Come along for a joy ride in this tribute to the daring women -- Motor Girls, as they were called at the turn of the century -- who got behind the wheel of the first cars and paved the way for change. The automobile has always symbolized freedom, and in this book we meet the first generation of female motorists who drove cars for fun, profit, and to make a statement about the evolving role of women. From the advent of the auto in the 1890s to the 1920s when the breaking down of barriers for women was in full swing, readers will see historical photos, art, and artifacts and to discover the many ways these progressive females influenced fashion, the economy, politics, and the world around them.

America, meet the motor car -- Motoring laws -- The time of her life -- Mind your manners -- Going the distance -- The well-dressed motorist -- The need for speed -- Road reads -- Driving for liberty -- Motoring milestones -- Bumpy roads -- Shifting gears.