Most Beautiful American Classic Cars

The American auto industry is well-known for a variety of reasons. To begin with, American cars are built to be less expensive than European cars, which is unsurprising given that Americans pioneered the moving assembly line to aid in mass production. American cars are also known for their powerful V8 engines, particularly popular muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger.

However, American cars are not famed for their design. Although American cars can compete with some of the best European cars in terms of speed, they have always fallen behind in terms of design. But not all of them. Although they are few and far between, American automakers have built numerous stunning cars over the years that can compete with the Jaguar E-Types and Ferrari 250 GTOs of the globe. Still not convinced? Perhaps these stunning American classic cars can persuade you.

1. Chevrolet Bel Air

Throughout its 30-year production run, Chevy’s Bel Air was a big hit. There’s a lot to like about the Bel Air, but we believe its design, particularly the second-generation model, contributed significantly to its popularity.

The redesigned second-generation Bel Air debuted in 1955. The 1955 Bel Air featured a Ferrari-inspired front grille, although most gearheads favour the more traditional front grille design of the 1957 Bel Air. The second-generation Bel Air, whether coupe or convertible, continues to attract heads today.

2. 1957 Chrysler 300C

Several Chrysler models have carried the ‘300C’ moniker over the years. This article will concentrate on the personal luxury car produced by Chrysler from 1955 through 1965, specifically the 1957 model.

The 1957 300C was redesigned with a “yawning” trapezoid-shaped grille, dual headlights, a “Vista-Dome” windshield, and rising tail fins beginning from the door. The 1957 300C also received a power boost, with a 6.4-liter V8 producing 375 horsepower.

3. Dodge Viper

Dodge decided in the early 1990s to create a new sports car that could compete with the top European sports cars of the time while costing a lot less. The Viper was born after several years of development.

The Viper was an instant success. It had a clever name, a stylish design, and a huge V10 engine under the hood that powered it insanely fast. The Viper went on to have a 29-year production career with only minor design revisions.

4. 1955 Ford Thunderbird

When it first appeared in 1953, the Corvette was a big success. Ford, jealous of Chevy’s success, decided to create a viable competitor, which resulted in the Thunderbird. Ford’s strategy worked flawlessly, as the Thunderbird was acclaimed for its stunning appearance.

Despite the popularity of the two-door Thunderbird, Ford opted to discontinue it after 1955. As a result, two-door first-generation Thunderbirds are extremely rare and costly.

5. Buick Riviera

Any list of the greatest Buicks ever manufactured will never leave out the Riviera. This personal luxury car was a big success due to its attractiveness and lightweight nature in comparison to its competitor, the Ford Thunderbird.

Almost every Riviera generation will turn heads, but the 1971-1972 Riviera “Boat-Tail” is our favourite. Bill Mitchell created it because he wanted to mix numerous traditional shapes to create a new one.

6. 1961 Lincoln Continental

Ford launched Lincoln as its luxury subsidiary in the 1920s. The 1961 Continental is undoubtedly the most beautiful Lincoln ever made. The low-slung boxy form of this luxury sedan gave it an elegance that other American luxury sedans lacked.

Unfortunately, this car is associated with one of the saddest moments in American history, as it was the car in which President John F. Kennedy was slain.

7. Pontiac GTO Judge

The automotive world is divided on which model was the original muscle car, but everyone agrees that the Pontiac GTO was instrumental in popularising the genre. The GTO began as a package for the LeMans, but gearheads were so taken with its appearance and power that Pontiac made it an independent vehicle.

The 1969 ‘Judge’ is the most desirable of all GTOs ever produced. We adore its lovely Coca-Cola bottle design.

8. Shelby Cobra Daytona

We almost featured the Shelby Cobra, but in order to avoid protracted debates over whether it’s American or not, we went with the next best alternative – the stunning Shelby Cobra Daytona. The Cobra Daytona was based on the Shelby Cobra but was wholly constructed in the United States.

The Cobra Daytona was designed particularly to compete with the Ferrari 250 GTO in racing, which explains the design similarities. The Cobra Daytona is one of the most rare American cars ever produced, with only six specimens produced.

9. Ford GT4

In the 1960s, Henry Ford was obsessed with exacting vengeance on Ferrari after the Italian company backed out of a takeover bid. Ford determined that the best approach to damage Ferrari was to design a car capable of ending Ferrari’s domination at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As a result, the GT40 was born.

The GT40 was an instant success, finishing 1-2-3 to halt Ferrari’s winning streak. Despite the fact that Ford never produced road-legal GT40s, the car’s stunning design served as inspiration for the modern Ford GT.

10. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray

When the second-generation Corvette appeared in 1963, it lit up the automotive world. The most stunning aspect of it was its design, which featured smooth lines, hidden headlamps, razor-sharp fender forms, and, of course, the now-iconic split back window.

The power of the second-generation Corvette was also increased, with a 360-hp V8 engine under the hood. The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray is one of the most expensive American cars available at auction, with some specimens reaching nearly a million dollars.