1. The 1923 Model T
The 1923 model T Ford is the ultimate hot rod. The first model Ts appeared in
1908. It was the the first assembly line production car in the world It was
also the car/truck that built America. My favorite year is the 1923 T. The car
it self was extremely versatile being used as everything from a delivery hack
to family car.
Ford Depot Hack |
1923 "T Bucket" Hotrod |
2. Willy's MB Jeep
Probably the second most important vehicle ever to be made after the Tin Lizzy.
Versatile and revolutionary, neither a car nor a truck. It's what every Sport
Utility thrives to be but can never really achieve. Even today's "Jeeps" fail
to live up to the reputation of this little wonder vehicle that helped win World
War II. The Jeep was initially designed by Bantam, but the contract went to
Willys. Because of the need for thousands of Jeeps for the war, the vehicle
was also made by Ford according to the Willy's specifications and used the Willys
"Go Devil" four cylinder engine.
SAS Jeep in the Sahara |
Willys MB with Trailer |
3. The Duesenberg SJ
It isn't often that a car will inspire a word to be added to the dictionary
but this is the case with the Duesenberg and the original meaning to the phrase
"It's a Dusey" meaning one of the best you can have. The fact that a luxury
car such as the Duesenberg could actually survive the Depression is in itself
a testament to the fine automobile.
The Duesenberg was manufactured in Indianapolis Indiana, and as such were
also built for speed. In fact Duseys won several Indy 500s as well as international
races against famed European race cars. The 1934 Dusey had a "production speed"
topping 120 mph, making it the fastest production car on the road. It attained
this speed using a 32 valve supercharged straight eight dual overhead cam
engine. Most of these innovations were unheard of in 1934. It came in number
of body styles, all of which were custom ordered from the Duesenberg factory.
The cost for a Dusey was around $24,000. It is in my mind, the absolute best
car ever made-bar none.
Duesey SJ (1931) |
The "S" in SJ is for "Supercharged" |
4. 1932 Chevrolet
Most people are enthralled by the "deuce coup" of American Graffiti fame. The
1932 Ford is an awesome car, even if it is painted a cross between "piss yellow
and puke green". But for me the 1932 Chevrolet is just a classy car and when
compared to a stock 1932 Ford was the better buy for your money. The straight
six "Blue Flame" was also a better engine, outlasting the flat head by many,many
years
1932 Cabriolet |
1932 Phaeton |
5. BMW Isetta
Das Rollende Ei (The Rolling Egg).
This little economy car was made by BMW of Germany. BMW was struggling after
World War II. It made great motorcycles and excellent automobiles, but the autos
were too expensive for most of the economically strapped Europeans. The car
was initially made in Italy by a scooter company called Iso. they sold the right
to make it to other car companies and the little Isetta saved BMW. running on
a 298 cc one cylinder BMW motorcycle engine the little two seater managed a
top speed of 53 miles per hour, if you had a death wish. It has a 3.4 gallon
gas tank and gets about 63 miles to the gallon. It carries two passengers but
some four seat models were made.
Most actually have four wheels the two in back are close together. however
you can find some three wheel models. these were made for England where the
three wheel version allowed it to be licensed as a motorcycle!
(Yes, it is the Steve Urkel car)
Isetta with front door open |
The Rolling Egg |
6. Schwimmwagen (Amphibious Volkswagen)
Schwimmwagen |
Schwimmwagen |
7. 1959 Chevrolet (Impala)
The only American car that is of post World War II production that made it in
my top 7! The 1957 is probably the most famous of any Chevrolet and it is a
fine machine. If you ask most people what is the greatest muscle car, the argument
would probably be Pontiac's GTO or the Dodge Charger. for me, however, the '59
Impala was "MUSCLE" before Muscle existed. Long, low, mean. Obviously, you need
to toss in the 315 hp, Tri-power 348 V-8 instead of the 235 hp Blue flame straight
6.
Impala, two door hardtop |
Ragtop muscle |
Honorable mention
NSU Kettenkraftrad
Klienes Kettenkraftrad |
Small Tracked, Motorcycle |