What was the fastest American production car for 1951?

Determining the absolute "fastest" 1951 American production car is tricky because different sources use different metrics (top speed vs. 0-60 mph) and testing methodologies varied widely back then. However, strong contenders for the title of fastest would include high-performance versions of the following:

* Hudson Hornet: Known for its powerful straight-six engine and performance, the Hornet was a popular choice for NASCAR and often cited as a top performer of the era. Its precise top speed compared to others is debated due to inconsistent testing.

* Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe: High-end Chryslers typically boasted powerful engines for their time, making them competitive in terms of acceleration and top speed. Again, precise top speed numbers are difficult to verify definitively across different models and testing.

Without access to contemporaneous, standardized testing results from a single, reliable source, it's impossible to definitively declare one 1951 American production car the absolute "fastest." The Hudson Hornet and Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe are generally considered to be among the top contenders.