Introduced for 1955, Thunderbird was Ford's answer to Chevrolet's Corvette. While Corvette was pure sports car — early models didn't even have glass side windows — Thunderbird was a more refined "personal car" with optional power windows, power brakes, and power steering. Ironically, Thunderbird's success (and competitive threat) helped save the initially slow-selling Corvette from cancellation.

Ford wanted a new brand to compete with mid-price offerings from GM and Chrysler. But Edsel — named for Henry Ford's only child — was overpriced, overstyled, and overhyped. Ford canceled it after three model years. Hallmark's Edsel ornament was only available to members of the company's Collector's Club, so it didn't sell in big numbers — much like the car that inspired it!

The Plymouth Barracuda — a sporty car on a compact platform — debuted two weeks before Mustang in 1964, but it wasn't the runaway hit that Ford enjoyed. Nevertheless, Mustang's success helped keep Barracuda swimming through ten model years. Plymouth's 1970 model line included the performance-oriented 'Cuda equipped with a four-barrel, 383-cubic-inch V-8 rated at 335 horsepower.

Introduced in 1936, Roadmaster became Buick's premier model. For 1953, it sported a redesigned hood to accommodate its new 322-cubic-inch, 188-horsepower V-8. The special convertible Skylark version boasted unique fenders, wire wheels, and sweeping chrome bodyside trim. Notably, Skylark did not have "Venti-Ports" — the oval hood decorations that had become a Buick trademark.

Mustang grew larger and more muscular through the 1960s. The Mach 1 performance package debuted for 1969. The base V-8 in the 1970 Mach 1 displaced 351 cubic inches and produced 250 horsepower. Mach 1 came only with a fastback — or "SportsRoof" — body. It was further distinguished by an optional "shaker scoop" air intake that vibrated atop the engine.

Corvette's all-new 1963 Sting Ray was a revelation. The gentle curves of earlier models were replaced with sharp edges, and toothy grilles gave way to an aggressive nose with hidden headlights. The coupe's racy fastback design included a split rear window — seen only on 1963 models. The original Sting Ray remains a favorite with Corvette fans.

Oldsmobile introduced Toronado, its personal luxury car, for 1966. Unlike competitors Ford Thunderbird and Buick Riviera — or any other American car, for that matter — Toronado boasted front-wheel drive. In fact, it was the first front-wheel-drive car built in the United States since Cord folded in 1937. Toronado lasted through four styling generations, with the final models manufactured in 1992.

Chevrolet's mid-size Chevelle premiered for 1964, and it remained in production across three styling generations and 14 model years. One popular theory holds that "Chevelle" was a portmanteau of "Chevrolet" and "gazelle." No need to speculate on "SS" — it stood for "Super Sport." Chevelle's 1970 SS package included a 350-cubic-inch V-8 good for 300 horsepower.

The two-seat Thunderbird was a hit, but Ford general manager Robert McNamara reasoned (correctly) that adding more seats would sell more cars. With that, 1958 brought the four-seat "Squarebird" — so nicknamed for its boxy proportions. The 1963 Thunderbird Sports Roadster came with a tonneau cover to hide that backseat. All T-Birds that year sported distinctive diagonal marks on their doors.