I don’t think it’s too controversial to say that there was a golden age of American design. As seems to be the case with most things in the U.S., it is widely agreed that the post-war era was the most exciting in automotive design. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the era produced the most beautiful car, though.
Today we’re asking our faithful readers to do the impossible and to pick the most beautiful vehicle America ever produced. For the purposes of this question, an American manufacturer’s badge on the hood of the car is the main concern (not where the designer was from), though I will stipulate that it had to be sold in the U.S. I don’t really think it’s fair to include a Ford Capri on the list.
While the ’50s and ’60s are traditionally thought of as the finest years for American design, it’s not hard to make an argument for other generations’ products. Although the appeals of the ’57 Chevy, the C2 Corvette, the ’67 Ford Mustang, and countless others are beyond reproach, that doesn’t mean they have to be your favorite.
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For example, if we limit ourselves to the legendary Chevrolet Corvette, the first two generations are without doubt attractive, but the C4 has an appeal all its own, and the C5 will always hold a special place in my heart. As with SNL casts, I think the Corvette you grew up with will always be your favorite.
Speaking of the C5 Corvette, its closest competitor, the Dodge Viper was, I think we can all agree, a high point of design. A car that could have come from no era other than the ’90s, its beauty only becomes more apparent with age.
Meanwhile, we can look backwards, too. The Duesenbergs or the Pierce-Arrows of the ’20s are full of opulence, while the 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton looks like it’s straight out of a Batman comic. Speaking of erstwhile brands, maybe you’re one of those who loves a Studebaker and can’t help but see the beauty in an Avanti. I won’t yuck your yum.
What do you think? Are any of these the most beautiful American car of all time? Did I miss anything obvious? Let us know in the comments below.
