16. DeLorean DMC-12’s Brushed Stainless Finish

Facing budget and supply challenges, the DeLorean factory made the bold decision to leave the DMC-12’s stainless steel body unpainted. This accidental move resulted in a futuristic, brushed-metal finish that instantly set the car apart from anything else on the road. The unique look famously caught the world’s imagination after starring in Back to the Future, making the DeLorean an enduring symbol of retro-cool and pop culture. More at Smithsonian Magazine.