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20 Classic Cars That Introduced Features Years Before Anyone Else

Jimmy Adell June 22, 2025

Cars have always been at the forefront of innovation, constantly evolving to meet the needs of drivers and challenge the limits of technology. Throughout automotive history, certain classic cars have stood out for debuting groundbreaking features—sometimes decades ahead of the competition. These vehicles not only turned heads in their day but also set new benchmarks, paving the way for the modern conveniences and safety technologies we now take for granted.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 remarkable cars that introduced game-changing innovations, forever changing the way we drive.

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1. 1948 Tucker 48: First with a Center Headlight that Turned

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1948 Tucker 48, famously known as the Tucker Torpedo, was a true marvel of its era. Its most striking innovation was a center-mounted headlight that swiveled in sync with the steering wheel, improving nighttime visibility on curves—an idea that wouldn’t resurface widely for decades.
With additional safety features like a padded dashboard and a pop-out windshield, the Tucker 48 was far ahead of its contemporaries, as detailed by Smithsonian Magazine.

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2. 1958 Chrysler Imperial: The First with Cruise Control

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1958 Chrysler Imperial made history by becoming the first production car equipped with cruise control, then called “Auto-Pilot.” This innovative system let drivers set and maintain a constant speed, reducing fatigue and changing long-distance travel forever.
What started as a luxury feature in this elegant American sedan eventually became a standard convenience found in cars worldwide.
The Imperial’s pioneering technology laid the groundwork for today’s sophisticated adaptive cruise control systems.
Learn more about this milestone at Hagerty.

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3. 1955 Citroën DS: First with Hydropneumatic Suspension

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1955 Citroën DS revolutionized ride quality with its groundbreaking hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension. This system automatically adjusted the car’s height, ensuring supreme comfort and stability regardless of load or road conditions.
The DS’s smooth, almost magical ride set a new benchmark for luxury and performance, influencing prestigious brands like Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce for decades to come.
Discover more about this engineering marvel at Top Gear.

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4. 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado: First American Front-Wheel Drive Since 1937

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado boldly reintroduced front-wheel drive to American automobiles, a feature absent since 1937. This innovative drivetrain improved both handling and interior space by eliminating the traditional transmission tunnel.
The Toronado’s pioneering layout inspired a wave of front-wheel-drive American sedans in the decades that followed.
Dive deeper into this milestone at MotorTrend.

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5. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126): First with Airbags

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1981 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) set a new benchmark for automotive safety by being the first production car to feature a driver’s airbag. This breakthrough technology provided crucial protection in collisions, dramatically reducing the risk of injury.
Mercedes-Benz’s innovation was so impactful that airbags are now legally required in most modern vehicles around the world.
For more on this game-changing safety leap, visit Daimler.

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6. 1970 Range Rover: First with Permanent Four-Wheel Drive

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1970 Range Rover redefined the luxury SUV by introducing permanent four-wheel drive—a first for its class. This innovation delivered unmatched off-road capability while maintaining the refinement expected from a premium vehicle.
The Range Rover’s advanced drivetrain became the template for countless modern SUVs and crossovers, influencing both utility and luxury segments worldwide.
Read more about this pioneering model at Autocar.

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7. 1968 AMC Ambassador: First with Standard Air Conditioning

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1968 AMC Ambassador broke new ground by making air conditioning standard across its entire lineup. This bold move brought luxury-level comfort to everyday drivers, setting a precedent that other automakers quickly followed.
By making air conditioning universally available, AMC transformed the expectations of buyers and helped shape modern interior comfort standards.
For the full story, visit Hemmings.

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8. 1934 Chrysler Airflow: First with Aerodynamic Design

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1934 Chrysler Airflow was a true trailblazer, pioneering aerodynamic styling in an era of boxy automobiles. Its streamlined body reduced wind resistance and improved efficiency, features that were initially met with skepticism but later became industry standards.
Though its radical look was controversial at launch, the Airflow’s influence is clear in the sleek lines of today’s cars.
Explore its legacy further at Smithsonian Magazine.

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9. 1963 Studebaker Avanti: First with Factory-Installed Disc Brakes

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1963 Studebaker Avanti made history as the first American production car to feature front disc brakes as standard equipment. This innovative upgrade significantly improved braking performance and vehicle safety, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
The Avanti’s advanced braking system paved the way for disc brakes to become a staple in modern automotive design.
Learn more about this breakthrough at Hagerty.

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10. 1951 Chrysler Imperial: First with Power Steering

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1951 Chrysler Imperial introduced Hydraguide, the first commercially available power steering system. This groundbreaking feature transformed the driving experience by making cars much easier to maneuver, particularly during low-speed parking and tight turns.
Hydraguide set a new standard in automotive convenience and safety, soon becoming an essential feature on vehicles worldwide.
Discover more about this innovation at Chrysler Heritage.

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11. 1978 Saab 99 Turbo: Early Turbocharging in Family Cars

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1978 Saab 99 Turbo was a game changer, introducing turbocharging to the family car segment. By combining increased power with greater fuel efficiency, Saab showed that everyday vehicles could be both practical and exciting to drive.
Today, turbocharged engines are found in everything from compact cars to SUVs, thanks in part to this pioneering effort.
Explore the roots of this innovation at the Saab Museum.

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12. 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham: First with Memory Seats

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham set a new benchmark for luxury by offering memory seats—an industry first. This innovative feature allowed drivers to save and recall their preferred seat positions with the push of a button.
Today, memory seats are a staple in premium and luxury vehicles, but it all started with this forward-thinking Cadillac.
Discover more at the GM Heritage Center.

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13. 1990 Lexus LS400: First with Power Tilt-and-Telescope Steering Wheel

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1990 Lexus LS400 redefined luxury with its innovative power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel. This feature allowed drivers to easily adjust the steering wheel’s position for maximum comfort and control, setting a new expectation in ergonomic design.
Today, such adjustability is a hallmark of premium vehicles around the world—thanks to Lexus’s commitment to driver-focused innovation.
Read more about this advancement at Car and Driver.

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14. 1986 BMW 7 Series (E32): First with Xenon Headlights

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1986 BMW 7 Series (E32) was a trailblazer as the first production car to feature Xenon (HID) headlights. This innovation delivered much brighter and whiter illumination, significantly enhancing night-time visibility and driver safety.
The technology’s success soon led to its adoption across both luxury and mainstream vehicles worldwide.
Discover more about this lighting breakthrough at BMW Group.

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15. 1981 Toyota Soarer: First with Digital Dashboard

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1981 Toyota Soarer stood out with its pioneering fully digital dashboard, offering drivers a blend of futuristic aesthetics and practical, easy-to-read displays. This bold leap into modern instrumentation paved the way for the customizable, high-tech displays seen in today’s cars.
Digital dashboards have since become a staple in vehicles across all segments.
Learn more about this innovation at Toyota Global.

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16. 1971 Lincoln Continental Mark III: First with Automatic Headlamp Dimmer

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1971 Lincoln Continental Mark III introduced an early automatic headlamp dimmer, which adjusted high beams to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. This convenient safety feature was a forerunner to today’s sophisticated adaptive lighting systems.
The Mark III’s innovation made night driving safer and more comfortable, setting a standard for future advancements in automotive lighting.
Learn more at Ford Motor Company.

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17. 1957 Rambler Rebel: First with Electronic Fuel Injection

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1957 Rambler Rebel made waves by offering an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system—decades before it became standard industry practice. Though the option was short-lived, it marked a significant step toward the efficient, precise fuel management found in modern engines today.
EFI is now a critical component in contemporary automotive technology.
Read more about this engineering milestone at Hemmings.

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18. 1987 Buick LeSabre: First with Keyless Entry

18. 1987 Buick LeSabre: First with Keyless Entry
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1987 Buick LeSabre was a pioneer in convenience, offering one of the earliest keyless entry systems in a production car. This feature made it easier and safer for drivers to access their vehicles, setting a new expectation for automotive security and user-friendliness.
Today, keyless entry is nearly universal, but it began with forward-thinking models like the LeSabre.
Find out more at GM Authority.

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19. 1979 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: First with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1979 Mercedes-Benz S-Class set a new benchmark by introducing the first electronic anti-lock braking system (ABS) in a production car. This groundbreaking safety feature allowed drivers to maintain steering control during hard braking, dramatically reducing the risk of skidding.
ABS technology is now a legal requirement in many regions, but it all started with the pioneering S-Class.
Discover more at Mercedes-Benz.

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20. 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora: First with Factory OnStar System

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora made history as the first car equipped with the OnStar telematics system. This advanced technology offered features like emergency assistance, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote vehicle diagnostics—services that paved the way for today’s connected car experience.
OnStar’s debut in the Aurora marked the beginning of an era where vehicles could communicate directly with drivers and support teams.
Learn more at OnStar.

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Conclusion

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Image source: motor-junkie

Innovation in the automotive world has always relied on visionaries willing to take risks and push boundaries. The classic cars highlighted here each introduced features that would go on to reshape the industry, turning futuristic dreams into everyday realities.
Their legacy lives on in the vehicles we drive today, reminding us that progress is built on imagination and bold ideas.
As you admire modern car tech, take a moment to appreciate the trailblazers that started it all—and stay curious for what comes next.

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