One of the largest automakers in the world, General Motors has been manufacturing vehicles since 1908. The company found by two purveyors of horse-drawn carriage manufacturers in Flint, Michigan was able to acquire different auto brands. The result of acquisitions was not good for the company and two years later, the company was under the control of bankers’ trust.
The brand has gone through a roller coaster of challenges and changes. Now, General Motors is comprised of twelve different auto brands. The main auto brands of General Motors are Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick. The company launched iconic models out of which some were the base of the auto industry revolution.
The Most Iconic General Motors Cars
1937 Chevrolet Carryall Suburban
Who does not know about Chevrolet Suburban? It is a known and common vehicle on the roadway. This model is one of the longest continual production vehicles in the history of the motor industry. Over the years, it has undergone various changes but still, it remains one of the favorite and preferred full-size SUVs.
The first Suburban was launched in 1935. The 1937 Carryall Suburban was the first model that stood out for its performance and design. It was a sturdy two-door wagon made up of an all-metal body. This eight-seater full-size SUV gets its name because it can carry everything or anything. This is the reason that it was used for military transport during World War II.
1940 Cadillac Series 90 V16
Cadillac V16, also known as Cadillac sixteen was one of the top-of-the-line variants of Cadillac. It is a true classic gem. When you look at it, you will get to know the reason it was called crème de la crème at the time of its launch. It means it was the best vehicle of a particular kind.
This iconic car not only hauls up the brand image of General Motors but also was the first V16 car that was produced in the United States. This model is recognized as one of the finest vehicles produced by the company in the prewar era. When it comes to the auction, it is worth $250,000.
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
This iconic vehicle is considered as one of the turning points for the company. This car was a major success with three different models; 150, 210, and Bel Air. The distinctive styling made Bel Air the decidedly cool and upscale model. It was the first successful Chevrolet to have an optional V8 engine.
The Chevrolet 210 was a two-door and four-door sedan, whereas, Bel Air series was available in two- and four-door with a convertible option. The top trim variant with more chrome than the other variants gave it a premium look.
1959 Cadillac Eldorado
When you think of classic cars made by General Motors, you will come up with Cadillac Eldorado. The outstanding model of the series was the 1959 model. This model will always be remembered by car enthusiasts because it was outrageous styling was developed and designed by an iconic car designer Chuck Jordan.
The double-arched taillights, tapered tail fins, and impressive grille represented the best of 1950s car designs. When it appears in the auto shows of modern times, you will find more people standing around the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado than any other class car. It is still popular among the public. The engine of Eldorado with 345 hp has ruled the streets.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
1963 is marked as the first year of the second-generation Corvette. For the record, Corvette has always been the crowd-pleaser. This model was the first and only model to feature the split window design on the rear cargo area. It was the original design and vision of the designer Larry Shinoda. Also, this model gained a reputation due to a high-performance machine. The sleeker lines and sportier aesthetics made it stand out from its predecessors.
The first Corvette model that was available in coupe made it more popular among car enthusiasts. Also, it was the first Corvette having an independent rear suspension. In the 57 years of history of Corvettes, this model is still visually appealing to the public.
1966 Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO is widely regarded as the first muscle car. This muscle car gets the number from the courtesy of Ferrari’s GTO. This revolutionary model brought extraordinary power and performance to the masses. Also, the V8 engine of Pontiac GTO is not difficult to handle. The affordable price made it more popular among muscle car enthusiasts.
This first muscle car was manufactured under the supervision of John DeLorean and promoted by Jim Wangers. Both are the iconic designers of General Motors. The V8 engine in Pontiac GTO was comparatively inexpensive, light, and small. The manufacturing recipe made it effective for those who were following the GTO’s lead for making domestic vehicles.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro
The accolade-garnering and award-winning Camaro is a truly iconic vehicle in terms of style and design by General Motors. The 1969 model was impressive and one of the beloved vehicles of General Motors. Also, this model was honored as an Indy 500 Safety Car of the year. The design and style of the Chevrolet Camaro were so popular that the company launched the fifth generation in 2010 that continued till 2015.
A quarter of a million ’69 cars were sold. It is because is one of the iconic muscle cars of the late 60s era. The 1969 Camaro came with hardtop and convertible variants with V8 engines.
1987 Buick Grand National GNX
If you are a fan of the 1987 Buick Grand National GNX, then you will find it in the asking price of $150,000 or more on the current date. It is a true collectible vehicle among other classic cars. When the 1987 Buick Grand National GNX made its debut, it caused a stir.
The all-black color scheme and the fact that it was launched during the height of the Star Wars craze of the 80s, led the people to associate it with the villain Darth Vader. This stealth car not only made pop culture history but also become one of the iconic vehicles of General Motors. Also, it was a limited-edition vehicle produced by General Motors.
1999 Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac Escalade, a full-size and luxury SUV was one of the major entries by General Motors in the SUV segment. The 1999 model was introduced by General Motors as a response to the competition from Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Lexus LX, Range Rover, and Ford’s Lincoln Navigator. It took only 10 months to complete the car after approval and launch it for the public.
The 1999 Escalade became popular than expected. It became a symbol of high-profile living standards because of flaunting celebrities. As a status symbol, it gave the public an appearance of living a high life. Due to the perfect combo of class, luxury, and style, Escalade is still in demand by the public.
2014 Buick LaCrosse
Buick LaCrosse, a mid-size sedan was manufactured and marketed by Buick in 2004. The 2014 model year produced a refreshed Buick LaCrosse which is considered as a boost for General Motors. The redesigned and upmarket LaCrosse as a premium sedan came up with a new wheel design, leather seats, instrument cluster, and redesigned fairings.
The 3.6-Liter V6 engine having 303 horsepower enhances the beauty of this model year with high performance. It is still being produced in China with a facelift variant for 2019. It means it makes it one of the iconic vehicles of General Motors.
General Motors – Iconic Vehicles Over a Century
General Motors, one of the biggest car manufacturers in the United States has been producing iconic cars for more than a century. If you are familiar with the interesting facts about General Motors, then you might know this fact that they were the first car manufacturer to install turn signals. Talking about the iconic cars by General Motors, then there is a lot.
Camaro, Corvette, Escalade, Eldorado, Pontiac GTO, and many more are the iconic vehicles of General Motors. Most of them are famous because of their design, performance, style, etc. Some iconic cars are a status symbol for people.