1

Ford Mustang

Image: VizAforMemories

Often referred to simply as "the Mustang ," this series manufactured by Ford is one of the quintessential American automobiles.

The Mustang was born in 1964 and has been in production ever since (with the Mustang II being produced from 1974 to 1978), as its popularity transcends borders. Its smart, sporty design has evolved over the years, but it has never lost its pony car label.

Loved by many for its wide range of engine options and powerful performance, the Mustang is more than just a car; it's an icon of American automotive culture. Remember the Mustang GT 390 in the 1968 movie Bullitt ?

2

Chevrolet Corvette

Image: Abdul Bakar

With its iconic two-seater design and a very rich history, the Corvette is a legend that could not be left out of this list.

The Corvette was introduced by Chevrolet in 1953 , some 70 years ago! However, it has aged like fine wine. Far from being out of style, this classic remains a top choice for car enthusiasts worldwide, blending performance, design, heritage, and status.

And as if all that wasn't enough, the Corvette has multiple victories in prestigious endurance races such as the American Le Mans Series .

Fun fact: the Corvette gets its name from a small, fast type of warship!

3

Jeep Wrangler

Image: cody lannom

Famous for its off-road prowess, the Jeep Wrangler is definitely an icon.

The origin of this car perfectly explains its capacity. The Jeep Wrangler has its roots in the Willys MB , a military vehicle used during WWII, renowned for its rugged durability. Of course, the Wrangler has evolved into the version we know today, blending practicality and durability, and displaying features like removable doors .

The Jeep Wrangler's off-road expertise has earned it a global reputation that is hard to beat. As you might already know, a rugged Jeep Wrangler YJ appears in the iconic Jurassic Park . After all, no other car could handle dinosaurs!

4

Ford Model T

Image: Philip Schroeder

Who could forget the iconic Ford Model T ? A car instantly recognizable to everyone, whether you're a car lover or not.

Ford began producing the Model T in 1908 and ceased production in 1927. But in less than 20 years, over 15 million units were made! This incredible feat makes the Model T one of the best-selling cars in history.

As if its beauty wasn't enough, the T was also renowned for its durability and affordability , specifically designed to be accessible to the average American. Do you want to know how much the "Tin Lizzie" cost when it started revolutionizing the streets in the early 20th century? Initially, it was priced at around $850 , but its price even dropped in the years that followed!

5

Cadillac Escalade

Image: Craig Marolf

When Cadillac decided to enter the SUV market, it did so in a big way. In 1998 , the brand released one of its most acclaimed models: the Cadillac Escalade . Imposing from every angle, this SUV has a luxurious design both inside and out, with the quality and style that characterizes the brand.

Beyond its powerful performance, the Escalade distinguishes itself with leading technology . This includes multiple USB ports, high-quality sound systems, and advanced driver assistance systems.

With all these advantages, the Escalade became one of Cadillac's best-sellers and also a popular choice in the luxury SUV market!

6

Ford Thunderbird

Image: Maxim Simonov

In 1955 , Ford spiced up the car scene with their Ford Thunderbird , a stylish two-seat sports car. Quickly becoming an icon, this model was Ford's answer to Chevrolet's Corvette.

The " T-Bird ," as it came to be known, evolved over its production run. In 1961, a significant transformation occurred: it became a four-seat model. With its new sleek design, the Thunderbird earned a new nickname and became the " Bullet Bird ."

Over the years, Ford produced 11 generations of the Thunderbird, each with unique features. Unfortunately, Ford decided to stop production of the T-Bird in 2005 due to declining sales. However, its exceptional qualities and profound impact have made it one of America's classics.

7

Dodge Charger

Image: Tim Meyer

A legendary American muscle car , the Dodge Charger appeared in 1966 , right amid the dynamic 60s and 70s era.

You probably remember the first-generation Dodge Charger, which featured hidden headlights , something quite remarkable in its time! Its V8 engines and high-performance capacities also made it a star in the TV series " The Dukes of Hazzard ."

With many variations over the years, Dodge continues to produce the model to this day, always updating its technology but maintaining some of the main features of its iconic design. Are you among the many fans of this amazing model?

8

Pontiac GTO

Image: Vitali Adutskevich

If we talk about muscle cars , we cannot forget the Pontiac GTO . Born in 1963 , it became an instant hit, produced for eleven years until 1974 . It also made a comeback from 2004 to 2006, creating a new chapter in its history.

Considered by many as the perfect muscle car, the Pontiac GTO stood out for its powerful V8 front engine and its attractive design, which included dual exhausts and hood scoops. It was also available in a wide range of colors.

If you're wondering about its name, the abbreviation "GTO" stands for "Gran Turismo Omologato," Italian for "Grand Touring Homologated."

9

Chevrolet Camaro

Image: Tim Meyer

Classified as a pony car , the Camaro appeared in 1966 as Chevrolet's card to compete with the Ford Mustang. While maintaining its efficiency, speed, and powerful performance , the Chevrolet Camaro has seen its engines evolve across generations, ranging from V6s to V8s.

According to the legend surrounding its creation, the name of this famous model was conceived by Chevrolet's merchandising manager, Bob Lund. While flipping through an English-French dictionary, he found the French word c amaro , which translates as "friend, pal, or comrade." And that was exactly what the brand was looking for in its new pony car: to be a reliable companion for its owner.

10

Tesla Model S

Image: Jp Valery

Despite being a relatively new brand, Tesla has proven that it's more than capable of creating iconic cars.

A good example is the Tesla Model S , an all- electric luxury car that's relatively young, debuting in 2012 . Upon its introduction, it caused a sensation with its spectacular design and technology .

One of the most unique features of this model is its incredible speed. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds! That's the definition of fast. It is also capable of traveling up to 370 miles on a single charge , highlighting its efficiency among electric cars. Of course, the vehicle's functions are controlled through an elegant touchscreen display. Can you imagine yourself driving this model?

1

Cher – Super Bowl of 1999

Image: Daniel Robert Dinu

Many consider Cher’s rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999 to be their favorite. Her velvety voice left some speechless—especially those who had only ever heard her sing pop!

The star brought her signature stage presence to the performance. Her deep, resonant voice filled the stadium. Dressed in a sleek, glittering gown, Cher let her vocals take center stage while elaborate choreography unfolded nearby.

2

Marvin Gaye – NBA All-Star Game (1983)

Image: Jon Tyson

Marvin Gaye’s rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game was truly unforgettable. It remains one of the most iconic performances of the anthem. With a modern backing beat , the "Prince of Soul" infused the song with his signature smooth vocals and soulful style.

Featuring a slow, deliberate tempo and a drum machine backing track, Gaye encouraged the audience to clap along to the beat and created a unique, signature version.

3

Luther Vandross – Super Bowl of 1997

Image: Coppa Cover

The maestro of love ballads brought his signature smooth style to his version at Super Bowl XXXI in 1997 at the Louisiana Superdome.

Known for his romantic R&B hits, Luther Vandross infused the anthem with soul. Accompanied by slow drums and warm synths, he delivered a heartfelt and respectful rendition—with a distinctive ’90s twist.

4

Lady Gaga – Super Bowl of 2016

Image: Daniel Lazar

Lady Gaga was already an Academy Award nominee and multiple Grammy winner when she was invited to showcase her vocal prowess at Super Bowl 50.

She did not disappoint! Her powerful, theatrical voice delivered a vibrating version, accompanied only by a subtle piano. Dressed in glittering versions of the national colors, she moved the entire stadium.

5

Beyoncé – Presidential Inauguration of 2013

Image: Paul Weaver

"Queen Bey’s" performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner " at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013 was a moment of vocal brilliance.

Backed by a full, blaring orchestra , the global superstar showcased her impeccable voice control and a palpable sense of respect for the ceremony. While rumors swirled afterward about whether she had used a backing track—a claim she later addressed—the performance itself was undeniably impactful.

6

Diana Ross - Super Bowl of 1982

Image: Dave Adamson

What a voice! And she did it first ! Diana Ross was the first pop star to sing the national anthem at a Super Bowl. She took the mic and delivered an a cappella rendition for the entire stadium and viewers across the country—a feat that would have required courage from a less incredible singer!

The entire stadium joined in, creating an unforgettable, intimate feeling moment that ended in an uproar of cheers. Truly, a goosebump-inducing performance!

7

Jennifer Hudson – Super Bowl of 2009

Image: Ben Mater

Jennifer Hudson brought many to tears with her performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XLIII in 2009. Already an Academy Award winner and celebrated musician, the American Idol star had firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with.

Fans also cherished this performance as Hudson’s first public appearance following the tragic loss of three family members. Her powerful delivery was filled with chilling resilience.

8

Aretha Franklin & Aaron Neville – Super Bowl XL (2006)

Image: Ricardo IV Tamayo

The combined vocal power of Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville at Super Bowl XL in 2006 resulted in a truly unforgettable rendition.

The undisputed Queen of Soul paired with Neville—renowned for his angelic falsetto—for a masterclass in soulful delivery . Backed by an impressive choir, the two legends crafted a unique and deeply moving performance.

9

Duke Ellington - Carnegie Hall Concerts

Image: Volodymyr Hryshchenko

Duke Ellington, the legendary composer and bandleader, graced the nation with his unique interpretation of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on multiple occasions, most notably during his Carnegie Hall concerts in the 1940s.

Renowned for his innovative big band jazz style, Ellington infused the anthem with swing and sophistication, creating a rendition that was both patriotic and unmistakably his own. His arrangement featured a dynamic brass section and lively percussion—timeless and elegant!

10

Jimi Hendrix – Woodstock in 1969

Image: Odair Faléco

Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock deserves a place on the podium. It remains one of the most iconic—and controversial—performances of the anthem.

Known for his revolutionary electric guitar playing and psychedelic rock style, Hendrix reimagined the traditional melody as a powerful statement against the Vietnam War. While some found it disrespectful, others viewed it as a raw and relevant reflection of the era’s turbulence.

11

Whitney Houston – Super Bowl of 1991

Image: Roland Kay-Smith

Finally, the performance that many consider their all-time favorite: Whitney Houston’s. We should bear in mind that her rendition was so powerful that it even reached the Billboard Hot 100 faster than any of her previous hits!

Released as a single, the version raised funds for soldiers and the families of those involved in the Persian Gulf War. With one of the greatest voices of her generation and an undeniable passion for her country, Houston delivered a truly unforgettable anthem.

1

Teddy bear

Image: Oxana Lyashenko

We’ll start with the surprising origins of a global icon. While there is some debate as to the country of origin of the teddy bear, there’s absolutely no doubt as to where the furry companions of our childhood got their names. And, considering that the source of the teddy bear’s name comes from the highest office in the United States government , we think we can safely state that this toy is truly an American icon.

In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt was invited on a hunting trip to Mississippi, on which his group cornered and tied a black bear to a tree for the president to shoot. Displeased by what he thought was unsportsmanlike behavior, the President refused and the bear was freed. This story was published in many national newspapers, and it quickly became extremely popular. So much so, that a Brooklyn businessman designed a small, cuddly bear and advertised it on his shop as "Teddy’s bear" . And just with that, our 26th President unwillingly named this quintessential toy.

2

Super Soaker

Image: Steward Masweneng

If you were a kid during the 80s or 90s, you probably played with the extremely refreshing Super Soaker on a hot summer day. This reimagined water gun featured an innovative design that added pressurized air for longer and stronger water bursts. Showcasing a futuristic design, the Super Soaker felt like shooting a sci-fi laser gun, which seems only reasonable considering it was created by a former NASA engineer.

In 1982, engineer Lonnie Johnson, who specialized in aerospace design, came across the idea of the Super Soaker while conducting an experiment in his house. Johnson’s prototype combined household items like a PVC pipe and a two-liter soda bottle. While rudimentary, this first design successfully shot powerful streams of water. The rest is history: Johnson was able to mass-produce his design, and the Super Soaker became the summer toy for millions of American children.

3

Slinky

Image: Adam Valstar

Just like with the Super Soaker, the man behind this iconic toy was a successful American engineer. In 1943, while investigating a way to suspend sensitive equipment aboard ships, naval engineer Richard T. James accidentally dropped a torsion spring he was working with. James noticed the curious way in which the spring kept on moving after hitting the ground, and with that, the idea of one of the most beloved toys of the 20th century was born.

Richard and his wife Betty initially made 400 "Slinkys", which were first carried by a department store in Philadelphia for Christmas 1945. This first production was sold in less than 90 minutes , and the Slinky quickly proved to be an instant success. To this day, approximately 300 million Slinkies have been sold all over the world.

4

Rubik’s cube

Image: Olav Ahrens Røtne

Let’s deal with the elephant in the room first: No, the Rubik’s Cube is not an American invention. However, just like the rest of the world, this tricky puzzle took the United States by storm during the 70s and 80s, so it seemed only fair to add this beloved toy to this list. In the 1970s, Hungarian architecture professor Ernő Rubik designed the first prototype of the Rubik’s cube, as a way to create a system with parts that could move independently. However, he realized he had built a rather entertaining puzzle when he tried to restore the sides of his cube. Rubik applied for a patent in Hungary and started selling his "Magic Cube" by 1975.

By the 1980s, the Rubik’s Cube became a global sensation. It is reported that over 200 million cubes were sold between 1980 and 1983. In America, this puzzle immediately gained status as a cultural icon: In 1981, the Museum of Modern Art in New York exhibited a Rubik’s cube, while the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee featured a six-foot version of the toy.

5

G.I. Joe

Image: Justin Wilkens

In 1963, Manhattan inventor and licensing agent Stanley Weston came up with the idea of a military action figure . Perhaps unbeknownst to him, Weston’s prototypes would soon inspire G.I. Joe, the first toy to teach American children about how every U.S. soldier can be a superhero to treasure and admire.

Produced by Hasbro, the G.I. Joe series encompasses countless action figures throughout their almost 60 years of history. Most of the toys feature the titular "G.I. Joe Team", a league of military heroes that defends the world from the evil deeds conducted by the "Cobra" organization.

6

Frisbee

Image: Patrick Reynolds

If any kid playing around with a cool stick they found lying can teach you anything, it doesn’t take much to make a fun toy that children will enjoy. Case in point: In 1937, Walter Frederick Morrison and his future wife Lucille realized how fun it was to toss a popcorn can lid back and forth. After WW2, Morrison worked on several designs until, in 1955, he designed "the Pluto Platter" , the very first version of what we now know as the Frisbee.

The story behind the name of this iconic toy is rather interesting. Wham-O, the company behind the commercialization of the Pluto Platter, realized that Yale University students were calling their product by another name. Since the plastic discs resembled empty pie tins , they called them "Frisbies" after the Frisbie Pie Company, a pie supplier for the university.

7

Barbie

Image: Elena Mishlanova

Barbie truly needs no introduction : She’s definitely the world's most famous doll, selling over six billion units in its 60-year history. She has been featured in a myriad of TV shows and movies, including an Academy Award-winning live-action film in 2023. With such a prolific and wondrous career, it’s easy to forget how Barbie's story started: With an innovator watching her daughter play.

One evening in the 1950s, businesswoman Ruth Handler noticed that, whenever her daughter played with paper dolls, she enjoyed pretending they were adults. At the time, most dolls depicted infants and babies, so Handler created the prototype of an adult-bodied doll, which she named "Barbie" after her daughter Barbara. On March 9, 1959 (a date which is now Barbie’s official birthday), the very first Barbie doll was presented at the American International Toy Fair in New York City.

8

Hula hoop

Image: Patricia Prudente

The hula-hoop is definitively the oldest toy on this list: Archaeologists believe that children and adults played with hoops of some kind since at least 500 BC. However, in 1958, a plastic hoop launched by American toy company Wham-O became insanely popular, and with that, the hula-hoop mania was born.

Named after its resemblance to the hip movements of the traditional Hula dance, the hula-hoop is still a remarkably popular toy . Not only that, hooping is considered an excellent and fun exercise, promoted as an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health.

9

View-master

Image: Girl with red hat

Just like the Slinky, the View-Master wasn’t originally conceived as a kid’s toy. And, to be perfectly honest, at its core it is truly an entertainment experience for all ages: An innovative and fresh way of enjoying beautiful images and scenery. However, it wouldn’t be right not to include this wonderful device in this list, since it has touched the hearts of thousands of American children since 1939.

Created by pharmacist Edwin Mayer in Portland, Oregon, the View-Master was introduced at the 1939 New York World's Fair. While its original intent was to provide an alternative to postcards, over time it included cartoons and short stories aimed at children. Famously, the View-Master’s most popular reels featured Disney and Hannah Barbera characters.

10

Legos

Image: Xavi Cabrera

We’ll end this list with an absolute classic . With over 75 years of history and no sign of slowing down, Legos have truly shaped the lives of millions of children around the world. The true beauty of these colorful bricks is that they are only limited by children’s imagination which, we are sure you’ll agree, is definitively limitless. In the right hand, a single plastic brick can be the start of a giant dinosaur, a spaceship, or a bell tower.

The humble beginnings of Lego come from the town of Billund, Denmark, where a carpenter named Ole Kirk Christiansen started making wooden toys in 1932. Christiansen named his company "Lego" after the Danish phrase leg godt , which translates to "play well". By the end of the 1940s, the company was already producing an early version of its iconic interlocking bricks, now considered a completely ubiquitous cultural icon.