Car: Chevrolet C-1 Corvette

Year: 1955

What makes it special: The first generation Chevrolet Corvette was produced for the 1953 through 1962 model years, making it the “C-1” solid-axle years. It’s called solid because the famed Corvette independent rear suspension was not available until the 1963 model year on the Sting Ray. The Corvette was in such demand by the buying public after its concept debut at the Auto-Rama that many expectations were left unsatisfied.

What made it famous: For the 1955 model year, Chevrolet debuted the 195hp, 265 cu in small-block V8, and it was made available for the Corvette model. It was only available with the two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, but a three-speed manual transmission became available later that year. For the 1955 model, there were 5 different exterior color choices, four interior color choices and three different convertible soft top materials and color choices. Very few of the famed “Blue Flame Inline-6” models were built for the 1955 model year, and all were backed by the Powerglide transmission.

Why I would want one: Admittedly, I was not always a fan of this body style or the mesh-covered headlights look, but have grown fond of it over the years.

Fun fact: Famed Corvette genius Zora Arkus-Duntov was the man responsible for the addition of the V8 / three-speed manual transmission combo in the Corvette.
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Car: Ford Mustang Coupe

Year: 1966

What makes it special: Ford’s first generation Mustang was produced for the 1964 through 1973 model years, and as it did, it grew wider, then larger. Mustang is credited with the creation of the “Pony Car” class, due to it’s long hood/short rear deck look. It inspired like models from GM, Chrysler and American Motors. When it first arrived, it was in hardtop and convertible style, eventually getting a fastback body version a few months later. The earlier Mustang shared its underpinnings with Ford’s compact Falcon model.

What made it famous: The 1966 model year Ford Mustang had a few trim changes than the prior year, including a new front grille, side chrome ornaments, hubcaps and gas-filler cap. The famed 289 HiPo K-code engine was offered with Ford’s new C-4 Cruise-o-matic automatic transmission. The transmission had stronger internal works and could be identified with the outer casing stamped with a “C.” The HiPo was known for its long duration solid-lifter camshaft and allowed the high-revving horsepower the 289 V8 was now known for.

Why I would want one: Actually, had one. Same thing….1966 Coupe. Loved it.

Fun fact: Ford Mustangs sold in Germany were sold under the name “T-5.”
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Car: Cadillac Eldorado

Year: 1968

What makes it special: Cadillac’s Eldorado was a personal luxury car produced for the 1952 to 2002 model years, spanning just over ten generations. It was at or near the top of the Cadillac model line during the early model years.

What made it famous: The sixth generation Eldorado was completely redesigned for the 1967 model year and promoted as a personal Cadillac. It now shared its E-Body platform with Buick’s Rivietra and Oldsmobile’s Tornado. It now had front wheel drive in a unified powerplant package adapted to a standard Cadillac 429 V8 mated to a Turbo-Hydramatic 425 automatic transmission. Disc brakeswere an option, and it  now had standard safety equipment like an energy absorbing steering column and padded dashboard.

Why I would want one: It was probably the sportiest, most stylish Cadillac ever made. Also the beginning of Front wheel drive for Cadillac models.

Fun fact: GM’s Unified Powerplant Package was later shared with the GMC Motorhome beginning in 1972.
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