Corvette

Detroit iron of the Fins and Chrome era had little impact on the UK, Ford had its own local models, GM had Vauxhall and Chrysler had no idea. It was possible to import cars, at two or three times their Stateside price, and these tended to be bought by criminals, show biz people and car dealers. Bernie Ecclestone favored Yank Tanks and he, of course, was a car dealer.

I spent much of my teenage years in East Anglia, the bulging bit to the East of England. It is flat and ideal for military airfields, so the bit that is closest to Germany (and Russia) is home to some substantial USAF bases and Uncle Sam shipped GIs’ cars across. As a kid, Detroit iron was an everyday experience, and I could name everything. The first car I ever drove was a Ford Mainline.