2. Citroën DS
The Citroën DS stunned the world at its 1955 debut, pairing futuristic styling with groundbreaking technology. Its hydropneumatic suspension delivered an uncannily smooth ride and adjustable ride height, while the streamlined body set new benchmarks for aerodynamics.
Although the DS quickly became a design icon, the complexity of its advanced systems bewildered many mechanics and buyers. Some found its innovations too radical for their time, resulting in reliability concerns and slower adoption outside Europe.
Still, the DS’s influence on modern car engineering is undeniable. For more on its history, see Hagerty.