This is part two of a five-part feature on the 125 most significant and influential car designs as chosen by former technical editor, Jake Venter. This period can be divided into two distinct phases. Up to 1930, the lessons learned during the First World War, combined with design details taken from aero-engine practice, resulted in very exciting cars. However, once the effect of the Wall Street share crash in 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression became apparent, many designers curbed their technical expertise and returned to side-valve engines that were inexpensive to produce and maintain. For example, Mercedes-Benz went from overhead camshafts in the early ‘20s to side valves for its smaller cars. Even the 320 series chassis that featured some glamorous bodies was fitted with side-valve engines until the start of the Second World War.
Click below for part one:
125 most significant car designs – part one (years 1886 – 1925)
