All posts tagged famous autos

Cars are a statement of who you are. There is no way around, just like your clothes, they send a distinct message—even if you’re not trying to. Take a look around the next time you’re on the road. You can see the snowboarder with a Thule rack, the recent graduate who has a tassel hanging proudly on the mirror or an opinionated driver with multiple messages stuck to their bumper.

Makes and models also tell people a lot about you. They can determine the rich (Teslas and Ferraris), the poor (a 1991 aqua metallic Geo Metro), families (minivans) or the uber eco-conscious (the Prius). But the pinnacle is the cars that defined entire groups or generations of people. They were notorious without longevity, and sought after by many for a time. They were one-hit wonders that people still look back on fondly. Unlike classics that stay around for multiple generations—think F150s, Accords and Corollas—they were only with us for a time. Of course, there are some that are still around because they have a cult following, but are well past their heyday. Read on to find out some of the vehicles that defined a generation.

Model T

The Model T was produced from 1908 until 1927. Also known as the Tin Lizzie, the Model T was considered the first affordable, mass-produced automobile. Although cars had been around for a while at this point in time, the Model T made it possible for more households to adopt the technology. The Model T had a whopping two speeds, plus reverse, and cost between $300 and $800.

Mustang

In 1964, Ford introduced a car that would forever hold a place in the avid car collector’s heart. The Ford Mustang is considered the first muscle car, and before it was three, had 500 fan clubs. Mustang was a symbol for the 60s, and quickly skyrocketed to pop-star status. The Mustang is still produced today, but doesn’t possess the allure it once did. Back in the day, Mustang had people like Steve McQueen and David Bowie acting and singing alongside it. It was the first automobile to win the Tiffany Gold Medal for excellence in American Design. It’s a nostalgic look at how a car influenced an entire generation.

Beetle

The VW Beetle is a distinctively-shaped rear engine vehicle that was most popular in America during the 60s. The Beetle has been in production for over 70 years, and the newest version looks very little like the model that has been seen all over the world. During its reign, VWs were iconic with flower children. It’s easy to imagine a Beetle covered in flowers and peace symbols heading to Woodstock. Beetles have never been known for their performance and safety, something that many fans lovingly overlook.

Trans Am

There was a time when every wannabe rock star wanted the holy grail of cars—the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The special addition from 1978 displayed an incredible firebird graphic on the hood. The Trans Am was made even more popular by television. It had featured roles in shows like Smokey and the Bandit and Knight Rider, and was also a hot car on the racing circuit. Eventually the Trans Am fell from favor, but it will always be associated with hard rock and the glorious manes of the 80s.

Hummer

When the economy was stable and gas affordable, Americans were ready for a new vehicle. Extra-large SUVs became the cornerstone of the industry, and its golden goose was Hummer. Based on the military Humvee, the Hummer became a prevalent sight on roadways across the nation. Hummers boasted terrible fuel economy, oozed excess and were notorious for their unflattering yet popular looks. When the economic slump hit around 2008, there was no room for a vehicle that sucked up money, and Hummer went bankrupt. Once sold for $50,000-$100,000, you can easily find them for under $20,000 today. For a time, they were the ultimate symbol of overconsumption

The Station Wagon

Now more commonly called a 5-door or hatchback, there was a time when a station wagon was a thing. Families and friends piled into the Plymouth Volare or the Volvo 200 Series. They preceded the minivan revolution, offering people enough space to cart a carload of people and more. Station wagons do differ from today’s “wagons”. It all comes down to pillars and cargo volume.

MG, Alfa Romeo, Impala, Cutlass, Saturns, LeSabre, Datsun—cars have risen and fallen throughout the years, each playing a role in generations. Many people remember certain cars fondly, even if they don’t exist today. What’s your favorite?

Korey Adekoya works with Shabana Motors in Houston, TX. He runs the Shabana Motors Blog where he writes specifically about fixing bad credit and in-house financing options.