Top-5 American Automobile Designs

Top-5 American Automobile Designs

Every couple of years for the past decade, I’ve taken a minute to think about and list what I consider to be the top-5 best American Automotive designs in history. I do it without looking at or considering past efforts. This “clean slate” approach becomes really interesting after the list is made and I can go back and look how my tastes have changed since I last sat down. So, what am I waiting for?

1. 1936 Ford Roadster.

To me, it’s the most gracefully sculpted American car of all time. I have the roadster picked in the #1 spot, but I think the 3-window is just as deserving.

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2. 1965 Buick Riviera.

I love em all, but the ’65 is the year that does it for me. It’s a matured design that started pretty damn close to perfect to begin with.

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3. 1932 Ford Roadster.

It’s the body that started it all… and as cliche as it is to list, I can’t stop myself from doing it.

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4. 1938 Ford Deluxe Coupe.

I know, I’m a homer… But the longer I have my little coupe, the more I appreciate the lines of what many consider to be an “ugly duckling.”

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5. 1955/56 Lincoln Continental Mark II.

An innocent conversation with Gary Howard has ended with me being absolutely obsessed with these cars. Someday…

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A quick glance at my 2006 list shows pretty respectable consistency. The only real change is that the shoebox Ford club coupe dropped off the list and the Continental was added. I guess Gary Howard will do that to ya… I still love club coupes.

And it just occurred to me that many of you posted your own list all those years ago and can perform the same exercise I just did. First things first, create your list and post it as a reply… Then, check it out from a historical perspective:

November 21, 2003

November 17, 2006

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