8 American giants

Chapter 8 American giants Meanwhile, American designers were thinking big. Their cars were getting longer and lower- and guzzling huge amounts of fuel. Wow! I want a car like that!

In 1947, the Studebaker Starlight started a trend for sleek, stylish cars. The following year, a designer working for the Cadillac car company was inspired when a fighter jet flew by.

American designers used every trick to make their cars stand out, from stylish fins and shiny chrome bumpers to dazzling paintwork and pointed tail-lights. Dad! Come for a spin in my new car. Most impressive of all were the stretch limos.

Still popular today, they are twice the length of a normal car, with plush leather seats and a drinks' bar inside. Speed up or we'll miss the premiere. The rich and famous love to travel by limo. They can soak up the sights in chauffeur-driven luxury, while mirrored windows stop excited fans from seeing in.

Much cheaper and more practical was the 1960s' station wagon. A huge box on wheels, it made a great family car because there was room for everyone and everything.