Unlike the other “USA!” rides on this list, the Dodge Challenger Stars & Stripes Edition is not adorned in red, white, and blue, but is no less patriotic. In 2019, Dodge offered a special trim package for both the Challenger and Charger models as a salute to the American troops. The package included a wide, body-length matte black stripe, American flag emblems on the fenders, and gold stars embroidered in the seats.
“We have a strong following of buyers who are in the military, as well as many buyers who are patriotic,” said Steve Beahm, Fiat Chrysler’s head of passenger-car brands
The military-themed package could be applied to the R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and GT trim levels, for just under $2,000. Conceivably, a patriot could have supported the troops with a 485 horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 under the hood. It really doesn’t get any more American than that, unless Dodge decides to add a Stars & Stripes package to the 1,025 horsepower Demon 170.
2 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray From Austin Powers
One of the best ways to pump up the patriotism is for a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray convertible, painted like an American flag, to pull up with American Woman sung by Lenny Kravitz blasting. Even better if that car is driven by Felicity Shagwell, A.K.A Heather Graham. That was the case in the film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, with one of the most iconic scenes and iconic cars.
- The movie car license plate reads: CIA 1
- The ’67 has a 350 horsepower 326ci V-8
- Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
grossed $312 million worldwide
Despite being such a famous car, that would be its last film appearance. There was no role for Graham in the third Austin Powers movie, so the car was unceremoniously exiled to a warehouse where it collected dust. MotorTrend reports that the patriotic ’65 ‘Vette was eventually purchased and completely restored, but the original movie paint was left untouched.
1 Spirit of America Sonic 1
The Saturn V rocket that sent the Apollo 11 astronauts to the moon in 1969 is the most American vehicle there is, but that thing didn’t have any wheels. The Spirit of America Sonic 1 jet-propelled car however had four wheels and set the land speed record in 1965 with a pass of 600.6 mph. Piloted by race car driver Craig Breedlove, it was the last jet-powered vehicle to hold the record.
- The Sonic 1 was powered by an F-4 Phantom II fighter-jet engine
- The engine produced 14,980 pounds of thrust
- The Beach Boys’ song
Spirit of America
was an ode to Breedlove and his ride
Breedlove’s first Spirit of America car only had three wheels so his initial land speed record was never officially recognized. When he brought the four-wheeled Spirit of America Sonic 1 to the Bonneville Salt Flats and blew through space and time, he was finally acknowledged as the fastest man alive. Though his record would eventually be broken, no car has ever captured the spirit of American ingenuity or elicited as much patriotism as Breedlove’s amazing ride.
