The wheel has been re-invented many times because there is always room for improvement!
For example, the Fiat 850 used a radiator mounted in the engine bay next to the engine! It had a really interesting fan / scoop arrangement. Have a look.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/...32a76f25_z.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fvl-y7h6TF...+850tc+021.JPG
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fvl-y7h6TF...965+NY+007.JPG