The Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette: Icons in American culture

This thesis examines why the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette became American cultural icons. Chapter one explores the technological development responsible for the creation of muscle cars in the middle of the 20 th century, particularly during the post-World War II years of the 1950's. Chapter two explores the roots of the muscle car era, beginning with the influence auto racing in America in the late 19th century; the production histories of the Mustang and Corvette are also examined. Chapter three examines the strategies Ford and Chevrolet used to sell the Mustang and Corvette in print advertisements to prospective buyers of each car. The cultural impact of the Mustang and Corvette in American motion pictures and television shows is discussed in chapter four; in chapter five, I use an ethnographic study to examine the impact organized Mustang and Corvette car clubs have had on each model's lasting popularity in American culture. Finally, the concluding chapter reinforces the findings from the previous chapters and contemplates the future of Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette as icons in American culture.