Classic American cars have a special place in the automotive world as they are some of the most desirable automobiles ever made. Whether it be a powerful muscle car with massive rear tires, or a comfortable cruiser without a roof, the classic American car is brilliant – especially when going on road trips on Route 66.

Route 66 – or Historical Route 66 as it is now called – is a highway which existed before the Interstates were built to make travel time shorter. It spans between Chicago, Illinois and Santa Monica California, going through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Along the route, there are several famous landmarks to explore, including Cadillac Ranch, Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park, the Wigwam Motel and Heritage Square. Route 66 has been a major part of popular culture with films, television shows and music made to celebrate it. While there are some stretches of road that not much happens, it is a great trip to take either with friends or family.

If a road trip is the best way to see Route 66, it needs an appropriate vehicle – preferably a classic American car, such as a fast Chevrolet Corvette, a comfortable Lincoln Continental or a historic Hudson Hornet. Here are the ten best classic American cars which were built to cruise down Route 66.

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10 Chevrolet Corvette C1

Corvette C1 Convertible - Front Quarter
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The first-generation Chevrolet Corvette with its beautiful lines and powerful V8 engines, is one of the most iconic GM models ever made. The vehicle saw a major update in the 1960s which completely changed the style of the model, eventually adopting the twin taillight design we know today.

Corvette 1 Convertible - Rear Quarter
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The original Corvette featured a 3.9-liter straight-6, before getting a proper V8 two years after launch. The C1 is a beautiful car which would be one of the most perfect vehicles to use for a trip down Route 66.

9 Buick Wildcat

The 1964 Buick Wildcat Convertible parked outdoors.
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The Buick Wildcat is a relatively popular vehicle, thanks to its large interior space and massive engine options. The first generation was great, but the second one on sale between 1965 and 1970 is the model to go for.

The 1964 Buick Wildcat Convertible rear view.
Via: Mecum Auctions

The Wildcat was available as a sedan, 2-door hardtop and a convertible, with many customers opting for a white leather interior mated to a darker exterior color. The Wildcat may have 360 hp, but it was definitely built to be a cruiser rather than a tire-smoking muscle car.

8 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

Rare 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle 454 SS LS6 Classic Car
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The Chevrolet Chevelle SS is one of the most popular of the larger muscle cars which were on sale in the 1960s and 1970s. The most powerful model being the massive 454 7.4-liter V8 producing 360 hp, sent to the rear wheels via either a 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic.

Extremely Rare 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle 454 SS LS6 Classic Car In Black Cherry Color
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The Chevelle is one of the most instantly recognizable GM muscle cars, because of its styling and silhouette, showcasing the front grille design which would be used on Chevrolets for decades to come.

7 Ford Mustang Convertible

K Code Mustang Convertible
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The original Ford Mustang may not have been the first proper muscle car, but it was the model that set the American auto industry into a frenzy. The model debuted with a straight-6 engine, but was quickly upgraded to a V8 when demand exceeded supply.

Red 1965-1973 Ford Mustang (First Generation) convertible
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While the coupe and fastback models were the top-sellers, the Mustang convertible was perfect for taking in some of the great outdoors, or simply cruising down a coastal road. The Mustang convertible started a whole new trend with powerful roofless muscle cars.

6 Pontiac GTO Convertible

Red 1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible
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The Pontiac GTO was one of the largest of the muscle cars, thanks to its long hood and trunk. It was based on the Tempest Le Mans model, but with more power and a cheeky borrow of Ferrari’s most famous name.

1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible Classic Car
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The 1960s GTO was the original model, gaining a 6.4-liter and a 6.6-liter V8 for a sportier vehicle. The next generation did get an even larger 7.5-liter V8 with 30 more horsepower, but the styling of the 1964 to 1967 model looked better.

Related: A Detailed Look Back At the 1966-1967 Pontiac GTO

5 Cadillac DeVille Convertible

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The Cadillac DeVille is a vehicle best known for its massive proportions and huge engines. The fourth generation was no different and gained the record for the largest V8 engine ever fitted to a production vehicle, weighing in at a ridiculous 8.2 liters. It only produced 210 hp, but it was pretty cool nonetheless.

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The DeVille convertible was designed to be an extremely comfortable and relaxing continental cruiser for driving between cities. It did its job and is now considered one of the most luxurious classic American cars ever made.

4 Hudson Hornet

The Hudson Hornet Was Based On The 124-Inch Commodore And Wore Exterior Badging To Proclaim It To Be A Whole New Breed Of Cars
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The Hudson Hornet is most famous for its multiple race victories thanks to the revolutionary ‘step down’ design. This allowed the center-of-mass to be lower down in the car, massively aiding handling and vehicle control.

Some 43,600-Plus Hudson Hornets Sold For 1951, Making It A Popular Car For The Niche Buyer
Via BuffaloCars

The main reason the Hornet is on this list is because of the animated movie, Cars (2006). The movie features a Hornet as the famous ‘Fabulous Hudson Hornet’ with its iconic livery. The Hornet may be from the early 1950s, but it is still a vehicle which most enthusiasts know – perfect for Route 66.

3 Lincoln Continental

1961 Lincoln Continental Convertible Classic Car
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The Lincoln Continental is another famous American boat that competed with the Cadillac DeVille for the 'most luxurious' trophy. The Continental was so good that it was used as the official Presidential vehicle in the 1960s – albeit a lengthened and modified version with a landaulet roof.

The Greatest 1961 Lincoln Continental Convertible Classic Car In Green Velvet Color
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The 1963 Continental convertible sedan featured a folding soft-top roof, making it one of the few convertibles with 4 doors. Most importantly, the model had rear-hinged rear doors, much like Rolls-Royces currently do. The Continental is a huge and comfortable cruiser which would make the miles fly by.

Related: A Detailed Look Back At The 1961 Lincoln Continental

2 Cadillac Eldorado

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible Classic Car
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The Cadillac Eldorado was one of the names of a model in the 1950s which had really different trims and features. The 1959 model is the most famous as it was the peak of the fins era, literally peaking with the largest ones fitted to any production car.

The Greatest 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible Classic Car
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Not only was the Eldorado comfortable, but it was and still is a gorgeous car regularly used in media such as films, television shows and music videos. Elvis Presley even owned a pink one which instantly became a hit.

1 Chrysler Imperial

1971 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron Hardtop Sedan
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The Chrysler Imperial is probably best known for its use as the car of choice for the comic book hero, The Green Hornet. In 1967, the Imperial saw a design change which had minimal complexity and was even more rounded off for the 1969 model year.

1971 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron Hardtop Sedan
Via: Flickr

The 1969 Imperial is basically a sedan version of the Chrysler 300 Hurst, featuring the same interior and exterior styling. The engine is a massive 7.2-liter V8 producing an impressive 390 hp going through a 3-speed automatic. The Imperial was one of the most luxurious vehicles of the era and would be a great choice to see the sights and sounds of Route 66.

Source: Hemmings