Best American cars of all time
Some of America’s best cars are seen globally as all time greats. Here are our top ten cars from across the pond
Scratch beneath the surface of American car culture and you will find things are significantly more diverse than a handful of iconic muscle cars. Granted, when looking at the greatest ever American-made cars there are a lot of V8 engines powering aggressively-styled sports coupes, but, there are also sleek luxurious saloons and convertibles fit for royalty. That’s not to mention a number of vehicles which have taken starring roles in Hollywood blockbusters.
What’s more, the best of the US has changed significantly over time. Back in the 1950s, America’s top cars came with massive chrome bumpers and space-race inspired tail-fins. Move up to the 1980s or even the 1990s, though, and the extensive chrome was replaced by hairy-chested muscle cars designed to beat European rivals to a pulp with their huge engines.
Of course, America’s relationship with the automobile started well before the middle or latter parts of the 20th century – Henry Ford’s unmistakable Model T is where many will say it all began. As this shortlist shows, though, Mr Ford was not the only early revolutionary as some of the best classic American cars (long forgotten by many) introduced features that are still present in new cars today.
Just as those primitive cars completely changed personal transport in the early 1900s, modern-day American brands are doing the same today. Take Tesla as an example – a company right at the forefront of electric car development. Here in the UK it is still the quintessential American V8 that seems to hold the most appeal – even if battery-powered alternatives are closing the gap.
Fortunately, US manufacturers have taken to ‘globalising’ their more popular models, meaning an increasing number of American stars are available with the steering wheel on the right-hand side. Two of the latest models to take this step are the Ford Mustang and the new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and the UK car market is all the better for it.
So for lovers of all American car brands, and of the new and old American cars they have created, this is our guide to 10 of our favourites.
Click on the links below to explore our Top 10 American Cars, and add your own thoughts in the comments...
