From the humble invention of the first internal combustion-powered engine to sports cars and all-electric vehicles, humanity's relationship with automobiles has been remarkably transformative. More than just modes of transportation, many of these cars are cultural icons, symbols of creativity and catalysts for technological innovation. Discover the cars that changed the industry from the 19th century to now.

Table of Contents

• Benz Patent MotorWagen (1886)
• Ford Model T (1908)
• Volkswagen Beetle (1938) 
• Jeep Willys MB (1941)
• Fiat 500 (1957) 
• Mini Cooper (1959)
• Porshe 911 (1963)
• Ford Mustang (1964)
• Toyota Corolla (1966)
• Honda Civic (1972) 
• BMW 3 Series (1975) 
• Toyota Prius (1997)
• Tesla Roadster (2008)
• Tesla Model S (2012)
• Discover Revolutionary Cars Throughout History at Volo Auto Museum

Benz Patent MotorWagen (1886)

Being the first-ever automobile, the Benz Patented MotorWagen did more than change the automotive industry — it defined it. The iconic car is widely regarded as the first practical automobile powered by an internal combustion engine. It featured a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine producing barely one horsepower. The top speed of the vehicle was 10 miles per hour, which is a humble beginning for the cars we have today.

The MotorWagen utilized a revolutionary tubular steel frame, which provided strength and durability while minimizing weight. At the time, this tubular steer frame was a groundbreaking innovation. The vehicle marked a significant milestone in automotive history, starting the transition from horse-drawn carriages to self-propelled vehicles. It laid the foundation for subsequent automotive advancements, including engine design, chassis construction and overall vehicle architecture.

More importantly, this car paved the way for the development of the entire automobile industry, representing a pivotal moment in technological innovation while shaping the future of transportation.

Ford Model T (1908)

The Ford Model T, introduced in 1908, revolutionized the automotive industry by pioneering mass production techniques. The introduction of these techniques made cars affordable for the average American. It featured a simple yet robust design, powered by a 20-horsepower, four-cylinder engine capable of running on gasoline or ethanol. The Model T's innovative assembly line production method reduced costs and production time, allowing Ford to sell the car at a realistic price that appealed to the middle class.

The Model T became immensely popular with its rugged construction and reliable performance. Dominating the automotive market for nearly two decades, this car has earned its place in the history books. It offered versatility with various body styles, including sedans, coupes, trucks and agricultural vehicles.

Henry Ford's vision of making cars accessible to everyone transformed society. Leading to increased mobility, economic growth and the expansion of rural markets. The Model T's influence on the automotive industry extended beyond its technological advancements, shaping transportation infrastructure, urban planning and consumer culture.

Volkswagen Beetle (1938) 

Known for its compact size and distinct rounded shape, the Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most easily recognizable cars in the world. While we know this iconic car as a “Beetle” or “Bug,” it wasn't until 1967 that these names were used in marketing materials. Produced from 1938 to 2003 by the German company Volkswagen, the Beetle was initially named the “Type 1,” the 1200, 1300 or 1500 — denoting the vehicle's engine size in cubic centimeters.

The Type 1 was superior in performance for its category, surpassing the Renault 4CV and Morris Minor of the time. The engine fired up immediately and could only be heard when idling, making it a joy to drive. It boasted a reputation for reliability and sturdiness, helping production figures surpass those of the previous record holder, the Ford Model T, by 1972. By 1973, the total production was over 16 million, with over 21.5 million produced by 2002 — the most of any car of a single platform. 

Jeep Willys MB (1941)

The Jeep Willys MB, formally called the U.S. Army Truck, was made for the United States and the Allied forces in World War II, from 1941 to 1945. The vehicle replaced horses and other draft animals, offering numerous capabilities for soldiers at this time. In fact, President Eisenhower called the Jeep “one of three decisive weapons the U.S. had during WWII.” 

The first mass-produced four-wheel car constituted a quarter of the total military support vehicles the U.S. produced during the war. The Jeep was highly successful as a lightweight off-road capable vehicle and quickly became adopted all over the world, making it the most widely used military vehicle in history.

The vehicle's success inspired an entire category of recreational 4WDs and SUVs, leading to the creation of the Jeep Wrangler in 1986 with the same iconic silhouette and slotted grille design as the 1941 version. Today, the Jeep is just as recognizable as the Beetle, placing it among the uniquely designed cars that changed the industry forever. 

Fiat 500 (1957) 

The Fiat 500 is one of the most popular, practical and stylish city cars of its kind. Launched in 1957 as a successor to the 500 “Topolino" to meet the demands of the post-war market, the Fiat 500 was sold as a saloon car, as well as a three-door panel van. The small, inexpensive vehicle measured just nine feet by nine inches and was powered by a rear-mounted 479 cc two-cylinder engine.

While small in size, the Fiat 500 has made a significant impact on the car industry. In 1959, Dante Diacosa received the Compasso d'Oro Industrial Design Prize for designing the iconic car — the first time the prize was ever given to the automobile industry. The car was so loved that, 50 years after its inception, the company launched the Fiat 500 (2007), stylistically resembling the original design. 

Mini Cooper (1959)

Known for its small, fun size and classic British style, the Mini Cooper emerged in 1959 as a response to the post-war fuel shortage. Soon, people began to recognize the Mini as more than just a car, but a symbol of 1960s British culture. With its transverse engine and front-wheel drive layout, the vehicle freed up additional floor space for the passenger. 

The distinctive two-door car was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and manufactured in Birmingham, England. It saw various iterations, including an estate car, a pick-up style car, a van and a jeep-like vehicle. The performance versions of the Mini were also successful race cars, winning the Monte Carlo Rally for several years. 

The Mini has influenced a generation of car makers, with the vehicle being voted in 1999 as the second-most influential car of the 20th century. An instant design icon, we continue to see the Mini Cooper represented in films, music and television to this day. 

Porshe 911 (1963)

The Porche 911 is a two-door, high-performance sports car that was launched in 1964. This attractive, luxury vehicle features a rear-mounted flat-six engine and, initially, a torsion bar suspension. While we've seen the car evolve throughout the years, its basic concept remains unchanged, continuing to deliver unbridled power. In fact, it is known as one of the fastest production cars in the world, with the unique rear engine boosting traction without losing torque. 

The classic Porsche 911 was succeeded by a modified version, referred to as a 964, while still sold as a 911. Subsequent Porches were raced for years in various teams and classes, placing among the most successful competition cars. In the 70s, the Carrera RSR version won several world championship races, including the 24 Hours of Daytona and the Targa Florio.

Today, the Porsche is just as popular as in the past. The 2024 version combines modern and timeless designs while providing the same turbocharged flat-six engine — except it can now be had with an output as high as 473 horsepower. 

Ford Mustang (1964)

The Ford Mustang was officially unveiled at the 1964 World's Fair. The same day, it was debuted in showrooms across the U.S., with close to 22,000 Mustangs snatched up by excited buyers. The car was conceived as a “working man's Thunderbird,” with Ford selling over 400,000 Mustangs within the first year of production — far exceeding expectations.

The attractive car was featured on the covers of Time and Newsweek magazines and appeared in the James Bond movie, “Goldfinger,” the same year it debuted. Since then, Mustangs have arisen in hundreds of films and undergone several evolutions, remaining in production to this day. The car was commemorated with a stamp by the U.S. Postal Service in honor of its 35th anniversary, placing it among the top cars that changed the industry. 

Toyota Corolla (1966)

Launched in Japan in November 1966, the Toyota Corolla demonstrated comfort, quietness and affordability. All of which showcased designer Tatsuo Hasegawa's philosophy and foresight of the future of cars. The vehicle's four-speed floor shift manual transmission marked a first for car designs in Japan, as they were typically only reserved for trucks. While a risk, the new system was very popular and paved the way for future vehicles in Japan and across the world.

Hasegawa, who had designed aircraft during WWII, also came up with the “80-plus points” concept for the Corolla's design — a car's score when evaluated on a scale of 1 to 100. The meaning of 80-plus points was to aim for balanced high scores in all areas and performance exceeding 90 points. 

The Corolla fit this concept, offering a practical design that could be driven for years. The first-generation Corolla also paved the way for an interest in speed, with expressways opening one after the other. This raised the popularity of the Corolla, making the 1966 design one of the most iconic antique cars of today. 

Honda Civic (1972) 

The first Honda Civic was produced in Japan from 1972 to 1979. It was a market success, improving upon the Honda 1300 with better air cooling and engineering solutions. It also increased the length, width, height and wheelbase of the previous Honda n600, determining the direction Honda designs would follow to this day. 

The Civic was one of the first Hondas to be sold in Britain, with a compact design and economical engine making it popular during the country's 1973 oil crisis. Good fuel mileage also benefited the Civic's performance in the U.S., and its smaller size helped it outperform competitors like the Chevrolet Vega. 

Important features introduced included reclining front seats, an AM radio, a fold-down rear seat and power front-disc brakes. Today, the Civic is known as a fuel-efficient, compact car, garnering Honda a place in the market with its unique features, comfort, safety and engine performance.

BMW 3 Series (1975) 

The introduction of the BMW 3 Series in 1975 turned the page to a whole new chapter in car history. The 3 Series was made for drivers with specific demands of a car, including powerful engines, flawless handling and far-reaching safety features previously only provided by luxury cars. While following in the footsteps of the BMW 02, the 3 Series was conceived as a combination of the sporty nature of its predecessor with new design, comfort, space and safety qualities. 

Recognized for its distinctive elements, including a striking kidney grille, circular lights and driver-focused cockpit design, the BMW 3 Series quickly made its mark on the auto industry. The company would eventually produce five generations of the 3 Series, with the original selling over 16 million vehicles in the meantime. Newer iterations maintained the core elements — a compact body with classic design, rear-wheel drive, sporty features and potent engines.

Toyota Prius (1997)

The 1997 Toyota Prius was conceived as a green car, setting a target fuel economy of 66 mpg, or 100% better than the Corolla. To meet the challenge, Toyota's development team chose a gasoline-electric hybrid power concept that had been explored but never brought to commercial use. With unlimited resources and hardworking engineers, the Prius went to market by December 1997 — an incredibly short development time for such an important technological breakthrough. 

While slower than conventional car standards, its electric motor's instant torque gave the Prius incredible tractability when driving around town. It gained popularity in congested cities like Tokyo and Hong Kong, with regenerative braking to recharge the battery and help save fuel. The 1997 Toyota Prius would pave the way for the development of green cars, shaping the industry forever as sustainability became more important. 

Tesla Roadster (2008)

The Tesla Roadster is known for being one of the first all-electric cars to use lithium-ion battery cells. It could also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, making it the fastest top-gear acceleration of any production car tested by Car & Driver magazine in 2007. Along with its EPA rating of 135 mpg equivalent, the vehicle offers superior performance at twice the energy efficiency of top hybrids.

Tesla sold over 2,400 Roadsters in over 30 countries from 2008 to 2012. Today, the car is known as a milestone in the development of clean, zero-emissions vehicles. It proved to many that attractive, high-performance cars could be sustainable and not burn oil, placing the Roadster among the revolutionary cars throughout history. 

Tesla Model S (2012)

With luxury leanings and optimal performance, the Tesla Model S was presented in 2012 as an electric vehicle that wouldn't break the bank. Its high-strength architecture and floor-mounted battery packs offer occupant safety and low rollover risk. Additionally, newer models include active safety features at no extra cost.

Known for long-distance drives, quick acceleration and exceptional comfort, the Tesla Model 3 quickly gained traction among car enthusiasts around the world. Today, it is recognized for its impressive performance, unmatched acceleration, spacious interior and practicality that shaped the automotive industry and the future of electric cars. 

Discover Revolutionary Cars Throughout History at Volo Auto Museum

From the slower vehicles of yesteryear to the futuristic designs cruising our streets today, each model described in our guide reveals a tale of ever-evolving innovation. At Volo Auto Museum, we are excited to share iconic antique cars that shaped the industry, with cars dating back to the early 1900s to now. Explore a vast collection of display-only vehicles and vintage cars for sale, with hundreds of models spanning our five showrooms. 

Plan your visit today to expand your car history knowledge.