The 9 Greatest American Cars Ever Created

When it comes to cars, America gets kind of a bad rap. Italian sports cars are considered far cooler and more luxurious. German cars are known for their superior engineering. Japanese and South Korean cars are innovative. But American automobiles? Bland. However, that’s nothing more than a stereotype. American manufacturers are every bit as creative, and the luxury models are just as high quality, and at lower prices to boot. Here is a look at 9 American cars that changed everything.

Ford Model T

While not the first car manufactured for the public (the Benz Patent-Motorwagen holds that honor), the Model T is to thank for the creation of the modern car industry. It was the first to bring the automobile to the masses thanks to Henry Ford’s introducing the concept of the assembly line. Its introduction in 1908 through 1927, when it was discontinued in favor of more advanced cars, more than 15 million Model Ts were sold, forever changing the way in which people traveled.

Cadillac Model 51

The Model T wasn’t flashy or expensive, which is why it was so accessible to the average person. The Cadillac Type 51, on the other hand, was the first true luxury car the rich. It cost more than $5,000 when it was introduced in 1915, or the average annual income of around 10 people at that time! There’s no doubt that the pretty lasses of the time were willing to bare the lower end of their calves for a chance to be driven around town in one of these bad boys!

Duesenberg Model J

Introduced in 1928, the Model J was truly ahead of its time. For instance, it could go from 0 to 60mph in 8 seconds flat, and accelerate to as high as 130mph. Think about it: even the typical car of today would struggle to reach such speeds! It didn’t come cheap though. The price tag was $30,000 in 1928 currency, or more than what most people today would be able to pay for a car. When factoring for inflation, that comes out to $400,000 in 2020 dollars. Unfortunately for Duesenberg, the Great Depression soon reared its ugly head, which naturally meant that any rich folk insensitive enough to drive around in something so opulent would have been immediately called out for being the Grade A Duesenberg (i.e., Douche).