15. Chevrolet Chevelle 396 SS

When we see these, the cultural connotation is “Muscle Car.” And that’s precisely what this particular model of Chevrolet’s line was intended to be. Also known generally as a Malibu, the Chevelle 396 SS separated from the pack in 1966 as its own distinct model.

They possessed specific features designed to appeal to the American Heavy Metal car scene—enhanced structural features and amped up horsepower under the hood was matched by swagger marks, such as red-striped tires and specialized trim designed to draw the eye, for it served no other purpose. While only in production for a couple of years, the SS remains one of the signature trophy cars of the muscle car scene, and a decided fixture in Automotive Americana.

16. Chevrolet Corvette

Manufactured continuously since 1953, with a brief hiatus in 1983, the Corvette is a seven-generation car that has largely set the bar for American sports cars in looks and power. Chevrolet fears that the model line, with its incredible popularity among the Baby Boomer generation, has been branded as a sports car for old men. But any car enthusiast—irrespective of sex or generation—has to acknowledge the beauty and craftsmanship of this particular car breed. Like a fine equine bloodline, it won’t fade away.

The younger set still find beauty in a Stingray—or a 1960s variant of the Corvette. If our parents and grandparents associate the car with other cultural tropes like Magnum P.I., we are making our own connections, and Chevrolet still has a few tricks left in this bag.

17. Ford Mustang

Another model of long standing, the Mustang is one of the prominent members of an elite American automotive circle. First appearing in 1964, five months prior to the official release of 1965 models, this stallion made its debut at the World’s Fair in New York. While there are any number of excellent cars, with superior racing profiles to the Mustang, it has an appeal and longevity that they do not. It’s one of the few cars that wove its way into the very fabric of Americana—a trope in and of itself.