Still from a classic Dodge commercial featuring George Washington - StellantisAmericans may not have invented the car, but the country built itself into the world's epicenter of automotive production. Henry Ford's production lines created a vital template for every automotive company to follow into the mass production we see all over the world today. Without Detroit and American innovation, would we even have the automotive industry as we do today? It's hard to tell, but that's partly why the Motor City even matters, and remains such a key part of American and world history.As the leader of the "free world" celebrates his birthday the 250th anniversary of America, the country is going all out to acknowledge key parts of its heritage. There's even a parade of ships from around the world expected to pass America's shores. If we were to do something similar for America's automotive industry, what would that event look like? Would we look back to the relics of the hundreds of American car companies that sprang up over the century-plus of automobile manufacturing? Would you want to celebrate the companies that lasted? Or the cars that stood out? What would a display dedicated to it all look or what would be on display?Or can we make it more interesting and celebrate America in one car that best epitomizes this great 250 year experiment?AdvertisementAdvertisementRead more: 11 Huge Engines With Surprisingly Low HorsepowerMy bets are on an obnoxiously lifted F-150 with all the fixingsA Ford truck lifted so much it doesn't even fit in the frame. - Wirestock/Getty ImagesNaturally for this pick, one goes directly to a Ram or Dodge product to best represent America in 2026. But that'd be too easy. They just so badly want to be THE AMERICAN CAR COMPANY.So the winner here for me would have to be a Ford F-150 (or 250, 350) with some necessary American modifications. It'd be obnoxiously lifted with poorly sized tires, and likely sporting large American flags on the tailgate. We should make it a diesel with a large exhaust pipe for easy coal-rolling and complete the look with a set of truck nuts for effect. It's not that Ford makes a bad truck. Honestly, I prefer it over the offerings from Ram and Chevy (and GMC...). But Ford has a somewhat respectable link to America's semi-useful past, something that we've prided ourselves on as a nation, and the terrible modifications are brightly representative of all the ways we've embarrassed ourselves and destroyed a lot of the good things about this country.But what say you, my fellow Americans? What best represents our great (or failed) 250 years of existence as a nation? I challenge you to give me your best illustrative responses in the comments below. Accessories and modifications are welcomed.AdvertisementAdvertisementWant more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox, and add us as a preferred search source on Google.Read the original article on Jalopnik.
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