The Motor Car Experience area of the Cité de l'Automobile displays cars arranged by chronological periods. The Forerunners era, consisting of Panhard, Peugeot, De Dion-Bouton, or Benz models, covers an 1878-1918 period. At that time, the Panhard vehicles defined the essence of the modern automobile for decades. The brand established standards like the presence of one engine, one clutch, one gearbox, and one transmission to the rear wheels. The vast 4.20 acres (17,000 m²) room is adorned with 800 lampposts identical to those on the Alexandre III bridge in Paris. It tells the story of the automobile from 1878 to the present day through 243 cars that marked their time.