American automotive history is rich with iconic two-seat machines that blend performance, style, and pure driving excitement. From the birth of the Corvette in the early 1950s to cutting-edge electric roadsters today, these cars showcase a uniquely American flair for open-top motoring and raw power.
Whether draped in classic chrome and fibreglass or sculpted from carbon fibre and aluminum, each timeless two-seat vehicle on this list made its mark on the automotive landscape. Here are ten of the best American two-seat machines produced between 1953 and 2024, each defined by its innovative engineering and unforgettable, enduring character in automotive history.
1. Chevrolet Corvette 1953
Photo Credit: silodrome
Unveiled in 1953 as America’s first mass-produced sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette set the standard for two-seat performance. Crafted on a lightweight fibreglass body atop a sturdy steel chassis, the original Corvette housed a modest 235-ci inline-six delivering around 150 horsepower. Despite humble beginnings, its sleek, curvaceous styling and convertible top captured imaginations instantly.
Photo Credit: Silodrome
Early Corvettes featured a removable wraparound windshield and iconic dual taillights, foreshadowing decades of evolution. Though lacking raw power by modern standards, the 1953 Corvette’s pioneering blend of innovative materials and spirited handling cemented its place in automotive lore as a truly groundbreaking American two-seat machine.
Choosing an affordable electric car in 2025 means balancing entry-level pricing with enough pep to keep driving enjoyable. Across the USA and Europe, manufacturers are competing fiercely to offer sub-$35,000 (or equivalent) EVs that still provide spirited acceleration, respectable range, and modern safety features.
Below are ten of the cheapest electric cars on sale this year, each listed with its approximate asking price and a snapshot of what makes it stand out—from zippy motors and nimble handling to clever packaging and surprisingly quick 0-60 times. Buckle up, as these budget-friendly EVs prove you don’t need to break the bank to join the electric revolution.
1. 2025 Nissan Leaf
Photo Credit: Wiki
The Nissan Leaf remains a stalwart in the electric-car market, with the base S trim for 2025 starting at $29,280 in the USA Under the hood, its 110-kW (147 horsepower) electric motor delivers smooth, linear acceleration—enough to merge onto highways confidently and haul a family of four without breaking a sweat.
Photo Credit: Wiki
With a 40-kWh battery pack yielding an EPA range of about 149 miles, it’s perfectly suited for daily commutes and weekend errands. Standard driver-assist tech includes automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, making it a safe choice for budget-conscious buyers who still crave reliable performance.
When we think of speed and performance, the sleek, aggressive profiles of supercars immediately come to mind—machines purpose-built to dominate race tracks and turn heads wherever they go. Yet, lurking quietly in everyday traffic are the unassuming legends known as sleeper cars, vehicles that hide remarkable power behind ordinary facades. These subtle speedsters often defy expectations, leaving flashy sports cars trailing in their wake. In this article, we’ll dive deep into 15 unexpected matchups between iconic supercars and their stealthy sleeper counterparts, challenging everything you thought you knew about automotive performance, aesthetics, and bragging rights.
The year 1942 was interesting in terms of automotive manufacturing. You see, there was this conflict going on called World War II, and very quickly production at every automotive plant in the world was converted to wartime production of tanks, jeeps, and aircraft. Cars were not built in the U.S. from 1942 through 1946, and production of 1942 model-year vehicles was very low. In 1941 – the year America entered the war – about 3 million cars were manufactured, but in 1942, that number shrank to about 100,000. That year, Lincoln produced a total of only 336 Continentals, while in 1941, they built 850.
The seller states this 1942 Lincoln Continental is powered by the reportedly original 4.8-liter V12 mated to a three-speed manual transmission. It is finished in stunning deep green paint over a beige cloth and light brown vinyl interior, and comes with a 1942 Lincoln reference book, Arizona Classic Roadrunner magazine, and clear title.
This specific 1942 Lincoln Club Coupe is said to have received a complete restoration and is considered to be what the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) calls a “Full Classic,” putting it at the top of the heap of American collector cars. I know many people like the convertible version of the Lincoln Continental, but I honestly prefer the stately grandeur of the Club Coupe much more.
The exterior of this Lincoln appears to be in excellent condition. The paintwork looks amazing and is show-ready. The only flaw I can see is that the radio antenna looks like it could use some chromework and the tires appear a bit old and may need replacing (easily rectified with a call to Coker Tire). That’s really it – otherwise, this seems to be a truly show-worthy example.
From what I can see in the photos provided, the interior looks to be even better, with no wear and perfect trim. The gold plating on the instruments and dash trim appears to have been done flawlessly. The stunning dash makes these already special cars look even more exclusive.
Under the hood is the Lincoln flathead V12 engine in all its glory. Everything looks correct and is quite tidy, only needing some cleaning around the firewall to be ready to show.
These classic Lincoln Continentals were some of the finest cars in the world when new and could hold their own against just about any rival. The fact that this is a 1942 model only adds to its rareness and collectibility. This model continues to impress beyond expectations in the world of classic show cars. It’s also nice to drive, offering everything you would expect from a prewar luxury automobile.
If you have been looking for a true top-tier collector car that qualifies for just about any concours and absolutely any standard car show in the world, this could be just the ticket. Act fast and place your bid on AutoHunter right away because the auction for this 1942 Lincoln Continental Club Coupe ends on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
Modern living is great! You live in your smart home where the lights turn on when the alarm on your smart phone goes off, then you ask your Alexa Echo to tell you about the latest and greatest news/online spats while you take a shower. Next, you get dressed and put on your Ray-Ban Meta glasses and your smart watch before heading downstairs, where you pound some juice, skip breakfast (not so smart, according to your doctor), then leave and have your smart lock secure your property while your smart thermostat adjusts the air conditioning. You hop in your car (which, ironically, is not a Smart car) and drive off, using an autopilot-type system that allows you to check emails during your daily commute.
Does this sound like you? If so, the smart thing to do will be to buy the new Volvo EX60 crossover SUV when it debuts in 2026 because it will be equipped with the world’s first smart seat belt.
Volvo pioneered the three-point seat belt in 1959. Automotive safety has been part of Volvo’s branding for decades, but it’s been awhile since Volvo has flaunted this relevant differentiating benefit. With the EX60, Volvo will reclaim its rightful position as producing the world’s safest cars with the introduction of this multi-adaptive safety belt.
According to Volvo, modern safety belts use load limiters to control how much force the safety belt applies to your body during a crash. This new safety belt design expands the load-limiting profiles (from three to eleven) and, hence, increases the possible number of settings to offer optimal performance for each situation and individual. It adapts to specific bodies and positions in respect to real-time data from the vehicle’s exterior, interior, and crash sensors for customized protection for each belted passenger. Considering the unique characteristics of a crash (such as direction, speed, and passenger posture), the system in turn shares the data with the safety belt and selects the most appropriate setting for peak protection.
Think of it this way: When you’re at your peak weight in January, you will receive a higher belt load setting in an accident than in the spring after you’ve spent several months at the gym. Profiles such as your height, weight, body shape, and seating position are calculated and adapted to upon impact. As a result, head and rib injuries (among others) will be minimized. With over-the-air software updates, protection marginally improves with time.
“The world first multi-adaptive safety belt is another milestone for automotive safety and a great example of how we leverage real-time data with the ambition to help save millions of more lives,” said Åsa Haglund, head of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre. “This marks a major upgrade to the modern three-point safety belt, a Volvo invention introduced in 1959, estimated to have saved over a million lives.”
According to Car, the EX60 will run on the group’s modular SPA3 platform and sit in the middle of the brand’s range. For greater efficiency and faster charging, 800-volt technology will be used. Single- and dual-motor powertrain systems are estimated to offer from 329 to 670 horsepower.
For more than two decades, the Dodge Viper stunned people with its bold looks and unusual V10 power. That era of American performance started with the 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 roadster, a curvaceous beast with a 400-horsepower 8.0-liter V10 under its massive hood, a six-speed manual gearbox, and side pipes. There was nothing to get in the way of going fast – no traction control, ABS, or even side windows. We got a chance to grab some up-close footage of this first-year Dodge Viper at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction before it was sold to its new owner at no reserve.
For more interesting finds, be sure to follow our YouTube channel here.
You should never buy a car based on what other people are going to think of you when they see it because it’s your car and you’re the one paying for it. But it helps to be aware of just how much attention – good or bad – a certain vehicle will get because you may prefer to be left alone while you’re out driving. A new Mercedes with a light-up three-pointed star in the grille and colorful interior ambient lighting? Lots of people will be looking at you. Our Pick of the Day, a 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SL posted on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Englewood, Colorado? It’s still an SL with great lines, V8 power, and leather seats, but it should allow you to fly under the radar.
Designed by Bruno Sacco and first presented at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show, the R129 generation of the SL simultaneously has presence (thanks to its ingot-like lines) and the ability to be self-effacing (thanks it being out of the new car spotlight for decades). These days, it has an “old money” look to it. It’s hard to look at it and not think it was the go-to for hit record producers and successful L.A. attorneys in the 1990s.
What makes this high-class cruiser even more low-key is its gray and taupe two-tone paint, although its headlight wipers might turn some heads. As the photos show, this 500SL currently has a body-color hardtop in place, but that can be removed so the power-operated soft top can be used on those occasions when you do want to be seen. If you change your mind, just mash the gas and let the 322-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 and four-speed automatic turn you into a blur.
The interior has a color scheme that’s as tasteful and restrained as the exterior finish: gray leather and wood veneer accents on the door panels and center stack/console. Both seats have power controls as well as three-person memory settings; additional amenities include power everything, automatic climate control, and a Clarion AM/FM/CD stereo.
One thing this luxury drop-top doesn’t have? A lot of miles. The odometer indicates it’s only been driven 56,967 miles over the past 30+ years. If you buy this 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SL for $13,899, you should be able to add to that number without being bothered – and in total comfort.
Automotive history is full of strange and fascinating stories, but few are as intriguing as cars designed to comply with oddly specific laws. From peculiar safety regulations to quirky licensing restrictions, unusual legal requirements have inspired manufacturers to build vehicles that are genuinely unique—sometimes even bizarre. For automakers, navigating these obscure laws meant pushing creativity to its limits, resulting in cars that stand out both on the road and in history books. Join us as we explore fifteen remarkable examples of automobiles whose very designs were shaped by peculiar legal stipulations, illustrating how necessity can indeed be the mother of invention.
In the automotive world, dealer-installed packages have the power to turn everyday vehicles into extraordinary performance machines.
While factory models often cater to the masses with practicality and affordability, dealership customizations allow enthusiasts to unleash hidden potential, transforming ordinary rides into thrilling, one-of-a-kind experiences.
These specially tuned packages offer everything from potent engine upgrades and aggressive styling enhancements to performance-focused suspension setups, breathing new life into otherwise mundane cars.
Join us as we explore 15 remarkable dealer-installed packages that have dramatically elevated average vehicles, showcasing the creativity and passion that continue to fuel car enthusiasts’ dreams.
Driving in Africa presents unique challenges that many vehicles simply aren’t built to handle.
From pothole-riddled highways and rugged dirt roads to extreme climates ranging from scorching deserts to torrential rainy seasons, African roads demand resilience, adaptability, and innovation.
While global automotive giants often overlook these specific needs, several lesser-known manufacturers have stepped in to create cars tailored explicitly for these conditions.
These specialized vehicles combine durability, affordability, and practicality, directly addressing the continent’s diverse terrains and economic realities.
In this article, we uncover 15 remarkable cars specifically crafted or adapted for African roads—vehicles you’ve likely never heard of, but truly deserve recognition.
