No.2. 1959 Austin Mini: Sir Alec Issigonis built his little runabout with a transverse engine and front-wheel drive. Fifty years later we realize he created the blueprint for virtually all mainstream modern cars.

Full List:
http://www.insideline.com/features/t...-all-time.html

 

Woo, even above the Beetle. Too bad they couldn't use a photo of an actual 59.

 

In regards to the Beetle: If the Mini companies had marketed the Mini far better, today we could have possibly seen the Mini as famous as the Beetle. But then again, I am glad it's not that way because it makes the Mini far more unique!