Nationwide Vehicle Contracts explores the ten most influential cars in history and how they changed the automotive industry.
Motoring has come a long way since the early days of the first engine-powered car in 1886. Cars nowadays represent the total driving experience, blending comfort, technology, and excitement.
Throughout history, a handful of cars have stood head and shoulders above the rest and left a lasting impact on the industry. Think the Battle of Hastings, the Magna Carta, and the American Declaration of Independence, but car version! Makes sense?
In this blog, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts explores the ten car models that had a lasting impact on the automotive industry.
Benz Patent Motorwagen - 1886
Let's go right back to the start. The Benz Patent Motorwagen was the first automobile ever produced, with roughly 25 models being built between 1886 and 1893.
Although incredibly basic by today's standards, the Benz Patent Motorwagen kicked off the automobile industry, and we wouldn't be here today without it. Well done, Karl Benz.
Ford Model T - 1908
Although the Benz Motorwagen was the first automobile, the Ford Model T was the first mass-produced car. Thanks to Henry Ford's revolutionary production line, the Model T could be produced cheaply, making it affordable for middle-class American's.
The Model T sold an incredible 15 million models, which is impressive by today's standards, let alone in the early 20th century. The car has not only been credited for the rise of affordable cars but also for helping modernise the American economy.
Volkswagen Beetle - 1938
The Volkswagen Beetle was the first mass-produced car available to Europeans. Pushed into production by the Nazi Regime in Germany, the VW Beetle was labelled the 'people's car' as it was cheap and simple.
Although introduced in 1938, production of the Beetle was hindered by the Second World War, and it only began to be properly produced by the late-1940s. The first Beetle was one of the first rear-engined cars and over 21 million models were produced on that platform.
The Mini - 1959
Produced by the British Motor Corporation, the Mini is one of the most iconic British cars ever made. A pop-culture icon of the 1960s, the Mini rose to prominence thanks to its space-saving transverse engine and front-wheel drive layout.
The car was designed to save as much space as possible, with 80% of the total area of the car being used for passenger or luggage space, a system which influenced a generation of carmakers. This influenced the creation of the 'supermini' class, where cars slot in between city cars and hatchbacks.
Porsche 911 - 1963
You hear the Porsche name and think of a 911, right? It's one of the best looking cars ever produced and holds the longest production of any sports car sold in the U.S.
It's a common belief that the 911 is the greatest sports car ever made, thanks to its air-cooling system, ridiculously stylish design, and fantastic on-the-road performance. If you've got a 911, I am truly jealous.
Ford Mustang - 1964
The Mustang is the most quintessential American car ever. It's cool, powerful, and brings affordable performance to the masses. In its first year, the Mustang sold over 400,000 units and had reached one million sales before its second year
The influence of the Mustang on American motoring is hugely significant, causing other manufacturers to launch their own muscle cars, such as the Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, and Dodge Challenger. The Mustang caused Americans and the world to fall in love with the muscle car.
Jeep Cherokee - 1984
The Jeep Cherokee has been credited as the first mid-sized SUV to hit the roads. The initial Cherokee was a full-sized SUV, but after being moved to a new platform in 1984, it started to replace regular cars and station wagons on the road.
The Cherokee led to the widespread popularity of the SUV and 4x4 worldwide, especially in America. In fact, it was so popular that the Cherokee's replacement was released as a separate vehicle, becoming Jeep's flagship model and starting a successful line of vehicles.
Toyota Prius - 1997
At its launch in 1997, the Prius was the world's-first mass-produced hybrid car, and since then, the automotive industry hasn't looked back. The Prius introduced a range of environmentally friendly technology to motorists, and has got to be credited as one of the most important cars in the history of motoring.
The first Prius featured a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated with an electric motor to assist the engine with acceleration and take over when operating in stop-star situations, allowing a massive reduction in emissions. It also included regenerative braking and a central display screen, a predecessor to today's infotainment systems.
Nissan Qashqai - 2007
Before 2007, cars remained loyal to the traditional classifications; hatchbacks were hatchbacks, and SUVs were SUVs. However, when Nissan introduced the Qashqai in 2007, the automotive industry was changed forever.
The Nissan Qashqai was the original crossover SUV, combining a hatchback with an SUV for unrivalled levels of practicality. It was an immediate hit in the UK, with the first-generation model selling more than 1.2 million units. Coming with a compact exterior and a spacious interior, the Qashqai is perfect for drivers who want a reliable and versatile family car.
Tesla Model S - 2012
The Tesla Model S is undoubtedly the most important electric vehicle to date. Before 2012, electric cars had a pretty bad reputation, but fast forward a couple of years, and the Model S is topping monthly new-car sales worldwide.
The Model S revolutionised the industry with exceptional on-the-road performance that more than competed with its combustion engine rivals. The entry-level Model S 60 generated 362hp from one electric motor and came with an electric range of around 200 miles.
Tesla effectively revolutionised the car industry and led traditional car brands to rethink their strategy and look towards electrification and the future. The impact of this is that nowadays, the market is flooded with high-tech electric vehicles.
What do you make of our list? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produce a range of blogs on various topics, such as The Most Popular Car Models in Different Countries and Ways to Save Money on Car Insurance While Leasing.
