At a time when nostalgia is on the rise, classic cars are a cool reminder of the good old days. People flock to car shows just to be in the presence of old models of cars that either bring back sentimental memories or that just remind them of a simpler time. For car aficionados, they are also masterful works of engineering that either no longer exist or were the first of their kind. Some cars were made famous by making a cameo in an iconic movie or TV show, earning themselves top billing alongside their human costars.
Within the United States, there are millions of cars with the classic designation. The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) counts over one million car types that qualify, and there are approximately five million privately-owned classic cars within the United States, mostly by baby boomers.
The number one favorite classic car of all time is the one Americans associate with scenes found in The Dukes of Hazard and The Fast and the Furious. The 1969 Dodge Charger instantly recognizable as the General Lee, and watching the impossible jumps was part of the reason people tuned in each week. Fans also became emotionally invested in watching Dom finally embrace his father’s legacy by bonding with the Dodge Charger in the Fast and the Furious.
In addition to Dodge, Ford also made its mark on the world with several car models. The 1965 Mustang has been listed as the most popular classic car on more than one occasion. Catered to boomers who were ready to buy their first car and noting that some families were buying second cars, Ford dazzled the nation with an unrivaled media campaign, including a debut at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The catchy name was an instant favorite as well. With all of the TV and print ads, the Ford Mustang as cemented itself into a slice of Americana.
The 1960s seem to hold many of the top spots when it comes to popular classic cars. Chevrolet joined the list with its 1960s Camaros that featured sleek designs previously unseen in other manufacturers. In addition to its attractiveness, it also had a race car motor that went head-to-head again Ford Mustang’s model. Its popularity is evidenced by the fact that 50 years later it is still so highly sight after.