Car design is constantly changing as automakers try to play catch up with the latest trends and emulate what they think customers want. Basically, they’re following the pack. However, a select few cars do something completely different: Influence everything else. That’s what led me to today’s question.
I want to know what car design you think is the most influential of all time. What design inspired those that came after it in a really significant way? That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re the best-looking cars of all time. All I’m asking is what cars inspired the looks of other cars.
A great example of this — to me — is the Jaguar E-Type. It sort of set in motion the whole idea of a low slung sports coupe or convertible with a long nose and a short rear behind the two drivers’ seats. For over 60 years now, other automakers have tried to copy that look, to varying degrees of success. Another example is the new Land Rover Defender. Boxy cars certainly are not a new thing, but that truck really set the whole modern trend of boxy cars in motion.
Anyway, I don’t want to give you folks too many of my great ideas, so I’ll leave it at that. Why don’t ya head on down below and let me know what you think the most influential car design of all time is. As always, I’ll give you extra points if you tell me why you think it’s influential, or tell me about a couple of cars your suggestion may have inspired. Get writin’, folks.