Smithsonian Magazine

The American People Vs. The American Sedan

Editorial for an article recounting when, in March 1970, students at University of Michigan put a Ford sedan on trial and found the car guilty of the murder of the American public by crossing state lines to pollute, inciting traffic jams, creating physical and psychological dependence, and discriminating against the poor. The students took sledgehammers to destroy the car for the ultimate statement, after it’s guilty verdict.