Top 10 Cars That Shaped Automotive History - Part 1

     It's February and there isn't much going on as far as car events so I thought it might be a good time to take a look at the history of the automobile and try to pick out the top 10 cars that shaped that history. Considering the number of cars that have been built since the late 1800's, it's a tough call to try to select just 10 for any list. Some of the criteria I chose to follow for vehicle selection includes questions such as What part did this vehicle play in automotive history? How did it affect other automobiles of its type? How did it shape public trends? What was its impact on the manufacturing process? That's just a small part of the thought that went into making up this list. Now as with any list there are always those who won't agree or may have their own opinions. That's OK, this isn't a scientific study just another way to think about what the automobile has meant to society and how much of an affect it has had on our lives, for better or worse. With that being said, lets get started.

10 - Ford F100/150: Prior to 1953 trucks were primarily utilitarian. A vehicle meant to work. They had very little options, styling and no luxury to speak of. That all changed with the restyled Ford F100 Pickup. Trucks started becoming more attractive with more options. They also Started to be purchased for more than hauling farm goods. This trend has continued through to the present with the F150, which is one of the largest selling vehicles of all time. Now all trucks are nothing like their distant cousins and it all goes back to the simple but beautiful F100.

9 - 1964 Pontiac GTO: The muscle car era was an orgy of horsepower and performance that reached its peak in 1972 and it all started with the GTO. The muscle car was nothing new, take for example the Chrysler 300 in the fifties. When John DeLorean made the decision to stuff a big engine into a mid size body, a whole new class of vehicle was born. You could go to your local dealer and order a car that was just short of race ready. Maximum HP + Light Weight Body = Fun!

8 - Chevrolet Corvette: Americas first sports car. It was modeled after the European sports cars that WWII GI's had been driving and were bringing home with them. It was underpowered with few options and styling was, well uninspiring but it was a start. With its all fiberglass body, still in production today, they are quite unique. By 1956 Corvette got its V8 engine, performance upgrades and slick body. At that point it took off and never looked back. Today it's a world class car and remains a one of a kind vehicle with a very loyal following.

7 - 1963 Jeep Wagoneer: Another huge and long lasting trend was the SUV craze. The first of those was the Jeep Wagoneer. It had 4 wheel drive, plenty of passenger seating and a list of options that made it a very comfortable vehicle to drive. Eventually all the other manufacturers brought out their own models but it would be a few years. The SUV started to gain popularity in the late 80's and by the ends of the 90's it was the biggest selling vehicle class on the road. Many think the SUV filled the void left by the muscle car but in recent years their popularity has wained as it seems they are blamed for all the ills in the world. What was once cool to be seen in is now something to avoid....sounds like the muscle car don't it!

.

6 - 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang: A sporty body, peppy performance and an ingenious advertising campaign aimed at young people the Mustang was destined to be huge hit. The brain child of Lee Iaccoca sold over a million units in its first 18 months. At the time there was nothing like it and all the other auto manufacturers were caught off guard. The Mustang has never been out of production in its 40 + years, a testament to its popularity. It started the whole pony car era out of which came the Fire Bird, Camaro, Barracuda, Javelin and others. In 1969 the Mustang joined the ranks of the muscle cars and with the help of Carroll Shelby became a true super car that is highly valued today. Mustang has proven over the years that sporty looks, strong performance and a well balanced package can stand the test of time and become an American icon.
     So there it is, the first half of our list. Check back as we continue with number 5 and work our way to number 1. Until then...........

Happy Motoring Gang!