5 of the most patriotic cars and trucks ever
Independence Day is a logical time to focus on the vehicles that scream “America.” Of course, this is a subjective category, and an exhaustive list is impossible. We put our heads together to find five exceptionally patriotic vehicles, from military trucks that helped win wars to race cars that put the U.S. on the world stage, but the exercise would be incomplete without your input.
Don’t agree with our choices? Want to add some all-American automotive heroes of your own? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you.
5. 1946–80 Dodge Power Wagon
The original Power Wagon was based on a WWII vintage ¾-ton pickup truck. In 1946, the flat-fender trucks became the first mass-produced civilian 4×4 vehicles, paving the way for some of the earliest 4×4-equipped half-ton trucks in the 1950s.
Though Ram still makes an off-road-oriented pickup with the same name, the O.G. Power Wagon is the true granddaddy of every serious 4×4 pickup. (Like the early Bronco and FJ Cruiser, it has even spawned high-dollar restomods, like this one by Legacy Classic Trucks.) That, combined with its military lineage, makes it one very patriotic truck.
4. 1967 Gurney Eagle-Weslake Formula 1 car
Formula 1 has always been a European-dominated show. American drivers like Phil Hill, Peter Revson, Masten Gregory, Eddie Cheever, and Brett Lunger were rare, but Dan Gurney not only competed in Formula 1 but did so in a car of his own construction.
While not particularly successful, the Eagle-Weslake T1G is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful race cars ever and its single victory at the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix in the hands of Dan Gurney himself remains the only Formula 1 win for a U.S.-built car.
3. 1970 Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda
Dan Gurney is perhaps the most patriotic American to have competed in international motorsports, even if his debut at the Indianapolis 500 was in a Lotus. Few other race-car drivers, wrote Sam Smith, “embodied the distinctly American notion that anything is possible because … well, why not?”
The All American Racers, or AAR, ‘Cuda was the street version of the car that Gurney campaigned in the SCCA Trans Am road racing series. The 340-powered, Six Barrel ‘Cuda was one of the most charismatic cars of the muscle-car era, and among the least common: Only 2724 were built, all in 1970. You’ll know an AAR ‘Cuda by those unmistakable strobe side-stripes.
2. 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible
For 1976, the final year of the full-size GM convertible, the Eldosaurus was available in a special edition of just 200 cars that became known as “Bicentennial Eldorados” because of their Cotillion White paint and red accents (to which many dealers added blue pinstriping). Except, perhaps, for a race-liveried AMC Javelin, a car doesn’t get much more patriotic than a red, white, and blue Cadillac.
1. 1941–45 Willys MB “Jeep”
Synonymous with The Greatest Generation, the Willys Jeep spawned countless versions of the civilian CJ. However, it’s the original WWII- and Korean War–era vintage military vehicles that are among the most patriotic vehicles of all time.
Want to know more about this scrappy vehicle? Check out this feature story from 2019, when Aaron Robinson retraced the D-Day trail in a Willys on the 75th anniversary of the Allies’ Normandy invasion, and flip through the pictures of this beautifully restored Korean War veteran. If you’re curious about buying a WWII-era Willys of your own, brush up on values on the Hagerty Valuation Tool.
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Henry’s T gave America (and the world) a mobility for the masses! So anyone, almost, could go and buy apple pie and hotdogs….or a cold one!
How can yo omit Greenwood’s patriotic Corvettes, campaigned in the ’70s?
Interesting that the Dodge Power Wagon was the first mass produced civilian 4X4 vehicle. I had always thought it was the Jeep CJ2A.
I agree with those that suggested the AMC cars. Didn’t Ford make a “Spirit of 76” Mustang? Oddly enough, I believe it was a 1972 model year.
I do believe that the Chevrolet Corvette belongs on this list l mean it is the greatest American sports car!!! The C3’s longest generation of corvette’s.
Have to echo all who are saying AMERICAN MOTORS!! Man, you missed the boat on this one. Want a race car driver/ team (nothing against Dan Gurney)? How about Mark Donohue and Roger Penske in the red white and blue Trans Am Javelins??! Street cars..? AMC Rebel Machine, SC/Rambler. So obvious, but yet the lack of respect for AMERICAN Motors continues..
Not surprising that AMC didn’t receive more than a few words in passing. As usual if it’s not foreign, or from the big 3 Hagerty is blind to it. How much more patriotic can you get with the red, white, and blues from AMERICAN MOTORS!!! Shame.
Really? A 76 Eldo and not the Bicentennial Vega? The 67 F1 car and not the 66 Lemans winning GT?
I dunno how you have this list without a Corvette on it.
How did they miss the Austin Powers Corvette?
I agree, the Jeep is recognized worldwide as an American contribution to motoring. If we want to look for an enduring symbol of American influence, let’s consider the Ducks. The military DUKW, a standard two and a half ton cargo truck was outfitted with a hull and a gear box that could power a propeller when the vehicle was driven into the water. Ducks carried troops and supplies onto the Normandy shore on D-Day and across the Pacific.
Eighty years later, they carry tourists on sightseeing trips across land and sea from Washington DC to San Diego and even in some European locales. My family made a point of taking a Duck Tour when on vacation in any place that had them. Operators often gave out yellow quacking beaks to riders and encouraged us to quack at people as we pass.
They are so popular and iconic that reproduction models are now being produced based on the WWII ‘Deuce and a half’ design.
I also have to agree that, based on their frequent appearances in foreign movies and tv shows, Corvettes and Mustangs are America’s automotive ambassadors to the world.
Can’t believe you omitted the 1976 Maverick Bicentennial Edition. Had a girlfriend that had one of those–it was literally red, white and blue….. and was there a similar Pinto??? Can’t remember that far back.
It was the sprint edition in 1972 all 3 mustang variants, Maverick and the Pinto. I totally agree, even though it was only a visual package inside and out it is worth a mention.
I think that the Gurney Eagle was one of the most beautiful F1 cars build, but the car was designed by a British designer ( Len Terry) the car was build in the UK and powered by a British build engine.
The only thing that came out of the US were the $$$$$, not that patriotic in my opinion.
I think I’d swap out the Cadillac for either a Corvette, Mustang, or a basic Chevy or Ford pickup.
1972/3 Ford Maverick Sprint, red white and blue and looked like the 4th of July!!! My first car as at 16
Yup! In 1972 Ford had the Sprint package for Mustang, Maverick, and Pinto to commemorate the 1972 Olympics. Wimbledon White with Grabber Blue and red pinstripes – same treatment for the interiors. Even had American flag shields on the rear quarters while the ones produced for Canada sales had maple leafs instead.
Oscar Mayer Weinermobile!
Truly, iconic American!
NOT a ‘Dodge guy’ but Power Wagons are this word I’ve not used much…AWESOME! Drove one in the Navy checking the fence lines at the NAS Fallon, Nv. target ranges. I’d swear that thing could go straight UP! 🙂