The 1964 Mustang created a stampede in American showrooms similar to the frenzy created by the Beatles. Ford had a series of polls to see what baby boomers wanted in a car. The Mustang was it. Just a short three years after the Mustang's unveiling at the NY World's Fair, the one millionth Mustang trotted off the assembly line. The Mustang was the inexpensive sporty car the world was waiting for.
The 1953 Corvette was the American car designed to fulfill the yearnings of soldiers returning from war. Chevrolet's fiberglass two seater was the first mass- produced, American sports car. Over the years, the Corvette has evolved from a cute looking roadster to the menacing Sting Ray and now to one of the world's sleekest, sexiest and fastest high-tech sports cars.
A willy salesman and carriage builder, Billy Durant, was asked to help David Buick's struggling company. He stepped in, saw the potential and leveraged its assets to create the world's largest corporation, GM. Ever since, Buick has been an icon in American automobiles. Once legendary designer Harley Earl took charge of its lineup cars like Century, Roadmaster and Riviera began to turn heads.
One of Henry Ford's early suppliers, Henry Leland, took over from Ford and turned his first company into one that would symbolize the best of America. Many people were building their own unreliable cars. Leland was convinced there was a better way. He borrowed and applied manufacturing techniques from Colt Firearms to his cars. His cars then earned the title of the "Standard of the World."
The Pontiac GTO was created by John Delorean alongside a group of young engineers. They raced against kids at night and took what they learned back to their offices the next day. The result , the GTO - it gave America's young people a car that really looked good and went fast. "You can sell an old man a young man's car but you can't sell a young man an old man's car."
The 1955 Ford Thunderbird was meant to fulfill the desire for a sporty American car. In just two years, about 40-thousand T-Birds were sold. Shortly after, Ford took the Thunderbird in another direction. It became bigger and gained a backseat. It eventually was killed by Ford and then resurrected as one reminiscent of the original. it is one of the most durable names in US automotive history.
Like a coiled snake, this car scared the world's racing elite and made its creator, Carroll Shelby, a household name. In 1959, Shelby was America's best competition driver but a heart condition forced him to give up racing. He decided to jump back in with his own cars and within four years his dream car was born, the Cobra. It's a story about daring to be great and somehow pulling it off.
In the 1960's a young Ford Motor Company executive, Lee Iacocca decided that Ford needed to compete with the world's best companies like Ferrari, Aston Martin, Maserati, Porsche, Mercedes and Jaguar in high performance motor racing. The task seemed impossible. Ford had more than money on its side - they had a secret weapon, Carroll Shelby who would take Ford's GT-40 to fame.
The Jeep was drafted in World War II and soon became the American soldier's best friend. The jeep was used as a combat car, postal carrier, snowplow and ambulance. It could forge a stream, dig trenches, churn the water in a washtub and serve as a wedding altar. After the war, nobody thought it would have a purpose, But today Jeep-like SUV's are among the world's top sellers.
Starting in the 1990's Sport Utility Vehicles took over the streets of America. Woman didn't want to be "soccer moms" and abandoned their minivans in droves. Men wanted a car that could go anywhere even if they only drove it to the office. Some people accused their owners of harming the planet but no car company could survive without an SUV in its lineup.
A light-hearted introduction to the 1949 Olds V8.
One of the most legendary sports cars ever created, Porsche, has become the worldwide benchmark of sports car performance and styling. Whether it's the 911 or the Cayenne, they're fun, powerful and precise machines designed for people who are passionate about driving. All Porsche's share a common legacy, A legacy that began with Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, in the early days of the 20th Century.
The VW "Beetle" was the longest running automotive phenomenon in the world. It was the best selling car in the history of the automobile. The first "Beetle" was designed by, Dr. Ferdinand Porsche. Originally, it was part of Adolf Hitler's plan for a People's car. Its basic design remained the same. The "Beetle" is one of the world's best examples of great engineering and exceptional design.
BMW started out as a builder of aircraft engines, then motorcycles and finally cars. Its aircraft engines set speed records in the '30's and its sports cars were stylish, elegant and fast. After the War BMW fought to reclaim its status as a producer of world-renowned sports cars and motorcycles. Today, many say BMW's deserve to be called, "The Ultimate Driving Machines."
While tinkering in their German workshops, Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler gave the world the first automobiles powered by an internal combustion engine. Over 100 years later the company is still considered to be among the most innovative automobile manufacturers in the world. We'll find out how a company can maintain its status as one of the truly great cars for over 100 years.
Hitler was determined to dominate the world with his machines. He funded the racing efforts of Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union (Audi) and encouraged them to create the most powerful and futuristic autos ever made. Italian driver, Tazio Nuvolari would go on to beat them on their home turf at the German Grand Prix. although German juggernaut wasn't invincible, their cars remain awe inspiring today.
Long before Dustin Hoffman discovered it in the "Graduate" a nascent, Neapolitan entrepreneur, Nicola Romeo had taken over this fledgling auto company turning it into an automotive legend. These stylish and fast racecars fetch millions of dollars today from collectors. After the War Alfa had to find a way to recapture its glory. Its factories were destroyed but its spirit was still intact.
Enzo Ferrari's greatest desire was to become a racecar driver. Through sheer dint of character he succeeded and eventually gave birth to the most formidable racing machines ever produced. We'll follow the incredible story of Enzo Ferrari and his company and see his namesake car, the Ferrari Enzo. It has a top speed of 217.5 mph and a price tag to tilt the radar gun, $500,000. Enzo would love it!
Sant' Agata was the home of a poor farm boy who was pressed into the Italian Air Force during World War II. He built and maintained army trucks. After the war, Ferrucio began to convert leftover engines into tractors for farming. Whatever Ferrucio touched turned to gold. Shortly after, he became the visionary manufacturer of one of the most avant-garde automobile in the world, Lamborghini.
In 1914 Alfieri Maserati took his patented automotive spark plug and started building racecars. Using war surplus parts and machinery, he began what would become the trident trademark of Maserati and a tradition of Italian sports cars. Today, Maserati is being revitalized by its new owner, Ferrari, who is helping its former rival regain its position as one of the greats in the world.
If you want to start an argument among car lovers, ask to define a sports car. This fast paced, tire squealing, high octane program will race to discover the essence of the sports car. We'll take a look at the origins of the world's most beguiling examples, go back to the beginnings of the automotive adventure and see the cars that royalty raced. Join us in uncovering the essence of the sports car
There 's no other car make that has created the mystique that Ettore Bugatti did with his race winning roadsters and his grand luxury autos. Bugatti was determined to meld his artistic heritage with his love for the automobile. We'll see how this son of a sculptor set out to create his exquisitely crafted legends and turned art into motion.
These are the cars that set our hearts racing, our imaginations reeling and roped us in to car shows to get a glimpse of what we thought the future would look like. Most never made it into production but while they roamed the earth they made us believe that anything was possible. Science, technology, hope and a little but of hucksterism helped us form what is known as the Dream Cars.
Come with us as we drive through mansion gates, discover secret auto collections, roam exclusive auto gatherings, race high dollar classics and hobnob with the owners of the world's most exclusive automobiles. We'll take a look inside the world of Exotic Autos by focusing on five major segments: what the cars are, buying an exotic and housing it, restoration, classic car shows and historic races.
Saab has created many supreme automotive designs. Breaking from tradition has enhanced Saab's appeal, its independence can be traced to its precarious development on the wings of Sweden's post-war aviation industry. Its engineers and designers took their aviation experience into automobile manufacturing. Today, their efforts are admired worldwide. It has been a long and difficult journey for Saab.
Over the years, Volvo has become synonymous with strength and reliability. Volvo's commitment to standards and obsession with safety, have always been far ahead of its time. One Volvo owner has driven his car over one million miles. No matter how it looks it's really about building safe cars that seem to last nearly forever.
In the fall of 1969, the Italians, Germans, British, and American built the car that satisfied nearly every consumer's need - from dependable performance to driving excitement. Then comes the introduction of a sporty, Japanese fastback called the Datsun 240Z, the automotive world was about to change. After 5 generations of the Z series, over 1 million units have been sold.
After years of rigorous debate, hand wringing and international lobbying by fans, automakers and government officials, a jury of automotive historians, museum curators and journalists decided what were the most significant cars ever created. We'll explore how our experts picked the top five autos and finally reached the decision to confer the automotive crowns.
Twice a year, the deserted Bonneville Salt Flats are transformed into the Valhalla of speed where land speed racers battle it out to claim a record. These speed freaks bring everything from jet-powered monsters to old roadsters to see who can claim the bragging rights until next year. Come along as we capture the drama of the racers who've decided to shift their dreams into high gear.
The Meyers Manx sprang from the soul of a free spirited Californian who loved the beach and always wanted to have fun. It was an inexpensive, go anywhere car that immediately clicked with a generation of like-minded people. Bruce Meyers created a legend but has had to fight to keep his vision alive.
The stylish and fast 1963 Avanti was the last ditch hope for Studebaker. The automaker was on the verge of bankruptcy. Studebaker's president called in famed designer Raymond Loewy and within weeks the automaker had a car. In 1991, it was the end of the line for the Avanti. Today, Avanti enthusiasts still hold onto the dream that someone will always resurrect their beloved car.
There's a bold new future coming down the road -- hybrids, fuel cells and electrics cars are just the beginning. They'll be joined by cars that even run on recycled French fry grease. As gas prices skyrocket we'll discover what's in the works that can help us kick the petrol habit. Come along as we unveil what the future really holds.
Hot Rods were the phenomenal cars created by back-yard mechanics in the Post-War world of Southern California. The police, newspapers, politicians, and their parents, took a dim view of hot rodders and labeled them, rebels. This is a story of young people who created a sport, while searching for ways to satisfy their need for speed. Features comments by ZZ Top member Billy Gibbons.
It was a time when the finest automobiles in the world were built. Some feel that this 20 year period from 1920 to 1940 was an Olympian Age of automotive design, much like the flourishing of Greek culture in Athens in the 5th Century BC. To car lovers, these cars are simply great works of art. We're going to see how they were built and the people behind these legendary automobiles.
Most people think of them as early relics of an era long past or antiques that are best left in museums. To a special group the earliest motorcars are an integral part of their lives. They are fascinated by the early technology while others are captivated by their importance and history. This special uncovers some of the oldest running cars and the people who've nurtured these noisome relics.
In the summer of 2003, thousands of people made a pilgrimage to Dearborn, Michigan to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Ford Motor Company. It was a remarkable 5 day event that demonstrated the impact this company has had on the world. Of all the cars there, one car stood out above the rest --- The Model T. It's a remarkable story of luck, pluck and desire.
Edsel, Corvair, Hudson, Studebaker, Hupmobile, Crosley, Maxwell and more. These are the Orphan cars. Every summer in Ypsilanti, Michigan car lovers gather for a car show. This group brings out ghost cars that they've nurtured for years. Cars that fizzled and died out. Created by people willing to go out on a limb. Unfortunately, the limb broke. It's simply a salute to the fallen.
Just after World War II, Preston Tucker wanted to be the first automaker to introduce an entirely new car. He set up shop in an old Dodge plant and got financial backing through stock and dealers. The government thought Tucker was a swindler and began to investigate. Tucker and his employees were charged but acquitted of mail fraud and conspiracy. In the end, Tucker's hopes were shattered.
The ultimate, the top, the crème de la crème - the builders of the Duesenberg defied the odds and entered the Depression era with the most costly, powerful and daring auto ever built. If you had money - you had to have a Duesy. It was hands-down the best and fastest car on the road. Over 400 of these desirable autos remain in the collections of lucky owners who still say, "it's a Duesy!"
Almost everyone knows about Kaiser Permanente --- the nationwide HMO but very few have any idea that it sprang from the mind of one of America's most spectacular entrepreneurs - Henry J. Kaiser. In 1945 he partnered with automobile executive Joe Frazer to meet the post War demand for cars. The resulting Kaiser-Frazer autos were the last real challenge to the dominance of the Big Three.
While many have forgotten that it ever existed, and many people weren't even born before the last Packard rolled off the assembly line, it is a car that still excites the passion of car lovers around the world. We'll see how a quiet and confident disdain for typical marketing ballyhoo propelled Packard to the top of the luxury market before its demise in the 1950's.