Detroit is known for many things. At its height, Detroit was known as Motor City, where auto manufacturers produced some of America's coolest cars. While a shadow of its former glory, Motor City still makes some great cars, and after consolidating, American auto manufacturing has been more robust than it has been in decades! The classic cars that came from Motor City are some of the coolest and most popular in the world.
Motor City is no stranger to cool cars, and the list could fill books. Cars from manufacturers such as Ford, Chevy, and Dodge dominate the list, but a few others poke their heads as some of the coolest cars ever produced in Motor City!
10 Ford GT
Originally the Ford GT40 was designed to compete with Ferrari in European races. The modern version of the Ford GT is arguable much cooler! One of the most significant differences - street-legality! The Ford GT occupies the pinnacle of Ford's performance department.
This gorgeous car is in its second generation. The Ford GT produces an astonishing 647 hp from a 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine and is considered a mid-engine two-seater sports car. The GT is race-inspired, taking its design to the peak of aerodynamic performance straight from the track! This super sick car is one of the best to roll out of Detroit.
9 Ford Duece Coupe
Throughout the 1930s, public imagination tied one car to bootlegging more than any other car. That car is the Ford Deuce Coupe. One of the most popular cars also for hot rod modifications, the Ford Deuce Coupe enjoyed success throughout the decade due to the body style and V8 engine.
The Ford Deuce Coupe enjoyed hot rod success well into the 1960s, even having the beach boys title an album after the iconic Motor City Car! Further, the Ford Deuce Coupe continues to see popularity as enthusiasts can't get enough of these chopped and suped-up beauties!
8 1968 Mustang GT Fastback
Steve McQueen drove a 1968 Mustang GT Fastback in the movie "Bullitt," From that moment on, the Mustang GT Fastback would be closely tied with the idea of cool. Featuring a 325-hp V8 engine, the Mustang GT Fastback was quick as well as cool.
The Mustang GT Fastback enjoyed success, with several unique trims being available as well, including the Califonia and High Country editions. With a car this cool, it is no wonder the Mustang GT Fastback is one of the coolest to come out of Motor City!
7 First Generation Dodge Challenger
Dom Toretto values what the Dodge Challenger brings to American Muscle. This iconic car has looks that could put down any competition the Challenger could face. The Dodge Challenger may have had looks to kill, but what was available under the hood was equally potent.
The first generation Dodge Challenger debuted in 1970 with an optional 7.2-liter Hemi V8 engine, capable of 425 hp, which was incredible for the '70s. Additionally, the Dodge Challenger featured countless styles and options to give every driver precisely what they wanted.
6 Dodge Viper RT/10
By 1991, the greatness of Motor City's muscle cars had faded away with restriction after restriction. The Dodge Viper RT/10, however, was a chance to return to that muscle greatness. Take care; the Viper has bite!
Featuring a V10 engine designed with help from Lamborghini, the Dodge Viper RT/10 was able to hit 60 in only 3.5 seconds and had a top speed well over 200MPH. Sadly Dodge discontinued this fantastic car in 2017, citing safety compliance issues. Once again, restrictions have forced the death of another great American muscle car.
5 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Though not introduced in 1963, the Chevrolet Corvette Coupe went through significant upgrades in design and power for the 1963 model year. The C2 Corvette Coupe would see the Sting Ray name attached to the model for the first time and spawn decades of the cool name!
The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe saw the introduction of hidden headlamps and electronic ignition. Additionally, the Corvette saw an incredible 360 hp engine making the Sting Ray one of the coolest cars to come out of Motor City.
4 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS
In 1961, Chevrolet launched the Impala SS to muted fanfare and quiet public interest. Only a few years later, the Impala SS would get the attention it deserved. This iconic American car is one of the coolest to roll out of Detroit with a sleek yet boxy design that said both 1960s and Motor City.
The Chevrolet Impala SS was built for speed, too, featuring a 409-cubic inch V8 engine capable of 0-60 in just under 7 seconds. Additionally, it could hit a quarter-mile in 15 seconds, insanely cool for the 1960s!
3 1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda
Slightly smaller than the Dodge Challenger, the Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda competes with the best American Muscle. The 1971 Hemi 'Cuda was the third generation 'Cuda and was built to stun. Looks are only the beginning!
Built on the Chrysler E-frame, the Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda featured a big block Hemi V8 engine, capable of 425 hp. All that power went straight to the rear wheels, pushing the 'Cuda to a top speed of 155 mph!
2 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA
The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA was a grizzly beast when it hit the streets in 1987. Featuring an updated styled spoiler and body styling lines, the Firebird Trans AM GTA was Motor City fury!
Featuring a 5.7L V8 engine ripped straight from the Corvette, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA could push 210 hp with a top speed of 145 mph! Additionally, the Firebird Trans Am GTA was so cool; it was a poster car for teens across the country in the late 1980s!
1 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 454 LS6
Is it a car? Is it a truck? It's the 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 454 LS6, so both? In reality, the El Camino is quite possibly one of the coolest cars to come out of Motor City, perhaps even ever! The coolness factor is elevated because it is a sedan-style truck capable of hauling cargo or more people!
The car part in front was no ordinary car, either. The Chevrolet El Camino SS 454 LS6 was fitted with a massive 7.4L V8 engine, making it a muscle car in its own right. Watch out for this hybrid, capable of hitting 60 in only 5 seconds; the El Camino forever will stand as one of the coolest Motor City cars!