Car Models

In the Car Models Channel, read about some of the most popular cars to hit the showroom floor. Check out the HowStuffWorks Car Models Channel.

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The 1951 Meteor Custom DeLuxe Convertible Coupe was the most refined version of the thoroughly new Ford/Meteor generation ushered in for 1949. It was the 'Canadianized' version of its namesake car. See pictures of this stunning convertible.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1969 Dodge Charger was a design high point for muscle cars of the day, with its attractive, curvy styling, hemi V-8 engine and a roomy, functional interior. See pictures and learn more about this powerful classic car.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1971 Ford LTD Convertible Coupe was the first ragtop introduced in the very popular LTD series. Standard equipment included power front disc brakes, a self-regulating clock and woodgrain interior appliques. Read about and see pictures of this classic car.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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General Motors liked to be first with new concepts, but there's no avoiding the fact that when it created the 1959 Chevrolet El Camino "sedan pickup," rival Ford had been making its Ranchero for two years. Check out the 1959-1960 Chevrolet El Camino.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The stage was set for the Oldsmobile F-85 Jetfire at the start of the 1960s. Like a beach pounded by heavy surf, the U.S. auto industry was in the path of a couple of strong waves. Learn how the 1962-1963 Oldsmobile F-85 Jetfire weathered the storm.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The Hummer, or Humvee, has made a huge impact on military applications as well as civilian lifestyles. It's both utilitarian workhorse and the ultimate expression of machismo.

By Jonathan Strickland

The DeLorean became famous in the movie "Back to the Future" after entering the auto market in 1981. But waves of scandal soon shut the company's doors forever, or so we thought ...

By Jonathan Strickland

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The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner hardtop coupe had a sleek look and great performance. The car was first introduced by Plymouth as a stripped-down cheaper alternative to the more stylish GTX. See photos and explore features of the 1971 Road Runner.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

Muroc Roadster buyers get steel-bodied rollers with independent suspensions and the customer chooses his own engine paint and upholstery. The steel bodies aren't just stock reproductions but custom designs. Learn about the popular Muroc hot rods.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The Ritzow Deuce is equipped with a 1949 Mercury 260-cid flathead V-8 engine. The interior boasts custom green-dyed buffalo leather. The car blends a '40s look with modern build and technology. Learn more about this "high-tech traditional" hot rod.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

With its streamlined airplane-inspired design, the 1935-1940 Peugeot 402 caused quite a sensation in Europe. The design was mostly influenced by the principals that governed the young air travel industry. Follow the story of the Peugeot 402.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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The flowing proportions of the Afterglow were inspired by a car built by a custom pioneer more than 50 years ago. Quality execution modern building techniques and an eye-catching coppery paint job produced a winner. Learn more about the Afterglow.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1965-1967 Buick Gran Sport was a Skylark-based performance option that became available mid-1965. Buick renamed their 401 engine to the 400 which turned out to be a perfect fit for the A-body Skylark. Find out how the Buick Gran Sport stacked up.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

A chance meeting between William Lyons, founder of Jaguar, and a neighbor led to the creation of a classic. Cars like the 1937 SS Jaguar 100 gave Jaguar a reputation for producing beautifully styled sports cars. Follow the Jaguar story from the start.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The "Rod"riguez hot rod is a fine example of Japanese design, blending hot rod custom and lowrider styling in a completely original way. The engine uses a 303-cid Rocket V-8 and Hydra-Matic transmission from a '49 Oldsmobile. Read about "Rod"riguez.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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The bullet-nosed Frankenstude debuted at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Its unique design, complex engineering, and robust performance potential made it a hit. Read how Frankenstude helped launch a new wave of custom takes on '50s cars.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

Since 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance has been the ultimate car show. Steeped in tradition, it is an exclusive and elegant celebration of the history of the automobile. Read more about hot rods at this classic invitation-only event.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The engine in the So-Cal Roadster is a Chevy 355 with a Holley 420 MegaBlower supercharger. You can see one in person at your local So-Cal Speed Shop. Or if you have the means you can order one of your own. Learn about the custom So-Cal Roadster.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

Because of its great style and craftsmanship, Jake's Coupe is considered one of the best hot rods ever built. It is totally original and features authentic Ford steel. The Coupe is loud and fast and known for drawing attention. Learn more about this 1973 hot rod.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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The 1966-1967 Mercury Comet took on a racier role with cars like the Cyclone GT. They outsold the full-size Mercury each year, making it Lincoln-Mercury's best-selling line. See pictures and learn about the 1966-1967 Mercury Comet.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1950s Revival Leadsled custom car was built when mainstream America seemed to rediscover the smooth curves of the '50s. This chop-top proves that the appeal of a well-designed custom car is timeless. Read more about the Revival Leadsled.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The Aluma Coupe debuted at the New York Auto Show to extensive press coverage. The car established Boyd Coddington as the premier builder of his time and inspired further auto company involvement in hot rods. Read about this revolutionary hot rod.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

Cole Foster found the 1954 Chevy hardtop in a junkyard, then worked on it off and on for six years. The Chevy illustrates Foster's philosophy--fresh purposeful and designed to look as good in 30 years as it does now. Read more on the custom '54.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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Nadean made her debut at the Detroit Autorama, arriving at the peak of the forward-thinking high-tech billet-aluminum phase of custom history. It's a clean-sheet redesign that makes a very modern design statement. Check out Nadean the hot rod.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

A lesser-known jeep prototype, the extremely rare 1944 Ford GWP Military Jeep was made for the Army by Ford during World War II. The Ford prototype had the lowest Army road test scored but the company was capable of handling large production.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide