VOTE For Best American Car

[YSSMAN]

First, the results from the previous round:

- The Holden Monaro takes the win for "Best Australian Car" quite easily, defeating the others by well over ten votes. I'm sure that the worldwide love of the car made it a winner from the get-go, so kudos shal be sent to Holden immediately!

- The Koenigsegg CCR/CCX takes "Best Sweedish Car" without a problem. You really didn't even need to count the outside votes, it simply blew the competition away. Was it really that obvious that it would win? I think so... But I didn't want to be a speed-crazy fanboy.

These cars will join the following:

- BMC Mini
- Lamborghini Muria
- Bugatti Veyron
- Mazda Miata MX-5
- Hyundai Tiburon/Coupe
- Porsche 911

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Now, for the American cars:

AM General Humvee/Hummer H1
Cadillac CTS (Sigma)
Cadillac DTS (K-Body)
Cadillac STS (Sigma)
Chevrolet Bel-Air
Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet Corvair
Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Malibu
Chrysler 300C (LX-chassis)
Chrysler K-Car
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Dodge Charger/Daytona
Dodge/Chrysler Viper
Duesenberg Model J
Ford Crown Victoria
Ford GT
Ford Model B aka '32 "Deuce Coupe"
Ford Model T
Ford Mustang
Hudson Hornet
Plymouth Roadrunner/Superbird
Pontiac GTO ('64-'74)
Saleen S7
Shelby Cobra
SSC Aero
Tucker Torpedo
Willys/AMC/Chrysler Jeep

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Vote away!

 

[TS]

Chevy Bel-Air, without a doubt. It's a symbol of American history.

 

[YSSMAN]

I'm still going with the Corvette. Simply put it is the flagship model for the entire American automotive industry, and it is argueably one of the most influential cars in history. The effect the car has had on the world is massive, and that is why it has remained a favorite in almost any country it is sold in.

Simply put, it changed the way America built and designed cars. If it wasn't for people like Earl, Duntov, and even DeLorean, the Corvette wouldn't be what it is today...

 

[weiss_komet]

Corvette of course. It has such a wide impact on the whole industry.

BTW, the C2's are my favorite.

 

[YSSMAN]

^ I agree on the C2 choise, the late-model Sting-Rays being my favorite. Although I love the early C3s and the late-model C4s, the C2 still has the most classic and iconic looks of them all.

 

[JCE]

Corvette. It's pretty much obvious why. It's the only true American sports car other than the Mustang that's worth a damn.

 

[3-Wheel Drive]

So many good choices... I almost wish it was multi-choice

I'll put my vote towards the GTO. It's an iconic car that was responsible for the entire muscle car revolution.

 

[opendriver]

Me and some other person have voted for the T

This is the car that started it all people

 

[YSSMAN]

Yes, it may have "started it all" here in the US, but what more did it do beyond that? Of course your opinion of what makes a particular car the "best" will determine the value of a car like the Model T versus a CTS or Charger, but I can see where you are comming from.

Personally I look for what car had the "effect" on the industry, and IMO, the Corvette has it. It pushed technology forward for GM, and continues to do so to this day... It pushes boundaries forward for sports cars not only in America, but worldwide as well...

My biggest arguement is that it is "America's Car," despite the fact the "ideals" of the car are indeed very European in origin. But when you think of the Corvette, it is often a combination of raw power, sexy styling, and that on/off American oversteer that make it what it is... Freaking awesome, and easily the best car ever built, designed, or even thought of by Americans.

 

[SRV2LOW4ME]

Went with my nomination, the K-Car.

I'm actually thinking of buying one for a winter beater as I type this.

 

[Caio]

Ford Model T. It's the symbol of the world history.

 

[Sakiale]

Ford Mustang. It has survived for forty years, and started the muscle car revolution. And it has done it again with the new Mustang GT, spurring a slew of new retro-style musclecars--Camaro, Challenger...

But I forgot to nominate the AMC Javelin!

 

[Slicks]

Voted for the 'Vette over the Cobra by a hair.

 

[neanderthal]

Personally I look for what car had the "effect" on the industry,

right there. nuff said.

i voted willys jeep.

ive been voting on all these threads, not based on which had the coolest poster or top speed or "mad horsepower yo" as some have, but more based on the significance of a vehicle and how it moved the game forward. the citroen DS really moved the game forward, as did the mini. the 911 didnt. sure, the 959 and all wheel drive and electronic dampers and all that. big deal. the jensen intercepter had all wheel drive and abs years ago. anyway, im not gonig to make this a soliloquiy.

the model T was avg in every way, just mass produced, cheap, and therefore accesible to the working man. so is just about every car on the list.

theres few that stand out as innovative and pioneering, few that signalled change. this one is going to be hotly contested

 

[Duke]

Much as I wanted to vote for the Hudson Hornet, followed by the Willys Jeep, followed by the Dodge Viper, I had to give the nod to the Corvette for sheer longevity and for really predating the GTO as the start of the muscle car era.

 

[DQuaN]

I hate to follow the trend, but if the trend is right...... Corvette.


I must have missed the part where the Cobra was nominated. It is one of my favourite cars of all time, but I would argue that it is a British car with a Ford engine.

 

[Dave A]

I've voted for the Ford Mustang, the Corvette may be bigger in America, but worldwide I'd say that the Mustang is much bigger than the Vette, especially in Europe.

 

[Diego440]

Definitely the Mustang... best selling car in its first year, ever. No other car has ever sold as many units. It was the perfect car for post-war baby boomers, looked fast and was appealing to everyone.

 

[Jim Prower]

Charger's gonna Lose, but i'm not letting it go unloved.

By the by, what are we gonna do next? Soviet cars?

 

[Swift]

Corvette, just because it's the best american sports car for the money. Not to mention it's incredible history.

 

[TheCracker]

Mustang?

No no no no no - A car can only be as good as its weakest link.

Meet the Mustang's weakest link:

The '74 - '78 Mustang II.





With a mighty 102bhp 2.3ltr four pot, this 'muscle' car could do the 1/4mile in an impressive 20 seconds and power to 60 in 14 seconds. Actually these figures are for the more powerful 2.8 V6 (god knows how slow the 2.3 was!)

Even the range topping 'King Cobra' could only muster up 134bhp from it's 302 V8. It still couldn't drag it's sorry ass below 11.2 to 60 and barely managed the 1/4mile in under 17 seconds!

Sure, they all suffered during the 'energy crisis' but do you guys really think this is the pinicle of the American auto industry?

 

[Dave A]

No I don't see it like that at all, but if your basing a cars merit on the worst model ever made than the Corvette doesn't trounce all in it's path either. If that's the case then your left with the cars which don't have model range after model range and haven't been around for nearly as long, cars like the Viper and Ford GT. The bottom line is, no matter how bad the Mustang II was, the original Mustang and it's variations were fantastic cars and were hugely iconic, not just in America but around the world.

 

[IMADreamer]

I hate to follow the trend, but if the trend is right...... Corvette.


I must have missed the part where the Cobra was nominated. It is one of my favourite cars of all time, but I would argue that it is a British car with a Ford engine.

I nominated the Cobra and while I agree it blurs the lines of Brit/American car I nominated it in the American thread because it is most often associated with Carroll Shelby which is without question American.

I am however voting for the Corvette, because I do believe it's the most influencial American car and definate the biggest or second biggest icon of the American auto industry.

A little off topic, but looking at the list of previous winners and assuming that the Corvette wins this round, wouldn't you just love to have one of each of those cars in your garage? What a dream garage that would be. Except maybe the Tibby. I'm not sure how much of an arguement can be put up when we get to the World Series on this. You can't really argue against any of these cars.

 

[TheCracker]

No I don't see it like that at all, but if your basing a cars merit on the worst model ever made than the Corvette doesn't trounce all in it's path either. If that's the case then your left with the cars which don't have model range after model range and haven't been around for nearly as long, cars like the Viper and Ford GT. The bottom line is, no matter how bad the Mustang II was, the original Mustang and it's variations were fantastic cars and were hugely iconic, not just in America but around the world.

Even the worst Vette was never as sorry as a Mustang II. The main reason for the Mustang or Vette's iconic status is the fact that they've been around for so long and sold in their millions. Every vote for the Mustang GT500 is a vote for the 2.3ltr Mustang II. The Ford GT has only had one model, the Viper perhaps four, but they've all been good. I just think that the Vette has been more consistant over the years than the Stang, and therefore deserves the vote.

 

[Jim Prower]

Even the worst Vette was never as sorry as a Mustang II. The main reason for the Mustang or Vette's iconic status is the fact that they've been around for so long and sold in their millions. Every vote for the Mustang GT500 is a vote for the 2.3ltr Mustang II. The Ford GT has only had one model, the Viper perhaps four, but they've all been good. I just think that the Vette has been more consistant over the years than the Stang, and therefore deserves the vote.

True, but, as well, most Mustang Enthusiasts don't consider the Mustang II a real Mustang.

I'd still take the Corvette over the 'Stang, but I'll take my Charger over them all.

 

[TheCracker]

True, but, as well, most Mustang Enthusiasts don't consider the Mustang II a real Mustang.

Ford did!

Lee Iacocca called it "a little jewel"

 

[Jim Prower]

He also liked the "K" car. Sure, it saved Chrysler, but it's one most Mopar guys would soon forget.

 

[skip0110]

Mustang?

No no no no no - A car can only be as good as its weakest link.

Meet the Mustang's weakest link:

The '74 - '78 Mustang II.





With a mighty 102bhp 2.3ltr four pot, this 'muscle' car could do the 1/4mile in an impressive 20 seconds and power to 60 in 14 seconds. Actually these figures are for the more powerful 2.8 V6 (god knows how slow the 2.3 was!)

Even the range topping 'King Cobra' could only muster up 134bhp from it's 302 V8. It still couldn't drag it's sorry ass below 11.2 to 60 and barely managed the 1/4mile in under 17 seconds!

Sure, they all suffered during the 'energy crisis' but do you guys really think this is the pinicle of the American auto industry?

Yes.

Through the years, the Mustang has adapted to changing consumer expectations, while still maintaining the "sporty, 2-door" image in a changing market.

Plus, with economy and muscle models, it can be everything to everyone.

 

[Dave A]

At the end of the day, the fact that the Mustang 2 was craop does not take away from the original Mustang's greatness, or iconic stature. You say one vote for the original Mustang is one vote for the Mustang II, so what. Like I said, if you want to base it on that then a car like the Viper is a much more logical choice than the Corvette, because it's been much more consistent than the Corvette.

The Mustang is probably a bigger icon worldwide than the Corvette. Whether you base your opinion of the best America car on that or even take that into consideration in your choice is not of my concern. But to say that the Mustang isn't deserving of votes because of the Mustang II is daft imo.

 

[TheCracker]

Please don't get me wrong - i love the Mustang, much, much more so than the Vette, i'd kill for a simple 64/65 'notchback' Mustang 289 - i wouldn't touch any Vette with a barge pole if i was spending my own 'hard earned'. But the Vette has been America's only real sportscar for over half a century and has done exactly what it says on the tin throughout. The Mustang wasn't even really a muscle car - it was the original pony car, which is different and mostly forgotten in this day and age.

I certainly don't think that the Mustang has a greater presence outside the USA than the Vette. I don't believe that the Mustang has ever been officially sold outside the US?