Legacy of Automotive Design: The Cars That Changed the Industry Forever

Automotive design is more than shaping steel and glass. It is about turning ideas into mobility and changing the way society moves. On Niwwrd, our audience values design stories that have shaped the automotive world. This article revisits the models that left a permanent mark on the industry starting with the Ford Model T, the car that put the world on wheels, and exploring other groundbreaking vehicles whose influence still guides designers today.

Ford Model T – The Car That Changed Everything

When Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908, he made mobility possible for millions. Built with vanadium-steel components, a high chassis for rough roads, and a simple two-speed planetary transmission, it was durable and easy to maintain . Ford’s moving assembly-line production cut costs drastically the price dropped from US $780 in 1910 to around US $290 by 1924, with over 15 million sold .

The Model T’s modular design simplified repairs, while its high ground clearance and strong chassis made it versatile for both rural and urban roads. This approach to mass production became the blueprint for the industry.

Citroën DS – Futuristic Luxury

Launched in 1955, the Citroën DS looked like it came from the future. Designed by Flaminio Bertoni and engineered by André Lefèbvre, it introduced hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension for unmatched comfort . It also featured power steering, semi-automatic transmission, and disc brakes .

Directional headlights added in 1967 improved safety, and a fibreglass roof lowered the centre of gravity . The DS ranked third in the 1999 Car of the Century awards and was later named “most beautiful car” by Classic & Sports Car magazine .

Volkswagen Beetle – The People’s Car

The Volkswagen Beetle made car ownership affordable in Europe. Designed in the 1930s, it used a rear-mounted air-cooled engine, platform chassis, and torsion-bar suspension . Simple to maintain and instantly recognisable, the Beetle became a symbol of both post-war recovery and 1960s counterculture .

Jaguar E-Type – Artistry Meets Performance

In the 1960s, Jaguar launched the E-Type, blending timeless design with advanced engineering. Its long bonnet, low roofline, and flowing curves made it an instant classic. Underneath, it had unitary body construction, independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and disc brakes all around . With a top speed of 150 mph and 0–60 mph in under seven seconds, it offered exotic performance at a fraction of the price .

Tesla Model S – The Electric Revolution

Released in 2012, the Tesla Model S redefined what an electric car could be. It combined long range, rapid acceleration, and elegant design. Built on a lightweight aluminium chassis with a low-mounted battery pack, it improved handling while offering over-the-air software updates .

Named one of the most influential electric cars, it won Motor Trend Car of the Year in 2013 and appeared on Car and Driver’s best cars list in 2015 and 2016 . It proved that EVs could be desirable, fast, and practical.

Why These Cars Matter

These vehicles were more than commercial successes. The Ford Model T made personal mobility a reality. The Citroën DS showed how comfort and technology could coexist. The Volkswagen Beetle proved that charm and simplicity could win the world over. The Jaguar E-Type balanced beauty with performance. The Tesla Model S accelerated the shift toward electrification.

For us they are milestones that remind us how bold ideas, paired with strong execution, can transform industries and the way we live.