50 Classic Cars That Define Each U.S. State
I once met a guy in Arizona who swore the ’67 GTO was more American than apple pie – at least in his zip code.
A week later, I was in Vermont watching someone lovingly polish a vintage Saab 96 like it was a national treasure.
Every state seems to have its own automotive spirit animal, a car that just fits, whether it’s a beach-friendly convertible or a workhorse pickup with 300,000 miles and counting.
Across the U.S., local culture, roads, and weather shaped which classics earned legend status in each corner of the map.
1. Alabama – 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
Muscle meets Southern charm with Alabama’s beloved Chevelle SS.
The thunderous 454 cubic-inch big-block V8 engine mirrors the state’s industrial strength, while its sleek lines reflect Southern elegance.
Alabamians cherish these powerhouses at weekend car shows from Birmingham to Mobile.
Many collectors still debate whether Tuxedo Black or Cranberry Red best captures the Yellowhammer State’s spirit.
2. Alaska – 1974 Ford Bronco
Conquering the Last Frontier requires serious machinery, and Alaska’s 1974 Ford Bronco delivers with rugged dependability.
First-generation Broncos handle everything from snowy Anchorage streets to remote wilderness trails.
Compact yet mighty, these 4×4 icons earned their reputation during pipeline construction days.
Many Alaskan Broncos sport custom modifications like oversized tires and auxiliary lights – practical necessities for the state’s extreme conditions.
3. Arizona – 1972 Chevrolet Corvette C3
Desert sunsets perfectly complement the sweeping curves of Arizona’s iconic Corvette C3.
The Stingray’s fiberglass body withstands scorching heat while its T-top configuration lets drivers embrace those famous Arizona starry nights.
Road trippers frequently spot these American sports cars cruising through Sedona’s red rock landscapes.
Local owners swear the dry climate preserves these classics better than anywhere else, making Arizona a Corvette collector’s paradise.
4. Arkansas – 1966 Ford F-100
Hard work built Arkansas, and nothing embodies that spirit better than the trusty 1966 F-100.
Farm-to-market roads across the Natural State still welcome these workhorses hauling everything from chicken feed to fishing gear.
Ozark Mountain mechanics keep these vintage trucks running decades beyond their expected lifespan.
The simple, sturdy design with its straight-six engine represents Arkansas values – unpretentious reliability that gets the job done without unnecessary flash.
5. California – 1965 Ford Mustang
Surf’s up! California’s love affair with the ’65 Mustang began on day one and never faded.
Beach cruising in a Poppy Red convertible became the quintessential Golden State dream, immortalized in countless films and songs.
From Hollywood Hills to San Francisco’s steep streets, the pony car’s youthful spirit captured California’s optimism.
Original California Mustangs command premium prices today, especially rare configurations with documented coastal history.
6. Colorado – 1980 Jeep CJ-7
Rocky Mountain adventures demand Colorado’s ultimate trail companion – the unstoppable CJ-7. Weekend warriors tackle alpine passes that would defeat lesser vehicles, while these Jeeps barely break a sweat.
Coloradans often customize their CJ-7s with winches and roll cages for serious backcountry exploration.
Vintage ski resort parking lots showcase rows of these beloved 4×4s, many sporting battle scars from decades of mountain conquests yet still running strong.
7. Connecticut – 1963 Buick Riviera
Sophisticated elegance defines Connecticut’s automotive icon, the ’63 Riviera. GM’s personal luxury coupe seamlessly blends into the Constitution State’s affluent coastal communities and historic neighborhoods.
The Riviera’s understated styling and hidden headlights represent Connecticut’s reserved wealth philosophy.
These classics frequently appear at Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, where enthusiasts admire their clean lines and luxurious interiors.
8. Delaware – 1967 Dodge Dart GT
First State, first choice! Delaware’s compact darling, the ’67 Dart GT, offers the perfect balance of performance and practicality.
These sporty compacts navigate narrow colonial streets in historic New Castle just as comfortably as they cruise along coastal Highway 1.
Delaware’s tax-friendly policies made it a retail hotspot, with many Darts originally sold through its busy dealerships.
Local car clubs celebrate these underappreciated classics that prove good things come in small packages.
9. Florida – 1977 Pontiac Trans Am
Screaming eagles and sunshine define Florida’s automotive hero – the legendary ’77 Trans Am.
Immortalized in “Smokey and the Bandit,” these black-and-gold beauties became synonymous with Sunshine State freedom and coastal highway cruising.
Senior car enthusiasts in retirement communities proudly display these nostalgic machines.
The T-top configuration proves perfect for balmy Florida evenings, while the powerful V8 growl still turns heads from Miami Beach to Pensacola.
10. Georgia – 1969 Dodge Charger R/T
Georgia’s roads forever echo with the distinctive rumble of ’69 Charger R/Ts.
Though “The Dukes of Hazzard” popularized this muscle car nationwide, Georgians had already embraced its aggressive styling and powerful performance.
Red clay country roads seem made for these Mopar legends.
Local restoration shops specialize in bringing these icons back to life, though purists avoid the orange paint and “01” doors associated with the famous TV car.
11. Hawaii – 1973 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
Aloha spirit rolls on four wheels with Hawaii’s beloved Beetle convertibles. Island-hopping surfers adopted these affordable, salt-air-resistant Germans as the perfect beach companions decades ago.
Flower power decals and surfboard racks adorn many Hawaiian Bugs.
These cheerful convertibles remain practical transportation on islands where driving distances are short and parking spaces are tight.
12. Idaho – 1978 International Harvester Scout II
Potato fields and mountain trails demand Idaho’s rugged companion – the no-nonsense Scout II.
These boxy 4×4 pioneers helped farmers access remote properties long before SUVs became fashionable.
Idaho’s harsh winters and dusty summers put these workhorses through their paces.
Remarkably, many Scouts still serve their original purpose rather than becoming collector showpieces.
13. Illinois – 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Chicago style meets Midwest practicality in Illinois’ quintessential cruiser – the sophisticated ’71 Cutlass Supreme.
These well-appointed coupes projected success without ostentation, perfect for Prairie State sensibilities.
Oldsmobile’s assembly lines in neighboring Michigan kept dealers well-stocked with these popular models.
Weekend car shows throughout Illinois still feature immaculate Cutlass examples, often owned by the same families for generations.
14. Indiana – 1963 Studebaker Avanti
Hoosier pride takes fiberglass form in the revolutionary Avanti – South Bend’s design masterpiece.
While Studebaker’s factory closed shortly after this model launched, Indiana never forgot its automotive innovation legacy.
The Avanti’s ahead-of-its-time styling still turns heads at Indianapolis car gatherings.
Fiberglass construction means many examples survive in excellent condition, cherished by collectors who appreciate American design brilliance.
15. Iowa – 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
Cornfields provide the perfect backdrop for Iowa’s chrome-laden beauty – the iconic ’57 Bel Air. Farm families saved for these premium Chevrolets, which represented attainable luxury and heartland prosperity.
Summer cruise nights in small Iowa towns still showcase these treasured classics.
Practical yet stylish, with their distinctive fins and tri-five heritage, Bel Airs embody Iowa’s balance of traditional values and mid-century optimism.
16. Kansas – 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7
Wheat fields stretch to the horizon while Kansas roads welcome the distinctive sequential turn signals of the elegant Cougar XR7.
Ford’s premium pony car offered Sunflower State drivers sophistication beyond Mustang’s youthful appeal.
Hidden headlights and European-inspired styling made these Mercury masterpieces stand out in rural communities.
Kansas winters weren’t kind to these classics, making well-preserved examples increasingly valuable among Midwest collectors.
17. Kentucky – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Bourbon country’s favorite son – the muscular ’69 Camaro SS – still rules Kentucky backroads with authority.
These performance legends match perfectly with the Bluegrass State’s horse racing heritage – both celebrations of power and beauty.
Louisville and Lexington garages hide remarkable survivor Camaros.
Local restoration experts specialize in bringing these icons back to showroom condition, often using parts sourced from the state’s abundant rural junkyards.
18. Louisiana – 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
Laissez les bon temps rouler in Louisiana’s ultimate expression of excess – the magnificent ’76 Eldorado convertible.
These massive front-wheel-drive behemoths stretch nearly 19 feet, perfect for cruising through the French Quarter in style.
White exterior with red leather interior remains the preferred combination for Pelican State enthusiasts.
As the last of America’s full-size convertibles until the 1980s revival, these Cadillacs represent Louisiana’s love of tradition and celebration.
19. Maine – 1981 Volvo 240 Wagon
Practical meets preparedness with Maine’s trusted companion – the boxy but beautiful Volvo 240 wagon.
Coastal New Englanders embraced these Swedish tanks for their legendary durability in harsh nor’easter conditions. L.L. Bean catalogs and kayak racks complete the Maine Volvo experience.
These wagons routinely accumulate astronomical mileage while shuttling lobster traps, antiques, and outdoor gear across the Pine Tree State’s varied landscape.
20. Maryland – 1967 Plymouth Barracuda Fastback
Chesapeake charm meets Mopar muscle in Maryland’s sleek ’67 Barracuda Fastback. That enormous wraparound rear window perfectly frames views of Annapolis harbors and Eastern Shore landscapes.
Often overshadowed by Mustangs and Camaros, these distinctive Plymouth fish found devoted following in the Free State.
The combination of reasonable price when new and striking design makes these underappreciated classics particularly treasured by Maryland collectors.
21. Massachusetts – 1985 Saab 900 Turbo
Wicked smart and slightly quirky, the Saab 900 Turbo perfectly captures Massachusetts’ intellectual vibe.
Cambridge professors and Boston professionals alike embraced these Swedish imports for their unconventional styling and aircraft-inspired engineering.
The ignition switch located between the seats? That’s the kind of oddball detail that appeals to Bay Staters who pride themselves on being different.
Practical enough for brutal New England winters yet distinctive enough for Beacon Hill, these turbocharged warriors conquered coastal roads long before “Masshole” driving became legendary.
22. Michigan – 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II
Motor City’s ultimate revenge machine! When Henry Ford II couldn’t buy Ferrari, he built a car to crush them instead.
The GT40 Mk II didn’t just win Le Mans in 1966—it dominated with a 1-2-3 finish that shocked the European racing establishment.
Michiganders still beam with pride about this blue-collar supercar. Born in Dearborn but battle-tested in France, the GT40 represents pure Michigan grit.
Its thunderous 7.0-liter V8 echoed the industrial might of a state that put America on wheels and then proceeded to build the machines that could beat anyone, anywhere.
23. Minnesota – 1973 AMC Javelin AMX
Forgotten by many but fiercely loved by Minnesotans, the AMC Javelin AMX embodies the state’s underdog spirit.
While everyone fawned over Mustangs and Camaros, these boundary-waters rebels embraced American Motors’ bold pony car with its distinctive fastback and hood scoops.
The Javelin’s 401 cubic-inch V8 provided enough heat to counter those infamous Minnesota winters. Land of 10,000 Lakes?
More like land of AMC appreciation—the company’s dealer network thrived here long after struggling elsewhere.
24. Mississippi – 1964 Lincoln Continental
Gliding down Highway 61 like a riverboat on asphalt, the 1964 Continental’s suicide doors and silky-smooth ride channel Mississippi’s languid Southern charm.
These stately cruisers became status symbols in Delta towns, where their air conditioning provided blessed relief from the sweltering humidity.
Blues legends touring the Magnolia State often chose these luxurious land yachts for their reliability and presence.
The Continental’s distinctive profile—long, low, and formal—mirrors the unhurried pace of Mississippi life.
25. Missouri – 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS
Rolling through the Show-Me State with authority, the ’63 Impala SS embodies Missouri’s position as the crossroads of America—neither fully Southern nor entirely Midwestern.
These full-sized bruisers cruised both Kansas City’s urban streets and the winding Ozark highways with equal aplomb.
The Impala’s balanced blend of comfort and performance mirrors Missouri’s diverse landscape.
With its distinctive six taillight arrangement (a Missouri highway patrolman’s favorite sight to spot), the Impala became the backbone of Chevy’s lineup.
26. Montana – 1955 Dodge Power Wagon
Rugged as the Bitterroot Mountains and twice as sturdy, the 1955 Power Wagon conquered Montana’s vast wilderness when roads were mere suggestions.
Ranchers, miners, and forestry workers depended on these indestructible workhorses to navigate terrain that would cripple lesser vehicles.
The truck’s military heritage—born from World War II designs—provided the toughness needed for Big Sky Country’s harsh conditions. Its winch could pull a stubborn steer or free a stuck neighbor with equal ease.
27. Nebraska – 1971 Plymouth Duster 340
Straight-line speed for straight-line highways! Nebraska’s endless prairie roads became the perfect playground for the Plymouth Duster 340.
Cornhusker farm kids could afford these budget muscle machines when Chargers and ‘Cudas remained out of reach.
The Duster’s lightweight design and potent 340 V8 created the ideal formula for impromptu drag races between small towns. Its cartoonish tornado mascot seemed right at home in this tornado-prone state.
Practical enough for daily duties yet quick enough to raise hell on Saturday nights, these compact performers developed a cult following across Nebraska’s agricultural communities.
28. Nevada – 1973 De Tomaso Pantera
Vegas, baby! The Pantera’s exotic Italian styling and rumbling American heart perfectly symbolize Nevada’s split personality—European glamour meets desert-tough engineering.
Casino high-rollers and Rat Pack wannabes gravitated toward these Ford-powered Italian exotics that could handle both Strip cruising and desert blasts.
The Pantera’s mid-engine layout provided exceptional balance for tackling those winding roads up to Lake Tahoe.
Meanwhile, its Ford 351 Cleveland V8 meant any mechanic in Reno could keep it running—unlike temperamental Ferraris.
29. New Hampshire – 1971 Datsun 240Z
“Live Free or D*e” meets Japanese engineering excellence!
New Hampshire’s independent-minded drivers embraced the revolutionary 240Z for its perfect balance of performance, reliability, and value—qualities that resonated with the state’s practical Yankee sensibilities.
Granite Staters appreciated how these nimble sports cars conquered twisty mountain roads without breaking the bank or leaving them stranded.
The Z’s long hood and fastback profile looked right at home carving through autumn foliage tours in the White Mountains.
30. New Jersey – 1966 Pontiac GTO
Fuhgeddaboudit! The Garden State’s automotive icon has to be the mighty GTO—the original muscle car that terrorized Jersey shore boulevards and Turnpike rest stops alike.
These Poncho powerhouses became status symbols for the state’s blue-collar heroes who worked hard and played harder.
Bruce Springsteen couldn’t have written “Born to Run” without the inspiration of tri-power GTOs rumbling through Asbury Park.
Their aggressive stance and hood scoops announced serious business, while comfortable interiors made them practical for cruising from Hoboken to Cape May.
31. New Mexico – 1969 Chevrolet El Camino SS
Dust devils dance in the rearview mirror of the El Camino SS as it cruises through New Mexico’s desert landscapes.
This part-car, part-truck hybrid feels perfectly at home among adobe buildings and vast horizons.
Local enthusiasts lovingly call it the “Chile Hauler” for its popularity among farmers transporting their famous red and green harvests.
The El Camino’s powerful V8 effortlessly conquers mountain passes while its truck bed hauls everything from art supplies to camping gear.
During Santa Fe’s annual Lowrider Day, customized El Caminos steal the show with turquoise paint jobs and Native-inspired details that honor the state’s rich cultural heritage.
32. New York – 1978 Checker Marathon
Nothing screams New York quite like the boxy yellow Checker Marathon taxi.
Before rideshare apps and hybrid cabs, these workhorses dominated Manhattan streets, ferrying passengers through gridlock with unmatched reliability.
Built like tanks with spacious interiors, Marathons survived decades of potholed streets and impatient drivers. Their distinctive checkerboard trim became as iconic as the Empire State Building.
Robert De Niro’s role in Taxi Driver cemented the Marathon’s place in pop culture forever.
Today, collectors pay premium prices for restored models, and spotting one in working condition causes spontaneous smartphone photography from nostalgic New Yorkers who remember hailing these durable symbols of city life.
33. North Carolina – 1957 Ford Thunderbird
Gracefully cruising down Tobacco Road, the ’57 Thunderbird embodied North Carolina’s transition from agricultural roots to modern prosperity.
With its refined lines and porthole windows, this personal luxury car became the chariot of choice for successful tobacco executives and textile magnates.
NASCAR legends like Junior Johnson often showed up at Charlotte Motor Speedway in these elegant machines.
Annual Thunderbird gatherings in Asheville draw hundreds of enthusiasts who showcase meticulously restored models in colors ranging from Colonial White to Thunderbird Blue, celebrating this rolling piece of Tar Heel heritage.
34. North Dakota – 1977 Ford Ranchero GT
Blizzards and brutal winters demand vehicles with grit, and the Ranchero GT delivered exactly that for North Dakotans.
Half muscle car, half pickup, this automotive oddity conquered snow-packed roads while hauling farm equipment across the prairie.
Local mechanics became wizards at winterizing these beasts, adding engine block heaters and extra insulation.
During summer months, Rancheros transformed into perfect fishing companions, their beds holding tackle boxes and coolers for weekend trips to Lake Sakakawea.
The Peace Garden State’s rural expanses made the Ranchero’s unique combination of speed and utility irresistible.
35. Ohio – 1956 Packard Caribbean
Manufactured in Warren, Ohio, the flamboyant Packard Caribbean represented American luxury at its zenith.
Factory workers took immense pride in hand-assembling these opulent convertibles, often pointing them out to their children when spotted around town.
The Caribbean’s tri-tone paint scheme – typically gold, white, and black – turned heads at drive-ins and country clubs throughout the Buckeye State.
Its distinctive egg-crate grille and wire wheels exuded sophistication that perfectly suited Ohio’s industrial prosperity of the 1950s.
Tragically, 1956 marked the final year of true Packard production before the storied brand vanished.
36. Oklahoma – 1970 Chevrolet Nova SS
Roaring across Oklahoma’s endless horizons, the Nova SS became the unofficial mascot of the state’s oil boom prosperity.
Sonic Drive-Ins throughout the Sooner State became weekend showcases for modified Novas.
Their simple, boxy design made customization easy, with local shops specializing in engine upgrades and distinctive paint jobs featuring thunderbolts and tornado motifs.
During the annual Oklahoma Route 66 Cruisers Fest, vintage Novas still dominate the parade.
Their rumbling small-block V8s echo the thunderstorms that roll across the plains, a perfect soundtrack for a state built on grit and horsepower.
37. Oregon – 1969 Volkswagen Type 2 (Bus)
Flower power rolled into Oregon on the wheels of colorful VW Buses.
These counterculture icons perfectly matched the state’s environmentally conscious ethos long before being green was mainstream.
Portland’s Saturday Market became a sea of these German-engineered hippie wagons, their owners selling handcrafted goods from pop-up camper windows.
Coastal communities embraced the Bus as the ultimate surf vehicle, with boards strapped to roof racks and wet suits drying inside.
38. Pennsylvania – 1957 Chrysler 300C
Keystone State highways trembled beneath the thunderous 392 cubic-inch Hemi V8 of the Chrysler 300C. This wasn’t just a car – it was a statement piece for Pennsylvania’s steel executives and coal barons who demanded luxury with muscle.
Nicknamed “the banker’s hot rod,” these elegant beasts frequently appeared outside Pittsburgh’s exclusive Duquesne Club.
Their massive grilles and tail fins perfectly complemented Pennsylvania’s industrial might during the manufacturing boom.
Annual vintage rallies through the Pocono Mountains showcase surviving examples tackling twisty roads with surprising agility.
39. Rhode Island – 1974 MG MGB
Zipping along Ocean Drive in Newport, the compact MGB convertible became Rhode Island’s quintessential coastal companion.
America’s smallest state embraced this British sports car for its nimble handling on narrow colonial streets and seafront boulevards.
Sailing enthusiasts particularly loved MGBs, often matching their roadsters to their boat colors.
The salt air wasn’t kind to these rust-prone classics, making well-preserved examples increasingly rare treasures in New England.
40. South Carolina – 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400
Palmetto State summers practically demanded the raw horsepower of a Firebird 400.
These muscle cars became fixtures at Myrtle Beach cruise nights, where their gleaming paint reflected neon lights from oceanfront attractions.
Charleston’s historic cobblestone streets occasionally rumbled under Firebirds owned by military personnel from nearby bases.
Their distinctive hood scoops and dual exhausts embodied American performance during a turbulent era.
Annual gatherings at Darlington Raceway still feature pristine Firebirds, their Ram Air engines growling in homage to the state’s deep connection to NASCAR and automotive culture.
41. South Dakota – 1953 Hudson Hornet
Barreling across South Dakota’s endless horizons, nothing embodies prairie freedom quite like a ’53 Hudson Hornet.
The car’s revolutionary “step-down” design made it hug the road like nothing else in its day, dominating NASCAR and capturing the imagination of plains dwellers.
Farmers appreciated its spacious interior that could fit the whole family plus a neighbor or two.
The Hornet’s legendary straight-six engine earned the nickname “the Fabulous Hudson Hornet” on dirt tracks throughout the Midwest.
42. Tennessee – 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
Muscle meets music in Tennessee, where the rumbling 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T screams with the same raw energy as a Nashville guitar solo.
This beast wasn’t just a car—it was a statement, with its aggressive stance and engine options ranging from respectable to downright ridiculous.
Country music stars and Memphis blues legends alike gravitated toward these machines. The Challenger’s bold colors (particularly Plum Crazy purple) matched the flamboyant rhinestone suits of Grand Ole Opry performers.
Cruising down Broadway in Nashville or parked outside Sun Studio in Memphis, the Challenger embodied Tennessee’s perfect harmony of Southern charm and rebellious spirit.
43. Texas – 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the automotive statements. The 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, with its outrageous rocket-inspired tailfins stretching nearly three feet high, remains the perfect expression of Lone Star audacity and prosperity.
Oil barons and cattle kings drove these land yachts across the vast Texas landscape, their chrome gleaming under the hot sun like liquid silver.
At 225 inches long, the DeVille commanded respect on any highway or ranch entrance.
Those massive fins weren’t just for show—they symbolized America’s space-age optimism, particularly meaningful in Houston, future home of NASA’s Mission Control.
44. Utah – 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Mormon families and outdoor enthusiasts alike embraced the 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer as Utah’s unofficial state vehicle.
With its distinctive wood paneling and boxy silhouette, this luxury SUV pioneer conquered the state’s dramatic terrain long before “sport utility” became household words.
Park City ski instructors relied on the Wagoneer’s sure-footed 4×4 system to navigate snowy mountain passes.
Meanwhile, large families appreciated its spacious interior for trips to Temple Square or expeditions through Moab’s red rock country.
45. Vermont – 1982 Subaru BRAT
Quirky, practical, and fiercely independent—the 1982 Subaru BRAT could be Vermont’s mechanical spirit animal.
This unusual car-truck hybrid featured rear-facing jump seats in the bed (technically making it a passenger car to avoid import tariffs) and developed a cult following among maple syrup producers and dairy farmers.
Vermont’s notoriously muddy spring roads (affectionately called “mud season”) were no match for the BRAT’s all-wheel drive system.
Its excellent fuel economy appealed to the state’s environmentally conscious residents long before being green was fashionable.
46. Virginia – 1965 Ford Fairlane 500
Stately without being showy, the 1965 Ford Fairlane 500 captures Virginia’s blend of Southern tradition and governmental practicality.
These mid-sized marvels populated Richmond neighborhoods and Shenandoah Valley towns, offering the perfect balance of comfort and restraint that Virginians have valued since colonial times.
Government employees from Norfolk naval facilities to Pentagon offices chose Fairlanes as sensible transportation.
The clean lines and respectable presence made it appropriate for Sunday church parking lots and weekday commutes alike.
47. Washington – 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
Long before Seattle became synonymous with tech giants, the rugged 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 was the Pacific Northwest explorer’s vehicle of choice.
These boxy, elemental 4x4s conquered Olympic Peninsula logging roads and Mount Rainier trails with equal aplomb.
Environmental researchers tracking salmon populations and mountaineers heading to Cascade peaks relied on the FJ40’s legendary reliability.
Its simple design meant owners could perform repairs themselves—a trait appreciated by independent-minded Washingtonians living in remote areas.
48. West Virginia – 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Coal dust and mountain pride found their automotive expression in the 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo across West Virginia.
This personal luxury coupe struck the perfect balance—flashy enough for Friday nights in Charleston but practical enough for daily life in the Mountain State.
Mining supervisors and union workers alike saved up for these stylish machines.
The Monte Carlo’s comfortable suspension smoothed out potholed backroads between Appalachian communities, while its reliable V8 provided confident mountain climbing power.
49. Wisconsin – 1959 Nash Metropolitan
Cheese may be Wisconsin’s most famous product, but the adorably compact 1959 Nash Metropolitan deserves recognition as the state’s vehicular mascot.
Built by Nash Motors (headquartered in Kenosha until 1954), these tiny two-tones brought European styling to America’s Dairyland.
Despite their diminutive size—just 149 inches long—Metropolitans handled Wisconsin’s snowy streets with surprising capability thanks to their narrow tires and lightweight construction.
Collectors and car clubs throughout the state celebrate the Metropolitan’s Wisconsin roots with annual gatherings.
50. Wyoming – 1931 Ford Model A
Windswept prairies and rugged individualism find their mechanical soulmate in Wyoming’s 1931 Ford Model A.
These tough-as-nails machines conquered the state’s vast distances when paved roads were still luxuries, their simple engineering allowing for trailside repairs using fence wire and determination.
Ranchers relied on Model A trucks to haul supplies across properties larger than some East Coast states.
Meanwhile, the touring sedans transported families through Yellowstone’s early days as a tourist destination, their high ground clearance perfect for primitive park roads.
Annual rallies still bring Model A enthusiasts to Wyoming, recreating historic routes across the Continental Divide.