5 Classic Cars that Shaped Americana

Right next to the apple pie, the Stars and Stripes and the baseball bat are classic American cars. They defined the dreams of America's teens close to their 16th birthdays and they have today's adults bidding in auctions dedicated to old classic cars. Here are the top five American dream cars.

First Generation Ford Mustang
The production run spanned 1964 to 1973. This classic was available with a three-speed automatic or three- and four-speed manual transmission. Car specs reveal that depending on the engine type, there were between 101 and 306 ponies under the hood. The MSRP started at $2,372 in 1965. James Bond aficionados recognize the Ford Mustang from its appearance in "Goldfinger."

Fourth Generation Cadillac Sixty Special
One of the American Dream cars that defined the feel of luxury between 1950 and 1953, the Cadillac Sixty Special defined automotive lavishness. Measuring between 224.9 inches and 224.8 inches over the course of these years, this vehicle set the standard for the stretched out look. The dagmars finished the icon's appearance. Car specifications show that these cars paved the way for the Eldorado, which came with the (then) hefty price tag of $7,750.

Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt
American muscle cars on steroids, the Ford Fairlane Thunderbolts rolled off limited production lines in 1964. Specifically made for drag racing, the Thunderbolt was actually merged with the body of a Ford Fairlane. Not surprisingly, the vehicle lacked plenty of the heavy luxury components, but for the drag-racing aficionado this didn't really matter. The Muscle Car Club outlines that the Thunderbolt did the quarter mile in 11.76 seconds.

Corvette Stingray
The C2 Chevy Corvettes were built between 1963 and 1967. Classic American cars all the way, these vehicles were show stoppers. Unapologetically sporty, the Stingray featured V8s, did the quarter mile in 15.2 seconds and guzzled quite a bit of gas. Corvette Story enthusiasts show that the 1963 base coupe sold for $4,252, while the convertible carried a $4,037 price tag.

First Generation Plymouth Fury
If you remember Stephen King's "Christine," then you have had a less than stellar introduction to these classic American cars. The first generation Plymouth Fury was a study in gorgeous design coupled with sporty ambitions. To appease the family sedan buyer, toned-down versions were indeed available. Built between 1956 and 1959, All Par explains that a 303 V8 and tail fins were just a hint of what would still come. When the vehicle timed at 149.124 miles an hour, teen boys across the country started to salivate. Costs were just below $3,000.

Sources

How Stuff Works: "1965 1966 Ford Mustang Specifications"
How Stuff Works: "1950-1959 Cadillac"
Muscle Car Club: "1964 Ford Fairlane"
Corvette Story: "Corvette Year by Year"
All Par: "The C-body Plymouth Fury, 1955-1974"