The fastest gas-powered production cars produced by American manufacturers rolled off the showroom floors packing quite a punch. Their impressive speeds and acceleration capabilities gave the manufacturer bragging rights and motivated other manufacturers to up their games. Here is a short list of some impressive machines produced by American engineering: 1957 Chevrolet Corvette: With its optional fuel-injected V8 engine, the '57 Corvette could accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 6 seconds, making it one of the fastest American cars of its decade. Top Speed: ~132 mph 0-60 mph: ~6.0 seconds ..read more

In 1938, Rust Heinz, of the Heinz ketchup dynasty, set out to build the car of the future. He envisioned building a car that would capture the imagination of the public and push the boundaries of what was technically and stylistically possible in the late 1930s. The Phantom Corsair embodied his vision, featuring a streamlined, aerodynamic body with no running boards and integrated fenders providing a stark contrast to other cars of the day. The interior of the car was just as innovative, with a dashboard that included a compass and altimeter, and it was designed to comfortably seat six peopl ..read more

From the Chevrolet XP-122, which led to the Corvette, to the 1997 Cell Craft G440 Flying Car that could be driven like a car or take off like a helicopter and fly above the traffic, concept cars have captured our imagination for close to a century. Concept cars have played an important role in the evolution of our car culture. They allow manufacturers to experiment with new technologies, materials, designs, and powertrains without the constraints of current production requirements or regulations. By showcasing concept cars at auto shows and other public events, manufacturers can gauge the pub ..read more

Introduced by Chrysler in the 1960s, the 426 Hemi engine is one of the most iconic and revered powerplants in automotive history. Also known as the "Elephant Engine" due to its size and power, the 426 Hemi V8 is perhaps the most legendary engine Mopar ever produced. The name "Hemi" is derived from the hemispherical design of the engine's combustion chambers. This shape allows for an efficient, centralized location of the spark plug, as well as improved airflow within the chamber, which, when combined with large valves, results in immense power output. This unique feature was not only a hallma ..read more

The custom 1928 green and black Cadillac 341A Town Car owned by public enemy number one is a fascinating piece of automotive and criminal history, embodying the opulence and notoriety of one of America's most infamous gangsters during Prohibition. This Cadillac was said to be Al Capone's favorite car in his collection. It wasn't just a luxury vehicle; it was a fortress on wheels, customized to ensure Capone's safety and to aid in his illicit activities. The car was heavily armored to protect against attacks from rival gangsters and law enforcement. The bodywork was reinforced with quarter inc ..read more

We have all heard of Holley carburetors. A renowned brand known for its significant role in the hot rod industry. The story of how it started follows: In 1902, teenage brothers George and Earl Holley established the Holley Brothers Company, focusing on the construction and sales of motorcycles and automobiles. By 1903, they had shifted their focus to the mass production of the "Iron Pot Carburetor," a critical component for Henry Ford's 1904 Oldsmobile Model R. This carburetor proved to be a remarkable success for Ford, prompting the Holley brothers to cease vehicle production and establish t ..read more

NASCAR & Bootleggers The thrill of attending a NASCAR race is truly unparalleled. It's an experience characterized by the thunderous sound of power; heart-pounding excitement fueled by speed, noise, strategy, competition, and camaraderie; and the ever-present unpredictability that makes each race an unforgettable chapter in the story of racing. But did you realize that NASCAR had its roots in Prohibition bootlegging? Because bootleggers needed to transport their illegal alcohol quickly to evade law enforcement, they started modifying their stock cars to improve handling and speed. Since d ..read more

To get a top fuel dragster from 0 to almost 340 MPH in just under 4 seconds requires plenty of power, minimal weight, and lots of grip. Power is accomplished with a 500 cubic inch Magnum V8 that at full acceleration creates ground tremors that can be measured on the Richter scale. Minimal weight comes from employing the most advanced lightweight materials. And grip is supplied through the use of specialized tires. The specialized tires that provide grip are called "Wrinkle Wall" slicks which are specifically designed to allow the sidewall to be twisted by the torque applied during acceleratio ..read more

Preston Tucker may not be a name you quickly associate with automobile innovations, but you should. As an independent entrepreneur, he swiftly captured the attention of the established Detroit giants with his groundbreaking creation, the Tucker Torpedo, introduced in 1948. Not desiring to recall the horrors of WWII, Tucker quickly changed the name to the "Tucker 48.” This car incorporated several advanced features such as a rear-mounted engine, a streamlined design, disc brakes, seat belts, and a pop-out safety windshield. These features were ahead of their time and demonstrated Tucker's comm ..read more

The summer of 1989 holds a vivid memory for me – a day that sparked something special. A friend reached out seeking my help. He told me he had just bought an old car and needed me to tow it to his garage. Little did I know that day would be forever etched into my mind. The directions took us to a dilapidated farm in western PA. The owner greeted us and guided us into a barn that I was hoping wouldn’t fall over until after I was back outside again. Nestled in a corner, resting under a dusty tarp, was a true gem of automotive history. Exuding the essence of street rod power, there it was--a deca ..read more