8. Mini (1959)
The launch of the Mini in 1959 rewrote the rules for compact cars. Its ingenious transverse engine and space-saving front-wheel-drive layout maximized interior room in an impossibly small footprint. The Mini’s clever engineering stunned both industry insiders and the public, setting a new standard for efficiency and fun. It went on to influence countless small car designs worldwide, far beyond its humble beginnings. Read more about the Mini’s legacy at BBC.