Ford Contour (1991)

The Contour, shown at the 1991 Detroit Show, was revolutionary in so many respects. Its engine was the first straight-eight since Pontiac’s in 1954 and was mounted transversely to save space. The shape of the car was dramatic with steeply raked screens and a long cabin dominating. It was mounted on an aluminum chassis entirely bonded together. The headlamps were 1 in- (2.5cm-) high arc discharge rods and there were two floating rear spoilers.