The automobile certainly has a long and interesting past, mainly because it has evolved so much in a relatively short time. With cars today that can park themselves and run on electricity, things have changed much from the days of the old Model-T’s. Throughout the automobile’s history, there are some models that stand out as iconic, either because they were a step in a new direction or simply because their popularity made them ubiquitous. Here are the top 10 most iconic cars throughout American history.

1. Ford Model-T

This one has to be at the top of the list for one main reason. The Model-T was the very first car to be mass produced, making it the template for all vehicles to come.

2. Chevrolet Bel-Air

More specifically, it is the 1957 model of this car which is most recognizable. The Chevrolet Bel-Air was the very first model to include luxury extras without the luxury price. This was the first truly sumptuous car for the everyday consumer.

3. Cadillac Eldorado, 1953-1978

The standard model of this car has changed greatly over the years but the Eldorados produced between these years were considered the very best in luxury vehicles, making it a popular brand among both celebrities and everyday consumers. Elvis himself liked the cars so much he had two of them custom made for his collection.

4. Dodge Power Wagon

Consider this the precursor to the Dodge Ram, and all 4-wheel drive trucks to be specific. The power wagon gained its iconic status by being the first mass-produced truck. You’ve most likely seen it featured in nostalgic movies set in the American Midwest.

5. Cord 810

When you think of vehicles from the 1950’s that reflect the period’s popular art deco style, chances are, this is the car you will be imagining. It has continued to be named one of the most eye-catching vehicles of the century.

6. Ford GT40

This car was made to rival the famous Ferrari. It is the one and only vehicle ever produced in the US to win the Le Mans race, an title usually held by Italian cars. In fact, the GT40 won this prestigious honor 4 years in a row.

7. Ford Crown Victoria

There may not be anything outstanding or special about this vehicle, but it certainly is iconic for one main reason. This car has been used more than any other for public service vehicles such as police cars, taxis and rental cars. In fact, there are an estimated 5 million of them currently in use.

8. Pontiac GTO

The GTO certainly set the bar for all muscle cars, and has continued to be the most popular model even today. It has played roles in numerous movies, including “xXx” and “Two Lane Blacktop.”

9. The Ford Mustang

When it comes to American masterpieces, the Mustang is a fierce competitor for the number one spot. Offering affordable pricing, this has become the classic car for many. Even though its style has greatly changed through the years, the Mustang has continued to be an icon.

10. Chevrolet Corvette

The only car that could beat the Mustang out of top place, the Corvette is the ultimate automotive icon. Even though Chevrolet tried to discontinue the model, it is still in production today and is considered by many to be the very best in American deisgn and engineering.

There are many vehicles that stand out as iconic for one reason or another, but these ten certainly hold top honors for their own unique merits. Chances are, as you skimmed this list, you were nodding along in recognition, because no one can deny that these 10 cars are worldwide icons.

There are some movies that become such cult classics that they continue to stand the test of time. One such series of movies, Star Wars, takes the top position in that category, and is still a fan favorite after all these years. Additionally, the action figures that were created during the original three Star Wars movies are so highly collectable that many of them are of great value now. Here are the top 6 most valuable Star Wars actions figures. If you own any of these, then consider yourself one lucky collector.

1. Jawa, Vinyl Cape. Made in 1978

The original Jawa figures included a vinyl cape, but only after a short run, the makers decided a fabric cape would look less cheap. Because of this, there are only a handful of the toys that have the original vinyl cape. A vinyl cape Jawa is worth about $1000 if sealed in original packaging.

2. The Blue Snaggletooth. Made in 1978.

Created in the first run of Star Wars toys, Snaggletooth was a part of the Cantina play set. Somehow, in the creation of the toy, the first sets of them were blue instead of the reddish color from the movie. This was corrected later the same year, but any of the blue snaggletooth toys left are worth about $100 each.

3. Telescoping Lightsaber Luke. Made in 1978.

The first action figures of Luke Skywalker included a light saber that telescoped out of his arm. This model did not last very long simply because the tiny plastic piece was too fragile and too easily damaged for kids to play with. The telescoping light saber was soon removed. Because there are so few of these new in package, even the toy without packaging is worth about $600.

4. Vlix

For a short time, a cartoon was released called Droids. While the cartoon itself did not have a long run, its effects certainly have. The action figures that were released during this cartoon never made it to shelves because the show was cancelled. The company that planned to make the toys went ahead with it, creating just a handful of the Vlix figures, which are now worth about $4000 a pop.

5. Luke Skywalker Dressed as Storm Trooper. Made in 1985.

This toy was made during a series of action figures called the “Power of the Force” line. During the mid eighties, the interest in the Star Wars movies had slowed a bit, so toys did not sell as well and retailers stopped carrying them. This means that not many of the toys are available. Additionally, the Storm trooper Luke toy is the only one in the line that comes from the “A New Hope” movie and not one of the sequels, making it even more unique. Storm trooper Luke without packaging is worth about $100.

6. Yak Face. Made in 1985.

This is another character from the “Power of the Force” collection. Since this character only appeared in “The Return of the Jedi” for approximately 3 seconds, it is quite surprising that it was ever made into a toy. Because of this, the toy makers stopped making it quite quickly and replaced it with a more popular character. A Yak Face without packaging is worth about $150, but one that is sealed in packaging is worth a whopping $2250.

There are many Star Wars figures that are certainly valuable and collectible. Anyone who was lucky enough to buy one way back when should certainly recognize what they have on hand. Chances are, the value of these toys will only continue to rise in the future as interest in Star Wars ebbs and flows.

Throughout the last century, there have been toys whose popularity has waxed and waned. Most likely, there are untold hundreds of types of toys that have long been forgotten. However, there are also those toys that continue to stand the test of time to be popular no matter the decade. These types of toys are household names that almost every child has enjoyed through the last 100 years. Here are a few of the most enduringly popular toys throughout the century.

Crayons

There is something so simple yet so entertaining about a box of Crayola crayons that they have continued to be popular for a very long time. Almost every child has at least one box of crayons in their house, and many have various deluxe boxes with numerous color options. The Crayon was introduced to the world in 1903 and has continued to be popular on into the 21^st century.

Madam Alexander Dolls

Considered more of a collector’s item than toy, the Madame Alexander dolls were first introduced in 1920. Ranging from basic play dolls to specific characters like the well known Scarlett O’Hara doll released after the movie “Gone with the Wind” these toys have continued to be favorites since they were first created.

View-Master 3-D

While the creation of modern technology has provided the ability to even watch television in 3D, the View-Master 3D has continued to be a popular toy. Created in 1930, the toy was originally designed to help train soldiers, but it soon became well-loved among children. In fact, the toy is so enduringly popular that it has sold more than 1 billion units as of today.

Candy Land

It is hard to believe that this little board game has been around for more than 70 years. Candy Land was first introduced in 1940 and continues to be extremely popular today. While the style may have changed over the years, the actual game play has not. Candy Land is second in popularity of board games only to Scrabble when it comes to sales through the years.

Rubik’s Cube

When it comes to iconic toys, it is hard to beat the Rubik’s cube. This toy was first introduced in 1970 and was created by Erno Rubik. While there are billions of different color combinations, there is only one solution to the puzzle, making it enjoyable and frustrating at the same time.

Mr. Potato Head

Created in 1950, the Mr. Potato Head doll is a basic concept. Created to resemble a potato, the doll comes with various hats, eyes, glasses, noses, ears and teeth so that a child can create different combinations of facial features. Interestingly, the original Mr. Potato Head included only the features and the child was supposed to supply their own real potato. A plastic potato body was first introduced in 1958.

G.I. Joe

The first G.I. Joe doll was introduced in 1964 and has become the icon for almost all action figures up to the present day. In fact, the toy and the cartoon on which it is based, have continued to be popular from the time it was created to the present day, meaning it has never experienced a lull in popularity like most toys may through the years.

While there are many toys that have experienced boosts in popularity through the decades, there are few that have stood the test of time. However, when a toy comes along that is sure to endure; it becomes one that almost every household will see. Items like Crayons and the Rubik’s Cube are certainly not going anywhere and will most likely hold their status for many years to come.