The Most American-ish Cars

Well, from our last Independence Day celebration, it’s been an unusual year – American cars improved exponentially. We don’t just mean sunnier sales figures from disoriented import buyers; the homegrown models themselves are overall the best they’ve been in years. Given the again-competitive products and the Fourth of July holiday, let’s show some renewed pride with a look at the standout American cars of all time. These American cars are not perfect, yet, for better or worse, they’re damn proud of what they are – flaws and all. Therein lays their quintessential American-ness. Here is our choice of American cars of all time. We are aware that we left out some cars, like Ford’s F150 pick-up truck, some Dodge’s models (Charger, probably), but this isn’t some kind of final list – these are just our favorites. All suggestions are welcomed. Enjoy!

Ford Thunderbird 1955-’97, 2002-’05

When you look at the generations collectively, Ford struck out more often with the T-Bird than it connected. But when Ford got it right, a great all-time American car was produced. The original would-be Corvette competitor achieved greater success as a personal luxury cruiser, always looking its best in convertible form. Halle Berry driving one in Die Another Day didn’t hurt the car’s looks either.

Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler 1997, 1999-2002

We could have easily featured a top 10 article of all-time Mopar greats and still had difficulty narrowing them down. But for all those worthy of mention here as all-time American cars, few shout “USA” like the Prowler, the prefab hotrod sold as a Plymouth until the brand’s demise, then as a Chrysler stepchild a bit longer. It was more flash than dash, but at least it was indulgently brash in attitude; something that couldn’t have sat well with management during the Daimler days. We kind of like that.

Mercury Eight 1949-’51

For most of us, the demise of Mercury is a mixed blessing. Sadly, we’ll no longer get to watch Jill Wagner on the TV ads, but at least there’ll be fewer Grand Marquis on the road to mistake for police cars. But when granddad was your age, things were different. The ’49-’51 Mercury Eight out-cooled anything else on the road. It didn’t hurt that James Dean drove one in Rebel Without a Cause, but the original Lead Sled didn’t need the star power to immortalize it among all-time American cars.

Pontiac Firebird 1967-2002

Pontiac’s pony-car entry was more than a badge-engineered Chevy Camaro; it had an indelible impact on American pop culture. From prominence in the timeless Rockford Files to lowbrow Smokey and The Bandit movies and the kitschy cool original Knight Rider, Firebirds were must-drives for decades. And what could’ve been more American than the Screaming Chicken decal that draped Trans Am hoods? Let’s see an oversize Cavallino Rampante get the same effect over the front of a Ferrari.

Saleen S7 2000-’06

Saleen’s mid-engined S7 is the President Obama of all-time American cars because it broke barriers with a resounding “yes we can” (and try as some might to prove otherwise, the S7 was American-born also). Offered with naturally aspirated or twin-turbo V8s, the car had the visual punch of European competitors and easily ran with them – often outrunning them – on the road and in racing. Yet, it wasn’t desperate for obsessive worship or maintenance like most other supercars. Yes, it did. We wish it still did.

“Tri-Five” Chevrolets 1955-‘57

A staple of American car culture from the 1950s and beyond came from a simple formula: a much better design than its granny-like predecessor, coupled with a much-needed motivational boost from an optional new small-block V8. From 1955 through ’57, the everyday Chevy was as cool as the Corvettes of the day. Moreover, the three-year run of this basic design has become highly prized among collectors and revered as an all-time American car yet today.

Cadillac Eldorado Convertible 1953-‘66, 1971-‘76

About the time the real Don Drapers of the world were hitting their stride, Cadillac was in cool control as well, and its “Standard of the World” slogan actually had bite. The Eldorado Convertible stood for look-at-me luxury in excess, even well beyond its glory days and into the ‘70s, when it became a bloated anachronism with a 500 cubic-inch V8. But then, doesn’t faded glory qualify it as an all-time American car?

Ford Mustang 1964-Present

“Pony car” is a generic term, not exclusive to Ford’s Mustang. It may as well be. It launched the segment and continues to define it. And while Chevy and Dodge directly compete again with pony cars of their own, this all-time American car never quit. We can’t imagine it will anytime soon either. The 2011 lineup of V6, V8 and Shelby models is the best yet, inspiring the same love of driving the original Mustang did in 1964.

Dodge Viper 1992-2010

Just as it apexed, Chrysler announced the Dodge Viper’s demise. Predictably, it did not go gentle into that good night. It was, after all, a Viper ACR that shattered the single-lap record at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca at the hands of Chris Winkler. In a recent alignment of planets and a dose of dumb luck, Winkler treated us to a lap of Road America in an ACR. It squelched every criticism we’ve ever had for the Viper, and gave us a newfound respect to miss this all-time American car before it was even gone.

Chevrolet Corvette 1953-Present

In its near six-decade life, there were times the Corvette was an underdog and its demise seemed certain. And let’s be honest, there were a few years that are best forgotten. But today, the C6 – especially with the ungodly powerful ZR1 package – is the most formidable testament to what a domestic car can be. It’s civilized when necessary, untamed when desired. It’s still not perfect, but given its character, you wouldn’t want it to be. This is America’s sports car and by far our ultimate all-time American car.

Monster Trucks

From the late 1970s they were becoming very popular. The trucks which garnered the most national attention were Bob Chandler’s Bigfoot, Fred Shafer and Jack Willman Sr.’s Bear Foot, and Jeff Dane’s King Kong. At the time, the largest tires the trucks were running were 48 inches in diameter. Today, the tires are typically “Terra” tires used on fertilizer spreaders, and have measurements of 66″×43″×25″ (1.7×1.1×0.6 m).
This is the biggest sports entertainment. Monster trucks are possibly often portrayed as being a form of motorized professional wrestling. With large wheels really look like a monster that is impossible to imagine in its actual size. That is why they are interesting to the audience.

Amazing Car Paintings

The shortlisted for the top 20 of them entered the 30. Indeed we could not decide whom to throw out. All of them are really, really good. You may use some of these models to serve as an inspiration to paint your car.

Strange and Freaky Cars

Every freaks gotta get his or her ride on, and to do that they need a mode of transit fitting their unique personalities. Whether you love living in the Arctic tundra, or you want to spend life under the sea with a topless mermaid and a talking rock lobster, you can find a custom car perfect for you. Take a look at some of these strange cars below!

The big spoiler look is out!

Car Prototypes

I’m not some car fanatic, nor a great car lover, but when I see cars like this, my jaw drops everytime. When I look at my WV Beetle, I want to cry. Is there any male of any age that doesn’t love this? Well, if anyone gets lucky and buy some of these, please, call me for just one ride : )

Pininfarina Sintesi Fuel Cell Car

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Chrysler Firepower Concept

The Best Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz is, perhaps the single most identifiable symbol of luxury and style in the automotive world. Mercedes has been leading the field with a delicate balance between style and technology since 1881, which makes it the oldest car manufacturer in existence today. While it is often said that you can tell what cars will look like in 20 years by looking at a Mercedes-Benz today, this list is a look back at Stuttgart powerhouse’s best designs.

1979 Gelandewagen (G-Class)

The G-Wagon of 1979 was built for the German army as a lightweight combat vehicle – you can think of it as the more badass version of the Jeep. The model didn’t make it into combat that year when the less expensive Volkswagen alternative was selected instead; however, it did kick off a global phenomenon that is still alive and well to this day. The instantly recognizable boxed-off body of the G-Wagon is an automotive icon both in the world of luxury and in off-roading. At the time it was built, it was one of only a tiny handful of vehicles with three fully locking differentials. Now, the G-Wagon is a favorite among celebrities and rappers, and with a starting price tag of over $100,000, it is one of the most expensive SUVs on the road.

2004 CLS

The CLS was, and still is, a revolutionary vehicle concept. It featured a sloped roof like a sports car or coupe, but four doors and a backseat. However, that backseat only had room for two people, not three. The CLS can be described as both a four-door coupe or even a fastback sedan, but the smooth aesthetics of the CLS not only got rave reviews, but also set the tone for the likes of Maserati, Porsche and Aston Martin to release sports car-like executive sedans, something that had previously not been attempted. The CLS created an entirely new vehicle segment, one of the fastest growing in the world today, and did it with style.

1983 190E Cosworth

Originally built to compete in off-road rallies, the Cosworth 190E was put out of the running by Audi’s innovative Quattro all-wheel drive system. That doesn’t mean the 300-plus horsepower special edition E series wouldn’t fly on the road. In fact, the Cosworth set three world speed records in the following years, and was the inspiration for the likes of the BMW M3, which later upped the ante for performance sedans. Think of the 190E Cosworth as the original AMG sedans.

2010 E63 AMG

A wolf in sheep’s clothing if there ever was one, the E63 AMG is perhaps the most perfect “all-purpose” sedan in the world. The car is every bit your typical E-Class Mercedes to 90% of onlookers, but those that are automotively inclined will notice the 20-inch AMG rims, flared body kit and a growl that will wake the neighbors each morning. The E63 uses the AMG-tuned 6.2 liter, 517-horsepower engine you’ll find across the Mercedes lineup; however, what makes the E so special is not the 4.0-second 0-60 time, the riding-on-rails feel or even the three different suspensions or four different transmission settings – it’s the fact that it’s the perfect size. The C63 is too small to be really useful with four people, and the S63 is too large be understated. If you want one car that can do it all, the E63 AMG is the car for you.

2011 SLS AMG

The new 2011 SLS AMG “Gullwing” is a retro grand tourer made from an all-aluminum frame. The car is the very first to be completely designed in-house by AMG, Mercedes’ own high-performance unit. The car features a highly tuned 6.2 liter V8 engine that puts out 575 hp, and the transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch semiautomatic. The most noticeable part of the SLS is the Gullwing doors and purposeful nod to the original Gullwing of the mid-1950s, a car that many consider the most beautiful ever made. This, the SLS Gullwing, is a totally different animal with all the latest technology, which does include a way to blow the doors right off the frame if you should happen to flip the car. The 2011 Gullwing is without a doubt the hottest car of the year, and will be remembered as a true modern classic.

1963 600 Pullman

Can you name the one car owned by Coco Chanel, Hugh Hefner, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, Aristotle Onassis, Jack Nicholson, Fidel Castro, Pol Pot, and a whole bevy of Popes? Yup, the Mercedes-Benz 600 Series Pullman. This car was the luxury sedan for two decades, and yet less than 3,000 of them were ever built. The Pullman featured a hydraulically operated moon roof, windows, trunk, and doors (in 1963!). It also boasts the loudest horn ever installed on a production vehicle. The Pullman was the predecessor to the Maybach sedans we see now atop the Mercedes lineup, and it is still an icon to this day.

1937 540 K Special

For a car to have 180 horsepower and a supercharged engine in the 1930s, it needed to be something special. The 540 K (K is for Kompressor) Special was just that car, and set the benchmark for the horsepower race of the first half of the 20th century. At the time, the fastest, most powerful cars on the road were just breaking 100 horsepower, so the 540 K was a leap ahead of the competition. Its massive engine required an enormous nose and the front-end weight made steering difficult. The car was best designed for cruising on the autobahn at high speeds, not for taking sharp curves through the Italian Alps. These cars can fetch up to $6 million at auction today.

1970 C111

The C111 series was an experimental line of cars used by Mercedes-Benz to test innovative technologies of the day like diesel engines, mid-mounted engines and even luxuries like air conditioning. The body of all the C111’s was made of fiberglass and its sliver-like design gave it an unheard of drag coefficient of .191. The C111 set numerous land speed records and many times broke 200 mph. A later version of the C111, equipped with a 500-horsepower engine, once set a record of highest average lap speed of 250.98 mph in 1979.

1954 300 SL Gullwing

The 300 SL Gullwing is the car that changed it all for Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. Prior to the introduction of  this model, Americans believed Mercedes to be the maker of classic, high-quality, but boring cars. The Gullwing made people look at MB as the maker of luxury sports cars for the rich and beautiful, despite only 1,400 Gullwings being produced. On top of its trademark upward opening doors, the 300 SL was the first-ever gasoline-powered car equipped with fuel injection directly into the combustion chamber. The Gullwing was recently ranked the No.5 sports car of all time, and it is nothing short of an icon.

1955 300 SLR Racer

It’s not often that a racer takes inspiration from a streetcar, but that’s exactly what happened here. The 300 SLR was based off the U.S. market 300 SL Gullwing, but was much lighter due to the use of a tubular aluminum frame. The 300 SLR was the first race car to use air brakes and was the car of choice for legendary racer Stirling Moss when he competed in the 1955 Mille Miglia, which he won in record-setting fashion. The 300 SLR is being celebrated this year with a limited edition watch from TAG Heuer, and represents the pinnacle of classic Mercedes-Benz design and engineering.

Hot Cars and Hot Girls

This is a story about cars actually. I know that men will least watch the cars, but please give your best. These cars are more popular, but not because of girls, but because of their quality and appearance. Check out our gallery to see which cars we select for you. Stay focused, boys!

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