American cars: 10 of the best

What springs to mind when you think of American cars? For many it will be classic muscle cars, with their aggressive looks and huge V8 engines, but for others it will be gigantic saloon cars (sedans) that would never fit on UK roads. Perhaps it will be an innovative and important car from the US like the Ford Model T that pioneered modern car manufacturing, or even something from the present day like the Tesla Model S.

The US has always had a hand in racing too, so some might think of the iconic Shelby Cobra or Daytona Coupe that won Le Mans in 1964. Of course, America is well-known for its working vehicles too: the classic Jeep Wrangler shape is instantly recognisable, and the huge Ford F-150 pick-up truck is the best-selling vehicle in America.

Although many cars form the US have never been on sale here in the UK, there's undoubtedly a cult following with events and car clubs for the owners of imported American cars all over the country. The appeal of a powerful V8 engine is a big part of the love for American cars, whether it's being used to power a noisy muscle car on a drag strip or to burble along in a softly-sprung sedan.

Classic American cars have the most appeal, with models like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger having a romantic image - helped on by appearances in films like Bullitt and Vanishing Point. There are some modern marvels too, however, like the 2014 Corvette Stingray.

To celebrate America's contribution to the world of cars we've put together a list of our favourite cars from the good old US of A.

1. Ford Mustang
2. Chevrolet Corvette
3. Plymouth Road Runner Superbird
4. Cadillac Eldorado
5. Ford Model T
6. AC Cobra
7. Ford F-Series
8. Tesla Model S
9. Jeep Wrangler
10. Lincoln Town Car