10 Classic American Cars That Had The Best Interiors
When it comes to Classic American cars, few things captivate the mind quite like the sleek, comfy, and luxurious interiors. Classic American vehicles have always been popular for their refined interiors, and have since had a lasting impression on enthusiasts. There’s just something incredibly alluring about those retro-style interiors. These interior features range from cushy leather seats and wood-grain accents to slick dashboard designs and cutting-edge technology. However, some interiors are more distinctive than others, making them even more distinctive and memorable.
So, we’ve compiled 10 of the best classic American car interiors. Our list includes cars from different eras, ranging from sports car interiors to classic muscle cars, each with its own distinct style and charm. We will delve into the design elements and features that make these classics stand out.
Whether you’re a die-hard classic car aficionado or simply appreciate American classics craftsmanship, we’re sure to provide an informative and entertaining throwback to some of the best interiors ever made. Join us on a journey through the history of American classic car interiors.
10 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
Although it is one of the oldest classics, the Chevrolet Bel Air remains a timeless icon, thanks to its exceptional design and engineering. The Bel Air’s interior was famous for its chrome accents and two-tone upholstery. The dashboard was a clean and uncluttered design and featured a signature single large, circular speedometer in the center with smaller fuel and temperature gauges on both sides. It also had a right faceplate on the bottom half of the dash that stretched all the way to the glove box on the passenger side.
All the instrumentation on the dash had chrome accents that matched the rest of the interior. The seats were typically covered in vinyl or cloth, and the door panels also had matching upholstery. The steering wheel had a chrome horn ring. In addition to all its other appealing qualities, the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air had an air conditioning system. This was an optional extra, along with the power windows, and power seats. It even had tissue dispensers.
9 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
As a high-end trim of the third-generation Eldorado family, the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham was a testament to up-to-date rocket-age technology. One of the features that stood out the most was the interior, which had a striking design and lavish features. When you finally get your hands on it, you’ll realize that it’s one of the true classics worth holding on to.
Designed to be the epitome of luxury and comfort, the Eldorado Brougham’s interior had plush carpeting and ultra-plush Italian leather upholstery, complete with stainless steel trim.
In addition to its materials, the Eldorado Brougham’s interior also brought a range of features, such as air conditioning, memory seats as well as power windows, and door locks. The car also featured a functional and stylish instrument panel, with a cluster of gauges and controls placed within the driver’s reach
8 1953 Chevrolet Corvette
The year 1953 marked the birth of the Chevrolet Corvette, the racing-inspired two-seat roadster. It had a unique design, powerful engines, and a muscular appearance that screamed power. To match the performance-oriented exterior, the Corvette’s interior had a design that was both sporty and stylish.
The C1 Corvette is the ideal representation of American mid-century design. With its molded dash, chrome-trimmed gauges, and seats incorporated into the back deck, later Corvettes appear almost low-rent. The elegant center console had the 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission shifter. The car’s steering wheel was also a standout feature, featuring a unique and functional two-spoke design, with a chrome horn ring.
The Corvette had well-designed bucket seats that were both sporty and comfortable for driver and passenger, even during high-speed cornering. In terms of materials, the 1963 Corvette’s interior was relatively basic, with aluminum trim and other sporty touches. With its rising value, the 1953 Corvette will soon be worth a fortune.
7 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
Thanks to its unique styling and advanced features, the Oldsmobile had an incredible beginning. In 1966, its first model year, the Oldsmobile Toronado won both Car Life’s Award for Engineering Excellence Award and Motor Trend’s Car of the Year Award. Matching the Toronado’s jet-age style and engineering was the equally incredible interior, which was both comfortable and innovative.
One of the standout features of the 1966 Toronado’s interior was its wraparound dashboard design that extended from the driver’s side to the center of the car, giving a cockpit-like appeal. The Toronado was among the first American cars to feature a front-wheel-drive system. This allowed for a flat floor, which gave the Toronado more interior space.
Plus, the Toronado also had a unique feature called the “Strato Bench” seat, allowing the Toronado to haul up to six occupants. The car’s seats themselves came upholstered in either leather or cloth and featured thick padding for added comfort. Today, the Oldsmobile Toronado is an overlooked muscle car bargain, with an average price of $17,869.
6 1971 Ford Thunderbird Brougham
The 1971 Ford Thunderbird is among the best Thunderbirds ever made, and for good reason. As a fifth generation of the Thunderbird family, it made a strong statement with its engine, straightforward exterior design, and speed. Aside from that, its interior also helped in establishing it as a popular and highly desirable luxury coupe.
The 1971 Thunderbird Brougham is generally considered to have the most over-the-top Ford Interior of all time. It boasted a sleek and modern dashboard. This was complete with a woodgrain finish on both the instrument panel and center console. The gauges were generously sized, making them easy to read. The Thunderbird Brougham also had the Rim-Blow Deluxe Three-Spoke Steering Wheel.
The power-adjustable front seats provided a seamless experience for both the driver and the passenger. For added comfort at the back, the rear seats feature a center fold-down armrest. With extra bucks, buyers could unlock the unique High Back Bucket Seats. The 1971 Ford Thunderbird Brougham also had power windows and power locks, and air conditioning.
5 1961 Lincoln Continental
From its inception in the early 40s, the Lincoln Continental represented comfort, convenience, and style. Marking the start of the fourth generation, the 1961 Lincoln Continental bought a cleaner, modern styling, and had a greater emphasis on comfort, particularly the interior.
The Lincoln Continental’s cabin came with an array of innovative design elements and distinctive features. The most outstanding feature, however, was the instrument panel, which placed a continuous strip of controls and gauges across the width of the car. Not only did this layout provide easy access to important information, but it also set the car apart from its competitors that had the usual dashboard layout.
Soft leather concealed the car’s seats, and genuine wood trim adorned the rest of the cabin. All occupants had access to the large armrests built into the door panels. The 1961 Lincoln Continental’s interior also featured electric windows, power seats, and a cutting-edge heating and ventilation system.
4 1970 Buick GSX
The Buick GSX was one of the most sought-after muscle cars of its era, yet it’s still overlooked as a hidden muscle car gem. But, despite its high-performance credentials, its interior took on a more refined and luxurious approach.
The 1970 Buick GSX’s interior had a seamless blend of style and functionality, with a range of features like the high-back bucket seats and a stylish dashboard with wood-grain trim. A large speedometer and tachometer dominated the dashboard, with auxiliary gauges for oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level.
The interior design and features were typical of American muscle cars of the era. The standard features included power brakes, power steering, and a tilt steering column. Features like the AM/FM radio, air conditioning, and a clock were optional. In terms of overall style and luxury, the 1970 Buick GSX’s interior was more impressive than the 1969 Dodge Charger’s interior.
3 1973 Pontiac Trans Am
The Pontiac Trans Am is another classic muscle car that ruled the segment, thanks to its amazing engine and speed. Another equally impressive reason why gearheads loved the 1973 Pontiac Trans Am so much was the interior, which featured vinyl or cloth upholstered bucket seats. For added comfort, these seats came with adjustable headrests and the door panels had armrests.
The console housed the speedometer, radio and air conditioning controls, and other gauges – all perfectly positioned in front of the driver, making it very convenient. A distinctive feature of the Trans Am was the hood-mounted tachometer.
The steering wheel had a sporty design that featured the Pontiac emblem in the center. Other features of the Trans Am’s interior were the power windows and door locks, a rear window defogger, and a radio with an optional 8-track tape player.
2 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
The 1971 Ford Mustang was one of the most badass Mustangs of its time and the perfect James Bond muscle car. It had a sleek design and a powerful engine, making it a juggernaut on the road. To complement the Mustang’s performance-oriented nature, the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1’s interior provided a comfortable and athletic driving experience.
The dashboard had a rectangular design that placed the horizontal speedometer and fuel gauge directly in front of the driver. The center console housed additional gauges, including a tachometer, oil pressure, and temperature gauges. Mounted in the center of the console was the radio, with heating and air conditioning controls right below it.
It featured high-back bucket seats with integrated headrests that provided excellent support. Customers could choose to have the seats covered in knitted vinyl or leather, with the Mach 1 logo embossed on the seat backs. Other notable interior features of the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 were the molded door panels with integrated storage pockets, a lockable glove box, and door-mounted armrests. The rear seats could also fold down to provide more cargo space.
1 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Soon after its 1973 second-generation debut, the Monte Carlo captured the much bigger attention of enthusiasts and quickly became a popular choice on the road. Yet, the Chevy Monte Carlo was always underrated. One of the most impressive aspects was the interior, which featured a uniquely-designed dashboard with a long curve that extended from the driver’s side to the center of the car. The center console came with woodgrain accents, which added a flair to the cabin.
The center of the dashboard accommodated the climate controls. The steering wheel had a woodgrain rim that matched the center console and the door panels, leading to a more uniform and premium look. Buyers could have the Monte Carlo’s seats with the standard cloth and vinyl or the optional leather. To provide additional comfort, the front seats were wide and plush and had a center armrest that folded down. Like most cars of its time, the air conditioning was optional. The cabin was quite spacious, providing ample legroom and headroom for both the front and rear occupants.
Sources: Hagerty