12. Volvo PV544 (1959)
It’s hard to think of a more conservative model than the Volvo PV544, with its simple mechanics and rugged build.
Yet this was the car that introduced the three-point seatbelt to the world, which has saved more lives on the road than any other invention.
The three-point belt was the idea of Nils Bohlin, an engineer for Volvo, who realised that simple lap belts offered little protection in a collision. By adding the diagonal strap, it held occupants much more securely.
Volvo’s other innovation with this safety design was to waive its patent rights, so every car maker was free to fit three-point seatbelts to their cars.