If you ask an ordinary person about their thoughts on classic American muscle cars, you will likely elicit two different responses. The first likely response is that, while they may have been cool, they handled terribly, they were useless, they were unsafe, and they were ridiculously inefficient.
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Or the person will gush over how muscle cars represented one of the greatest eras in automotive history. Regardless of your thoughts, many have known at least one or two people that have either owned, wanted, or have a story about a muscle car in their past.
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With far fewer emissions restrictions in the 1960s and early 1970s than we have today, muscle cars were allowed to thrive. Overly powerful engines were stuffed into everyday family sedans and coupes to transform them into rear-wheel drive performance cars. Their legacy lives on so strongly today that modern vehicles like the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, Shelby GT500, and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing all try to capture some of the magic that classic muscle cars had decades ago.
Let’s take a look at 15 of the best classic muscle cars of all time:
1. 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda2. 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt3. 1968 Shelby Cobra 4274. 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L885. 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT3506. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/287. 1971 AMC Hornet SC/3608. 1964 Pontiac GTO9. 1971 Dodge Dart Demon 34010. 1964 Oldsmobile 44211. 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am12. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 45413. 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler 429 Super Cobra Jet14. 1977 Pontiac Can Am15. 1970 Plymouth HEMI Roadrunner
1. 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda
The Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda personifies the classic muscle car. Not only does it look the part with its shaker hood, Hemi decals, and menacing front facade, but it also has a 426 cubic inch Hemi big block engine producing 425 horsepower to back up its muscular physique. Sadly, the car also represents one of the last true high-performance muscle cars of its era.
Stricter government regulations started coming through the pipe in the early 1970s, mandating that engines become less thirsty and more fuel efficient. Rather than continue to update the ‘Cuda to comply with regulations, presumably making it worse, Plymouth decided to let it go out in a blaze of glory and not tarnish its stellar reputation.
The average person is doubtless more familiar with other American muscle cars like the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, or Pontiac GTO than they are with the 426 Hemi ‘Cuda. Its “specialness” is clear at auctions, though. Average transactions are around the $500,000 mark, with rare convertible ‘Cuda examples demanding bids of several million dollars.
2. 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt
With such legendary nameplates like the Mustang, Galaxie, and Falcon, it is easy to see why the Ford Fairlane can get lost in the mix. With the larger Ford Galaxie gaining popularity over the third-generation Fairlane’s less glitzy demeanor in the 1960s, the Fairlane’s glory was reduced, and its role became to cater to a more “average” audience.
Ford changed that by producing the Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt in 1964. Their goal was to make a from-the-factory drag racing car, and they chose the Fairlane as the bearer of that responsibility. They took the 7.0-liter V8 engine from the larger Galaxie NASCAR vehicles of the time, stripped out the weight-consuming parts on the regular Fairlane, and tweaked its gearing.
The result was a quarter-mile drag strip time of under 12 seconds, an estimated 0-60 MPH time of under 5 seconds, and a “lightweight” vehicle that produced 425 horsepower. As with many other muscle cars of the time, that figure was grossly underestimated, with some sources indicating that closer to 600 horsepower was reasonable. Despite being purpose-built for drag racing, technically the Fairlane Thunderbolt was also street-legal.
3. 1968 Shelby Cobra 427
Carroll Shelby is known for teaming up with Ford to make some of its vehicles a little more special. When he teamed up with Ford to create a Chevrolet Corvette competitor in the 1960s, he set his eyes on the British manufacturer AC Cars. They had a two-seat convertible sports car that would be perfect in which to stuff an American V8 engine.
These first vehicles are not the ones we remember the most, though. In 1965 Shelby started upping the ante, fitting a 7.0-liter Ford V8 engine and an updated chassis to the tiny roadster. The engine was good for producing 425 horsepower. Add the classic white racing stripes on the blue body, and you have one of the lightest and greatest muscle cars of all time.
With a top speed of 164 miles per hour, it was also faster than many of the heavier and bulkier muscle cars at the time. Today, you can easily find or build replicas, but if you find a real Cobra 427, you will either be very wealthy or have to pay a pretty penny to get it. They can sell at auction for well over one million dollars.
4. 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88
The Chevrolet Corvette L88 is much like Bigfoot. When it first went on sale in 1967, it was hidden amongst the other L71 Corvettes at the time, appearing to be offered with most of the same specs but at about two times the price. The reason for that was actually because Chevrolet did not really want the public to get its hands on this beast of a sports car.
To comply with SCCA and FIA GT event regulations, the L88 had to be offered as a factory option at the time. As a purpose-built race car, the L88 came with upgrades like Can-Am spec cylinder heads, solid lifters, an upgraded crankshaft, an upgraded suspension, and an 850 CFM dual-feed Holley Carburetor. It even came with a warning that race fuel was recommended to be used.
On top of literally being able to purchase a road-legal race car capable of racing at Sebring and Daytona, its real allure comes from the powerplant. It housed the same big block V8 engine as the L71, but all of those performance upgrades meant that the L88’s reported 435 horsepower figure was baloney. It was making closer to 600 horsepower with a top speed of 171 MPH.
Browse used 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 here.
5. 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350
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Carroll Shelby is perhaps best known for getting his hands on the Ford Mustang GT and transforming several iterations of it from a roadgoing pony car into a more serious racetrack monster. The 1965 Shelby GT350 started it all. He took the then-recently released Mustang and made it into a fire-breathing muscle car.
He took the most powerful version of the Mustang and started tinkering with the engine to make it even more powerful. The stock 271-horsepower V8 engine received a hi-rise intake manifold, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, a beefier radiator, and upgraded exhaust headers to increase its output to 306 horsepower. A top speed of 138 MPH, a 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds, and a four-speed manual transmission went with it.
A total of 562 Shelby GT350s were sold in 1965, all of which feature Wimbledon White exterior paint and a black interior. The most desirable models today also have the iconic dark blue racing stripe. Pristine examples can command well over $500,000 at auctions, but being able to drive one is far more valuable to your life experience than just saying that you own one.
6. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Upon seeing the runaway success of the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro was conceived to compete against it. It offered many of the same engine options as the Mustang, including a base six-cylinder, but the most desirable one came on the Z/28 Camaro. At 4.9 liters, the small block Chevy engine was designed to meet the Trans-Am 5-liter class regulations.
Naturally, its advertised 290-horsepower output was greatly and intentionally underrated, mostly so that insurance premiums could be rated at a lower bracket and for racing classification regulations. It also came with a four-speed manual transmission, front disc brakes, and upgraded suspension.
In total 602 Chevy Camaro Z/28s were sold in 1967, making them the most desirable for the model year. Mint condition Z/28 Camaros may not be quite as valuable as some other muscle cars on this list, but with the potential to sell for well over $100,000, they are not inexpensive either.
7. 1971 AMC Hornet SC/360
The 1971 AMC Hornet SC/360 does not likely come to mind when you think of muscle cars. It does not even look like a traditional American muscle car with flared fenders, big haunches, and a menacing face. This car is a hidden gem, though, and it had the huge task and honor of competing directly with other powerful offerings coming out of Detroit.
Compared to other muscle cars of the time, the Hornet was tiny, with a curb weight of just over 3,050 pounds and a wheelbase of 108 inches. Its power output was too. AMC took the V8 engine from its Javelin AMX and plopped it into the Hornet. It only made 245 horsepower, but if you chose the Go package, that figure was boosted to 285 horsepower.
If you still think that is just not enough to be considered muscle car territory, the car’s small size made it handle more like a sports car than an all-out straight line-drag racer. It could still hit 60 MPH in about 6.6 seconds and get through the quarter mile in just over 15 seconds. The best part is that insurance companies also did not consider it to be in the same class as more powerful vehicles of the time, saving buyers a significant amount in insurance.
8. 1964 Pontiac GTO
Many will argue about who made the first true muscle car and what it was, but there is a significant amount of people who consider the 1964 Pontiac GTO to be it. The GTO was actually initially an option package for the Pontiac LeMans, allowing it to skirt General Motors’ ban on auto racing and the subsequent limit on engine size to 5.4 liters.
The package replaced the standard engine with a 6.4-liter V8 that was rated at 325 horsepower. You could choose between a hardtop coupe, two-door sedan, or convertible body style and add options like a four-speed manual transmission, a more powerful 348-horsepower setup with an upgraded carburetor, and a limited-slip differential.
As sales began to increase, the GTO became a standalone model. The most famous vehicle associated with the GTO name is probably the 1969 GTO Judge, but the original GTO is the one that we consider to be the best. It started life as a middle finger to GM’s production policies and inspired other automakers to develop so many of the most iconic muscle cars we know and love today.
Browse used 1964 Pontiac GTO here.
9. 1971 Dodge Dart Demon 340
Many will doubtless know the Dodge Demon as the modern-day purpose-built monster that Dodge built to go drag racing. That is true, but the Demon name is far from modern. The Dodge Dart utilized it for a time, but it is much less famous than other Mopar models like the Plymouth Road Runner, Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Charger Daytona, and Dodge Challenger R/T.
The high-performance Dart Demon 340 had a 340 cubic inch V8 that produced 275 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. That may not sound like much, but like the AMC Hornet, the Dart was a smaller vehicle that weighed only about 3,160 pounds. In addition to its engine upgrades, it came with dual exhaust, a Sure-Grip differential, and performance suspension.
Perhaps most importantly, its styling matched its performance. You could get one with a rear spoiler and a black hood scoop to complement the cartoon demon found on the side of the car. Unfortunately, the Demon 340 was only around for two model years as emissions regulations started taking their toll on horsepower numbers, and its popularity waned as a result.
10. 1964 Oldsmobile 442
Right on the heels of Pontiac’s GTO package, Oldsmobile played a game of copycat with their corporate cousin and decided to offer the 442 package for their Cutlass and F-85 models. In addition to a four-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhaust from which the package gets its name, it also included the Police Apprehender package upgrades.
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This boosted total output to 310 horsepower and threw in an upgraded suspension for good measure. Compared to other package upgrades like the GTO, the 442 package was fairly tame, but the upgrades that did come with it made the Oldsmobile models on which it was equipped drive and handle much better than most competitors.
The original 442 may not be the craziest muscle car of its day, but it could well be one of the most well-balanced. It also paved the way for the 442 to become one of the best and most underrated muscle cars of the era. The 442’s pinnacle came in 1969, courtesy of the iconic Hurst/Olds 455 442.
11. 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
The Pontiac Firebird came out in 1967 as a pony car meant to compete against the Ford Mustang and its own corporate cousin, the Chevy Camaro. The Firebird name lasted all the way through the early 2000s with several iconic models making their appearances throughout history. The most famous and highly sought after model, though, is the 1969 Trans Am.
Only 689 two-door coupe models and eight convertibles were produced. They are easily recognized by their Cameo Ivory paint with Tyrol Blue stripes and rear-end panels. Each model benefited from a 400 cubic-inch Ram Air III V8 engine, good for 335 horsepower. A Ram Air IV variant of the engine was equipped on only 55 models though, upping the power to 345 and increasing their value and desirability.
Of course, along with the increased performance also came beefier internals and other upgrades. A three-speed manual, four-speed manual, three-speed automatic, or four-speed automatic transmission was available on each model. If you want to buy one at an auction, you will likely have to shell out at least $150,000 for a good example.
12. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
If you want to experience what is potentially the best representation of an American muscle car ever made, look no further than the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454. It came with a huge 7.5-liter Chevy big block V8 with 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Quite predictably, these advertised numbers could have been less than the actual output.
You could get one with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic. Regardless, it has the capability to dash to 60 MPH in just over 5 seconds, complete the quarter mile in under 14 seconds, and continue on to a top speed of over 130 miles per hour. At the time of its release, it was known as the king of muscle cars.
That remains true today, in large part because of its performance. It also has a lofty price tag that puts it at or near the top of the classic muscle car kingdom. A Chevelle SS 454 sold at auction in 2006 for over 1.2 million dollars. It is great that there is so much interest in its collectability, but sadly, this also means that few will be able to experience its power.
Browse used 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 here.
13. 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler 429 Super Cobra Jet
Mercury is best known for making the Cougar Eliminator, another often overlooked muscle car. The Cyclone does not have quite the reputation of the Cougar, but it looks every bit as bad as its sibling, it has enough power to liquidate its rear wheels, and it is one of the best muscle cars about which many non-enthusiasts have never heard.
The most powerful, most desirable model is the Cyclone Spoiler 429 Super Cobra Jet. It comes with a 7.0-liter Cobra Jet V8 that produces 375 horsepower, 450 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 time of around six seconds. You could even get it with a Drag Pak that equipped it just a little better to lightly shave your quarter mile time.
Like most other muscle cars of the era, it was heavy, at nearly 4,000 pounds, making it a handful around the corners. You should still have fun wringing out all of its power if you find one with a four-speed manual transmission. If you get a good run in, you can get one down the quarter-mile drag strip in under 14 seconds.
14. 1977 Pontiac Can Am
Not many would agree with the statement that the majority of mid to late-1970s American cars were great. There might be a few here and there, but generally speaking, the Malaise Era emissions restrictions choked the life out of the automotive industry. Muscle cars, in particular, suffered. Even with the bar set so low, there were a few standouts. One of which was the 1977 Pontiac Can Am.
Pontiac decided to start with the declining LeMans model, adding the Trans Am’s 6.6-liter engine, a Turbo 400 transmission, a ducktail spoiler, and a shaker hood to it to try and breathe life back into the struggling company. Unfortunately, it was never a success, in part, because of a production hiccup that limited numbers to 1,377 and the production year to 1977 only.
The Can Am produced 200 horsepower. That is barely anything by today’s standards, but it was only ten less than the Chevrolet Corvette had at the time. For the time in which it lived, it could have been a truly great muscle car that more people were able to have. It turned out to be a great muscle car that barely anybody was able to experience.
15. 1970 Plymouth HEMI Roadrunner
Chrysler has made some pretty impressive muscle cars over the years, but none has been more impressive while simultaneously flying so far under the radar as the Road Runner. Most will be familiar with the Superbird, which is based on the Road Runner, but the HEMI Road Runner was one of the fastest muscle cars of its day while being cheaper than many larger ones.
1970 models were available with a variety of powerful engines, but the best by far was Chrysler’s 7.0-liter HEMI V8. It produced a reported 425 horsepower, but we all know how that story goes. The car’s relative lightness compared to larger competitors made it both nimbler and scarier to drive for the faint of heart.
Without the added aerodynamics on Road Runner Superbird to make it the NASCAR racer it was designed to be, the HEMI Road Runner looked menacing enough. It was not quite as fast as the Superbird model, but it instilled fear in its competition and could wipe the floor with them at the quarter-mile dragstrip.
Source: https://en.congthucvatly.com
Category: Car