“The idea is to produce a more perfect running engine by means of the perfect natural balance” – and boy did it work.

1916 Cadillac Type 51

The first mass-produced V8 car. “It is really difficult to convey on paper any idea of the delight of the running,” we gushed.

“One may indulge in superlatives and yet fall short of producing the real impression of satisfaction.”

1917 Mitsubishi Model A

We didn’t know about it at the time, but this saloon, made by a famous shipbuilder, was hugely significant as the first Japanese car – even if it was basically a Fiat.

1918 Citroën Type A

So popular was this “car of light weight, moderate power and convenient size” that it arguably turned a French start-up into Europe’s first mass manufacturer of cars.

1919 Hispano-Suiza H6

“Whether it be judged from the standpoint of speed, flexibility, silence, brakes, springing, workmanship or design”, this Swiss-designed, Paris-built luxury car “is more than capable of holding its own among the world’s best”.

1920 Rover 8HP

British newcomer pleasingly “fills the gap between the motorcycle-and-sidecar combination and the small but now expensive light car” to the benefit of “the family motorist of limited means”.

1921 Bentley 3-litre

Initial roadster’s litheness and effortless performance gave us “fierce, wild intoxication”, before the long-wheelbase tourer proved “comfortable and docile yet powerful”.

1922 Lancia Lambda

Highly innovative as the first car with a monocoque and the first with all-independent suspension.