Design innovators

Below is a list of the 20 vehicles that significantly influenced the physical appearance and arrangement of vehicles.

Select the links to find these vehicles on a timeline.

	Mercedes Benz A-Class - 1998 Germany Radical reinterpretation of the family hatchback
	Fiat 600 Multipla - 1956 Italy The first compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with space for 6 passengers and seats that could be folded flat to make a bed
	Renault Magnum - 1991 France Oversize truck cab design that set new standards for driver accommodation and space
	Kenworth T600A - 1985 USA The first American truck to incorporate aerodynamic principles thereby increasing fuel economy
	Renault Espace - 1984 France Pioneer of the modern Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with flexible seating and cab-forward styling
	Chrysler Airflow - 1934 USA First production car to incorporate aerodynamic principles
	GMC Scenicruiser - 1954 USA Stylish two-tier coach, designed in association with Greyhound Corporation, that was pivotal in the design and arrangement of long distance coaches
	Leyland Atlantean - 1958 UK First rear engine, front entrance double-decker bus that became a template for all subsequent designs
	Renault 16 - 1964 France The defining design of the five-door hatchback that become the orthodoxy in car design
	Citroen DS - 1955 France Futuristic saloon car with aerodynamic performance comparable with today’s cars. The DS also featured advanced suspension.
	Cisitalia 202 - 1948 Italy Defining post-war sports car design styled by Pininfarina, recognised as an artistic masterpiece, and an inspiration for stylists ever since. One example entered the collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art in 1951.
	NSU Ro80 - 1968 Germany Technically advanced with its innovative but fragile rotary engine powering the front wheels, the Ro80 was equally modern in its appearance. The flush fitting doors, low nose profile and sculptural surfacing only became commonplace in the 1980s.
	Range Rover - 1970 UK Prestige all terrain car built by Land Rover that previewed the popularity of luxury sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
	Leyland Ergomatic - 1964 UK A landmark range of truck tilt cabs that placed importance upon the proximity of controls, visibility and access for the driver.
	Citroen H - 1947 France Citroen applied its principles of front wheel drive and unitary construction to its TUB commercial vehicle in 1938 but the best known example was the corrugated steel panelled H van. It offered easily accessible mechanicals and a walk through functionality for the driver and remained in production until 1981.
	Jeep Wagoneer - 1963 USA Four-wheel-drive, five door estate cars for private use are now very popular and are known as sports utility vehicles (SUVs). The Wagoneer was the first and remained in production for over 20 years.
	Mini - 1959 UK British economy car designed by Alec Issigonis that became a cultural symbol of the 1960s and the best selling British car of all time. Five and a half million had been sold when production ceased in 2000. The Mini used a transverse front engine which maximised interior space and provided the template for all subsequent small cars.
	Mercedes-Benz Unimog - 1948 Germany Half tractor and half truck, this unique and versatile four-wheel-drive vehicle can be adapted to plough fields, fight fires, clear snow, empty drains, and cut hedges
	Jaguar E-type - 1961 UK Sports car of with distinctive aerodynamic styling and one of the first production cars to reach 150mph. Designed by William Lyons and Malcolm Sayer, one example entered the collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art.
	Twin Coach - 1927 USA Designer Frank R. Fageol located the engine of this influential city bus beneath the floor thereby maximising interior space and creating the flat fronted appearance that most buses have today.