During the 1960s and 70s, rugged utility cars had become very popular with the public in Europe. Manufacturers seemed to share a common design for these cars: take an existing model, strip it down to its most basic components, and market it as “rugged” and “fun”. 

Introduced on July 4th, 1957, the successor for the Topolino, the “Nuova (which means “New”) 500" used a layout similar to that seen on the 600 with a rear mounted engine driving the rear wheels and independent suspension on all four wheels.

The Fiat Panda was introduced in 1980, and was meant to be a city car for the masses; simpler but in the spirit of Citroën’s 2CV.

Danish-born American automotive designer Henrik Fisker is best known for designing luxury cars such the BMW Z8, the Aston Martin DB9, and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The Fisker Karma began production in July 2011 as the world’s first luxury Plug-in Hybrid-Electric Vehicle. 

When Henry Ford introduced his new low-priced Model T in 1908, he could not have conceived what impact the humble “T” would have on the world. By making cars available to the masses, this newfound mobility would soon alter American’s living patterns, their landscape, their leisure time, and even their air. 

The first examples of this model, in 1950, had a wooden frame with alloy panels; the next step was an all-steel body. By 1957, the body was fiberglass, giving the Fuldamobil a more handsome appearance.

The Syrena was first shown to the Polish public in 1955 at the Poznan Trade Fair.  Production of the Syrena started in 1957, and continued to 1960 when the updated model was introduced.