British War Cart
1855
The British war cart was a 19th century concept for a steam powered army tank. It was originally equipped with full armor plating to protect its occupants. Unfortunately, the ratio of weight to engine power made it necessary to strip away the armor. Even with the weight reduction, the belt driven engine would only allow the cart to move at a man's walking pace.
It was suggested that the cart could attain greater speed if the cannons were removed as well. It was duly noted that a war machine without weapons or armor was not much of a "war machine" so the project was scrapped.