans Terre“. It was not a race in the sense we know, but it was considered as a means to present to the public, which novel and innovative means of transportation were available.
   The way in which the organizing comittee made their judgement after the contest, was such that one can only admire the wide view they had on future transportation.
   One technical feat was the first voiture sans chevaux with a steering wheel: Vacheron in a Panhard, equipped with a Daimler engine (as so many vehicles were). All other vehicles were steered by a tiller.