Selden became intrigued with self-powered carriages about 1864. By the mid 1870s he started experimenting with steam powered vehicles. After a few failures with steam, he turned to gasoline. This was a decision that would ultimately drive him into obscurity. It was the first application that combined a carriage with an internal combustion engine.
Timing is everything when fame is wanted.
Just when Selden wanted to find financing for his invention, the backers were excited about electric cars. Selden was not granted a patent until 1895, sixteen years after he applied for it. But this was his choice. Through delays, he hoped to get his financing and then produce and market his car. He couldn't find money to build his car, but four years later, in 1899, he did find the Columbia and Electric Vehicle Company of Hartford.