4. AMC Pacer
The AMC Pacer arrived in the 1970s with a distinctive wide stance and an unusually aerodynamic shape. Its bubble-like windows and space-efficient interior made it a standout, though critics at the time mocked its unconventional appearance. Decades later, the Pacer is recognized for pioneering the roomy compact car—an idea that would become a mainstay in modern automotive design. What was once considered awkward now looks innovative in hindsight. Explore more about the Pacer’s influence at Hagerty.