None of them remain as they were that glorious day so long ago when they rolled out of the factory in Detroit, built by American union workers to the exact market demands of the day: Big, beautiful and a block long. These cars have all been styled and personalized into works of art by owners who appreciate the canvas Detroit has given them and have painted their own masterpieces on its foundation.
The American sedan of the late-1940s, early 50s was a celebration of prosperity. A time when Michigan iron mines were pouring ore into Great Lakes bulk carriers longer than most home towns on Da Yoop, hauling it down to giant factories just like the ones portrayed in all those WPA murals, and cranking and stamping out the gorgeous lines you see parked here at SEMA, 2018.
Cars weren’t always high-revving, high-tech, high-priced infotainment centers on wheels. Before there were five USB ports in every five-door crossover utility vehicle, there was an AM radio that got four stations and a bench seat wide enough to land a Lockheed Constellation. The Great American Sedan (and coupe) represents one of the pinnacles of modern styling and transportation achievement.
Here are our favorites from SEMA 2018.