10 Cars That Were Ahead of Their Time

The automotive history is filled with technologically advanced cars that were ahead of their time. Some of them enjoyed a lot of success, while others were scrapped after a too short existence.

Here are 10 examples—including one that’s still on the market right now.

Chrysler Airflow
In the 1930s, Chrysler aimed to redefine the traditional car body style by improving aerodynamics. Following a number of prototypes, the Chrysler Airflow hit the market in 1934. Reliability issues and polarizing looks forced the company to abandon the model three years later. Ironically, aerodynamic performance is a big part of vehicle design nowadays.

Tucker 48
When it debuted in 1947, the first and only concept produced by the Tucker Car Corporation kicked the butts of top automakers. With this car, Preston Tucker managed to incorporate several components that were unique at the time, including four-wheel disc brakes, a third headlight to improve visibility at night and a shatterproof windshield that would be ejected in the event of a collision. Unfortunately, the 48 never entered mass production.

Citroën DS
Featuring a hydropneumatic suspension, power-assisted steering, disc brakes and one-of-a-kind styling, the Citroën DS spurred a revolution in the auto industry during the middle part of the 20th century. Unlike the Chrysler Airflow and Tucker 48, it proved popular among customers and enjoyed a 20-year career (1955-1975).

Aston Martin Lagonda
The Lagonda is certainly not Aston Martin’s crown jewel, but it made history as a technologically advanced automobile. Introduced in 1976, this luxury sedan featured a fully digital instrument cluster and touch-sensitive controls, all of which was sci-fi stuff at the time.

Buick Riviera
Similar to the Lagonda, the seventh-generation Buick Riviera (1986-1993) had a futuristic interior with a digital dashboard and even a touchscreen in the middle. That’s right—in 1986!

AMC Eagle
There are many high-riding cars and other wannabe SUVs these days. One of the first actually originates from the 1980s. We bet the AMC Eagle would have been more popular in 2020.

Porsche 959
When it launched in 1986, the Porsche 959 became the fastest production car in the world with a top speed of 317 km/h. It also featured all-wheel drive, which was quite unique among sports cars at the time. Only 959 units were built and the ones that still survive are worth a fortune.

General Motors EV1

Well before Tesla, General Motors worked on an electric car simply called EV1. A few hundred customers in the U.S. took it for a trial, after which nearly all units were destroyed. Why? GM said the project wouldn’t be profitable, but many believe the automaker didn’t really want to invest in electrification.

Suzuki SX4 Hatchback
With its raised suspension, tough plastic cladding and generous trunk, the Suzuki SX4 Hatchback could be viewed as a pioneer of small utility vehicles. It’s a shame the company abandoned its automotive division in Canada in 2014.

Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S ushered in the era of long-range electric vehicles. Introduced in 2012, it continues to dominate the segment, with other automakers desperately trying to catch up. Consider the 600+ kilometres of range, semi-autonomous driving capability and gigantic 17-inch touchscreen.