Plot Synopsis

Hosted and executive produced by Dale Earnhardt Jr., THE CARS THAT MADE AMERICA is six-hour documentary series that uncovers the stories of the visionaries who built America's vehicle landscape and chronicles the epic journey of how the biggest names of the automobile industry became the legendary household brands that car enthusiasts have grown to love. Through gritty, character-driven reenactments and never-before-seen archival footage, the special showcases the career trajectories of seven iconic and revolutionary figures: Henry Ford, Walter Chrysler, the Dodge Brothers, William Durant, Lee Iacocca and John Delorean. THE CARS THAT MADE AMERICA kicked off History Channel's inaugural CAR WEEK, airing on three consecutive nights from 8-10pm ET/PT:

Part 1 (Sunday, August 13): A new and revolutionary machine--the automobile--is set to transform the country in unimaginable ways, as a handful of young visionaries prepare to ruthlessly battle for control of the new industry. Men like Henry Ford, the Dodge Brothers, William Durant, and Walter Chrysler risk their livelihoods as they fight to bring a revolution in transportation to the masses. Their struggle for supremacy will lay the groundwork for some of the largest and most influential corporate empires in American history.

Part 2 (Monday, August 14): In just two short decades, the car has begun to transform America. The country is in the process of being paved, and from coast to coast cities and towns are changing to suit the automobile. The middle class is growing thanks to the booming manufacturing sector, made possible by the advent of mass production--and it's all fueling an American obsession with cars and the newfound freedom of the road. The entire industry is now dominated by just three companies--Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler--known simply as The Big Three. But as The Big Three become larger and more powerful, the battle to be number one heats up.

Part 3 (Tuesday, August 15): In the aftermath of WWII, America is moving to the suburbs, fueling a huge demand for new cars. But The Big Three spent the war building weapons and vehicles for the Allies, and haven't made a new car in years. It's a race to give new American consumers what they want, and the result is the Golden Age of the American automobile. The youth of the '50s and '60s want speed and fun, and The Big Three battle each other to give it to them, creating the all-American muscle car. But, as they do, external influences threaten to bring the industry to its knees.