The pioneers

Benz (1886)

Most agree it was Karl Benz who, in January 1886, patented the first proper motor car, equipped with three wheels and a horizontal single-cylinder engine. Speed limits soon followed.

 

Ford Model T (1908)

"The car that put the world on wheels", or at least America. About 16.5 million were built over a 19-year period. It was the first cheap, mass-produced automobile.

 

Mini (1959)

With the engine sideways and front-wheel drive, it made for a supremely spacious little car with excellent handling (evidenced by its many race and rally wins). Many followed the formula. Although rusty and noisy, it remains an icon.

 

Jeep (1942)

It did help to win the Second World War. The Americans needed a car for difficult terrain, and Willy-Overland designed a rugged, 4-wheel drive general purpose vehicle, or GP, hence Jeep.

 

Toyota Corolla (1966)

More people (over 28 million) have bought one of these vehicles than any other single make of car. It is now made throughout the world making it, arguably, the first global car.

 

Chrysler Airflow (1934)

Not an especially aerodynamic car, but no other shape before it made the case for the sort of streamlining so commonplace today. Designed in a wind tunnel.

 

Renault Espace (1984)

Few designs have been as pleasingly inventive at carrying lots of people and kit in comfort. Where would families be without it or the copycat designs it spawned?

 

Honda FCX (2004)

The FCX is the only hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle certified by the US Environment Protection Agency and thus, the best chance of being weaned from gasoline.

 

Toyota Prius (1999)

One of the first of the modern breed of "hybrid" cars, with conventional petrol engines plus electric motors. High fuel economy, low emissions. How to help save the planet.

 

VW Beetle (1936)

Showed the world how to make a truly durable car, mirrored in its emtremely long production run - the last one having rolled off the line in Mexico in 2003.