maok Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 I mentioned in another post my revolutionary cars in history, what would you add or delete to this list? 1. Benz/Daimler 2. Ford Model T 3. Chrysler Airflow 4. Citroen DS 5. Toyota Prius 6. Tesla Cyber Truck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Smolinski Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Classy - Duesenberg Flashy/gaudy - 1959 Cadillac Raw power/untamed beast - A real 427 Cobra Epitomy of muscle madness - Superbird 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Pontiac GTO. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reicholzheimer Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 Ford Mustang Volkswagen Beetle 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 (edited) Aztec, yugo, tempest, pacer and edsel..... Actually i,d nominate the diesel rabbit..... Cheap, relieable, 52 mpg and it ran great on fuel oil. Bob Edited January 4 by Bhigdog (see edit history) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 (edited) To me a revolutionary car is one that affected the whole industry, turned it in a new direction by making other cars obsolete. I nominate The DeDion Bouton tricycle of the 1890s, first mass produced motor vehicle. Had a tiny single cylinder engine that was a revolutionary change from the big "gas buggy" engines. Hundreds of makers used DeDion engines and copied the DeDion design, even Pierce in the US. Ford Model T. Not widely copied in design but it affected the industry forcing everyone to mass produce for lower prices. In the late teens and early twenties even the most expensive cars copied the Model T look of black or dark paint finish and little or no nickel or brass trim. At one point Ford was making nearly half the cars sold, you could not ignore them. Chrysler Airflow. It looked like nothing that came before, but practically every car that came after copied the Airflow design with chubbier fenders. 1949 Cadillac, pioneer of tailfins, OHV V8 and automatic transmission 3 of the biggest auto fads of the fifties. I know the 48 Caddy had the same fins and the Hydramatic was 10 years old but this car put them all in the same package and influenced all American cars from then on. 1984 Chrysler minivan. Often overlooked, but it revolutionized the industry. Before the Chrysler there was no such thing as a front wheel drive, soccer mom minivan. Afterwards, everybody had one. They were in every suburban driveway and every manufacturer added one to their line. Edited January 4 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history) 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 5 minutes ago, Rusty_OToole said: The DeDion Bouton tricycle, first mass produced motor vehicle. Had a tiny single cylinder engine that was a revolutionary change from the big "gas buggy" engines. Hundreds of makers used DeDion engines and copied the DeDion design, even Pierce in the US. At the opposite end, DeDion Bouton double-deckers were the first motorized buses in New York City. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maok Posted January 4 Author Share Posted January 4 14 minutes ago, Rusty_OToole said: To me a revolutionary car is one that affected the whole industry, turned it in a new direction by making other cars obsolete. I nominate The DeDion Bouton tricycle, first mass produced motor vehicle. Had a tiny single cylinder engine that was a revolutionary change from the big "gas buggy" engines. Hundreds of makers used DeDion engines and copied the DeDion design, even Pierce in the US. Ford Model T. Not widely copied in design but it affected the industry forcing everyone to mass produce for lower prices. In the late teens and early twenties even the most expensive cars copied the Model T look of black or dark paint finish and little or no nickel or brass trim. At one point Ford was making nearly half the cars sold, you could not ignore them. Chrysler Airflow. It looked like nothing that came before, but practically every car that came after copied the Airflow design with chubbier fenders. 1949 Cadillac, pioneer of tailfins, OHV V8 and automatic transmission 3 of the biggest auto fads of the fifties. I know the 48 Caddy had the same fins and the Hydramatic was 10 years old but this car put them all in the same package and influenced all American cars from then on. 1984 Chrysler minivan. Often overlooked, but it revolutionized the industry. Before the Chrysler there was no such thing as a front wheel drive, soccer mom minivan. Afterwards, everybody had one. They were in every suburban driveway and every manufacturer added one to their line. Yep, I'd agree with the 1st true auto gearbox - Cadillac. Who had the 1st starter motor, Cadillac? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 (edited) 18 minutes ago, maok said: Yep, I'd agree with the 1st true auto gearbox - Cadillac. Who had the 1st starter motor, Cadillac? Good catch. 1914 (or was it 1912?) Cadillac had the first really good electric starter, most important it was integrated into a complete electrical system with generator, coil ignition, and electric lighting the first time this was done, and showed the way for every car made afterwards. Belongs on the list of revolutionary cars. Edited January 4 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history) 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Wildeisen Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 Revolutionary car? Jeep Patriot. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepher Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 The 1933 Pierce Arrow Silver Arrow. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 For efficient packaging and use of space, Austin/Morris Mini. 87% of the car was devoted to passenger & luggage space. As far as 'revolutionaries' in automobiles, it must also be extended to the ones who made them so; either engineering, or a statement of design. The list would include: Henry Ford Charles Kettering Alex Issigonis Hans Ledwinka Ferdinand Porsche Harley Earl Bill Mitchell Karl Benz Herbert Austin Alfred Sloan W.P. Chrysler William Hartnett Albrecht Goertz Thomas Edison Kiichiro Toyoda Barney Roos Preston Tucker Virgil Exner Others can add more to the list. Craig 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 The early-60s GM Y-body cars. F85, Tempest, Special, and Corvair. Each had its own radically advanced for the time engineering. Also the Oldsmobile Toronado, for proving front wheel drive could be successfully adapted to a full-size high horsepower car. 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twisted Shifter Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 3 hours ago, 8E45E said: For efficient packaging and use of space, Austin/Morris Mini. 87% of the car was devoted to passenger & luggage space. As far as 'revolutionaries' in automobiles, it must also be extended to the ones who made them so; either engineering, or a statement of design. The list would include: Henry Ford Charles Kettering Alex Issigonis Hans Ledwinka Ferdinand Porsche Harley Earl Bill Mitchell Karl Benz Herbert Austin Alfred Sloan W.P. Chrysler William Hartnett Albrecht Goertz Thomas Edison Kiichiro Toyoda Barney Roos Preston Tucker Virgil Exner Others can add more to the list. Craig Whether you like it or not, Elon Musk has to be on your list, too. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John E. Guitar Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 (edited) La Jamais Contente, first car to travel at 100kmh, in 1899. Photo shows Camille Jenatzy at the tiller and his wife sitting on the back of the car. Jenatzy was nicknamed the Red Devil and featured in Bosch advertising during the brass era. In the year following the 100kmh record Ferdinand Porsche built the race car “La Toujours Contente”, its name a nod to Jenatzky’s race car. It was one of the world’s first four wheel drive cars. Edited January 4 by John E. Guitar (see edit history) 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John E. Guitar Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 9 minutes ago, Twisted Shifter said: Whether you like it or not, Elon Musk has to be on your list, too. First car in outer space? 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_padavano Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 27 minutes ago, John E. Guitar said: First car in outer space? That would be this one (hint: NOT from Elon...) 10 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRA Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 The ones necessarely in my list are: - Oldsmobile Curved Dash - Ford Model T - Marmon Wasp - Cord L29 - Willys Jeep - VW Beetle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John E. Guitar Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 (edited) 1899 Bollee Torpilleur Type GL - the first underslung car (rear axle only). Edited January 4 by John E. Guitar (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Wildeisen Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 5 hours ago, joe_padavano said: That would be this one (hint: NOT from Elon...) This would look better with white walls. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1912Staver Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 I suppose the Prius qualifies. If I hold my nose just a bit. But the Cyber Truck ? In my mind one of the worlds leading solutions looking for a problem. 1 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leif in Calif Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 I think we can probably all agree on the Model T and the VW Beetle. 50 years from know they will point to the Tesla roadster of possibly the model S. The good news: we don't need to worry about it. 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary_Ash Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 14 hours ago, 8E45E said: For efficient packaging and use of space, Austin/Morris Mini. 87% of the car was devoted to passenger & luggage space. As far as 'revolutionaries' in automobiles, it must also be extended to the ones who made them so; either engineering, or a statement of design. The list would include: Henry Ford Charles Kettering Alex Issigonis Hans Ledwinka Ferdinand Porsche Harley Earl Bill Mitchell Karl Benz Herbert Austin Alfred Sloan W.P. Chrysler William Hartnett Albrecht Goertz Thomas Edison Kiichiro Toyoda Barney Roos Preston Tucker Virgil Exner Others can add more to the list. Craig Craig: I can’t believe you forgot Raymond Loewy! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcarfudd Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 Billy Durant. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 21 minutes ago, Gary_Ash said: Craig: I can’t believe you forgot Raymond Loewy! He was a PROMOTER, and it was his competent design staff that did all the work, including Virgil Exner, as I mentioned. (I supposed I could have also mentioned Bob Bourke, Holden Koto, John Epstein, Robert Andrews, and Tom Kellogg who were ones that did the actual work on various Studebakers, including the '50 bulletnose, '53 C/K, and the Avanti, and Bob Bourke & Holden Koto also had important input on the 1949 Ford which did save the company.) Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 2 hours ago, 1912Staver said: I suppose the Prius qualifies.... ...for "Antique" plates next year!! Craig 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillinMd Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 15 hours ago, 8E45E said: For efficient packaging and use of space, Austin/Morris Mini. 87% of the car was devoted to passenger & luggage space. As far as 'revolutionaries' in automobiles, it must also be extended to the ones who made them so; either engineering, or a statement of design. The list would include: Henry Ford Charles Kettering Alex Issigonis Hans Ledwinka Ferdinand Porsche Harley Earl Bill Mitchell Karl Benz Herbert Austin Alfred Sloan W.P. Chrysler William Hartnett Albrecht Goertz Thomas Edison Kiichiro Toyoda Barney Roos Preston Tucker Virgil Exner Others can add more to the list. Craig I would like to include Vincenzo Lancia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 Corvette 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1912Staver Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 Jaguar XK 120, really put the "sport " in post war sports cars. Probably the largest production number / high performance car of its day. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hemi Joel Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 19 hours ago, Rusty_OToole said: Good catch. 1914 (or was it 1912?) Cadillac had the first really good electric starter, most important it was integrated into a complete electrical system with generator, coil ignition, and electric lighting the first time this was done, and showed the way for every car made afterwards. Belongs on the list of revolutionary cars. Don't forget Cadillac, first with synchromesh in the manual transmission. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hemi Joel Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 (edited) I think that Duesenberg's introduction of four-wheel hydraulic brakes was quite revolutionary. Virtually every car today has them. The Cord L29 was revolutionary with it's first use of front wheel drive in a production vehicle, and it introduced low slung styling that absolutely caught on. I supposed to VW beetle could be considered revolutionary, being the first subcompact econo box import to really catch on and sell in high volume. Edited January 8 by Hemi Joel Removed incorrect information (see edit history) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 (edited) Some other revolutionary American cars: -The Model A wasn't as revolutionary as the Model T, but I think it's really important because Ford came up with a second home run in a row. -The first gen. T-Bird was revolutionary; it showed how appealing the two seater format could be to the US public at large. Not everyone could buy one, but everyone wanted one. -1955 Chevy because of the small block. -Oh, and the '32 Ford for obvious reasons. Edited January 4 by JamesR (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maok Posted January 4 Author Share Posted January 4 1 hour ago, Hemi Joel said: I think that Duesenberg's introduction of four-wheel hydraulic brakes was quite revolutionary. Virtually every car today has them. The Cord L29 was revolutionary with it's first use of front wheel drive in a production vehicle, and it introduced low slung styling that absolutely caught on. The 36-37 Cords were revolutionary in being the first car to have a rear hinged, one piece hood. I supposed to VW beetle could be considered revolutionary, being the first subcompact econo box import to really catch on and sell in high volume. What year did duesenberg first released the 4 wheel hydraulic brakes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 23 minutes ago, maok said: What year did duesenberg first released the 4 wheel hydraulic brakes? 1929. 3 years after Stutz did it in 1926 and 4 years after Stanley/SVC did it in 1925. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maok Posted January 4 Author Share Posted January 4 (edited) 7 minutes ago, alsancle said: 1929. 3 years after Stutz did it in 1926 and 4 years after Stanley/SVC did it in 1925. Chrysler in 1925 or 26? Edited January 4 by maok (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Beat Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 In addition to those already named... For early stuff (1890s), can't forget Panhard. First car with engine in front, driving the rear wheels. Set the standard for the next 100 years. Chevrolet 490. Just a wee bit fancier than a Model T. The beginning of the importance of styling and of the GM system taking over the Ford system. The car itself wasn't all that special, but its positioning and marketing revolutionized the industry. Step-down Hudsons. Pretty much how all subsequent cars were made. GM's V8s got all the credit, but Hudson was responsible for the other half of what became the standard modern car later in the 1950s (perimeter frames, lower body styles, the beginning of modern interior layout, handling and performance in a postwar American car, etc.) Toyota Corolla. The Model T of the 1990s. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidinCA Posted January 4 Share Posted January 4 Hydraulic brakes for Chrysler was 1924. I’d add the 1925 Essex to the list, since it did much to make closed cars the rule vs. the exception. I don’t agree at all with the Cyber Truck, but the Tesla Model S did a lot to popularize the modern electric car and show it as viable. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarNucopia Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 20 hours ago, 8E45E said: For efficient packaging and use of space, Austin/Morris Mini. 87% of the car was devoted to passenger & luggage space. As far as 'revolutionaries' in automobiles, it must also be extended to the ones who made them so; either engineering, or a statement of design. The list would include: Others can add more to the list. Craig I'd add Edward Deming and Lee Iaccoca Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maok Posted January 5 Author Share Posted January 5 Here is a video with Sandy Munro and 5 Tesla engineers explaining some of the innovation of the Cybertruck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pfeil Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 21 hours ago, rocketraider said: The early-60s GM Y-body cars. F85, Tempest, Special, and Corvair. Each had its own radically advanced for the time engineering. Also the Oldsmobile Toronado, for proving front wheel drive could be successfully adapted to a full-size high horsepower car. I would put Corvette in there. Also, VW Beetle. Glenn, If I hadn't been so stubborn and prejudiced, today that list of yours might have been my collection today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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