In which year was the automobile first granted a patent?

The correct answer is the year when Karl Benz was granted a patent for his design of the automobile, specifically his "Motorwagen," which is widely recognized as the first true automobile. This patent was granted in 1886, a pivotal moment in automotive history, as it marked the formal acknowledgment of the automobile as a new invention. While the other options indicate years that might align with various developments in transportation, it was Benz's 1885-1886 design and the subsequent patent that truly set the foundation for the modern automobile industry. This event is significant because it not only recognized a significant technological advancement but also paved the way for future innovations in personal transportation.