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14 Underappreciated Cars That Quietly Shaped Modern Design

Cameron Eittreim December 31, 2025

Throughout automotive history, certain vehicles have introduced design and technological innovations that, while not always celebrated, have profoundly influenced modern car aesthetics and functionality. These underappreciated models have left lasting impressions, demonstrating that true influence often emerges quietly, shaping trends and setting standards that endure through many eras. By examining these vehicles, we gain insight into how subtle innovations can steer the course of automotive style and technology.

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1. Citroën DS (1955)

The Citroën DS, introduced in 1955, revolutionized automotive design with its futuristic hydropneumatic suspension and streamlined silhouette. This innovative suspension system provided a ‘magic carpet’ ride, absorbing road imperfections and setting new standards for comfort. Its aerodynamic design not only reduced fuel consumption but also influenced the luxury car segment, inspiring manufacturers like Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz to adopt similar air suspension technologies. The DS’s impact on aerodynamics and luxury continues to resonate in the automotive industry today. (nocache.media.stellantis.com)

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2. Audi 100 (C2, 1976)

The Audi 100 C2, introduced in 1976, pioneered lightweight construction and a sleek, aerodynamic profile, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.30. This design significantly improved fuel efficiency and performance, setting a new standard for sport sedans. Its emphasis on aerodynamics and efficiency continues to influence modern automotive design, highlighting the importance of streamlined forms in enhancing vehicle performance. (audi-mediacenter.com)

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3. AMC Pacer (1975)

The AMC Pacer, introduced in 1975, featured a distinctive wide-body design with a bold greenhouse and bubble-like curves, setting it apart from conventional compact cars. Its expansive glass area provided exceptional visibility and a spacious interior feel, influencing the design of urban vehicles and small cars that prioritize passenger comfort and openness. This innovative approach to compact car design has left a lasting legacy in the automotive industry. (Hemmings)

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4. Saab 900 (1978)

The Saab 900, introduced in 1978, featured a wraparound cockpit dashboard and intuitive controls, reflecting the brand’s aeronautical heritage. This design ensured that all instruments and controls were within the driver’s natural reach, enhancing ergonomics and safety. The dashboard’s asymmetrical curve allowed the driver to access all controls without shifting their seating position, a feature that set new standards for driver-focused interiors. This innovative approach has influenced modern vehicle layouts, emphasizing intuitive and accessible control arrangements. (Hemmings)

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5. Renault Espace (1984)

The Renault Espace, launched in 1984, pioneered the family MPV (minivan) segment by seamlessly blending car-like handling with practical people-moving capabilities. Its innovative design featured a spacious, modular interior with removable and swiveling seats, allowing configurations from a mobile living room to a vast cargo area. This flexibility laid the foundation for today’s crossovers, which continue to prioritize versatility and comfort for modern families. (renaultgroup.com)

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6. BMW 7 Series (E32, 1986)

The BMW 7 Series (E32), introduced in 1986, set new standards in automotive technology by incorporating advanced safety features such as integrated navigation systems and headlights equipped with wipers. These innovations enhanced driver convenience and safety, influencing the design of luxury vehicles that followed. The E32’s role as a tech trendsetter is evident in its pioneering approach to integrating sophisticated technologies into the driving experience. (Car and Driver)

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7. Alfa Romeo Alfasud (1971)

The Alfa Romeo Alfasud, introduced in 1971, was among the first to feature a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, a configuration that became standard in compact cars. Its sharp, angular profile, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, showcased a modern aesthetic that influenced future compact car designs. These elements contributed to the Alfasud’s reputation as a forward-thinking model in automotive design. (Wikipedia)

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8. Honda Prelude (3rd Gen, 1987)

The third-generation Honda Prelude, introduced in 1987, featured distinctive pop-up headlights and a low-slung stance, contributing to its sporty, minimalist coupe appearance. These design elements not only enhanced its aerodynamics but also influenced the aesthetic of future compact sports coupes. The Prelude’s sleek profile and innovative features set a precedent for the design language of modern sporty vehicles. (Road & Track)

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9. Ford Sierra (1982)

The Ford Sierra, introduced in 1982, featured a rounded, aerodynamic ‘jellymould’ design that marked a significant departure from the boxy sedans of its time. This innovative styling achieved a drag coefficient of 0.34, enhancing fuel efficiency and performance. While its unconventional appearance was initially polarizing, the Sierra’s design influenced the shift towards sleeker profiles in the automotive industry, paving the way for modern aerodynamic vehicles. (The Guardian)

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10. Subaru SVX (1991)

The Subaru SVX, introduced in 1991, featured a distinctive “window-within-a-window” design, where a fixed outer pane surrounded a smaller, operable inner window. This innovative configuration minimized wind noise and allowed the larger window to remain sealed, enhancing aerodynamics and reducing buffeting. The SVX’s sleek, jet-inspired lines and extensive glass areas prefigured the glass-heavy cabins of modern electric vehicles, influencing contemporary automotive design. (Jalopnik)

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11. Peugeot 406 Coupe (1997)

The Peugeot 406 Coupe, introduced in 1997, was designed by the renowned Italian design house Pininfarina. Its clean lines and timeless shape set a new standard for affordable sports coupes, blending elegance with practicality. The coupe’s design drew inspiration from Peugeot’s heritage, notably the classic 504 Coupé, while incorporating Pininfarina’s artistry, resulting in a harmonious fusion of both brands’ design identities. (carrozzieri-italiani.com)

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12. Chrysler Airflow (1934)

The Chrysler Airflow, introduced in 1934, was a pioneering vehicle that embraced the Art Deco movement’s emphasis on streamlined design. Its radical aerodynamics, including a teardrop shape and integrated headlights, set it apart from the boxy sedans of the era. Despite its innovative features, the Airflow faced commercial failure due to its avant-garde appearance and manufacturing challenges. However, its design influenced future automotive styling, inspiring models like the 1936 Toyota AA and the Peugeot 202. (Smithsonian Magazine)

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13. Mazda 323/Protegé (1980)

The Mazda 323, known as the Protegé in North America, was introduced in 1980 and quickly became a global success. Its compact size, reliability, and efficient design made it a popular choice in diverse markets. The 323’s versatility, available in various body styles and configurations, set a standard for compact hatchbacks and sedans, influencing the design and expectations of affordable vehicles worldwide. (edmunds.com)

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14. Volvo 140 Series (1966)

The Volvo 140 Series, introduced in 1966, emphasized passive safety with its robust safety cage, crumple zones, and a collapsible steering column. Its restrained, boxy design reflected Scandinavian design principles, focusing on functionality and simplicity. This approach influenced automotive design by prioritizing both form and function, setting a precedent for vehicles that balanced aesthetic appeal with occupant protection. (Volvo Heritage)

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Lasting Impressions: How Quiet Classics Set Tomorrow’s Trends

The legacy of underappreciated vehicles underscores the profound impact of bold, experimental designs on the automotive industry. Models like the Chrysler Airflow and Peugeot 406 Coupe, though overlooked in their time, introduced concepts that have become standard in modern cars, such as streamlined aerodynamics and timeless styling. These innovations continue to inspire contemporary designs, demonstrating that visionary ideas often pave the way for future advancements in automotive aesthetics and technology. (currently.att.yahoo.com)

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