With more than a century long existence, the automobile industry has had quite an effect on the overall quality of life enjoyed by everyone. During that time span, there have been all kinds of inventions in this field, with more or less importance for the industry in general.
Nonetheless, there are quite a few cars which seem to stand out from the rest, as they mark a stepping stone in the cars’ performance, design, or any other aspect that has undergone significant improvements. Hence, following is a list of the cars that have had the greatest impact in the industry and everyone affected by it.
1. Benz Patent-Motorwagen
Considering it is the first car ever, there is no doubt it should receive recognition for having influenced, or practically set up the automobile industry. The Patent-Motorwagen was revolutionary for its time, back in 1885, offering two seats and a single-cylinder four-stroke engine.
Besides the engine, it also introduced an innovative tactic in the world of advertising – Mrs. Benz practically used her credibility for a publicity stunt, as she was portrayed taking a family trip with her children and returning three days later. She even got to fix a few glitches along the way, in order to emphasize the car’s simplicity and accessibility.
2. Ford Model 18
This car brought speed on the road, and combined it with the stability, heaviness and design characteristics of the previous makes. The V8-powered Model 18 practically surpassed them, and earned its place in history for being the preferred means of transport to Clyde Barrow (from the notorious ‘Bonnie and Clyde’). Supposedly, Mr. Barrow even wrote a thank-you letter to Mr. Ford for ever creating such an automotive masterpiece.
3. Volkswagen Beetle
The Beetle is to Germany what the Model 18 is to the States, so there is proof enough that it earned a place in automobile industry books. Still, the fact that it was invented back in the 30s, when online casino sites were far from imaginable, and is popular to this day, when casino platforms are largely accessible, is further evidence of its everlasting greatness. It is the longest-running and most manufactured car, up until today.
4. Ford Mustang
About four decades later, the United States came up with yet another momentous automobile invention – the Mustang. It reached massive success, despite being targeted to a small market segment, sports in particular. Regardless of it all, the Ford Mustang introduced the era of the small, compact, and a bit cramped “pony car” that was much more popular than it was practical.
5. Porsche 918
There is much to be invested in terrain-optimized vehicles, but a sports car is still considered more hip and trendy. However, with the environmental issues and global warming threats, all makes and models became interested in making more advanced and eco-friendly car engines. Hybrids were born prior to the 918, but the well-known car brand was definitely the most influential on the whole. Providing power, durability, speed, stability and environmentally-friendly systems, the Porsche 918 made hybrids ‘the next good thing’.