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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I had a ’42 back in my youth (1967). Bought it as a burned out wreck from a local car dealership in Montreal area that was using it to plough snow in their yard. Rebuilt it over a winter and had a fine time with it.
I looked over the photos attached and noticed an irregularity – one of the pictures shows a Warn Locking Hub – my Jeep did not have this feature. Four wheel drive (really just 2 axel drive) was engaged using a third lever adjacent to the gearshift. The second lever selected High or Low Range.
Dan Gurney’s been DEAD for 5+ years.. Might want to note that. RIP
If you are going to list the ’76 Cadillac, you need to give nod to the ’76 Chevy Nova Medalist. Offered on Gold Medal or Silver Medal to celebrate the Olympics, it glorified American involvement in world sports. My Gold Medalist flew under the radar for years, as no one knew what it was (poor marketing?), but is was a unique ride!
Willys Americar ?
Shame on you. The below article should have been first on the list of America vehicles. Do some research before you publish an article.
American Bantam is credited with the invention of the original jeep and the first serial production military jeeps ordered by the U.S. Army in 1940.
No, the Bantam contract was pre-production. A couple thousand for testing. Their competitors Willys-Overland and Ford got the same type of contracts. The government awarded the first PRODUCTION contract to Willys, followed by one to Ford because Willys was not able to satisfy the demand.
Bantam ended up making the trailers for the other guys keeps.
I drove these Korea-era Jeeps in the ’90s doing army reserve duty in Israel. The Israeli army had some ancient surplus Jeeps it had acquired from the US on the cheap. We used them for off-road patrol missions. They had many millions of rough miles on them. They could drive anywhere. They broke your back. And they were indestructible. Definitely American pride.
How could you leave out the AMC red white & blue Trans Am Javelins ??
I’ll pile on and question how ALL of the many AMERICAN MOTORS cars were overlooked? All of these were available in red, white & blue livery: ’69 Rambler Scrambler, ’69 SS/AMX, 70 Rebel Machine, ’70 Trans Am Javelin, ’71 Hurst Jeepster Commando. Above all I’d vote for the ’71 red white and blue Penske/Donohue Trans Am Javelin that won the ’71 Trans Am(erican) championship.
Ford GT, 63 JFK Lincoln Limo
Didn’t Ford put out a red/white and blue Mustang in 70-71?
Yes, They did, I was Eight years old when that came out and being a Life long gearhead, I remember it well! My Family had a friend with a 76 Ranger ( Ranger in the 70s was a trim level, not the 80s compact truck your thinking of) It was Red, Whit and blue and He had it loaded! 8 Track, Air Conditioning, AM/FM Stereo and Power Windows ( not many vehicles had power windows in 76!
No Ford Model T, The first Mass-produced affordable car? How about the MUSTANG, Named for the P-51 Mustang airplane that won world war 2 ? And, Don’t forget the F-series Pick up, found on farms, fields and now suburban driveways? Oh Well, Guess I’m kind of a Ford Guy!
I would not be caught DEAD in a Jeep product. Seems ever Anti Semite, Racist, Homophobic and Anti-Immigrant idiot out here on Long Island is driving one with a big “DUMP” flag.
Well that’s hardly the vehicle’s fault, is it?
Hey Yoda, are you planning on walking for the rest of your life? Probably any vehicle you could list is driven by one of those types.
Oh i get it, you mean that guy that dressed in some sort of red, white and blue, for 4 years, like him or not.
Hey Yoga, leave that stuff on MSN. Doesn’t belong here.
Don’t forget the Ford “”Spirit” packages for the Pinto, Maverick and Mustang! Basically a trim package, it featured a Red, White and Blue paint scheme with a matching interior, it was only offered for one (1) year: 1972. Here’s a link to a Curbside Classic article about it (with pictures):
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/car-show-classic/car-show-classic-1972-mustang-sprint-and-1974-chevrolet-impala-spirit-of-america-bicentennial-fever/
What about the early Ford Mustangs. The Chevy Corvettes. Pontiac Firebirds, Chevy Camaros?
CORVETTE / USA-1