While American muscle cars usually command the spotlight in terms of V8 vehicles, Australia also has its fair share of classics. We will delve into five of these classic vehicles which have stood the test of time. All of these vehicles are being shortlisted from a balance of collectability, performance, and general reputation.

1. Holden Monaro

The Holden Monaro is a legendary nameplate in the world of Australian muscle cars. Originally introduced in 1968, the Monaro quickly gained a reputation for its sleek design and formidable performance on the road and the racetrack. With powerful V8 engines under the hood and a timeless coupe silhouette, the Monaro captured the hearts of car enthusiasts across generations. Its iconic status was cemented with the release of modern iterations, including the Monaro VZ and the limited-edition Monaro CV8-Z.

2. Ford Falcon GT

The Ford Falcon GT is possibly the first Australian muscle car, depending on who you ask. The initial XR GT performance version housed a 4.7-liter, 289 ci V8 engine, with 68 and 71 eras having a 5.8-liter, 351 Cleveland V8 producing 300-350hp. The first Aussie-made version was the 1972 XA Falcon which came as a two-door coupe, with a top speed of 142 mph and a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds.
Over the years, the Falcon GT has evolved to become a symbol of Australian performance engineering, with each new generation pushing the boundaries of power and innovation. Models like the Falcon GT-HO Phase III have achieved legendary status among collectors and enthusiasts, Adding to the Falcon GT’s status.

3. Chrysler Valiant Charger

The Chrysler Valiant Charger was based on the Dodge Dart and Plymouth Valiant, but entirely Australian-made. With its long hood, short deck, and aggressive styling cues, the Valiant Charger stood out from the crowd and became a symbol of rebellion and freedom on the open road.
Standout versions include the RT model with a 4.3-liter, 265 ci Hemi 6, producing 302 hp, with a 0 to 60 time of 6 seconds. For those wanting more luxury, the Charger 770 SE came with a 5.6-liter, 340-ci V8 and 275hp,
Today, well-preserved Charger models are highly sought after by collectors, with the early 70s models being the most desirable.

4. HSV GTSR W1

Developed by Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), the HSV GTSR W1 is a limited-edition super sedan that pays homage to the classic muscle cars of yesteryear while incorporating the latest in automotive technology. With a supercharged V8 engine producing over 600 horsepower, advanced aerodynamics, and track-tuned suspension, the GTSR W1 is capable of tearing up the track with ease. Its aggressive styling and menacing presence make it an instant classic, destined to be remembered as one of the greatest Australian muscle cars.

5. Holden Sandman

American Australia had similar problems in the early 1970s. Huge distances to cover, while needing a vehicle to haul a decent amount of daily items. America solved a problem with the Chevrolet El Camino and the Ford Ranchero, while Australia came up with the ‘Ute.’ A regular muscle car upfront with a van at the back.
The top version of the Sandman came with a 5.0-liter 308 engine, with a top speed of 125 mph. Standout features include the radial tuned suspension – leaf springs in the rear, coil springs for the front wheels to address the radial tires.

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In other words, the lightest vehicle with the most power usually wins. This is determined by dividing the horsepower by the car’s weight, with the lowest number being the winner. On paper, this would mean strapping a rocket to the back of a go-kart to obtain the best power-to-weight ratio (PWR). But, in the real world fashion, history, expectations of the car, and materials all play a part.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Power-To-Weight Ratio: 4.72 lbs/hp

A supercar more than a muscle car, the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 can deliver 755HP, with 715 pound-feet of torque, a 0-60 time of 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 212mph. The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine and seven-speed transmission have turned the long-standing classic into a modern powerhouse, but still with the bowtie attributes.

2022 Ford GT
Power-To-Weight Ratio: 4.62 lbs/hp

In reality, the Ford GT was made as a long-distance sports car to compete in the 24 Hours of LeMans race, winning 4 times. The Ford GT has a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 660 horsepower, 550 pound-feet of torque, a top speed of 216mph and a 0-60 time of 3.0 seconds.

2023 Dodge Challenger Demon 170
Power-To-Weight Ratio: 4.17 lbs/hp

Finally, a full-fat muscle car and probably the most potent ever made. The 2023 Dodge Challenger Demon 170 could be the last hurrah of the ICE muscle cars, but what a way to go out if that is the case. The 6.2-liter Supercharged Hemi V8 produces 1,025 horsepower, 945 pound-feet of torque, weighs 4,275 lbs, with a 0-60 time of 1.66 seconds, and a top speed of 2215 mph.

These stats have won the Dodge Challenger Demon 170 accolades as the Fastest Pony car, and the fastest factory Dodge muscle car ever produced. The PWR rivals lighter-weight European supercars to give you an idea.

Other notable mentions include the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 with 5.5 lbs/hp PWR, The 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Redeye Jailbreak Widebody with 5.69 lbs/hp, The 1969 Dodge Dart GTS with 7.26 lbs/hp, and the 1969 Plymouth Road Runner with 8.08 lbs/hp.

The post Muscle Cars With The Best Power To Weight Ratio appeared first on Muscle Car.

For many car enthusiasts, the question of what was the first muscle car ever created divides opinion, and it is often argued that it was the 1964 Pontiac GTO that truly kicked off the era. However, two years prior to this, the 1962 Plymouth Fury Max Wedge had already been built, with a larger engine, higher horsepower and a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission – so why does the answer for the era’s starting point rarely seem to include this car?

The styling for the 1962 Plymouth Fury Max Wedge looked to be a transitional step between the 1950s designs and the later 1960s models, and Elwood Engel’s efforts can be seen all over the car. The infamous Pontiac GTO of 1964 had a base price of around $2,491 – the Plymouth Fury Max Wedge in contrast cost $3,308. Despite the power and quality of the Max Wedge, just 298 cars were built (all models) in comparison to Pontiac’s 32,540 – over 100 times more. As such, it seems that the popularity of the GTO gave it an far bigger spotlight to be seen as the original template.

The Max Wedge formula actually began back in 1958, when Chrysler’s powertrain planning team developed the lightweight “B” series V8 big-block with a wedge-shaped combustion chamber, used in engine sizes of both 350 and 361 cubic inches. This provided the necessary quench area for improved performance, and the ‘RB’ version was released in 1959, with the 413ci RB-series engine eventually finding its way into the original Max Wedge cars. With its specification of a 410/420 horsepower engine, these cars were only available for use in competitions, and many argue that this is why the GTO has been widely considered as the first muscle car.

It is also worth noting that the Max Wedge included a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, which offered flawless shifting. GM would not get the TH400 until 1965, and Ford would not get its own three-speed automatic until 1966 – highlighting that Chrysler had a complete transmission dominance for three years. The development of the Max Wedge continued in 1964 with the 426ci engine, but it was suspended when the Hemi engine began production.

The platforms for chassis and engine combinations like the Max Wedge and GTO began on body-on-frame designs from Chrysler (Plymouth and Dodge) and Ford (Fairlane). And though the availability time period was different, the fundamental idea of putting large-displacement engines into lightweight production vehicles remained the same. This gave rise to performance-grade road cars where drivers could feel the power of the engine, and the chases we now associate with muscle cars began.

The Max Wedge continued to be a successful platform in 1964. Although the 426ci engine was discontinued in mid-1964, the Max Wedge still remained incredibly powerful. In fact, the Max Wedge engine held the record for power output from an American production engine until the introduction of the legendary 426 Hemi in 1966.

The Max Wedge was also a pioneer in terms of race-spec performance parts. Chrysler offered lightweight aluminium parts for their stock Max Wedge cars, including special valve covers, intake and exhaust manifolds. These parts, combined with the high-compression heads and dual four-barrel carburettors, helped to make the Max Wedge one of the most powerful production cars at the time.

The debate about the importance of the Pontiac GTO or the Max Wedge will probably never end. But it should be noted that the Max Wedge’s influence is still widely felt today in the higher valuations and the nostalgia that goes along with it. So while the Pontiac might have been a commercial success, the heavily-modified Max Wedge cars stand as a testament to the beginnings of the muscle car era. Tune in to MotorTrend TV and MotorTrend+ to find out more about Max Wedge and other classic vehicles.

The post The Debate Continues: Was the Max Wedge or the GTO the First Muscle Car? appeared first on Muscle Car.

by Dave Ashton

Summary:
– The 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird is a rare and highly sought-after vehicle designed for NASCAR
– Only 135 were sold new with a Hemi engine
– The car has a unique aerodynamic design with a nose and wing designed for high speed tracks
– It was unpopular with the public at the time but successful in NASCAR, especially with Richard Petty and Pete Hamilton
– This particular example sold for $1,650,000 at auction.

Never mind modern supercars, the Plymouth Hemi Superbird was hitting 200mph over 50 years ago. This example is 1 of 135 with a few unique features. The car has a special rear window filler panel and a large rear wing, plus a rubber strip at the front was added but only in a few states where it was absolutely required.

This example includes a 426ci HEMI V8 engine with a TorqueFlite 727 automatic transmission in high-impact Tor red. Other notable features include a Chrysler 8 ¾-inch with a 3.55 ratio sure grip axle, Hemi suspension, J45 hood pins, black interior, factory tachometer, AM radio, 3-spoke steering wheel, and 15-inch Rallye wheels with Goodyear Polyglas raised white-letter tires. The car has also been included in the MMC Detroit Global Vehicle Registry.

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When it comes to classic cars, it’s often hard to think that they could get a second chance after being parked in a junkyard and left to rust away. But luckily, this 1970 Plymouth Road Runner had the luck of getting pulled out for a full restoration. It seems like Rick Pattee, the car’s current owner, made a great decision back in 1979 when he saved it from its doomed future.

Rick sourced the unique Viper Yellow shade for the classic muscle car which wasn’t included in the original Plymouth Road Runner palette. It’s impossible to tell whether it was a mistake or not, but it definitely turns heads whenever Rick puts it on display. To make it look even better, the convertible has air shocks mounted in the back, though that stance might not be to everyone’s taste.

Sitting inside the engine bay is one of Chrysler’s most famous V8s — the 383 cubic-inch (6.3-liter) B-block mill. Rated at 335 horsepower and 425 pound-feet (576 Nm) of torque, it has enough grunt to get the Road Runner down the quarter-mile in less than 15 seconds and reach a top speed of more than 125 mph (201 kph). Not bad for a classic muscle car from the 70s!

This vehicle is truly unique due to its limited production. The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner was already a rare car with only 36,861 models sold, but this specific drop-top convertible takes rarity to a whole new level. Out of the entire production, only 429 models of the 383-powered automatic variant were manufactured that year. It’s highly unlikely to spot many of these at car shows!

The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner convertible has been fully restored by Rick, who put in a lot of hard work to bring it back to its former glory. The end result is truly stunning and it’s now ready to shine at any Concours event.

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For years, the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) was dominated by Jaguars. From the legendary Mk1 and Mk2 saloons to Stirling Moss’s victory in a Mk7 at the 1952 Daily Express International Trophy meeting, a Jaguar was the clear choice if you wanted to win a race outright when the series began in 1958. But that all changed on May 11th, 1963. When Jack Sears arrived at Silverstone with a Ford Galaxie, an American buil V8 machine from the world of NASCAR, it signalled the start of an era where American V8 power was the norm at the front of the field for over a decade.

The Galaxie quickly proved itself to be a formidable force. Despite the presence of renowned drivers Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori, Sears blew past the leading Jaguars on Hangar Straight when he hit 135mph and disappeared out of sight. He went on to win the 12-lap race by an incredible 20 seconds, setting a new lap record and even outrunning the brand-new 1100cc Mini Cooper S driven by John Whitmore.

At the end of May, a non-championship race at Aintree cemented the Galaxie’s dominance, with Sears again taking first place. Finally, at Crystal Palace, the next round of the BTCC, Sears and Gawaine Baillie’s Galaxie cruised past Salvadoi and Hill once again, proving that it wasn’t just fast and at home on a straight but could also take on more twisty, technical tracks.

Naturally, the Galaxie didn’t come without its fair share of controversy. Questions were raised about the legality of the American build, which resulted in alterations that weakened the car’s roll-cage and had to be reverted back to drum brakes after the Royal Automobile Club refused to let them run discs on the front. But even with these changes, the Ford still came out on top.

Sears took first place again at Snetterton in a non-championship bout and followed this up with another 1-2 finish alongside Baillie at Silverstone in the Grand Prix support race. Jim Clark eventually ended Sears’ winning streak at Brands Hatch in August, but even then it was a Galaxie, run by Alan Brown.

It was clear that the Americans had changed the game forever. Autosport remarked at the end of the season that nothing could keep up with the two cars and looked forward to the “splendid spectacle” that the American muscle cars provided.

60 years later and the American muscle cars continue to shape the BTCC, and in many ways, motorsport as a whole. The Ford Galaxie ushered in a new era of V8 domination, and set the wheels in motion for a new level of racing excitement. From its very first race, the American muscle car had proven itself capable of challenging the best and leaving its mark on the BTCC for generations to come.

The immediate success of the Ford Galaxie sparked a wave of enthusiasm for American muscle cars in the BTCC, with other iconic vehicles such as the Dodge Charger, Plymouth Barracuda and Chevrolet Camaro quickly becoming staples of the series. These cars provided a unique challenge to the touring car drivers of the time, incorporating aspects of stock car racing with the demands of a traditional road course. This new style of racing emerged as a precursor to the regulations used today in a range of racing categories, which blend traditional touring car elements with those of sports car and stock car formats.

Alongside their performance on the track, the American muscle cars also became legendary for their showmanship. The powerful V8s produce an unmistakable roar and the engines had to be frequently replaced due to the intense heat they generated. Carrying a wide array of liveries, the American muscle cars also drew in large crowds of enthusiasts who would watch them thunder around the circuit.

The impact of the American muscle car on the BTCC can still be seen to this day. As the series has grown, so too has the technology and regulations allowing for more powerful machines capable of handling the diverse circuits the championship visits. With the current regulations allowing for larger displacement engines, the American muscle car legacy is more relevant than ever.

From the Mustang Mach 1 of 1969 to the Dodge Charger and various Raysees and Chevrolets, American muscle cars continued to remain an influence on the BTCC throughout the following decade. These cars were consistently quick just like the Galaxie and allowed drivers to display their own individual style.

By the late 1970s, the American muscle cars had been supplanted by more modern cars. But that doesn’t mean their legacy was forgotten. The presence of these cars in the BTCC continues to inspire future generations of racers and the fact that they’ve risen to fame in the world of motorsport remains a testament to their enduring impact.

Even today, the American muscle car remains a popular choice for fans of the series and drivers alike. Drivers such as Matt Neal, Tom Chilton and Tom Oliphant have found success and fame with their American-built machines, bringing the spirit of the original Galaxie back to BTCC.

The legacy of the American muscle car in British Touring Car Racing can’t be overstated. From its introduction in 1963 until now, the cars have left their mark on the series and paved the way for further innovation in motorsport. With each new generation of cars, the influence of the American muscle car shows no sign of fading, and as long as BTCC continues to race, we’ll be sure to see some American muscle cars out on the track.

The post The American Muscle Car Winning British Touring Car Racing appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

This 1970 Rapid Transit System Plymouth Barracuda is a great example of a historical muscle car hitting the light of day after 40 years in storage. While the paint job and front grille are let’s say, very particular to the early 1970s, the heritage of this car stands for itself.

The car belongs to Chuck Miller, who designed the car for the rapid transit tour which toured America in 1970. The VIN number says the Cuda was originally a six pack, but with so many details about the vehicle, it’s best to watch the full video to gain the full story behind this landmark Cuda.

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By Dave Ashton

The Plymouth Fury is a great example of a muscle car which was around for many years before the golden age of the late 1960s-1970s. Like many models of the time, it was slightly overshadowed by the more popular makes, but it still had all the attributes that make up a classic. Tracking the Plymouth Fury’s back history provides us with a rough road map of how the muscle car world came into being, and was ultimately squeezed and sanctioned to death by the mid-to-late 1970s. Below we will go through the Plymouth Fury’s back history, with some of the standout examples along the way.

The Plymouth Fury is a classic American car with character, style, and performance. With six generations total and two half-generations included, it’s no surprise that the 1959 Plymouth Fury has become a cornerstone of the vintage car market. Whether you choose one of the original two-door hardtops or a later mid-sized sedan, the Plymouth Fury is sure to make a statement on the road.

The Plymouth Fury was also renowned for its iconic grille, which featured three large slots located between the headlights. The front and rear end of the car were equally distinctive, with the hood scalloped to accommodate the engine and tailfins that ran the length of the car. The interior was spacious and luxurious, with a full instrument panel and ample storage space.

It wasn’t until the early 1960s that the Fury was treated to muscle car like power with the 426cu Wedge and Hemi V8, then having this styling redesigned to fit in with the muscle car era.

Generations

The Plymouth Fury began life in 1955 and was produced until 1989. It began as a sub-series of the Belvedere, then became its own model for 1959 and remained so for the remainder of its run. Changes to the model over the years included body sizes and engine options, such as the 350cu. V8 Golden Commando was equipped with twin four-barrel carburetors producing 305 hp (227 kW). The 1959 Plymouth Sport Fury and the 1966-1969 Plymouth VIP are also part of this model’s extensive history.

The first generation Plymouth Fury featured a hardtop with aluminum trim in 1956 and 1957, and a buckskin beige paired with gold anodized aluminum trim in 1958. There were special interiors, bumper wing-guards, and the option of the Golden Commando V8. This setup was eventually recalled and replaced with a conventional dual 4-barrel setup. Other 1958 options include the 318 cu in (5.2 L) V-800 Dual Fury (with 4 and 2-barrel options) and the 315 hp (235 kW) fuel injection option.

The second generation Plymouth Fury was produced in 1959 and 1961, and featured a convertible and several 4-door and 2-door models. The station wagon version of this model was known as the Sport Suburban and was not marketed as a part of the Fury series. Additionally, a 1959 Dodge Viscount was offered based on the  Fury but featured a 1959 Dodge front clip.

The third generation was introduced in 1962 and featured a 2-door Sport Fury which was reintroduced after being dropped at the end of 1959. This Sport Fury was discontinued in 1971. The 225 cubic inch (3.7 L) Slant Six and 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 remained from the prior generation, while the 361 cu in (5.9 L) V8 and 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 were available as options.

The fourth generation was produced from 1965 through 1974, offered as a full-size car and available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door hardtop and 4-door hardtop. Some of the fifth-generation 1975-1978 mid-size cars have been assigned to the fourth generation, though this discrepancy was caused by the production gap between 1978 and 1980 when there was no large Plymouth.

The fifth and final generation Plymouth Fury was the Gran Fury from 1980-1981, followed by the M-body from 1982-1989. It was the last V8, rear-wheel-drive Plymouth, and the last one off the production line was made on December 23, 1988.

The sixth and final generation of the Plymouth Fury marked the end of an era for the classic American car. Despite being discontinued for over two decades, the fury remains an iconic model that still commands attention and appreciation. Classic car aficionados still seek out pristine examples of this classic model, while modern restoration experts enjoy bringing them back to their former glory.

The Plymouth Fury was also available with numerous performance options including power brakes, power windows, air conditioning and a special cruise control system. Furthermore, buyers could opt for the upgraded Sport Fury package, which added bucket seats, a center console and additional trim.

Throughout the years, various motorsport teams have used the Plymouth Fury to great success. One of the most successful was the Bob Glidden Pro Stock team, which piloted the car in the National Hot Rod Association’s Super Stock class during the 1970s and 80s. The team competed with a highly modified version of the Fury, dubbed “Fury Monster”.

In addition to its presence on the racetrack, the Plymouth Fury was a popular choice for film and television productions in the 1960s. The most famous example is Stephen King’s Christine, which featured an 1957 Plymouth Fury as its protagonist. The movie sparked renewed interest in the classic model and has since gone on to become a cult favorite among car enthusiasts.

Today, the Plymouth Fury is still appreciated and sought after by classic car enthusiasts, who often look to upgrade their existing vehicles with new parts and modifications. While the car is considered a classic, many aftermarket companies still produce performance parts for the model as well as reproduction body parts and chrome trim pieces.

In addition to these aftermarket parts, there are many car clubs devoted to the Plymouth Fury. Members of these clubs often take part in car shows designed specifically for the Fury, or participate in drag racing competitions with their fully-modified Furies.

In recent years, the Plymouth Fury has taken on a life of its own as a vintage car, with collectors and enthusiasts alike seeking out original models for their collection. From its classic good looks to its long list of performance options, the Fury is sure to remain one of the most iconic and beloved cars ever produced in the United States.

No matter what generation you’re looking for, the Plymouth Fury will make an impression. Whether it’s a classic two-door hardtop or a sharp mid-sized sedan, the Plymouth Fury offers timeless style and performance that will never go out of fashion.

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From drag strips to car shows, American muscle cars have been a beloved part of the automotive landscape for years. Throughout the golden era of muscle cars, these powerful machines made an indelible mark in history due to their giant torque-rich engines and unique styling. With awesome-looking cars like the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Plymouth Barracuda, and Baldwin-Motion Phase III GT Corvette, it’s no wonder why these cars remain so iconic today.

If you’re a classic car enthusiast or collector, American muscle cars are certainly worth considering. While it’s certainly possible to find affordable models (like a 1966 Plymouth Barracuda for $5,500), some of the rarer ones can fetch an impressive amount at auction. For example, a 1967 L88 Corvette Convertible, 1971 Hemi Cuda Convertible 4-Speed, a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 2-Door Coupe, and a 1962 Shelby Cobra CSX2000 sold for $3.2 million, $3.5 million, $3.85 million, and a whopping $13.75 million, respectively.

However, even though emissions standards and other regulations tamed muscle cars in the 1980s, many of these cars are still filled with stories and badass power. So, without further ado, here’s a list of some of the most badass American muscle cars ever made.

2019 Dodge Challenger Redeye

For the modern muscle car enthusiast, the Challenger Redeye is definitely worth checking out. Even though it’s a hefty 4,514 pounds, it’s powered by a 797-hp engine under the hood. Not only that, but with its classic muscle car looks, it also features all of the modern amenities and features we’ve come to appreciate.

1966 Plymouth Barracuda

At first glance, the ’66 Barracuda looks like a low-slung muscle car with a massive rear window that gives it a distinctive look. It’s also one of the more affordable muscle cars on this list, since they’re relatively easy to find.

Barracudas are also noteworthy for being serious high-performance machines right out of the box. Despite this, some buyers felt like the cars were overly expensive, which is probably why Shelby made some features like adjustable Koni shocks, a fiberglass hood, and a Detroit Locker Rear Differential optional.

1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The Mustang Shelby GT500 is among the most desirable cars for Mustang purists. The 1965 and 1966 GT 350s had a lightweight design, perfect for racing on the track. But the later 1967 and 1968 models were the ones to own if you wanted to win drag races.

With significantly more power and torque than earlier models, these cars could hit 60mph in the mid-to-low 14 second range, thanks to 428 cu in V8 engine. The Shelby Mustangs also featured more scoops and flashier styling than older models, making them even cooler.

Ford Mustang Boss 429

The 1969 Boss 429 was an incredibly limited edition muscle car from Ford. It featured an impressive 375 horsepower engine and could reach a top speed of 126 mph. Despite the underside of the hood being cramped and the fuel economy being appalling, the Boss still stands as one of the most desirable muscle cars ever made.

1969 ½ Dodge Super Bee A12

The Dodge Super Bee A12 was a muscle car with a bold hood and huge forward-facing scoop. It also featured a 440 Magnum engine and Edelbrock intakes. After the engines received regular production status, Chrysler-cast aluminium intakes were fitted at the plant.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

The Chevelle SS 454 was a force to be reckoned with. With its massive 454 cu in V8, the car could pump out up to 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, was capable of achieving a top speed of nearly 140 mph. This powerful engine was mated to a heavy-duty three-speed manual transmission and a limited slip differential, allowing the Chevelle SS 454 to achieve 0-60 times of 6.3 seconds.

1984 Chevy Corvette

The C4 Corvette was highly anticipated before its launch, with some speculating that it would feature a mid-engine chassis like a European exotic. In the end, the 1984 Corvette featured a transverse-mounted engine, along with other performance upgrades.

Designed to win races on the superspeedways, the car was lightened up and featured modifications to its body to reduce drag. This included a huge rear wing that was designed to allow the trunk lid to open fully.

1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

When it comes to muscle cars, the Plymouth Hemi Cuda is undeniably one of the most revered and sought-after cars ever made. It was designed to compete with and beat the Corvette Stingray on the drag strip, and with its 425 horsepower V8 engine, it certainly delivered. The 440 and 426 Hemi V8s packed quite a punch and gave the car some serious acceleration.

1971 Pontiac GTO Judge

The 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge was one of the most iconic muscle cars of its time. From its racy design to its impressive performance, this car was a force to be reckoned with. It was equipped with a 455 cubic inch V8 engine that put out 370 horsepower, and combined with its lightweight body and responsive handling, the GTO Judge was a formidable adversary on the drag strip.

1969-1971 Baldwin-Motion Phase III GT Corvette

With legendary status among muscle car lovers, Baldwin-Motion Corvettes were delivered from a dealer in Baldwin, New York to Motion Performance speed shop down the road. Joel Rosen wanted to create a fast, functional all-American GT that fused Italian and American workmanship, resulting in a 3,300-pound sports car.

Powered by an AMC 390-cid V8, the Phase III GT Corvette was capable of 340 hp, making it quite a beast in its day. The cars were so popular that more than 25 went into production, with one fetching nearly $900,000 at an auction in 2017.

1968 Ford Torino GT

The Torino GT was Ford’s answer to the mid-size muscle car market in 1968. It featured a 390 cubic inch V8 that put out 335 horsepower, giving the car enough power to keep up with its competitors. In addition to its potent engine, the Torino GT also boasted an attractive design and generous list of features, making it a great car for cruising and racing alike.

1969 Dodge Charger RT

The 1969 Dodge Charger RT is one of the most iconic American muscle cars ever made. It was powered by a 375 horsepower 440 Magnum V8 engine, making it one of the fastest vehicles on the street. The Charger RT is also known for its signature cosmetics, including its menacing grille, aggressive hood scoop, and sleek bodylines.

1970 Buick GSX Stage I

The Buick GSX was a powerful, yet luxurious muscle car released in 1970. It featured Buick’s biggest engine — a 455 cubic inch V8 — that put out 360 horsepower. It also had plenty of other performance goodies, like a Hurst four-speed transmission, a Quick Response Suspension package, and an optional air induction system.

1973 Pontiac Trans Am SD-455

The 1973 SD-455 Trans Am was Pontiac’s last hurrah before emissions standards started strangling performance. This car was equipped with an incredible high-output 455 cubic inch V8 engine that generated 290 horsepower. The grand finale was the legendary Super Duty option, which added an additional 10 horsepower and an aluminum intake manifold.

1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

The 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am represented the pinnacle of Pontiac performance. It was powered by a 400 cubic inch V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor and Ram Air induction, giving it a whopping 220 horsepower. The car also featured a stiff suspension, a fist-shifting four-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel disc brakes.

1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

The Monte Carlo SS was a classic boulevard cruiser, but it was also capable of handling the occasional track day. It was powered by a 5.0 liter V8 engine that produced 180 horsepower and a hefty 275 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with its light weight, the Monte Carlo was one of the most well-rounded muscle cars of its time.

Conclusion

Throughout the golden era of muscle cars, American automakers created some awesome vehicles that remain popular and powerful today. From drag strips to collector cars, muscle cars offer plenty of fun, power, and style. With iconic cars like the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Plymouth Barracuda, and Baldwin-Motion Phase III GT Corvette, these badasses remind us why they’re still so beloved.

The post Highly Regarded American Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

One specific genre of vehicle that has stood the test of time is muscle cars. While the build-up and cool-down from the golden years cover a few decades, it was really the late 1960s and early 1970s which produced the classics. Huge engines, unique designs, and straightforward power meant the average guy and girl could own world-class car performance, with a simple enough design to tinker with on the weekends. So, let’s check out some of the obvious and not-so-obvious standout old muscle cars that have stood the test of time.

Driving a muscle car is a unique experience. The rumble of the engine, the feel of the road, and the sense of power make for an unforgettable ride. And while some old muscle cars may not be as practical as modern vehicles, their raw horsepower and classic style make them stand out in a sea of bland cars on the road today.

AMC

AMX: This 2-seater sports car was introduced in 1968 and was designed to compete with the Corvette. The AMC AMX had a powerful 390cu V8 engine and a stylish design that made it stand out from other muscle cars of the time. The 1968 to 1970 models are the ones to look out for.

Javelin: The Javelin was a sporty coupe that was introduced in 1967. It was available with a variety of engines, ranging from a 232 cubic inch 6-cylinder to a 390 cubic inch V8. The Javelin was a popular car for racing and set a number of records on the drag strip.

Rebel: The Rebel was a full-size car that was introduced in 1967. It was available with a range of engines, including a 343 cubic inch V8 and a 390 cubic inch V8. The Rebel was known for its comfortable ride and smooth handling.

Hornet SC 360: The Hornet SC 360 was a compact car that was introduced in 1971. It was powered by a 360 cubic inch V8 engine and was designed to be a lightweight, high-performance car. The Hornet SC 360 was a popular car for racing and set several records on the drag strip.

Buick

Buick GS 455 Stage 1: The GS 455 Stage 1 was an upgraded version of the Buick Gran Sport that was introduced in 1970. It was powered by a 455 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 360 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The GS 455 Stage 1 was known for its speed and acceleration and was one of the fastest muscle cars of its time.

Buick GS 400 (Stage 1): The GS 400 was a higher-end option of the Buick Gran Sport for 1968. It was powered by a 400 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 340 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. In 1970 the Stage 1 produced a 13.38 second quarter-mile at 105.50mph.

Buick GNX: The GNX was a high-performance version of the Buick Regal that was introduced in 1987. It was powered by a turbocharged 3.8 liter V6 engine that produced 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. The GNX was one of the fastest cars of its time. This was a rarity in the 1980s muscle cars scene.

Chevrolet

Chevelle SS 454: The Chevelle SS 454 was introduced in 1970. Powered by a 454 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, the SS 454 was arguably the king of the muscle cars. The Chevelle SS 454 still stands out as a shining example of the breed.

El Camino SS 454: The 1970 El Camino SS 454 was essentially a Chevelle SS 454 with lots of carry space at the back. It was powered by a 454 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The El Camino SS 454 combined utility and performance, still being overshadowed by many of its contemporaries.

Camaro Z/28: The Camaro Z/28 was a special performance package for the 1967 year. It was powered by a 302 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 290 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. Just 602 examples were bought by the public in 1967. But the template proved so popular, the model is still available today.

Camaro ZL1: The Camaro ZL1 was a special order vehicle through Chevrolet’s COPO system, producing the most potent and valuable car of its day. It was powered by an all-aluminium 427 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 430 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Due to low sales numbers, the ZL1 is arguably one of the most collectable muscle cars around.

Nova SS: The Nova SS was introduced in 1963. It was available with a range of engines, including a 327 cubic inch V8 that produced 350 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. The Nova became a bone-defied muscle car in 1968, with a tough exterior, and plenty of options. The top of the pile is the Yenko Nova, with only 37 examples being produced.

Monte Carlo SS 454: The 1970 Monte Carlo SS 454 is a bit of a sleeper car, combining luxury and power. The car housed a 454 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 360 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The Monte Carlo may not have the street credibility of its contemporaries, but it sure has the power.

Yenko Camaro: The Yenko Camaro was a limited edition version of the Camaro. Don Yenko used the Chevrolet COPO ordering system to obtain the best engines, transmissions, and other parts available at the time. The highest-rated engine was a 427 cubic inch V8 that produced 425 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Due to each vehicle having the best of the best parts of the time, they were very expensive, thus only a handful was ever produced.

Dodge

Dodge Dart GTS: The Dart GTS is a great example of the idea of stuffing a huge engine in a small car. Dealers such as Norman Kraus (Mr. Norm), added a 440 cu. V8 (375hp) engine, making them competitive enough for NHRA Super Stock racing.

Charger Daytona: The Charger Daytona was adapted from the Dodge Charger in 1969 specifically for NASCAR racing. the most competitive engine was a 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 that produced 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. The car stood out with its huge nose cone and tail wing. Dubbed the ‘Winged Warrior,’ the Dodge Charger Daytona hit 200 mph in 1970, making the car the first in NASCAR history to do so.

Charger R/T: The Charger R/T was introduced as a performance package. Engine options included a a 440 cubic inch V8 producing 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. While the first Chargers came out in 1966, it wasn’t until 1968 with the B-body and the availability of the 440 Magnum and 426 Hemi V8 engines that hit the mark. Arguably the Charger R/T is most famous for starring in the 1968 movie Bullitt.

Dodge Super Bee: Spanning the years 1968 to 1971, the Dodge Super Bee was based on the Dodge Coronet, with added performance. It was available with a range of engines, including a 440 cubic inch V8 that produced 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. The Super Bee cost more and had better options than its Plymouth counterparts, with a 426 Hemi V8 being one of the options.

Ford

Mustang Boss 429: produced between 1969 to 1974 for NASCAR racing, the Mustang Boss 429 housed a 429 cubic inch V8 engine with 375 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. The engine was good for a 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds time, and was the largest engines dropped into a Mustang at the time. The whole car had to be modified to accommodate the new engine, including the front suspension, shock towers, and hood.

Mustang Mach 1: The Mach 1 lasted from 1969 to 1978. Various engine options were available from the 351 cubic inch V8 to a 428 cubic inch V8. The car had a distinctive hood scoop, with early versions being the most prized.

Fairlane GTA: The Fairlane GTA was a performance variant of the Ford Fairlane available since 1955. Engine options ranged from a 390 cubic inch V8 to a 427 cubic inch V8, with the latter capable of producing 425 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. lots of performance options were available time such as tuned suspension, a limited-slip differential, and power front disc brakes.

Mercury

Cougar GT-E: produced between 1968 in 1970, the Cougar GT-E was available in either a 390 cubic inch V8 with 335 hp and 427 lb-ft of torque or a 428 cubic inch V8 with 360 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. With its distinctive styling, the Cougar may not be the most obvious performance muscle car, but it is definitely up there with the rest.

Oldsmobile

Oldsmobile 442: The Oldsmobile 442 was inspired by the Oldsmobile cutlass in 1964. The model gained its reputation from its 455 cubic inch V8 engine producing 370 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful cars of its time. The ‘442’ comes from the 4 barrel carburettor, 4 speed transmission, and dual exhaust.

442 W-30: The 442 was good enough in itself, but the Oldsmobile W-30 package added something extra. The package was designed for drag racing, so added features such as a highlift camshaft, aluminium intake manifolds, heavy duty suspension, and tuned exhaust system. The W-30 package also included styling upgrades such as ram air induction, fibreglass hood, along with bucket seats and a fancy steering wheel. Expect pay top dollar for one of these examples.

Plymouth

Fury 426 Hemi: The Fury 426 Hemi was capable of a 0 to 60 mph time in under 6 seconds. The engine was a 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 producing 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. The Hemi version was only built in limited numbers, making it a rare collector’s item today.

GTX 426 Hemi: Produced between 1967 and 1971, the Plymouth GTX 426 Hemi used a 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 with 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. Many performance upgrades are available on the options list along with luxury features such as power windows, power brakes and an upgraded audio system.

Plymouth Road Runner: The Plymouth Road Runner was produced from 1968 to 1980 as a muscle car for the masses. Based on the Plymouth Belvedere, the Roadrunner was a more basic offering, but still had the power. The 426cu. Hemi V8 was an option with 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. but you could also go for at the time the 383 cubic inch V8, which was still very capable. Many optional upgrades are available at the time like heavy-duty suspension, more powerful brakes and a performance exhaust system. most famously, the horn sound was based on the loony Tunes cartoon.

Plymouth Barracuda: The Plymouth Hemi Barracuda was built between 1964 in 1974. Arguably one of the most famous muscle cars around, the topline engine was the 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 with 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, and a 0 to 60 mph time of just over 5 seconds. The huge body design and wealth of options became a firm favourite in the muscle car community.

Plymouth Superbird: Just like the Dodge Daytona, the Plymouth Superbird was a ‘Winged Warrior’ based on the Plymouth Road Runner designed for NASCAR racing. The topline engine was the 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 with 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. While the Superbird is one of the most collectable muscle cars today, it didn’t sell well back in the day, looking more like an oddity compared to the rest of the pack.

Plymouth Duster 340: Produced between 1970 – 1976, the Plymouth Duster 340 was small in appearance with distinctive styling. The 340 cu. V8 was capable of 275 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque, and was popular with enthusiasts of the time. The Duster was also a great example of the range of loud colors available at the time such as Plum Crazy Purple and Hemi Orange.

Pontiac

Pontiac GTO: The Pontiac GTO is one of America’s original muscle cars. General Motors produced the vehicle from 1964 to 1974, inspired by the Pontiac Tempest. The 389 cubic inch V8 version could produce 348 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, but it was the 1968 and onwards styling that won over fans. The GTO was available with plenty of performance options such as Ram Air Induction and heavy-duty suspension, but eventually succumbed to early nineteen seventies emission regulations, insurance charges and the tastes of the time.

Pontiac Firebird: Firebird was originally introduced in 1967 as a direct answer to the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. Engines range from a 6-cylinder up to a 455cu. V8 with 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The Firebird essentially kept going up until 2002, showing its worth over the years. Most iconic from this model was the ‘screaming chicken’ decal on the hood

Grand Prix: Originally introduced as a luxury performance car in 1962, the Pontiac Grand Prix built up to have a 455 cu. V8 engine, along with its luxury accompaniments. This model may not fund the street credibility or sporty looks of the others, but it definitely had the engine performance.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in owning one of these classic American muscle cars, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, old muscle cars can be expensive and need a lot of ongoing maintenance, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Research and more research is needed for every potential muscle car purchase, along with ideally buying from a reputable source.

One option is to buy a muscle car which is in need of restoration. While you may initially pay less for the vehicle, you have to factor in obtaining all the parts and the time and work involved. Sometimes in life, buying the finished article is more cost-effective and less of a headache.

If you’re in the market for a classic American muscle car for sale, check out the most popular muscle car dealers and auction houses as a start point. The outlet you choose really depends on your budget. For instance, you could find a cheap base model on websites such as eBay. But most likely be prepared for some restoration work. If you require a vehicle that is numbers matching, in near original condition, and with loads of documentation, you will need to visit a specialist dealer or auction house.

When it comes to the best American muscle cars, opinions can vary. Some may argue that the 1970 Plymouth Superbird is the ultimate muscle car, while others may choose the Chevelle SS 454. And of course, the debate over the fastest muscle car continues, with the likes of the Chevy Camaro ZL1 and Dodge Charger Daytona vying for the title of the fastest muscle car in the world.

In conclusion, old muscle cars are an important part of muscle car history in America. They are a certain way of thinking and following the mindset of a certain template, i.e. There is no replacement for displacement in an ICE car, and obviously bigger is better.

The post Old Muscle Cars: Standout Examples appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The first 1970 Plymouth Barracuda produced with a Hemi V8 engine has popped up for sale with a cool asking price of $2,200,000. The ‘Cuda was launched in 1964, but had to wait until 1970 to reach muscle car status via the 426 Hemi V8.

While the output of the ‘Cuda with 425hp and 490 lb-ft of torque may seem average these days, in 1970 these levels of power were a big deal. Fast forward to today and the combination of the Hemi engine, 4-speed manual transmission, the third ‘Cuda vehicle built that year, and being 1 of 284 vehicles reflects the asking price.

The 1970 ‘Cuda was released as the sports version of the E-body platform developed by Chrysler. As per all pony and muscle cars of the time, there were a plethora of engine options starting with the 340 V8. This example was built on August 1st, 1969 with a VIN number of BS23R0B100003. This example has an exterior color of Alpine White with an all-black interior. Other notable features include the stripe and Tac delete, an overhead console and fancy trim.

The car itself has lived at the NATMUS Museum since 1983, only clocking up 17,755 miles, and being repainted once in its life. The car was also officially authenticated in 2005 by Galen Govier as being the very first 1970 Hemi Cuda.

Interesting factory option details below:
currently for sale at https://motorvault.com/1970-hemi-cuda

D21 – A833 Manual Four Speed
E74 – R-Code 426 CI V-8 Engine
EW1 – Alpine White exterior paint
X9 – Black interior
M85 – Front & rear bumper guards
PRX9 – Leather & vinyl bucket seats
P – Premium Trim
R22 – AM/with stereo 8 Track player
R31 – Rear Speakers
V68 – Sport Stripes DELETE
B41 – Front disc & drum rear brakes
B51 – Power brakes
N96 – Shaker Hood
C26 – Overhead Console
A33 – Track Pack 3.54 Rear Gears

The post The Very First Hemi 1970 Plymouth Barracuda For Sale appeared first on Muscle Car.

American muscle cars, love them or loath them, they are admired for their unbridled power and unapologetic design. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 best American muscle cars, highlighting their features, power, and main features.

1. 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona

The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona is one of the most recognisable American muscle cars of all time. Its distinct design and aerodynamic nosecone contribute to its high top speed. The car has a 425 horsepower engine and was designed for NASCAR racing. When it was released, it was priced at $5,903. Only 503 were made, making it one of the world’s rarest and most collectible muscle cars.

The Daytona’s interior was designed with racing in mind, with high-backed bucket seats, a centre console, and a shifter mounted on the floor. The car also included a number of options, such as power steering and brakes, air conditioning, and a variety of audio and visual upgrades.

2. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

Another classic American muscle car is the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, which features a powerful 454(7.4L) cubic inch V8 engine. This engine could propel the Chevelle SS from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds, making it one of the fastest muscle cars of its era. A 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) V8 and a 396 cubic inch (6.5-liter) V8 were also available. The car was known for its sleek design, which included a cowl-induction hood and a bold front grille. It has 450 horsepower and was released at a cost of $3,500.

The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is now a highly coveted collector car, with prices ranging from $50,000 to well over $100,000 for rare and well-preserved examples.

3. 1970 Plymouth Superbird

The Plymouth Superbird of 1970 was a heavily modified Plymouth Road Runner. It was built for NASCAR racing and featured a 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 engine with 425 horsepower. According to reports, the car’s top speed was over 200 mph, making it one of the fastest production cars of the time. It had a distinctive high rear wing and a long nose cone that added nearly two feet to the front end of the car. Some critics called the design outrageous and over-the-top.

When it was released, the car was priced at $4,298 and was notable for its distinctive rear spoiler and front nosecone.

4. 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351

The 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 is a strong American muscle car powered by a 351 cubic inch Cleveland V8 engine producing 330 horsepower. The engine was coupled to a four-speed manual transmission with a close ratio and a 3.91 rear axle. When it was released, it was priced at $4,124.

The Boss 351 had a distinct front air dam, blacked-out grille, rear deck spoiler, and hockey stick stripes on the outside. High-back bucket seats, a Hurst shifter, and a black instrument panel with a 120-mph speedometer were all added to the interior.

The Boss 351 was a limited-production model, with only 1,806 units produced. This rarity has made it a highly sought-after collectable today, with prices often reaching six figures.

5. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 was a high-performance version of the Chevrolet Camaro designed to compete with other popular muscle cars of the time, such as the Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda. It is known for its aggressive design and performance, as well as its 302 cubic inch V8 engine that produces 290 horsepower. This engine came with a four-speed manual transmission and a high-lift camshaft, forged-steel crankshaft, and solid-lifter valve train. A dual-exhaust system, stiff suspension, and power front disc brakes were also standard on the Z28.

It had a top speed of around 125 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. The Z28 was also known for its excellent handling, with a well-tuned suspension that allowed it to easily corner at high speeds. When it was released, the car was priced at $3,112 USD.

6. 1967 Shelby GT500

Carroll Shelby designed the 1967 Shelby GT500, which was manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The GT500 was based on the Ford Mustang fastback and came standard with a powerful V8 engine that produced 355 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, allowing drivers to fully engage with the power and performance of the vehicle. The GT500 also had a performance-tuned suspension system and disc brakes, which helped it to remain popular even today.

Only 2,048 units were produced, with the GT500 being priced at $4,195 when it was released.

7. 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge

The 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge was a collaboration between John DeLorean, Bill Collins, and Russ Gee, who wanted to create a high-performance car for younger drivers. It is distinguished by its distinctive hood and rear spoiler, as well as its 400 cubic inch V8 engine that produces 366 horsepower. The powerful engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, resulting in an exciting driving experience. The car also had a Hurst shifter, heavy-duty suspension, and power brakes, making it a great road car.

The GTO Judge was a low-volume vehicle, with only 6,725 units produced in 1969. However, because of its powerful engine and aggressive styling, it was a popular choice among car enthusiasts and drag racers. When it was first released, the car was priced at $3,750.

The years of production ranged from 1964 to 1974. The GTO was available with a variety of engine options, including a V8, and had a top speed of around 130 mph. Despite the fact that production of the GTO ended in 1974, it is still a popular classic car among enthusiasts.

8. 1970 Buick GSX

The 1970 Buick GSX was built by General Motors’ Buick division and was only available for one model year. The GSX was created to compete with other muscle cars of the time, including the Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Chevelle SS, and Oldsmobile 442.

There were two versions of the GSX: the GSX and the GSX Stage 1. The Stage 1 model had a 455 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 360 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine was available with a three-speed automatic transmission or a four-speed manual transmission.

The GSX was distinguished from other muscle cars of the time by a number of features. It was distinguished by a blacked-out grille, a front air dam, and a hood scoop. It came in a variety of colours, including Saturn Yellow, Apollo White, and Harvest Gold.

The GSX was distinguished by its distinctive colour and stripes. Only 678 GSXs were built in 1970, with 400 of them being Stage 1 models that cost $4,782 when they were released.

9. 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30

The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 is a classic American muscle car with a 455 cubic inch V8 engine producing 370 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a 4-speed manual transmission for quick and precise shifting.

The 442 W-30 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and reach 114 mph. It was also one of the fastest muscle cars of its time, with a quarter-mile time of 13.91 seconds at 102 mph. Only 1,032 W-30s were produced in 1970, making it a rare and valuable vehicle among collectors and enthusiasts.

The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 is now a highly collectable vehicle, with prices ranging from around $70,000 to more than $100,000 depending on condition and originality. When it was first released, it was priced at $4,780.

10. 1968 Plymouth Road Runner

The Plymouth Road Runner of 1968 was a mid-sized two-door coupe named after the popular cartoon character. It was a no-frills performance vehicle intended to provide a high-performance driving experience at a low cost. The 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 engine that powered the Roadrunner produced 425 horsepower. The transmission options for the car were a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic.

The post The 10 Best American Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

The concept of a muscle car largely stems from hot rod and drag racing culture, with the basic premise being to take a small, relatively lightweight car, add in an oversized engine, and then boosting proceedings with upgraded brakes and suspension to match.
The above may seem like a simple template, but there is lots more to the genre than meets the eye. For those who want some simple answers to the most common questions asked about American muscle cars, the list below will give you a jump-off point for further research.

If you want to delve further into the world of American muscle cars, then simply do a quick search on our website to find out everything you need to know about these wonderful vehicles.

What are American Muscle Cars?

A muscle car is a high-performance vehicle with a powerful engine, manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive. The concept of muscle cars stems from the hot rod and drag racing culture, where small, lightweight vehicles were fitted with oversized engines and reinforced with upgraded brakes and suspension to match.

Brands of American Muscle Cars

Some of the most notable American muscle car brands include:

AMC (AMX, AMC Rebel The Machine)
Buick (GS 455 Stage 1, Buick GNX)
Chevrolet (Chevelle SS, Camaro Z/28, Camaro SS, Nova)
Dodge (Dart GTS, Dart Demon, Charger, Charger Daytona, Super Bee, Challenger)
Ford (Mustang Boss 429)
Shelby (Mustang GT500, Mustang GT350)
Oldsmobile (442)
Plymouth (GTX, Road Runner, Barracuda)
Pontiac (GTO, Firebird)

What is America’s Best Muscle Car?

This is subjective and varies based on personal preferences. Some of the most popular muscle cars include the Chevrolet Camaro, the Dodge Challenger, and the Ford Mustang. If we interpret the word ‘best’ for ‘most sales,’ then the title will go to the Ford Mustang for sheer sales numbers, both in America and abroad. However, the Ford Mustang is strictly a pony car, and more sports car these days. The Dodge Challenger and Charger are The last vehicles to follow the true old-school muscle car template design.

What is the Baddest Muscle Car?

This is also subjective and varies based on personal preferences. However, some muscle cars known for their powerful engines and aggressive styling include the Pontiac GTO, the Dodge Charger Daytona, and the Ford Mustang Boss 429. Personally, you can’t go far wrong with the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 for this status.

Classic Muscle Cars

The classic muscle car era is often considered to be the late 1960s and early 1970s. During this time, many iconic muscle cars were produced, such as the Chevrolet Chevelle SS, the Plymouth GTX, and the Pontiac Firebird. However, don’t discount the other decades for some classic examples. The 1980s produced the Buick GNX, Which is a highly collectable example today.

Is There a British Muscle Car?

Although there are many high-performance vehicles produced in Britain, the term “muscle car” is typically associated with American cars. At a stretch, you could include the British Ford Capri, which did have a muscle car-like design. However, engine sizes in the Capri were never as large as their American counterparts.

What is the King of Muscle Cars?

This is subjective and varies based on personal preferences. Some people consider the Pontiac GTO to be the king of muscle cars, while others might consider the Ford Mustang Boss 429, the Dodge Charger Daytona or the Chevrolet Chevelle 454 to hold this title.

What Does GTO Stand For?

GTO stands for “Gran Turismo Omologato,” which is Italian for “Grand Touring Homologated.”

Which is the No. 1 Muscle Car in the World?

This is subjective and varies based on personal preferences. However, some of the most popular muscle cars globally include the Chevrolet Camaro, the Dodge Challenger, and the Ford Mustang.

What Was the 1st Muscle Car?

The first muscle car is often considered to be the Pontiac GTO, which was introduced in 1964.

What is the Most Stolen Muscle Car?

This can vary depending on the year and location. However, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that the most stolen muscle car in the United States in recent years has been the Dodge Charger.

What is the Greatest Muscle Car of All Time?

The ranking of the best muscle car in the world depends on the individual’s personal preference and the current market demand. Some of the most popular muscle cars in the world include the Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro SS, and the Ford Mustang Boss 429.

Should you buy a Muscle Car Right now?

Yes…. does it really need more explanation?

The post Answering The Most Common American Muscle Car Questions appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

With the ever looming future of electric vehicles hovering over the muscle car world, a question that is being asked is, ‘should I convert my muscle car ICE engine to an electric powertrain?’ At this early stage, most fans would say no, but some muscle car owners are either mulling over the idea or have performed the conversion already. In today’s ramblings will go over some of the pros and cons.

Should I convert my muscle car engine to an electric powertrain?

The process of converting a regular ICE powertrain to an electric is very doable, but the practicalities are a different matter. The logistics and expense of an electric conversion can be costly.
For the average new LS crate engine with roughly 450HP, will set you back around $5-6K. Depending on the transmission, add on a few thousand more, then the cost of fitting (excluding a visit to the boneyard for second-hand versions, currently not a thing for Ev’s).
An EV conversion kit is not as standardised as picking and choosing your engine and transmission from the many outlets available on or off-line. At this point, there are simply less tried and tested kits and fitters. An EV conversion kit may cost $8000, plus another $3000 for the battery. Then it’s down to cost and time fitting the thing.

One documented example of a conversion is of a 1972 Plymouth Satellite from Fortune.com, using the guts of a Tesla Model S. The end result is a 636HP vehicle, but the process took a year and a half and cost $60,000 (not documented in the article, but presumably including the cost of the vehicle.)

The above example is not to say there aren’t better cost and time-effective solutions. But, we are still in the early stages of retrofitting electric powertrains and battery technology. It may be an easy decision to convert a cheap 1980s vehicle to electric, but maybe not a rare 1970s Plymouth Superbird.

Electric powertrains, battery technology, and all the connecting bits are advancing rapidly. So, is it worth holding off for a few years until the technologies and processes have become more standardized?

What are the disadvantages to an electric car?

EVs have loads of torque compared to an ICE engine, are generally cheaper to run, and now the range isn’t a problem. However, EVs can be susceptible to charging times, currently finding a charging station, and the cost of entry. Battery packs can also be expensive to replace, with problematic areas being reported in cabin display screens, failing sensors, and battery connections. Fixing these areas is not as simple as popping down to your local mechanic anymore. They need more specialist skills and equipment, most likely from a dealer.

How many years will an electric car last?

The longevity of an electric car is usually done to its battery life. Current electric cars use lithium-ion batteries with roughly 10 years or a hundred thousand miles of life. Therefore, longevity should not be a problem.

What maintenance do electric cars not need?

EVs have less mechanical components, thus there is no need for things like oil changes, changing of other fluids, drive belts and the like. This doesn’t mean EVs are maintenance-free, especially with older versions that lose the ability to hold a full charge. However, this is a null point if you have a muscle car retrofitted with an electric powertrain, as the kit should include the latest technologies.

Are EVs as fast as fuel cars?

Let’s face it, a muscle car owner isn’t going to swap out their precious V8 engine for an electric powertrain for 100% eco-ideals. They want the same levels of power and performance, tons of instant torque, more power, and I forgot to say more power. Otherwise, what’s the point…

Currently, an EV is quicker off the line than an ICE engine but a sporty ICE car can hit higher top speeds. What the upcoming Dodge electric will do numbers-wise is anyone’s guess, but currently using the proper term of fast, ICE engines are still generally faster. However, the instant torque of EV vehicles is bound to appeal long-term to drag racers.

Conclusion

In many cases, the decision of converting a tried and tested V8 to an electric powertrain will come down to the cost and value of the initial vehicle. Rare muscle cars should be left off the table and left as is, but more generic base vehicles could be likely candidates for an EV conversion.

As with all technologies, the price of entry decreases over time. Leaving out the factors of nostalgia and emotions which is hard to do, the decision to convert an old muscle car to electric is always going to be a hard one. There are too many variables currently to be decisive one way or another, thus converting a muscle car to electric is a very personal decision.

Personally, I would wait at least a few years, then check out conversion prices and how many electric muscle cars have popped onto the market.

The post Should I Convert My Muscle Car To Electric? appeared first on Muscle Car.

by Dave Ashton

After taking a leisurely trip down to the local cinema complex to see the new Black Panther movie ‘Wakanda Forever,’ my spider tingle went off immediately when a bright red muscle car hit the screen. Muscle cars starring in movies are nothing new, but it’s still heartwarming to see these classic vehicles taking center stage.

This is not going to be a movie review, as it’s up to you to watch the movie and judge for yourself its merits. In my case, it was going to be interesting to see how they dealt with the sad passing of Chadwick Boseman who played Black Panther and how they continued the storyline. Suffice it to say the movie was a fitting tribute to Boseman, and his memory was interwoven into the storyline.

The Movie Car

One of the other stars of the movie was the presence of a deep-red Plymouth Barracuda. Owned and driven in the movie by Leticia Wright who played ‘Shuri,’ the car in question was to our bad eyesight a 1972 Plymouth Cuda 440 Six-Pack. From the screenshots, the nearest we could tell it was a 1972 model was from the single headlights and grille design. However, with all movie vehicles, they have to use a bunch of them for filming, which means they could start off as other year models and be adapted to look the same as the rest. Therefore, the message is more about the presence of the car, rather than the fine details.

In any case, out of all the vehicles which could have been possibly used for filming, a Plymouth Cuda was used. I guess they still don’t make ’em like they used to.

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By Dave Ashton

Once you have saved all your precious pennies for your favorite muscle car, it’s now time to choose an appropriate body color. Do you choose your own favorite color, the wife’s(mainly to justify the loss of bank funds) or something else? If you can’t decide, Dodge is releasing a limited edition multicolored car wrap, highlighting the 14 colors of the current range.

As for the color combo, it goes like this: Plum Crazy, Frostbite, B5 Blue, Sublime, F8 Green, Go Mango, Sinamon Stick, Octane Red, TorRed, Triple Nickel, Destroyer Grey, Granite, Pitch Black and White Knuckle.

For those wanting to order the custom wrap, it’s available via the Dodge Garage website (www.dodgegarage.com). The wrap itself is produced by CG Detroit, with a price tag of $3,700. The wrap will also need professional installation by ideally a 3M-certified installer at an extra cost. The wrap is also available for all Challenger models dating back to 2008 including widebody versions.

The idea of adorning a Mopar with all the paint colors of the time harks back to 1970. In that year, Plymouth painted one of their Barracudas with the 25 colors they offered at the time as a marketing/ad. campaign. This model eventually became known as the Paint Chip Car.

Comparing the old to the new version of the multi-colored idea, my own preferences go for the older model. The older line-up of 25 colors with thinner stripes and more subdued seventies colors seems to blend together more seamlessly. However, if you want to give your present Challenger or a new one a distinctive look, the multicolored wrap could be a consideration.

The post Dodge Challenger Multicolor Wrap Is Back appeared first on Muscle Car.

Whether you’re a serious collector, enthusiast, or dreamer, you will love this selection of the best classic muscle cars. They may not be your top five favorites, but you’ll probably agree that they’re pretty special. 

If you’re in the market for a classic muscle car, you’re going to need the right kind of insurance that will understand your vehicle’s unique needs and provide you with a custom policy. We’ll cover that after we highlight the five best muscle cars that classic car owners will want to know.

#1 – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Cost: $1 million+

Pros: 427 cubic-inch engine, 500+ horsepower

Cons: Incredibly rare

There were only 69 built, making this one of the rarest, most desirable, and most expensive muscle cars of all time. Even though Camaro wouldn’t officially sell a Camaro with an engine over 400 cubic inches, they filled an order for a dealer, Fred Gibbs, for this unique high-power, low-weight engine installed in 50 1969 Camaros. 

Later, they manufactured 19 more to round the total out to 69 ‘69s.

#2 – 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible four-speed manual

Cost: $5.75 million+

Pros: Four-speed manual transmission, 425 horsepower

Cons: Cost, rarity

Only 119 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cudas were produced in 1971. Of that number, 12 were convertibles, and only three were equipped with A833 four-speed manual transmission. When one of these three hit the auction floor in 2021, the high bid of $4.8 million wasn’t enough for the owner to sell. 

#3 – 1973 Pontiac GTO

Cost: About $18,700

Pros: Affordable, secure handling, disc brakes

Cons: Gas mileage

Finally, we included a classic muscle car that the average collector may be able to afford. You might even be able to find one that needs some work for under $10,000. This popular car is as fun to drive as some far more expensive muscle cars, and you can enjoy your time on the road knowing you won’t lose a multi-million dollar investment if something goes wrong.

#4 – 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

Cost: $400,000+

Pros: Racing engineered suspension, front disc brakes

Cons: Cost, rarity

Only 562 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350s were produced in 1965. The scarcity of this product contributes to its value. Its racing stripes complete its classic 60s look, and exhaust and lightweight upgrades contribute to its excellent performance.

#5 – 1970 LS6 Chevy Chevelle

Cost: $125,000+

Pros: 450 horsepower, 454 cubic-inch engine, popular in movies, availability

Cons: Clutch durability, cost

Chevrolet produced 4,475 1970 LS6 Chevelles, which isn’t that many. When you compare that to the production numbers of others on this list, though, it seems like a lot. The Chevelle’s racing stripes are a favorite among enthusiasts as is the classic design.

Insurance for Classic Muscle Cars

When you have a special, highly sought-after, expensive muscle car, you need a special kind of insurance policy to go with it. The standard car insurance policies aren’t adequate for the unique needs of classic cars.

There are a few different companies that specialize in insurance cars with high and increasing values. If your muscle car is in the lower cost range, you may be able to use a standard insurance company, but if your vehicle is pushing the $100,000 price point, you’ll be better off with a specialty insurer.

Melanie Musson writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. She strives to help people understand their insurance needs so they can protect their finances and future financial stability.

The post The 5 Best Muscle Cars Throughout History appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Classic cars require a classic hobby. So, why not get started with the very old-school world of stamp collecting via the U.S. Postal Service’s ‘Pony Cars Forever collection.’

As you have guessed, the theme is American pony cars consisting of five classics including the 1969 AMC Javelin SST, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, 1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT, 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T, and a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302.

The Pony Cars Forever collection will be launched at the 2022 Great American Stamp Show on August 25th, then available at post offices and through the Postal Service’s Web portal.

It’s understandable that given the task of picking only five classic pony/muscle cars, means some obvious choices were left out. Some sort of Mustang and Camaro are obvious, as with a Challenger. But, with only two choices left, would you have picked an AMC Javelin and a Mercury Cougar?

Some opinions online have already said there is the obvious exclusion of the Plymouth Barracuda. But, in fairness, there were a bunch of limited edition stamps back in 2013 featuring a Pontiac GTO, Shelby GT500, Dodge Daytona, Hemi Cuda, and obviously a 1970 Chevelle SS. Therefore, we should be celebrating the fact that these stamps are pushing muscle and pony cars to the front of mind of the general population. And, maybe, the inclusion of the Javelin and Cougar may inspire some to dig into the less obvious classics out there.

The post Postal Service Pony Car Stamps Coming Soon! appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

An all-original 426 Hemi V8 1970 Plymouth Superbird sold at Barrett Jackson, Las Vegas recently for the record price of $1.65 million. This new auction price beat the last sale record for a Superbird which went for $990,000 last January. This new sale also beat the 1969 Dodge Daytona auction price of $1.3 million.

A bit of back history

The Plymouth Superbird, along with the very similar Dodge Daytona was not exactly an immediate hit with the public when they first went on sale. The Superbird was originally designed to win at NASCAR races, developed from the Road Runner model of the times. The concept wasn’t to just slap a long nose, and a 2-foot rear spoiler on a Road Runner, but to make the most aerodynamic vehicle of its time. Most likely one of the first vehicles to be tested with computer and wind tunnel tests.

To be allowed to enter these vehicles into official races, a certain amount of roadgoing vehicles had to be available for sale. For 1970, 1,920 Superbirds were sold for $4,300. The problem at the time was the design was a bit too wacky for most people’s tastes. Therefore, many of these vehicles stayed on dealer’s lots only to be snapped up later by those in the know. Also, insurance and emission regulations of the time didn’t help, steering people away from what was thought of at the time as gas guzzlers.

With an estimated 1,000 examples left in the world, with the 426 Hemi V8 being the most sought-after (only 135 examples with a 426 Hemi), it’s not a surprise they can fetch hefty sums.
But it’s not just about the scarcity of the vehicles, but also their racing pedigree and famous driver associations. NASCAR racing hero Richard Petty was one such driver, taking a Superbird to 200+ mph in 1970. Even in 2016, there are videos online of a Superbird hitting a quarter-mile in 11 seconds at 124mph, that’s even keeping up with a modern Corvette C8.

Present-day Prices

Fast forward to the modern-day, and the Plymouth Superbird is seen for its motoring heritage and rarity. At the cheapest end of the scale, you still have to part with around $250k for a good example. Even tribute versions based on other vehicles can fetch what we have seen recently $128k. Once you get into the territory of a low mileage example, all original, with a 426 Hemi V8 engine, that’s when you start hitting very big numbers.

The post 1970 Plymouth Superbird Muscle Car Auctioned for $1.65 million appeared first on Muscle Car.

Fans of the UK Top Gear and the famous trio Hammond, Clarkson, and May will have watched the recent The Grand Tour series, which features an episode starring American classic muscle motors. The three motors chosen had outrageous engine sizes and an even bigger chassis surrounding them – typical classic American muscle motors.

The trio decided to go for the biggest muscle automobiles they could find, but that doesn’t always define an American muscle motor, especially modern ones – but the bigger they are, the harder they are to drive. That begs the question, how much harder are classic muscle vehicles – typically, they’re much bigger – to handle? Let’s explore.

The Classic American Muscle Vehicle

The classic American muscle motor is iconic – one that has featured in many rappers’ music videos and famous films over the years because they hold that much of a status symbol. You’ve got the Pontiac Trans Am featured in Smokey and the Bandit and the classic Ford Mustang in Bullitt. They roar to life with power, and most people expect them to come with at least a 6L V8 as standard.

Whether it’s turbocharged or not, the sound of a 6L V8 engine in a classic American muscle motor commands respect, and boy did the people of the 60s and 70s respect the American muscle automobile. The classic muscle car era with engine power ended in the 70s when the American Clean Air Act came into fruition.

Arguably, the most iconic classic American muscle automobile is the Dodge Challenger – a motor still produced in modern versions today. Then you have the likes of the Ford Mustang – again, still made today – Chevrolet Camaro, Plymouth Road Runner, and the Pontiac GTO that also dominated the roads.

What’s more, you can still get your hands on one of these motors today, but you’ll have to seek insurance for a classic car tailored towards the make and model of your motor. Indeed, some companies have relatively strict parameters which define a classic car: age, mileage, manufacturer, for instance. All these things make the financial commitment to owning, running, and maintaining a classic car tangible, more than just the beauty of owning these kinds of cars. However, when you’re on the road, you only have one question: are they easy to drive? Read on to find out.

The Modern American Muscle Vehicle

Everyone can appreciate a classic American muscle car, but there’s something about a modern American muscle car and the sheer power they contain that the old-school models can’t beat. Take the Ford Mustang GT, for example – the model is miles quicker than the original Ford Mustang. Technology has taken the old-school principles and given them a modern twist of unrelenting power.

Thanks to games like Need for Speed and films like Fast and Furious – the modern-day American muscle car has a different sort of status symbol. It’s a status that’s souped-up and ready to attack, compared to the classic American muscle motor that dominated the roads with its size and sound rather than speed.

Here are some of the most popular modern-day American muscle cars that you might like to get your hands on:

• Ford Mustang GT
• Chevrolet Camaro SS
• Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack
• Ford Mustang Mach 1
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

When shopping around, you’ll notice many manufacturers have approached building modern American muscle cars with a view of the quicker, the better. Plus, you won’t catch a modern American muscle car with less than a V8 engine. The 2022 Ford Mustang GT, for example, has a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 with port fuel injection that produces 460 bhp. Classic car manufacturers had the mindset that the bigger, the better.

So, How Much Harder Are Classic Muscle Motors To Drive?

Plenty of auto blogs online details the difficulty of driving a classic American muscle motor. Hot Cars, for example, says that driving an old-school American muscle motor is more about a statement than a physical experience. The bigger classic cars are hard to drive because of the size of the chassis and have terrible fuel consumption. Smaller classic automobiles also have the same fuel consumption problem and a size problem of a different variety – there’s not enough room inside them.

You’ll also find that it’s harder to insure a classic car. They have such a high value, and spare parts are hard to find, making them less appealing to insurance providers. You can also forget modern luxuries like air conditioning, electric windows, and seat warmers. Typically, a classic motor is much harder to drive because of old technology and mechanics – but that doesn’t mean they’re not excellent to be behind the wheel and driving.

Both classic and modern American muscle motors have their pros and cons. Both types are expensive, they can be hard to drive, and both are hard to maintain. But that doesn’t make either a classic or a modern model any less fun to drive. There’s just something about sitting behind the wheel of an American muscle car – whether old or not – that any other motor can’t replicate.

The post How Much Harder are Classic Muscle Cars to Drive Than Modern Ones? appeared first on Muscle Car.

by Dave Ashton

Muscle cars have always been collectible assets, well….sort of. From the golden era of the 1960s and early 1970s to the present day, there have always been standout examples. Current muscle car valuations continue to increase, and with the latest news of Dodge turning electric in 2024, gas-powered engines are bound to become more scarce and collectible.

The future for V8 powered Muscle Cars

The next 5 to 10 years is going to be a very surreal time for V8-powered muscle cars. Whatever happens with legislation, cars that are powered by the good old tried and tested dinosaur juice, will slowly disappear off the roads. This most likely will mean people will be offloading their gas-powered vehicles for those battery-powered thingies. This might include the classics, as it will simply cost more to own and run the things.

According to Hagerty’s pricing index Jan. 2011 was the lowest value point of muscle cars in the last 10 years. Current muscle car values seem to be the highest. The coronavirus years saw a slump in muscle car values, with 2021 bringing everything back up to speed. We recommend keeping an eye on Haggerty’s index and the values of certain models in the coming years. This along with car price listings in general.

The Tastiest Muscle Car Investments

If we eerr on the idea of muscle cars steadily increasing in value long-term, what are the choice picks you may ask. This will depend on if you fancy an old classic or a more recent model. Limited editions and rare option models are a good starting point, but not always set in stone.

There always has to be a good deal of demand for certain makes and models for their value to constantly increase. If you own a vehicle that is only one of 5 examples on the planet, but nobody wants them, it’s worthless (…that’s until somebody makes a FaceTube video about them, then the price skyrockets).

Modern Muscle Cars

The more well-known, rare optioned makes and models of muscle cars usually perform the best over time. The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was one of the most recent, high-profile, modern collector’s items with only 3,300 models produced. With over 840HP, the Demon has instant street cred. if nothing else. The original sales price of the Dodge Demon was $84,995 MSRP. In 2021, the value of a Dodge Demon is now around $120,000 to $140,000.

Another example is the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon. It may be a fancy station wagon with a V8 engine, but it packs 556HP, and there were only 514 stickshift models ever made. You can pick an example up today for roughly $50,000, with values likely to increase over time.

Other modern examples include the 2010 Ford Mustang GT Roush Stage 3 with a 4.6-liter supercharged V8 and a 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 with an 8.3-liter V10.

Classic Muscle Cars

You can judge this era from roughly 1968-1974. The current stars of this period go to Hemi Cuda convertibles, increasing in value by 79%. 1970 Buick GS455 convertibles have risen 20% in value, along with 1964 Impala SS 409 convertibles rising by 52%. The commonality here is convertibles as they were made in far fewer numbers.

Other makes and models are slowly increasing in value, including likely candidates like the 1967-69 Chevrolet Camaro SS and 1968-67 Dodge Charger R/T’s. The former went up 14% and the latter increasing by 28% in value.

If we stick with the criteria of the more well-known, limited edition/options, and obviously coolness factor, there are plenty of muscle cars to choose from in the classic era. A 1974 AMC Javelin AMX coupe with a 304cid V8 is not the most obvious choice, but for fans, a highly collectible model.

You can’t go wrong with a 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS or even a 1970 example for sheer brutishness. The Chevelle SS is more than just an investment piece. It represents an example from the height of the golden muscle car era – huge displacement, and sheer raw fun.

Other examples to keep an eye on include the 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Super Cobra Jet, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS, 1970 Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda, 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS, 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS(basically a Chevelle SS with more fun at the rear), a 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS, and a 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. All these examples are slowly rising in value.

We obviously can’t forget the numerous Ford Mustang, which may be the easiest to get hold of in its basic model form. The Mustang is probably the easiest entry point to collecting classic muscle/pony cars, but just make sure you buy a well-maintained example, with ideally a complete history, and something like a Marti Report to prove its authenticity.

Which muscle car should I pick?

Ultimately, a muscle car investment will come down to your current budget, then which one tickles your fancy. With a little research from our humble little website and the likes of Haggerty, you can quickly get an idea if a certain muscle car is going to keep climbing in value.

The examples above will give you a good start point, but you still have to do your own research, especially if you want a snag a low-cost example.

The post Now Could Be The Best Time To Invest In A Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

by Dave Ashton

Dodge is currently in the process of solidifying their performance credentials within Stellantis. The new two-year plan, titled ‘Never Lift’ will see more than one major product announcement every three months, kicking off with the return of the ‘Direct Connection performance parts’ program.

The ‘Direct Connection performance parts’ program has been in and out of vogue since Chrysler first introduced the idea in 1974. The initial concept was to offer upgraded parts for Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth vehicles. The concept eventually morphed into what we know today as Mopar, but has also reared its head in the past via the 2018 SRT Demon, with the option of a Direct Connection powertrain controller.

A network of specialist dealerships titled the ‘powerbrokers network of specialist dealerships’ will handle all the parts and advice-giving if you want to use your machine on either the track or the street. The trackside of things will be well catered for, with platforms available to build your own drag racer. For example, tuning kits are available to boost a Hellcat by 100hp.

The new scheme will take over from where Mopar performance parts left off, but the Mopar brand will still be used as part of the Jeep performance parts arena.

As per the title of this post, the main carrot dangler here is to find a likely candidate who will be paid $150,000 to drive a Hellcat for a year and become a brand ambassador. Dodge will also be giving away 25 vehicles, involving celebrity types to help promote the brand.
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The new program hopes to start hitting the shelves by December 15, 2021, with full brand ambassador details hitting the shelves by January 12.

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There was a golden age of American car manufacture in the 1960s and 1970s. This was when a spate of US-based marques released an array of vehicles that were then regarded as extraordinarily elegant, manly, and high-performing.

Of course, we’re referring to the mythical and forever-in-style American muscle cars. Sure, these famous vehicles have been out of production for half a century. Yet, car fans and collectors still hold them in high respect and want them.

If you’re new to the world of muscle cars, then no worries. You’ve come to the right place. Keep on reading for our full breakdown of everything you need to know about American muscle cars. We’ll explore some of the greatest muscle cars to have ever made it to the market.

American Muscle Cars 101: The Basics

Okay, so the phrase “American muscle vehicles” is a misnomer for many reasons, the first of which is that it should be dropped entirely. All officially sanctioned muscle vehicles are from the United States.

So, when you think about the best classic cars under the “muscle” category, then you bet that they’re all American.

Although, you may have heard of muscle cars from Australia or Latin America. But, the Detroit Three also built automobiles in other countries.

A V8 engine is standard equipment in muscle vehicles, which have a two-door body design. Cars like this are great for daily driving around town and the odd drag race. European high-performance automobiles like the Shelby Cobra are quite different from a muscle car.

Vehicles in Europe were created for agility, while muscle cars were built to be quick and powerful when you want them to be. Several blockbuster films, such as 1957’s Rebel Without a Cause, helped popularize drag racing.

Muscle vehicles, on the other hand, didn’t really take off in popularity until the mid-’60s. Until the 1973 oil crisis and ensuing legislation, interest rates would have remained high.

The Original: 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88

This was originally intended for the company’s larger saloon vehicles. However, Oldsmobile engineers decided to put a strong V8 engine in the 88 to give it some more oomph.

Despite the Rocket 88’s high-tech for the time high-compression V8’s lack of earth-shattering performance by subsequent muscle car standards, many auto enthusiasts consider it to be the first of the muscle car breed.

The 303 cubic inches (5.0 litre) Rocket V8 engine produced around 140 horsepower. But, it was more than enough in 1949 to make the 88 a serious contender on the NASCAR racing track. It finished first in six of nine races in its first season and deserves a place in any “Muscle Car” museum.

1964 Pontiac GTO

The Pontiac GTO, a classic American muscle vehicle from the 1960s, was very fast for its day.

Most people credit the Pontiac GTO with kick-starting the Muscle Car craze in the 1960s. It was the first mass-market high-performance car to use a modified 389 cubic inch (6.4-litre) V8 engine.

This was in lieu of the entry-level Tempest’s 140bhp six-cylinder. It was originally available as an option on the mid-size Pontiac Tempest.

Three 348bhp carburetor-equipped GTOs were available. As was a four-speed manual transmission, upgraded suspension, and larger wheels and bonnet scoops.

It only costs $4,500, or around £24,000 in today’s money, when you include all the extras. For its day and price, the GTO’s speed was so astounding that magazines of the day pitted it against the Ferrari 250 GTO to see how fast it could go from 0-60 mph. It took only 5.7 seconds.

Of course, a classic car like this one needs specialized tires. You’ll want to check out Ozzytyres.com.au for one of the best tire collections on the market.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 

The Chevelle Super Sport (or SS) was Chevrolet’s initial entry into the Muscle Car market when it was unveiled in 1964. The Pontiac GTO had a huge advantage in terms of raw power early on, but Chevy quickly caught up.

A colossal 454 cubic inch (7.5-litre) large block V8 with a claimed 450 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque was available as an option for the 1970 Chevelle SS.

The 1970 Chevrolet SS 454 was one of the world’s fastest-accelerating road vehicles, and it’s now a tremendously valuable collectible.

1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird

While the majority of Muscle Cars were built for drag racing – or at the very least, the traffic light Grand Prix – some significant models owe their origins to racing on closed circuits like the Indianapolis 500.

Prior to playing a prominent part in the Pixar blockbuster Cars, the Plymouth Superbird was possibly the most well-known. The car’s razor-sharp front end and soaring rear wing were created to help it dominate the Nascar field.

Nascar’s regulations in 1970 dictated that 1,920 units of the Plymouth Road Runner had to be road registered in order for it to participate, which led to the development of the Superbird and its sibling, the Dodge Charger Daytona, as a stock car racer. It was standard for a manufacturer’s US sales network to have a minimum of two vehicles for each dealer.)

However, although the car’s design was produced in a wind tunnel, its tall rear wing seemed to be built for cutting through the clear air. But, its height was actually decided by the requirement of opening the boot lid.

1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

The Chevrolet Camaro was designed to counter the Ford Mustang’s meteoric rise in popularity since its introduction in 1964. A fast coupe and convertible based on the Chevy Nova chassis, the Camaro arrived three years later with a variety of powerful engine choices including a 396 cubic inch V8 with up to 375 horsepower.

However, performance purists had the choice of the Z/28 package, which contained severe chassis modifications geared for racing versions, rather than the racy option packs that included the blacked-out grille with disguised headlight, simulated air intakes, and “bumblebee” striping.

Best Vintage Cars: Exploring Muscle Cars

Things can get overwhelming if you get too deep into the research process of which one is the crowned best American muscle car in history.

Hopefully, our guide has shed some light on the top American muscle cars that can compete for the title. And, if you enjoyed reading our article, then you’ll love checking out our automotive section for all the additional tips and tricks you could possibly need.

The post What Are the Greatest American Muscle Cars of All Time? appeared first on Muscle Car.

As some of you might remember, we have already featured two articles about this independently produced documentary back in 2015/2016. The story is about a group of muscle car enthusiasts from Manila, Philippines, who share the same ‘MotiV8tion’ about their V8-powered vintage cars.

The film had been distributed on a pay-per-view basis on Amazon, iTunes, GooglePlay, etc. After a successful 5 year run on these platforms, Bernhard Floedl the Austrian-born, but Philippine-based producer and co-director of the film, has now decided to make the documentary available for everyone for free on YouTube. You might want to take a look at the trailer here –

If the trailer is to your liking you might as well check out the full-length feature here –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTuCwPT1kHQ&t=4196s

‘MotiV8tion’ comes fully equipped with a closed caption to aid hearing-impaired people. This highly professional documentary is captivating and aside from the gorgeous cars, features an interesting bunch of individuals, and real characters who tell fascinating tales.

There is a former movie actor from Austria, Bernhard Floedl, who sounds like Arnold Schwarzenegger, a flying Scotsman with a beautiful Plymouth Duster 340 named “Gorgo”, some Filipino American who likes Mustangs and a whole lot and other colorful, rib-tickling Filipinos who own muscle cars and interesting workshops.

The Filipino car restoration workshops featured in the documentary show amazingly ingenious craftsmanship and dedication. One is managed by a comical woman, who runs the shop for her Norwegian husband who works on ships. Some of these shops would elsewhere be considered as junkyards, yet in the Philippines, they give birth to restored cars that can rival the output of any American-based restoration workshop.

Here in the States everything can be ordered and delivered to your doorstep within 48 hours. No big deal to put a car together. But in the Philippines, it’s a different story. It takes ingenious creativity and I guess it’s about your commitment and love for the car and not all about money.

Yeah, it’s all about your “MotiV8tion” I guess!

Bernhard has told us that he decided to make his documentary available for free as many people are facing hardship these days as a result of the Covid pandemic. He hopes to bring some needed distraction, escapism, and happiness into their lives.

‘Sharing is caring’, Bernhard said. Until the mid-1990s he worked as an actor on various B-movies and during this time was able to work with well-known stars like Chuck Norris, Richard Harris, Donald Pleasence, Susan Sarandon, Robert Davi, and Richard Hatch, just to name a few. ‘Even though I was never able to get back what I had spent out of my own pocket producing this documentary film, I never regretted it and hope that it has in some ways helped to get some people into the hobby of restoring vintage muscle cars. After all, that was always my ultimate goal.’

So share this with all your friends and family and don’t forget to leave some nice comments and likes for our friends in Manila, Philippines.

Read more about the movie here.

The post ‘MotiV8tion’ – An American Muscle Car Brotherhood In The Philippines appeared first on Muscle Car.

In the ‘60s and the ‘70s, movies showed intense vehicle chasing scenes while the protagonist struggled to escape the villain’s clutches. The protagonist’s awesome-looking ride could go from zero to sixty miles/hours, and the antagonist was left rubbing their hands in disappointment. Have you ever wondered where those crazy classic vehicles went after that? From Pontiac GTO to Ford Mustang Mach 1, these beauties dominated the world of cars fifty years ago. They were called “muscle cars” – high-performing American inventions that became outdated in the early ‘70s. But some classic vehicle enthusiasts still own some of the remaining models. You can also purchase a muscle car today, and it comes with several benefits too.

It’s not apparent when the first muscle car was invented. Some have proposed that General Motors was the creator of the original 1949 vehicle Oldsmobile 88. However, others have disputed this claim whereas maintaining that these vehicles came into existence during the ‘60s for drag racing. These mid-sized cars had powerful engines, and they all – historically speaking – were rear-wheel drive. Different versions of these cars were produced in the future, including Mercury Cyclone, Plymouth Road Runner, and Dodge Super Bee. Well, there are – actually – more than a hundred options for you to choose from out there. And to convince you, we’ll explain some of the multiple benefits of owning a classic muscle car in 2021 for American connoisseurs:

1. Powerful engine

Muscle vehicles have a V8 engine that becomes the source of their excellent performance. Some of these beauties even have a V6 engine fitted inside that ensures optimal speed. While most muscle cars are fueled by petrol, some also come with diesel engines, and managing them is no easy feat. Are you worried you can’t troubleshoot such old engines? There’s no need to worry as this Diesel Engine Troubleshooting guide will help you eliminate all the issues. You can learn which problems affect your diesel engine, such as noise, overheating, plug issues, etc., and then fix them accordingly. Or a better option, let the experts deal with them.

2. Stylish façade

What’s the major attraction to purchase a classic? Enthusiasts prefer buying these vehicles for their stylish façade and elegant appearance. These beauties enhance the grace of their driver and make the owner look sophisticated. Also, these cars have a personality of their own, compelling you to purchase a classic muscle vehicle and join the community of car enthusiasts.

3. Attracts attention

Do you dream of riding in a vehicle that makes all the bystanders stare at you appreciatively? At the same time, their smartphones keep clicking pictures of that jaw-dropping ride? Buying a muscle vehicle will make this dream come true. Owning this classic can earn you the center of every conversation. Don’t be surprised if you receive a lot of phone numbers from admirers while making new friends.

4. Strong body

A muscle car doesn’t only offer a powerful engine but also a strong exterior. These cars are more rigid than your average vehicles since they were supposed to endure extreme conditions – weather and environment – during unpredictable situations. Their durability provides more security to a passenger as well. Thus, purchasing a classic muscle car becomes a solid investment.

5. Higher value

Modern vehicles start losing their value the moment you drive them out of the showroom. But your muscle car will retain its value for the long term. How ancient must your ride be for appreciation? Well, appreciation occurs after the vehicle has reached the summit of depreciation. If you’re purchasing a car that’s two/three decades old, it’s a collectible you’ve bought. In other words, you’ve made a fair investment. Also, restoring a classic ensures you getting your money back in the future.

6. Affordable parts

There’s one thing we know about American vehicles, i.e., their parts aren’t expensive. Not only are they affordable, but it isn’t challenging to find them either. Even some of the rarest models have parts available in the market. And you can construct famous versions after buying aftermarket bodies, engines, interior, and other stuff. Since we, fortunately, live in the age of the internet, communities created online can help you gather all the necessary parts to reconstruct your muscle car.

7. Easy registration

You can register your vehicle with antique plates as this method has merely some minor restrictions. It mostly depends on which state you’re residing in; however, you’ll have to make a one-time payment. Besides, you don’t have to fret about passing inspections as this requirement isn’t necessary under the antique grade. If you follow this method, then the insurance will be inexpensive as well. So, antiquity will ensure limited mileage that leads to lower insurance rates for muscle car enthusiasts.

8. Lower plate taxes

Purchasing antique vehicles seems expensive in the beginning. But this decision becomes very cost-effective in the future since old cars receive tax exemptions after a few decades. The duration is 40 years in the United Kingdom. In the United States, vehicles manufactured forty decades ago are also exempt from paying VED (road tax). So, if you’re buying a car belonging to 1981, taxes will be lower.

9. Muscle Car City

Owning a muscle vehicle may encourage you to participate in events for car enthusiasts. What kind of events can you join to extinguish your thirst for meeting like-minded individuals? Well, there’s an American Muscle Car Museum in Melbourne, Florida. You can witness the majesty of more than 250 classic muscle cars, some of which are pretty rare. This collection in its entirety is worth $32 million. Thus, owning these beauties helps you join a community.

10. Easy to learn

Are you worried about learning to drive your new muscle car? Don’t fret. Simplicity dominates these vehicles for modern-day drivers. The ignition system works as smoothly as you can expect. Teaching yourself how to drive this thing won’t be the problem here. But, if you’re still hesitant, purchase an old one first and try your driving skills on this model fearlessly.

Conclusion

Who owns a muscle car in today’s America? Statistics show that around five million Americans right now own classic vehicles. Most of them are baby boomers (people born between the ‘40s and the ‘60s). Also, over 90% of them are males who make $140,000 annually. But who should own a classic muscle car? It’s dependent on an individual’s interest and patriotism. You can see how these valuables remind people of the “golden age” of vehicles spanning 1964 to 1973. These highly-prized American products make owners proud. Also, muscle cars have powerful engines and strong exteriors as well as high market value. These reasons make it profitable for vehicle enthusiasts to own a muscle car.

The post 10 Perks of Owning a Classic Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

Many of us have dreams of buying a muscle car and save desperately to own one. But maintaining a classic muscle car can be expensive. However, there are a few options that are worth considering.

Classic muscle cars are like treasure items in the automobile industry. They take us back into the evoking memories from the ’60s and ’70s. Although many new cars are entering the market daily that come loaded with newer technologies, classic cars still have significant importance to anyone’s garage.

Some classic muscle cars still generate lots of power, but maintaining them in their original shape can be tiresome. A simple reason for this is the spare parts for these cars are hard to source. And if someone gets the spare part, that could cost a fortune.

Muscle cars are expensive, and if you want to save, then a pre-owned car is an ideal choice. Even the price of a new vehicle depreciates in a few moments of getting out of the showroom. You can buy a used muscle car or trade-in your car with Gettacar.com, which deals in almost every car category.

Let’s categorize a few muscle cars that are a pain to maintain and easily maintainable. You can base your choice on the discussion below.

Muscle Cars That are Tough to Maintain

1. Plymouth Volare Road Runner

Surprisingly, the launching of Plymouth Volare was for a more comfortable version over its predecessor, the Plymouth Valiant. The car had an appealing and fantastic interior with comfortable seats and adequate room. 

With all these attractions, the car still had a crucial issue of frequent water leaking. It made the car critical to driving in wet conditions, and in addition, it requires regular repairs for water leaking, which is both troublesome and expensive.

2. Ford Ranchero 500

The muscle car was launched in 1973 and was very powerful with comfortable seating. However, the car didn’t gain much acceptance as per the expectations. When we talk about maintenance, for rare and unpopular models, the maintenance cost is usually higher. 

To add to the troubles, you could hardly source the spare parts. The only source for spare parts is the previous owners, who are not interested in the car’s further maintenance and sell off its spare parts.

3. Dodge Charger

In 1970, Dodge launched its muscle car, which gained quick popularity for its uniqueness, better features, and power when compared to the competition. The handling and driving experience of the Dodge Charger was also very smooth and good. However, repairs can give the owner a shock as they are too expensive. Also, the 1970 Dodge Charger is a rare model, and hence repairs are costlier.

4. AMC AMX

AMX was launched in 1970 and came equipped with commanding features. Even the exterior looks gave a head-turner appeal. The car hosted a V8 engine and generated around 375 horsepower. Muscle cars are not always about power, but their maintenance is also crucial. 

Maintaining the muscle car in its original condition can be sweating and tiring. Critical problems that arise in this car are rusting of the rear and A/C issues. Repairing these parts is time-consuming as well as expensive.

5. Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Undoubtedly, the Camaro Z28 was an attractive car with an engine that generates a horsepower of 302. This classic muscle car takes us back to the days when this much power was quite an excitement. 

However, the suspension gives frequent troubles and needs an upgrade for a smooth and efficient drive. Faulty car suspensions can be frustrating while driving a car. Also, the powerful engine consumes a lot of fuel and can be very expensive.

Muscle Cars That are Easy to Maintain

1. Chevy Nova

Chevy wanted to design a muscle car that is affordable and compact and came up with a design for Nova. They achieved their milestone of producing over 1 million Novas with an option of two different engines. The car has a cost-friendly MPG as it consumes less fuel. The car is fun to ride and yet quite affordable. Because of its easy maintenance, the car passes on to generations, and people still love to drive it.

2. Ford Falcon

Falcon hosts a simple look and is very easy and cost-effective in maintenance. The best thing is that the company has started manufacturing commonly used spare parts again for the enthusiasts who still drive this car. This step is quite commendable, as now finding a spare part for repairing common faults has become easy. A muscle car that is easier to maintain encourages you to drive it regularly.

3. Chevrolet El Camino SS

The best thing about the car was that it has a lot of space, even in the trunk area. El Camino SS is admired for its superb handling and was loved and got attention immediately after its launch. 

Chevy always wanted to have this car on roads for several decades. To make this possible, Chevy produced bulk spare parts and still reproduced them to ensure spare part availability. Even the rusts get removed with complete care in the Chevy service centers.

4. Chevrolet Bel Air

The car was in production from 1955 to 1957. The car production lasted only for two years, but many improvements and modifications were done during this time. The increased production led to an increase in the number of cars produced. 

It resulted in increased availability of spare parts as most of these cars were not sold. The availability of spare parts is such that you can assemble a completely new Chevrolet Bel Air from scratch.

5. Dodge Dart

The car was launched in 1967 and is still the best low-maintenance muscle car. The production of the Dodge Dart continued for nine years, and that’s the reason it can be still seen on the roads. In addition to that, this muscle car is the most affordable option when compared to other used classic muscle cars. Finally, the car has an excellent MPG even with a V8 engine.

Final Say

Finally, investing in a muscle car is always high. It is imperative to do all your research before considering buying a used muscle car. Always opt for classic muscle cars that can be easily maintained. 

Make a habit to ride your muscle car regularly to ensure everything is working fine. Check for the availability of the spare parts and buy the ones whose parts are found easily. A muscle car with low maintenance can be fun to have in your garage.

The post Planning to Buy a Classic Muscle Car: Suggestions of What to Choose and What Not? appeared first on Muscle Car.

by Dave Ashton

Normally, the news of Dodge releasing an all-new muscle car is followed by subsequent dancing in the streets. When Dodge announced a few days ago they are planning to release their first full battery electric muscle car in 2024, the news was met like hearing Metallica wanting to change musical direction and only play Indonesian throat music from now on. The end results are going to sound great, but it’s not exactly the direction we all want.

What the terrible analogy above doesn’t sum up is Dodge doesn’t really have a choice in their change of direction. Governments and all legislators are gearing up for a full EV takeover of the world. In this future landscape, it’s a matter of develop for the future or be left behind.

What is a E-Muscle Car?

At this point, most muscle car fans would answer, ‘an aberration’ or words to that effect. The sentiment is very much justified when you consider over 50 years of V8 performance is behind the breed. It’s a bit like Fender scrapping the classic Stratocaster guitar, which has been around since the 1950s, and from now on only making a flashy, synthesizer version. It all feels a bit wrong.

However, Dodge knows their market and their back history. Horsepower, straight-line speed, and a mechanical structure that is easy to upgrade… at least in the golden era cars. Large displacement engines, coupled with superchargers and rear-wheel drive provide a distinctive driving sensation. Burnouts are also a prerequisite.

A muscle car also needs to be tweakable. It’s part of the heritage. While most modern muscle cars need a trip to the shop for upgrades due to all the newfangled electronics, customization is key. An electric muscle car that can be easily upgraded could be a winning platform. If you take a look at present-day electric vehicles, you get what you are given, with nearly zero upgradability.

While the E-Muscle car template is still being thrashed out, which could revitalize the sector, it’s likely classic muscle car names will make a comeback. Think Dodge Daytona, Super Bee, or even some Plymouth nameplates like the Roadrunner. We’re guessing it’s the names that sounds the best with ‘E’ before or after it that will win through. As for muscle car like sounds and vibes, I think Dodge will have to have a chat with the EDM(electronic dance music for all the oldies) guys for the best ways to reproduce sub-bass frequencies and rumble.

Car Buyers Are Still Sceptical About Electric

It’s not just muscle car fans that are chin-scratching over this whole electric car thing. An article over at the BBC website with the boss of Ford UK, Lisa Brankin, says the switch from petrol and diesel to electric is, ‘a real challenge.’

‘We did a survey looking at customer attitudes and we saw that just over 10% of customers were actively considering a battery electric vehicle as their next purchase.’ Brankin goes on to say, ‘Most other people were still concerned about a number of things – range, the charging infrastructure, the lack of information available to customers and obviously the price as well.’

Ford are one of the biggest sellers of vehicles over the pond, and say governments need to provide far more help for when the proposed ban on sales of ICE engines come in by 2030.

So, back to the initial question, can Dodge build the ultimate E-muscle car? Yes, but no matter how good it is, there will always be critics. Whatever comes out will be refined and tweaked over the years to better suit what is expected of an E-muscle car. This doesn’t mean the end of V8-powered machines and the ability to drive them, but rather more options to choose from in the future.

As we have stated before, ICE engines will still be on the roads for decades to come, maybe under special licenses, but they will still be around. So even in 2024, this is not the death cry for the V8 muscle car, but think of it as just a change in direction. This is little consolation for the longtime muscle car fan, but we have no other choice but to look on the bright side and see the new era as ushering in new possibilities.

The post Can Dodge Make the Ultimate E-Muscle Car? appeared first on Muscle Car.

American muscle cars are among the most prolific cars ever invented. They were originally birthed during the ’60s and ’70s and quickly became the apple of every car lover’s eye.

These heavyweight champions are the ideal companion for anybody who enjoys a variety of car specs and has an eye for vintage detail. If you’re a car enthusiast who just finished an upgrade on their modern car and wants a restoration challenge, or a collector looking to buy a new vehicle, then one of these might be perfect for you!

Let’s have a look at some of the most iconic muscle cars known for their unique qualities, astonishing horsepower, and classic style.

1.    1966 Plymouth Barracuda

This is a first-generation Barracuda created by Plymouth. Its design is based on the Chrysler A-body and it has two doors, heavy-duty suspensions, and rear axles with large mounted tires. The two-door 1966 Plymouth Barracuda is hard to miss, and also boasts one of the most world-renowned muscle car logos.

1966 Plymouth Barracuda specs:

• Engine: 273 V8 (HEMI Block)
• Power: 180 BHP @ 4200 RPM
• 0-60MPH: Approx. 12.4 secs
• Torque: 280 ft-lb

2.    1968 Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500

Manufactured by Ford, the anticipated release of this ultimate muscle car was a huge success. Its rare design has an abundance of special features, including a Tremec seven-speed dual-clutch. This car goes down in history as one of the most legendary American muscle cars, with a sophisticated design and powerful engine.

• Engine: 428cu V8 (Pushrod Small-Block)
• Horsepower: 335 BHP @ 5600 RPM
• 0-60MPH: Approx. 6.5 secs
• Torque: 420 lb-ft

3.    Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye

This Dodge car is iconic. It’s versatile enough to be both a powerful muscle car and a comfy American coupe. Adjust the style of this car to suit your mood: feel the thrill of speed with the Hellcat’s high torque, or sit in sport mode and keep your throttle gentle for a relaxed drive.

• Engine: 378cu V8 (HEMI Block)
• Horsepower: 797 BHP @ 6300 RPM
• 0-60MPH: Approx. 3.7 secs
• Torque: 707 lb-ft

4.    1969 AMX/3

The sleek 1969 AMX/3 is one of the most awe-inspiring muscle cars ever created. Its features and performance caught the attention of many. However, there’s only a handful of these classic cars left in the world — making them even more valuable for the aspiring collector.

• Engine: 390cu V8 (Medium-Block)
• Horsepower: 340 BHP @ 5100 RPM
• 0-60MPH: Approx. 6.5 secs
• Torque: 430 lb-ft

5.    1984 Chevy Corvette

This fourth-generation classic is the fastest American muscle car on our list, with the ability to reach impressive speeds of 140 MPH. Its impeccable design is historical, and it’s by far one of our favorites.

• Engine: 350cu V8 (Small Block)
• Horsepower: 205 BHP @ 4300 RPM
• 0-60MPH: Approx. 6.4 secs
• Torque: 290 lb-ft

Last Words on Unforgettable Muscle Cars

These majestic beasts have paved the way for the cars of today, with their astonishing horsepower and eye-catching style. Owning one of these legendary cars is a dream come true for anybody with a need for speed, a passion for power, and an appreciation for classic car features.

The post Top 5 Legendary Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

Muscle cars each have their own distinct look, but if you get a bunch of similar-looking models in a line, how do you tell them apart at first glance? You check the logo.

Manufacturer logos are as unique as the cars they sell, and each has a rich and varied history. Let’s take a look at the stories behind some of your favorite muscle car logos.

1. Plymouth

The Plymouth Barracuda is one of America’s favorite muscle cars, but how did the brand develop its signature sailboat logo? Plymouth started as a way for Chrysler to compete with the lower-priced models Ford and Chevy had already saturated the market with. The name spoke to the country’s patriotic streak, harkening back to Plymouth Rock, where the Pilgrims first landed in the 1600s.

Plymouth didn’t get its first official logo until nearly two decades after it launched. It featured the Mayflower, and you can still see it on models that came out between 1949 and 1958. After that, it switched to model-specific logos. When Crysler tried to bring the brand back in the 1990s, it exchanged the big ship for a smaller sailboat, though the vaguely suggestive sail design didn’t do anything to endear the brand to fans.

2. Chevy

Chevy dates back to 1911 and, while founded by William Durant, was named after a famous race car driver named Louis Chevrolet. The first Chevy truck rolled off the assembly lines in 1917, and the rest is history. The funny thing about the Chevy logo isn’t its simplicity but the fact that it really hasn’t changed in the last 100 years.

The most popular story behind the gold or silver cross logo is that Durant saw the pattern on the wallpaper in a hotel room and liked it so much he tore off a piece to take home with him. It premiered in 1913 as a silver bow tie and changed to gold in 2004.

3. Dodge

Dodge is known for muscle cars and powerful trucks, but the logo that first debuted more than a century ago doesn’t look anything like the Ram we know and love today. The first Dodge logo was a six-pointed star with the letters D and B intertwined in the center. The star had a circle around it with the words “Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicles” encompassing the logo. The brand dropped this in the 1930s, replacing it with the first incarnation of the leaping ram hood ornament.

The ram adorned hoods until the 1950s, when it lost its head — or rather, its body. The ram’s head appeared on the logo until 1955, when Dodge dropped it entirely. From the 1940s to the early 1980s, you could also see a crest logo similar to a coat of arms that would pop up from time to time. This wasn’t terribly popular, but you could still find it here and there.

The crest was retired in 1981, and Dodge switched to the Pentastar logo that it shared with Chrysler and Plymouth. It changed the color to red to differentiate it from the other two brands. Dodge and Ram eventually separated, so you’ll find the iconic Ram logo on its trucks and a simple shield with the Dodge name in the middle for the rest of its vehicles.

4. Pontiac

Who doesn’t love a classic Pontiac Firebird? This brand started as the Oakland Motor Car Co., which had a shield logo with the Oakland name written diagonally across it. It eventually dropped this name, and the first Pontiac logo featured the brand name as well as a Native American wearing a headdress. It used various emblems that depicted the same man wearing a headdress in multiple shapes and designs through the decades.

In 1959, Pontiac introduced the Dart, an arrowhead pointing downward with a four-pointed star in the middle. The brand never gave official reasoning for switching to the Dart logo, though some believe it’s because the star and the color red were both prominent in Native American art.

5. Ford

Ford’s blue oval logo is another one that hasn’t changed much through the decades, after its first incarnation in the early 1900s that featured an art nouveau border and a black background. By 1907, the brand had switched to the first signature-based logo, though it didn’t have the oval surrounding it that we know and love today. This made its first appearance in 1912, and the iconic blue oval appeared in 1927.

The rest is history. The only thing that’s changed over the years is that as technology advances, we’ve seen the logo become more 3D — something that wasn’t possible with the manufacturing techniques of the time. Contrary to popular belief, the logo is not Henry Ford’s signature, though it’s neat to think of his John Hancock adorning every car that ever bore his name.

Muscle Forever

As much as muscle car logos change over time, these iconic vehicles are destined to last forever.

The post The Stories Behind Your Favorite Muscle Car Logos appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

If you don’t have the cash to splash or can’t justify the outlay for your own muscle car, then GTA online can be the next best thing. With the latest graphics and realism, GTA online has a nice crop of modern and vintage muscle cars to take for a spin.

As with the real versions, the muscle cars in GTA online are built for raw power and acceleration. Below are our picks of muscle cars that will test your reaction times, along with boosting your dopamine levels.

Gauntlet Hellfire

The Gauntlet Hellfire is a tasty rendering of a real-world Dodge Hellcat widebody. The bulky contours echo its real-world counterpart, with a great-sounding engine and loads of performance. The top speed of this one is 125.25 mph (201.57 km/h).

The car may not be as ultimately nimble as its European counterparts. But if you require topline speed with a good helping of handling, it’s a great choice.

Gauntlet Classic Custom

To get hold of the Gauntlet Classic Custom, you have to visit Benny’s Original Motor Works in-game as a custom build. The Gauntlet Classic Custom is one of the few cars that get a performance increase, along with a healthy top speed of 125.50 mph (201.97 km/h).

The options include an upgrade to either a 1969 Dodge Daytona, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird, or a combination of both. There are plenty of options to choose from, but the upgrade doesn’t come cheap.

Pisswasser Dominator

If you need all-out, straight-line speed, you can’t do better than the Pisswasser Dominator. The 5-year-old in us is dying to make jokes about its name, but as far its performance is concerned, you can’t do much better. The car is kitted out with its own unique look, with loads of performance upgrades to choose from. The top speed here is 126.50 mph (203.58 km/h).

The Pisswasser Dominator excels in sprint races, and provides loads of fun, performing burnouts and donuts at a moment’s notice.

The post The Best Muscle Cars In GTA Online appeared first on Muscle Car.

by Dave Ashton

Coming up for sale via Mecum’s May Indianapolis 2021 auction is a rather rare 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible. The final auction price is estimated to be around $6 million+, making this Cuda one of the most valuable around.

The car is 1 of 12 Hemi Cuda convertibles and only one 1 of 3 fitted with a A833 4-speed manual transmission. It’s also the only 1971 Hemi Cuda Convertible with a Winchester Gray paint job. As for engine specs, this Cuda houses the ubiquitous 426cu Hemi V8, which was good for 425 HP back in the day. Other standout features include a 3.54 Sure Grip differential, power steering and brakes, GA4 Winchester Gray Metallic paint, and Hurst Pistol Grip shifter.

This particular Hemi Cuda was 1 of 5 destined for export, eventually landing in France. A 240 KPH speedometer was originally fitted, which now shows a metric odometer. The A33 Track Pak has also been fitted, bringing in suspension upgrades, a 26-inch radiator, and a seven-blade viscous fan.

Of course, everything here is numbers matching, with everything on a tick list which you would expect from a top-notch example 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda.

Find out more here https://www.mecum.com/lots/SC0521-461984/1971-plymouth-hemi-cuda-convertible/

The post 1971 Plymouth Hemi Convertible To Auction For Millions appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

We recently reported how the new Stellantis group is to disseminate the SRT team into the various branches of the company. Initially, this was bad news for all Dodge/SRT fans, but it seems that the shift is more a re-organization of the team. The Street and racing technology department may no longer exist, but all the engineers will be retained and incorporated into the Stellantis global engineering division. They will also work on future SRT models.

The new Stellantis group is well aware of the heritage of SRT, meaning we will continue to see the SRT badge in the future. The integration of the SRT team also means that their performance know-how is a valued asset. Moving forward, we could see the SRT badge or at least the technologies on any of the 14 car brands under the new umbrella.

The SRT Story

The SRT division has been in existence in one form or another since its inception in 1989. One of the standout developments was the Dodge Viper, with other notable vehicles including the Dodge Neon SRT-4, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, Plymouth Prowler, and Ram 1500 TRX. The SRT badge became its own brand in 2011 but went back to being a development team in 2014.

The SRT Future

Luckily, Carlos Tavares Stellantis chief executive officer is a keen racer and supporter of performance vehicles. This means that Dodge and SRT will likely continue their performance heritage. However, echoing recent words from Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis, the future of muscle cars is most likely to be electric.

This doesn’t mean that the Hellcat V8 engine is going away anytime soon. And at the least, we have some reassurance that Dodge and the SRT brand are here to stay. stay tuned for future updates….

The post Stellantis SRT To Still Make Performance Models appeared first on Muscle Car.

Back in the golden age of muscle cars, enthusiasts of the breed were just as interested in the minute specifications of an engine as they are today. In those purely analog days, there wasn’t the worry of engine management systems or fancy electrics. The focus was more on the largest displacement engine and the best fuel gobbling carburetor.

In today’s article, we present to you a double-page engine specification spread from a vintage copy of Motor Trend magazine. The image below shows the different engine types for the Plymouth Barracuda, GTX, Sport Fury GT, Roadrunner, and Duster 340. For the Cuda, this includes the 340, 383, 440, 440 6-BBL, and the Hemi. For the GTX – the 440 6-BBL, and the 426 Hemi engines. For the Sport Furt GT the 440 and the 440 6-BBL, and for the Roadrunner the 383, 440 6-BBL, and 426 Hemi, and lastly the Duster 340 with the 340 engine.

As usual for the day, the horsepower ratings erred on the side of caution. For instance, the 426 Hemi is quoted as having 425Hp and 490lb. ft. of torque. With some tweaking and fettling, these values can be easily increased.

The post Mopar Engine Specification Sheet appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The ubiquitous muscle car represents more than just a huge engine and stocky design. Back in the golden age of muscle cars, from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, these vehicles coincided with the space race and the height of rock ‘n’ roll. We were going to the moon baby, and we had the soundtrack to match. Add in some of the most powerful vehicles on the planet at the time, such as the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454, and you end up with a heady mix. There were lots of vehicles to choose from back then, but what are the most popular muscle cars worldwide today, and how are muscle cars faring in today’s market?

Back in the nineteen sixties, the big three (Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors) owned 89.6% of the market. These guys still produce the most popular muscle cars as we will come onto later. But the automotive scene is far different than in the mid to late last century. Today we will go through the most popular muscle cars worldwide and the possible future for our beloved muscle cars.

The Muscle Car Formula

A vehicle needs a specific set of criteria to be classed as a muscle car. The ideal recipe needs an American-made vehicle, a bass-rich V8 engine, two doors, rear-wheel drive, and two seats upfront and in the back. There are variations on the theme, along with the ‘Pony car’ sector, which is more strictly the Ford Mustang and Camaro. More loosely, the Chevy Corvette is a two-seater sports car and the Shelby Cobra was originally a British body with an American V8.

Back in the late 1960s when muscle car makers ruled, there were a plethora of brands to choose from. Many have gone the way of the Dodo, but living examples are very much rare collectible classics. Muscle car brands of the day included – AMC, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercury, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, and Shelby. Many of the designs were quite similar, but it was what was under the hood that counted.

Muscle Car Engines

The outer shell and even the interior of a car may leave you drooling, but it’s nothing without a potent engine. These original drag racers became more ‘plush’ as time went on, but the space race for the most power was equally as important. By roughly 1969, the no replacement for displacement concept had almost been pushed to its limits.

Ford had the Boss 429 V8, Chevrolet with the 454Ci. V8, and Mopars with the legendary 426 Hemi engine. Nostalgia shouldn’t be underestimated in the car world, which is why modern interpretations follow the same theme. Huge displacement V8 engines, but now with almost twice the horsepower. Owning a car in 1970 with 425HP or the Plymouth Superbird going round the NASCAR track at 200mph+, is still impressive today.

The Most Popular Muscle Cars Sold In The US

Tracking down the most popular muscle cars sold in the US from the current breed was the easiest task. It’s no surprise that Ford sells the most with the Mustang, followed by the Dodge Challenger and the Chevy Camaro. However, according to Goodcarbadcar.net the Dodge Challenger outsold the Ford Mustang with 5,631 units sold compared to 4,935 sold by Ford in December 2020.

Most Popular Muscle Cars Sold Worldwide

Tracking down non-US muscle car sales, along with the used market is a much harder proposition. Taking into account private sales is harder to quantify. However, auction websites and international shippers provide some data.

International muscle car sales are more important than ever to raise awareness of the breed and to keep the current inventory going. According to hagerty.com, 30,000 classic cars were shipped from American ports to European destinations in 2018.

Many of these American classics go to Sweden and Finland, with Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and France also been strong contenders. Many vehicles also go to the Netherlands and Germany, where they are distributed to surrounding countries. Popular types include muscle cars, pony cars, and classics from the 1950s and 1960s. One of the apparent reasons for so many exports is that the climate in the US is far better than in Europe. Thus, more solid examples are available from the US.

There’s also the fact that there are more variety and supply of vehicles in the US. The shipping costs are also very reasonable, making the US rich pickings for classic vehicles.

According to wcshipping.com, the Ford Mustang is the most popular vehicle to be exported to the likes of Europe, Australia, and Asia. 2nd is the Chevrolet Corvette, with the Chevrolet Camaro coming in 3rd and the Dodge Charger in 6th place.

For solely modern muscle cars, the Ford Mustang is romping ahead with sales in 140 countries. The Ford Mustang has done especially well in Europe being available in native hand drive. The Mustang has also been a big seller in China, being one of the best selling sports cars.

Popular Muscle Car Selling Websites

If you want to own your own muscle car, what are the most popular muscle car selling websites? These websites can be arguably split into specific and generic. Some websites specialize in buying and selling classic vehicles, while others sell a bit of everything. Both types have their pros and cons. Dedicated classic car websites generally list the more expensive examples, but also have the best aftermarket service and checks. Generic car websites are where you can find a bargain, but there is also less reassurance if anything goes wrong.

Dyler – This website is the newest of the bunch, but also a good port of call for overseas car buyers.

Mecum – Some of the rarest and most valuable muscle cars pass through this auction house.

Barrett-Jackson – Another auction house that specializes in ultra-rare and expensive muscle cars.

Hemmings – There are plenty of classic cars for sale on this website, being one of the most popular in the US.

ClassicCars.com – This website lists plenty of reasonable value vehicles, with a huge inventory.

Ebay Motors – For the sheer variety and size of the audience, you can’t beat eBay motors. You can search country centric versions of the website, and if you land on your feet, you can snag a very good value bargain.

Autotrader Classics – back in the days before the Internet, Auto Trader was the number 1 spot to find used vehicles. It was especially popular in the UK and Europe and is still one of the most respected in the US.

Conclusion

No matter if you want that one-off pristine classic or a beat-up restoration project, there is a muscle car out there for you. Muscle car prices have steadily increased over the years, making them a worthwhile investment for the future.

The post The Most Popular Muscle Cars Worldwide appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The very distinctive looking Plymouth Superbird is no ordinary car. Built to blast around the NASCAR circuit at 200 mph+ in 1970, the ‘aero warrior’ was built for the track. But the roadgoing versions were just a little bit too distinctive for most people’s tastes of the time. Little did people know at the time that the Superbird would turn into a high-value classic. Now, a FE5 Rallye Red Plymouth Superbird has been uncovered as possibly the only example in this color.

With only around 1,935 examples of the Superbird being built at the time, this made the car an instant rarity. The guys over at Classic Car Cowboy, a Texas-based outfit, had the car checked out on behalf of the owner. David Wise of MMC Detroit, was the Mopar expert in charge of the task, who had to sift through the faded serial numbers. After lots of careful consideration, the car was deemed genuine and the only Superbird to be given a FE5 Rallye Red paint job.

The FE5 Rallye Red color may have been a popular choice on the likes of a Roadrunner or Barracuda, but on a Superbird it’s quite the rarity. The full specifications of the car would have been interesting to know from the video. But any other rare options are bound to come out in due course.

Restoration

The next stage in the process is to perform a full powertrain restoration. The Superbird will then be hopefully displayed at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in July. After which the full restoration process can commence bringing the car back to its former glory.

The thing to note in the very short video below is the ask for donations is presented as a joke. The clue is in the title of the video where they state, ‘ joke, joke, not asking for money.’ This is worth mentioning as it’s easy to misconstrued their intentions. It’s also worth mentioning as it could save you some time commenting on this point on their video page.

No matter your thoughts on the presentation of the Superbird in the video, the car is a one-off classic that is sure to fetch big numbers at auction.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post The Only Example of a FE5 Rallye Red Plymouth Superbird Discovered appeared first on Muscle Car.

Let’s be honest, searching online for your favorite muscle car is a common activity. We may be whimsically windowshopping or in the market for another car to clog up the driveway. Either way, there are a ridiculous amount of searches performed every month to find muscle cars online. The guys over at Budget Direct Car Insurance have compiled a list of the most searched muscle cars online and from each country.

Most Searched Muscle Cars

The full list comprises 50 vehicles, with the most searched monthly vehicle being the Pontiac Firebird in the United States with 111,000 monthly searches. Pontiac also claims the second spot with the GTO having 82,000 monthly searches from the United States. The next muscle car on the list is the Plymouth Barracuda at number 6 with 75,000 monthly searches from the United States. The AC Cobra also gets in the top 10 at number nine with 56,000 monthly searches from the United States.

The entry which was completely unexpected was at number 12 with the Pontiac Fiero having 48,000 searches per month in the United States. Although the Fiero was a small two seater built in the early eighties with a 2.5L engine, not exactly the height of the muscle car era, it’s still a very popular model.

The Pontiac Trans Am receives an entry at the 21st spot, but then it’s down to the 34th spot for the Plymouth Superbird, the Oldsmobile Cutlass at 43 and the Oldsmobile 442 at number 49.

The Pontiac Firebird: The Most Searched Discontinued Muscle Car

Nostalgia seems to play a big part in the number of searches performed online. The Pontiac Firebird has been front of mind for many years, mostly due to its numerous film and TV appearances. The Smokey and the Bandit movie franchise helped the car cement its iconic status. But then it leads to the question of why the Dodge Charger wasn’t included which was heavily featured in the Dukes of Hazard as the General Lee.

Most Search Vehicles by Decade

The list concerning the most-searched muscle cars by decade throws up some slightly different placings. The number 1 spot for the most desired extinct sixties car goes to the Pontiac Firebird again. But the Pontiac GTO comes in second place with the Plymouth Barracuda coming in 3rd and the AC Cobra number four. The top 10 in this category also features the AMC Javelin at number seven and the Mercury Cougar at number eight.

Conclusion

The fun thing about these types of lists is the unexpected entries. The average muscle fan would probably pick completely different contenders. But in reality, the vehicles that stay in people’s consciousness the most can be completely mundane. For instance, the AMC Pacer gains the overall number 15 position and the AMC Gremlin comes in at number 23. I wonder if the AMC Pacer gets so many searches as it was featured in the Wayne’s World movies.

On another note, and probably the most surprising entry is the British Reliant Robin at number 11, with the most searches coming from the United States. We think the reason why this quirky little three-wheeler car doesn’t have all its searches coming from it’s native UK is that the car was essentially s***t.

Yes, it looks cute, but the thing could roll over, at most had an 848 cc engine, but you could drive one with a motorcycle license. In the UK, the Reliable Robin hit popularity as it was heavily featured in the comedy series Only Fools and Horses(just do a search for ‘Reliant Robin Del Boy’).

Back to the story at hand, the Pontiac Firebird is clearly one of the most popular muscle cars. Although the car stopped production in 2002, it had a good run from 1967, featuring some of the most iconic shapes in car history. The ‘screaming chicken’ logo on the hood is also iconic, being almost a symbol for nineteen-seventies car culture.

The post The Most Searched Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

You only have to mention the term ‘muscle car’ to bring up visions of a large, monstrous vehicle that has power as a priority. While scouring the Internet thingy, there are plenty of lists showing the ‘best’ or the most expensive muscle cars out there. But which one claims the title as the most muscular muscle car?

Anybody with a passing acquaintance with bodybuilding will know the most muscular pose is just like the one shown in our header image. The gentleman in question is multiple Mr. Olympia winner Phil Heath throwing the pose made famous by Lou Ferrigno in the Hulk TV series. What Mr. Heath is actually showing is how muscle cars look all the time. Constant flexing of all sinews, in all areas, so the judges don’t deduct any points.

But a muscle car isn’t just about the exterior appearance. It also has to have gargantuan power under the hood. Still using the bodybuilding analogy, those guys are highly optimized for their chosen niche event, but they still have the strength and power like any top-line athlete. Therefore, our highly subjective view of which is the most muscular muscle car is evaluated on looks, performance, and if all those muscles are in perfect symmetry. Once the winner is announced, they can quit their diet and eat as much cake as possible.

1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake

Mr. Carroll Shelby certainly produced some potent muscle machines in his time. From looks alone, the Shelby Cobra looks like one huge muscle, with a powerplant and traction to scare the most experienced driver. The 427cu. or 7L V8 features two Paxton superchargers, pumping out twice as much power as a regular 427cu. at 800bhp.

Unfortunately, if this is your ultimate muscle machine, then you’ll have to part with at least $5.5 million to own one.

1970 Buick GSX Stage 2

In music, culture, or industry, there are certain years where all the stars seem to align. 1970 was one of those years for muscle cars.

Both the 1970 Buick Stage 1 or 2 could have been dropped in this spot. The car’s design was typical of its time. ‘Huge’ is the operative word in all areas, featuring a 455cu. V8 engine, 11.0:1 compression, 500BHP, and an equal amount of torque. All that power was good for a 5.5 second 0 to 60 time and a 13.38 second quarter-mile.

The design is not just muscular-looking but also sharp. Other notable mentions from the Buick camp which could have got the most muscular award are the GNX and Grand National. Yes, the eighties did produce some muscle cars….

1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

Like most muscle cars that started their life in the mid-sixties, the Plymouth Barracuda started out looking quite sedate. By 1970 The Plymouth Barracuda had morphed into a full-blown muscle machine. The topline 426cu./7L V8 engine produced 420hp and 490 lb. feet of torque. This was translated to a 0 to 60 time of 5.8 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 14 seconds.

As well as having muscular looks, the ‘Cuda could handle corners better than most of its day. This was due to the added torsion bars, Sure-grip rear differential, and the option of power front disc brakes.

Just like the Cobra above, if you want a convertible 71 ‘Cuda then you had better have a few spare million in your bank accounts.

1970 Chevelle SS 454

The second-generation Chevrolet Chevelle started in 1968. By 1970, the Chevelle design had morphed into a definitive muscle car shape. While the Plymouth Road Runner and Cuda seemed longer and flatter, the Chevelle looked muscular and bulbous in all areas. The power was equally impressive from the 454cu./7L V8 producing up to 450hp.

In other words, the Chevelle SS had the power and the looks to perfectly sum up the times. If it wasn’t for the modern examples, the Chevelle SS 454 would easily win the contest.

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody

Ever since Dodge decided to make widebody versions of the Charger and Challenger, the muscle car tag has never been more firmly fixed. Instead of everybody buying and fitting huge aftermarket wheel arches, Dodge decided to fit them as standard. An extra-wide Dodge Charger was the finishing touch the model needed. The extra-wide wheel arches completed the muscular look with the power to back it up.

The Charger SRT hellcat widebody has 707HP and 650 feet of torque, which can be laid down in a four-second 0-60mph time.

Dodge Challenger Demon

The Dodge Challenger Demon is exactly what a modern muscle car should be. Displaying huge deltoid muscles, and power to destroy a set of tires in an instant. The Demon was debuted in 2017, with an over-the-top 6.2 L V8 engine, 2.7 L supercharger, and power rated at 808HP and 770lb. ft. of torque. All that power equated to a 0-60mph time of 2.3 seconds.

The Demon also came with a bunch of ‘you have to read it twice to believe’ stats. The Demon could pull 1.8G’s on the dragstrip, and pop a wheelie on takeoff. The car also had some unique features such as the air-con. system used to pre-chill the intercooler.

With only 3,300 Challenger Demons ever made, they were soon snapped up. But the Demon’s influence carries on to the current Dodge lineup, for example, the Super Stock and latest Hellcat models.

Therefore, being the latest and greatest, and the most powerful production muscle car, makes the Demon the strongest contender. From looks alone, you could swing the vote to any of the current Challenger models. But the Demon is now also a modern classic that is bound to be talked about for decades to come.

Conclusion

When picking the most muscular muscle car, it was a hard choice between the old and the new. There are so many to choose from concerning the golden era of muscle cars. But we couldn’t help but think that the Dodge Demon summed up everything perfectly for what a modern muscle car should be. Heaps of power and performance, looks, and a constant nod to the past.

For each car we have listed above, there are clearly many more examples that could fit the bill. This is especially true from the golden age of muscle cars, where there was no replacement for displacement and bigger was always better.

The post Which is the Most Muscular Muscle Car? appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The first and last vehicle of any kind usually gains interest from collectors and enthusiasts alike. In today’s world, the last vehicle that rolls off an assembly line is photographed, videoed, and documented to the nth degree. But in the early years of muscle cars, meticulous documentation wasn’t always the priority. Which is why the last Hemi ever built it’s not so much of a cut and dry story.

Initially, we thought the process would be straightforward. A quick Google search popped up a well-publicized example of the restoration of the supposedly last Hemi. But on further research, it seems that one or two vehicles are also claiming the title.

In reality, there had to be one vehicle with a 426 Hemi dropped in it which was the last one officially produced. But with differences between scheduled and production dates, VIN numbers, and what was officially documented, leads to a few vehicles claiming the title.

Hemi Background

The 426 Hemi hit the Charger R/T in 1966 coming from NASCAR heritage with cast iron heads instead of the racing aluminum versions, low compression ratios, better valve timings, and upgraded exhaust and intake manifolds to achieve the 425HP and 490 lb. ft. of torque. However, by 1971 federal emissions put a halt to these huge engine types. The Hemi engine name lives on in present-day vehicles, but it’s the original design and configuration which still holds up today.

The ‘White’ 1971 Dodge Charger R/T

The fuss about the white 1971 Dodge Charger R/T seems to start in 2013 when the vehicle was acquired by renowned Charlotte-North Carolina muscle car experts RK Motors. The vehicle had finished an extensive restoration and was to be shown for the first time at the Food Lion AutoFair, Charlotte Motor Speedway that year. According to a Hemmings article, the vehicle was ‘1 of 33’ cars produced in 1971 with the 426 Hemi engine and a TorqueFlite automatic transmission.

The car was originally sold in Ohio with the original owner being told by the people at Glavic Dodge, Wickliffe, Ohio that it was unlikely the car would ever be built. The vehicle was subsequently produced at the Lynch Road plant, Detroit, on June 18, 1971. This apparently was two weeks later than a previously documented vehicle.

In the early 1990s, the R/T was bought by Joe Angelucci who originally spotted the vehicle years earlier. It wasn’t until the original owner fell ill that the car was agreed to be sold to Joe. From which the car was left in its original state until it was restored by RK Motors.

The Last HEMI – Segment 1- The Journey Begins

The ‘Blue’ Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda

Zipping over the description from a 2018 Barrett Jackson auction, this particular Hemi-Cuda was ‘one of 59’ known HEMI Cudas built-in 1971′(contrary to the above 33), which has also had a full restoration and only 23,772 original miles on the clock.

It has an original four-speed manual transmission, Dana 60 rear end, A34-code Super Trak Pak, A34-code Super Trak Pak, and comes with the original broadcast sheet.

Which is the original last Hemi-ever built?

If you care to wade through the comments from the Hemmings article link above, it adds more fuel to the fire rather than a decisive conclusion. Some say up to 60 US-spec Hemis were built for the R/T, not including Canadian built vehicles.

One of the most conclusive articles on this topic is from moparconnectionmagazine.com. Basically, the article wraps around Tim Wellborn and his employment of the ‘Prove It’ firm to track down the originality of the last Hemi vehicle.

The team eventually uncovered the fact that there were four plants producing Hemi vehicles in 1971. As assembly lines regularly produced vehicles beyond their assigned build date, there was no way to accurately date the last Chrysler Hemi assigned car. The report produced by the firm says that the white Charger, therefore, couldn’t be the last Hemi-version.

The ‘yellow’ 1971 Dodge Charger R/T owned by Tim Wellborn as seen below had a scheduled production date of June 11, but rolled out on July 30 (according to the Fender tag and window sticker), which was the last day of production for Chrysler vehicles in 1971.

It would be great to hear comments and feedback about this topic for which vehicle you think is the last Hemi powered vehicle from the golden era of muscle cars.

The post The Last Hemi: Which one is it? appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

In our covid ridden times, I’m probably doing the same as many, watching too much TV and movies. However, after watching ‘Rim of the World’ on Netflix, which is actually a fun little movie, I came to a realization. Why is it nearly all muscle cars depicted on-screen end up being smashed up in some way?

In ‘Rim of the World’ the kids who are the main focus, walk into an apocalyptic-looking parking lot halfway through the movie. There they just so happen to find a pristine 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 hanging about amongst the other derelicts and burning vehicles. Anyways, in what seems less than a minute’s time, the immaculate pony car gets jumped on by a rather angry alien, taking it from show vehicle to one of those videos you see online of Mustangs getting smashed up.

The Best Example of Muscle Car Smash Ups

I then wondered why muscle cars in general always tend to get at the least bruised and battered on-screen. Is it from the nature of their name that they can take more punishment than other vehicles? Muscle cars have always been getaway or chase cars, so do they have to always take damage to ramp up the action?

The ubiquitous Vanishing Point from 1971 which Quentin Tarantino paid homage to in Death Proof, sees a white Dodge Challenger get smashed up. Bullitt from 1968 shows a Mustang and Dodge Charger taking a few hits. Even in the Fast and Furious movies muscle cars take a battering. In the Transformers 3 movie of 2011, 532 cars were destroyed which were probably mostly low-cost vehicles, but I bet one or two muscle cars took a hit along the way.

Cars getting destroyed or smashed up on screen has been around since the inception of cinema and it’s not hard to see why. You can feel the adrenaline spikes and extra alertness provided by an on-screen crash. The effect is memorable, which means the movie will likely be as well.

Since the late nineteen sixties and the birth of the classic muscle car era, it stands to sense that these huge vehicles would look spectacular taking hits on screen. When you have a vehicle that looks like it can smash through a brick wall, why not film it doing so. If you look at a movie such as the ‘Italian job,’ all those cute little Minis we want to see being agile as a chipmunk and coming out unscathed. Nobody wants to see something cute get hurt.

On the other hand, when you look at the dimensions of a 1969 Dodge Charger or Plymouth Road Runner, they have the presence of Ronnie Coleman in his prime and the menacing nature of the Mountain from Game of Thrones. With those pre-requisites, we want to see the average muscle car get into a bit of a rough-and-tumble.

Anyways, it would be interesting to find a list of muscle cars committed to screening that lasted to the end of the story unscathed. No scratches, no dents, just a leisurely meandering to the end of the movie, with a cup of tea along the way. They are going to be few and far between, but I’m sure there are some out there.

The post Muscle Car Crashes In The Movies appeared first on Muscle Car.

Are you in possession of a classic 1967 Pontiac GTO? Is a Dodge Charger R/T sitting prettily in your garage? How often do you take your 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda out for some fresh air?

More importantly, do you know exactly how to take care of these marvelous muscle cars?

From basic cleaning tips to classic car restoration services, read on and find out how you can max out the pleasure of owning and driving one of the beastliest hot rods on the planet.

Muscle Car Maintenance 101

Muscle cars are a popular choice for classic car lovers. These were highly popular in the ‘60s with their attractive visage, affordable price tag, and oh-so-powerful performance.

While there are differing opinions in the motoring community as to how a muscle car is defined, it typically refers to an American-made, two-door, rear-wheel drive, compact or midsize car that carries a V8 engine.

Muscle cars can start with around 270 hp, but can zoom around powered by a little over 800 horses. These can accelerate from 0 to 60 in as little as 3.4 seconds and can reach a dizzying 204 miles per hour (as in the case of the 2017 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat).

Because of their speed and performance, muscle cars were also used as informal drag racing vehicles while still maintaining street-legal credibility.

As global fuel prices rose, safety legislation became stricter, auto insurance companies began to charge more, and awareness about the effects of cars on the environment began to take the stage, the muscle car industry started to slow down.

Thanks to technology (and perhaps the passion for performance vehicles), several car companies started revving their muscle car machines and started to unleash these automotive beasts back to the hands of muscle car enthusiasts.

These days, you can see muscle car aficionados putting their modern muscle machines through their paces or cruising down to their membership resort for a leisurely Friday brunch with friends.

With such an illustrious history behind this breed, most owners take extra care in their use, storage, and maintenance. If you don’t want to lag behind and get stuck with a rusty old heap of metal, then you’d better wisen up and follow these classic muscle car maintenance tips:

1. Clean, clean, clean

Rust is considered a muscle car’s kryptonite. You don’t want to ignore some rusty part because it can spread and eventually cripple your car’s looks and performance. To avoid this, it is best to be very thorough when cleaning your vehicle.

Make sure to clean your car after each drive. Wash, wipe or vacuum away all visible dirt from both the interior and exterior of the car. Give extra attention to its underbelly, engine, and wheels. When it’s in storage, you still need to make sure that you clean it to avoid dust and grime from piling up. Car floor mats add beauty to the interior of the vehicle, but they also get more of the dirt that sticks to the bottom of your shoes than any other. It is also prone to spilled food and drinks, so you have to thoroughly clean it as well.

If you notice that the muscle car has scratches on it, you might also want to know about touch up paints that are affordable and avoid extra fees if you have someone do your car’s paint. Touch up paints save you time since you can do it yourself.

Better yet, it is best to bring it to a reputable car care center. There, you are assured that your classic or modern muscle car will be given a thorough cleaning. Have it detailed regularly so every nook and cranny can be rid of dirt. Aside from the usual shampoo and moisturizer, you can also have your car professionally waxed and waterproofed. These days, conscientious car service centers also offer vehicle disinfection services to make sure that your car is safe and healthy to be in.

2. Storage considerations

It will also be helpful if you can store your car in an ideal location such as a brick garage as it creates the perfect moisture-free and temperature-controlled environment for your car. If time, space, or budget is a factor, then a pre-cast concrete or wooden structure will do.

Just note that since these structures do not have a lot of breathing room, it’s easier for mold or mildew to develop. Make sure to air it out or run some fans every week to keep the air from going stale.

If you’re leaving your car outdoors, then make sure to have a purpose-built car cover. Do not leave your car in direct sunlight or in a place where it’s too cold or too warm. Avoid using a standard tarpaulin or plastic sheet as it won’t provide the right kind of protection. Using an ill-fitted cover may result in condensation, mildew, and mold.

3. Drive responsibly

Muscle cars are meant to be driven. When you take them out for a spin, make sure to drive mindfully. You don’t want to just speed through bumps, cracks, potholes as these may damage your car. For muscle cars with a lowered chassis, be careful when going up or down inclines to avoid scraping the underbelly of your vehicle.

If you can, avoid going out unnecessarily in bad weather. Storming out in inclement weather is one of the most common reasons why there are dirty and damaged muscle cars.

When you store your car, make sure that you also open your window a little to allow air to circulate within. To avoid small animals from going in, make sure to vacuum it clean so no crumbs or litter remains inside your cabin. If your car’s a convertible, store it with the top up.

4. Restore properly

If you have or are planning to get a vintage muscle car, then make sure that you have it properly restored. There are classic car restoration specialists that will ensure your muscle car will be brought back to its former splendor.

Regardless of what the condition of a vintage muscle car is, there are a variety of services that can help get it back into shape. From frame-on or frame-off restoration to the carburetor, engine, or gearbox tuning, rebuilding, or overhauling, you can trust your muscle machine will be tended to with utmost care.

5. Get help from car specialists

When you have a vehicle that is as valuable as a classic muscle car, then you must also give it proper care. Whether it is cleaning, repairs, or restoration, you need car service professionals to do the job. It is also important that you schedule a periodic maintenance check to ensure that your vehicle gets a stringent health check-up.

Bringing your car to a reliable car service center will ensure your car is given expert attention. It will greatly benefit from state-of-the-art tools and equipment and the knowledge and experience of professionally trained technicians. You’re also sure to enjoy top-notch quality service as a car owner.

Mindful Car Ownership

Whether you have a rare 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 or an understated yet thoroughly thrilling Buick Wildcat, driving these macho machines all boils down to how meticulous you are in maintaining them.

When you take the time to properly clean, store, restore, or professionally maintain your muscle car, then you will be rewarded with a vehicle that can run many more miles with you.

AUTHOR BIO

Ahmad Ramadan is a Managing Partner at Deutsche Technik Service Center, Dubai’s first and largest VW, Audi, Mercedes, Bentley, Porsche, & Lamborghini vehicle specialist and performance tuner. DT has also built an illustrious portfolio in classic car repair, maintenance, and restoration, as well as bodywork (accident repair, painting, and denting). DT Service Centre offers a full range of services: mechanical repairs, maintenance, servicing, etc.

The post Top Maintenance Tips for Classic Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

The world keeps spinning, the world keeps turning. The same is true for the muscle car world, both old and new. This week hasn’t seen any new muscle cars drop, but there is at least a muscle car inspired SUV, a groundbreaking auction and a good bunch of custom builds available. So, let’s have a closer look at the latest muscle car shenanigans and if it gives any indications of any future trends.

1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda With Patina May Hit $1M

Topline muscle car auction fair is usually required to be as pristine as a surgeon’s table to fetch top dollar prices. In this case, an restored 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda convertible is bucking the trend as there are only 17 examples of this rare muscle car. To also up the ante, its only 1 of 2 produced to be an export car.

This ‘Playboy Cuda’ which got its name from its bunny icon on the rear valance, has standout features which include a V-Code 440 6-BBL V8 engine, an A727 Torqueflight automatic transmission, EV2 Tor-Red exterior and power brakes. Although there’s not much information about the car’s back history, it was apparently in storage for over 35 years, having the drivetrain and mechanicals refreshed a few years ago to make it driveable. The rest of the car is as it rolled out from the factory.

The estimated value is $500,000 – $700,000, but whispers say that to the right buyer, the price could hit anywhere near the $1M mark. If this particular Mopar takes your fancy, check out the auction listing here.

Dodge Durango Hellcat

Ok, the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT maybe an SUV, but before this current generation is phased out, it will feature the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V8. 2021 is a bit too far away for some, so the guys at Vector Motorsports made their own version from the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 factory edition and added a ProCharger blower.

The ProCharger is a centrifugal type supercharger, which uses belts instead of exhaust gases. Which means the power isn’t as instant as found on a roots or twin-screw type, but the ProCharger can still produce gobs of power. This setup producing more than 700hp to all four wheels.

To cope with the extra power, other goodies have been added, such as a full Motion Control Suspension and other engine upgrades. You can check out its performance at the Michigan’s Gingerman Raceway in the video below.

Hennessey’s 1,012 HP Dodge Charger Hellcat

The widebodied Dodge Charger Hellcat may please most, but that hasn’t stopped the guys at Hennessey Performance performing their usual wizardry and producing more power. Their new upgrade package ramps up the regular 707 hp version to 1,012 hp and 969 lb-ft, of torque.

This equates to 817 hp and 730 lb-ft at the rear wheels and according to Hennessey translates to a 60 mph time of 2.8 seconds and a quarter-mile in 9.9 seconds at 141 mph.

For some truly custom muscle car work, Hemi Autoworks and Ellsworth Racing have teamed up to produce a Hybrid of a 1970 Dodge Challenger, with a Dodge Viper chassis and Hellcat engine. A Kong Performance supercharger has also been fitted, but to stretch the Viper chassis over the Challenger body, a total rebuild was needed, which you can check out from the link above.

Why the Stripes?

The ubiquitous stripes that run down the length of a muscle car obviously increase the power 10 fold, but where did they originate? It’s a feature we more or less take for granted these days, but racing stripes played an important part back in the early days of racing.

These days, racing stripes are mainly used to increase the visual appeal of a vehicle, but back in the day they were an essential visual cue to differentiate one car from another in a race. Back in the day before by the second video coverage and multiple monitor viewpoints, pit crews had to use their own built-in optics to spot their cars. Stripes made this job far easier, along with adding a touch of panache to the car’s look.

Slapping a single or double stripes down the length of the car was the first stage, with variations to the theme added by different manufacturers. For instance, the Corvette 1996 Grand Sport had two small red hash marks or small stripes on each fender, which echo’ed the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport with the same markings. These were originally duct tape, with the color red being just a happy accident.

Modern muscle cars may charge big for the stripe option, but at least now you know it’s not just a vanity thing, but based on racing car history.

Dodge Hit Big in Quality Survey

Dodge have hit the top spot of the J.D. 2020 US Initial Quality Survey which ranks problems with domestic brands in the first 90 days of owning the things.

Dodger owners only encountered on average 1.4 problems, while the likes of Tesla had 2.5 problems per vehicle.

The post Muscle Car News: Auctions, Stripes, Power and Reliability appeared first on Muscle Car.

When we are in the situation of tasty new muscle cars not being released due to our virus ridden planet, it makes sense for people to start modding their cars. Home deliveries and sealed off garage areas have still been going full tilt, with plenty of engine swaps and upgrades being the order of the day.

Here we have a few examples of how you can get full tilt power from a Mopar, if you’re willing to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in.

Hellephant Swapped Challenger SRT Demon Dyno Test

First up is apparently the first recorded Hellephant engine swap into a Mopar. In this case the vehicle in question is a Challenger SRT Demon, which is the new home to the 426 Hellephant Engine V8. For the uninitiated, the ‘Hellephant’ was a limited run of crate engine kits, first revealed at SEMA 2018, producing 1,000 horsepower and 950 lb-ft of torque.

Unfortunately, the engine isn’t exactly road legal, but that hasn’t stopped the guys over at Demonology dropping it into a Dodge Demon. This is a bold move in itself, considering the Demon can throw out 808hp and 770 lb-ft torque on 91 octane gasoline without trying. But if you have the means, why not pop the most powerful Mopar engine into the highest ranked Dodge mobile.

Which begs the question how much power can the Hellephant produce? If you don’t want to run through the short video below then the answer is 944.82WHP and 877.46 lb-ft torque, running on a mix of E-40 fuel. Maybe with some detailed tweaking and fettling to certain engine components these figures can be increased slightly, but at least it gives a baseline reading for what the Hellephant can achieve in reality.

Don’t Mod Your 392/5.7L Hemi

This little video should be the spark for a whole slew of debate. The takeaway message here is, ‘You shouldn’t buy a car to build the motor.’ In other words, if you want to go as fast as a Hellcat, simply buy a Hellcat.

Ouch, since time immemorial people have been upgrading engines to eke out that extra bit of power. But we do get the point being given here. If its a 392 or an R/T you own, you may end up spending more money on the upgrades than just buying into a Hellcat. This makes sense if its just the power levels you are interested in.

Without getting into the intricacies of the pros and cons, simply watch the video and make up your own mind.

Dodge Challenger ‘Nitrous Nuke’

As a nice counter view to the argument above, what if owned had a Challenger 392, still wanted more power, but you’re not exactly enamored with forced induction? One possible solution is going down the nitrous route.

Along with a very cool body wrap, this Challenger has been treated to an Edelbrock-supplied Victor EFI intake manifold and a 100-shot of nitrous. Exterior features have also been added in the form of a new front splitter, carbon spoiler, universal air springs and an Air Lift Performance 3p digital management.

There doesn’t seem to be any power ratings for this hybrid setup, but if nothing else the body wrap, bagged stance and spoilers make for a very cool looking Mopar machine.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Mopar Monday ?? ??- @ensooo_ #mopar #moparornocar #scatpack #truefiber #americanmuscle #baggedlife #edelbrock #wrappedcars #carporn #underglow #dodge #dodgeofficial #scatty

A post shared by Sergio (@chavez_scat92) on Sep 9, 2019 at 5:22pm PDT

1971 Plymouth GTX With Dodge Viper V10

Variety is the spice of life, so they say. Which means if new muscle cars with new engines or upgrades isn’t your thing, then why not go for a vintage vehicle with something equally as ridiculous under the hood. In this case it’s a 1971 Plymouth GTX with a rather tasty Dodge Viper V10 engine.

The whole project has been put together by Horsepower Northwest, Washington to be a driving machine. This meant upgrading everything along with the engine to Baer brakes, chassis upgrades, an 8.75 rear end, custom front and rear suspension and a wonderfully deep paint job.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Man, it sure helps seeing these cars ahead of time to help the direction of the build. @abimelecdesign is one talented dude. GTX-R coming soon… #mopar #viperswap #plymouth #muscle #v10 #protouring #restomod #stocksucks #f8green #tagme

A post shared by Horsepower Northwest (@horsepower_northwest) on Nov 3, 2019 at 1:43pm PST

There’s clearly a million and one ways to upgrade any vehicle, with the deciding factor usually being how deep are your pockets. If money is never an issue, engines could be swapped out on a daily basis, with upgrades to your hearts content. However, most of us have to be more canny with our money, which means far more research and will our chosen bits provide the end results we expect.

Without thorough research, an endless journey of upgrades can not just hit the wallets, but also time and mental power. This is why a car for sale which has had endless modifications will rarely bring back the money ploughed into the thing. Hopefully, the examples above will give you a few ideas for modding or buying your own vehicle.

The post Muscle Car News: Modding Mopars appeared first on Muscle Car.

How do you go about buying a Ford muscle car at a friendly price? Here is a checklist to guide you when buying your first budget muscle car.

Looking to buy a used muscle car? We don’t blame you.

Few things compare to driving a classic vehicle that’s bursting with horsepower. The fact you can pick one up second-hand and save money in the process makes the deal even sweeter.

40 million used cars are sold every year in the US., but only a small percentage of them will have the power and prestige of old muscle cars.

Unfortunately, buying a budget muscle car can be more challenging than garden-variety alternatives. You have to know what to look out for and what you’re doing.

Looking for advice on purchasing used muscle cars? Keep reading for a checklist of 6 points that everybody buying one best one possible.

1. Check Your Expectations

The first thing to think about is yourself. Or, more precisely, the expectations you have of used muscle cars.

You have to be realistic. Most muscle cars have been around for decades. The might’ve been on the roads longer than you have.

Of course, that’s part of their appeal. But it also means they neither look nor drive like a brand new Ford Explorer. In other words, they’re never going to be perfect.

Expect a fair degree of wear, tear, and trouble to overcome. Dents, numerous paint jobs and a spot of rust are all standard issues to encounter. Expecting that from the off will save you the heartache in due course.

2. Check for Rust

Rust is a keyword when it comes to old cars.

You want as little of it as possible on any vehicle you purchase. After all, it’s literally a sign that the car is wearing away beneath you; any metalwork that’s rusted too much is a genuine safety concern.

As we said before, though, most old muscles have some rust on them. The trick is finding one that isn’t overly shot through. A light smattering of rusted metal is okay; anything more and you’ll be better off looking elsewhere.

That’s difficult to accept when you find a stunning ’71 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda in the junkyard. But, if it’s got more rust than a shipwreck, then it isn’t worth the hassle.

3. Check Your Skills

Another key consideration is your own mechanical knowledge.

Muscle cars, as we’ve duly noted, aren’t always in tip-top condition. A car of this nature that both looks and functions well is an exception, not the rule.

Most will need work. Some will need lots of it. Ask yourself this: are you the person for the job?

In other words, make sure you have the skills, tools, money and time to rectify any issues you see. If you do, then go knock yourself out! Get the cheapest hunker going and set about restoring it.

For everyone else, though, purchase one that’s more aligned with your experience and resources.

4. Check Your Budget

This one’s just as important. Like most things in life, the best old muscle car for you might come down to money.

Stay within your means. It’s no good splurging on any vehicle that falls far outside your price range. It’s a recipe for trouble- especially if it goes on to need significant work.

Another consideration here is the resale value.

Making money on old muscle cars is by no means guaranteed! There’s most certainly a market for them, but that doesn’t guarantee you will make a profit. It’s generally safer to assume you’l break-even or lose cash if/when you come to sell it on.

Newer versions of famous muscle vehicles, such as the Ford Mustang are cheaper than the older models. If your budget only goes so far, then consider looking into more recent ones.

5. Check Your Options

Some of these cars are few and far between. They’re old and rare and only appear once in a while. Expect to pay through the nose to get your hands on them.

Assuming you’re not set on any particular model, though, be sure to shop around.

Buying the first used muscle car you be a recipe for disappointment. In your enthusiasm, it’s easy to skip your due diligence. You risk overspending or failing to notice a heinous issue with the vehicle.

Check multiple sources of muscle cars too- both online and offline. Go to dealerships, auctions, muscle car forums, Facebook Marketplace, junkyards, and so on.

Take your time, and you stand a better chance of getting the right vehicle for the best price possible.

6. Do a Thorough Test Drive

As you know, not all muscle cars are made equal. In fact, there can be a huge degree of difference between the best and worst of them. The make, model and year of production can all come into play.

Take the car for a proper test-drive is the best way to know what you’re buying. Of course, this doesn’t apply to people purchasing a project vehicle. For everyone else, though, the test drive can prove revealing.

Pay attention to how to feels and handles. How responsive is it? How easy is it to get into? How does it make you feel? How does it sound?

Don’t just go around the block outside the dealership! Get out onto the freeway or ask to take it around a track. Put the car through its paces and let loose on the throttle. Do all that and you’ll soon realize if it’s the right vehicle for you.

Time to Find Your Ideal Budget Muscle Car

Tens of millions of people buy used cars every year. However, there’s a mighty difference between and old Ford Focus and an old Ford Mustang!

Buying a budget muscle car from somebody is a whole new ball game. Buyers have to know what they’re doing in order to avoid the plethora of potential problems that can arise.

Hopefully, the tips in this article will help you do exactly that. Want to read more like it? Search ‘muscle’ on the website now.

The post The Ultimate Checklist When Buying a Used Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The next installment of the Batman movie franchise should be hitting screens in the middle of 2021. A new movie means a new Batmobile and with Robert Pattinson taking up the role this time around, the Batmobile is taking on a more muscle car demeanor.

Images of the new Batmobile surfaced recently on Twitter, via director of the new film Matt Reeves, showing a more conventional car build, at least compared to the Batmobiles we have currently been used to. The snaps shots of the new car show a possible V8 or V10 at the rear, with twin turbos. All wrapped around a bat roll cage and bat bodywork(using the original TV convention of sticking the word ‘bat’ before everything.)

As the new vehicle has definite muscle car DNA, the speculation mill is at full tilt guessing the possible platform the car is built upon. Some are pointing towards a 1970-ish Plymouth Barracuda ala a type of Chrysler E-body. As this latest flick is chronicling the early years of Batman, it stands to sense that Mr. Batman would be using a touch of Detroit muscle as the basis for the Batmobile. It’s not much of a stretch of the imagination to think this could also be customized GT40, at least from the back and it’s low stance, but not so much from the front(Batman could own a chop shop…)

In any case, the new movie promises to be more raw and visceral than previous outings. Plus, from preview images a healthy soundtrack of potential Detroit muscle running through the whole story line. Only a brief teaser videos have been released up to now on the new movie( as above), so we will have to wait over the coming months for a closer look at Batty’s new ride.

???? #TheBatman pic.twitter.com/qJFNprk1ut

— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) March 4, 2020

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post The Next BatMobile Is a Muscle Car! appeared first on Muscle Car.

VIN: RM23U0A160695
Engine: 440ci. Magnum V8
Transmission: 727 automatic
Exterior Color: Lemon Twist
Mileage: 55269
Price: $159,999.00

Buy Now on Ebay

If you’re currently in the market for purchasing a Plymouth Superbird, then prices can vary enormously. Lots of factors are at play, such as engine type(440ci. or hemi), color and other rare options. A quick flick through the eBay listings show prices ranging from $159k to $350k.

The 440ci. versions are the easiest to get hold of and this nice example from Smoky Mountain Traders seems to hit a nice happy medium between quality and rarity. It apparently has a numbers matching drivetrain(440ci. and 727 transmission) and is the 128th Superbird produced.

The car comes in a brighter than the sun Lemon Twist and the factory V19 black vinyl top option. The decals round the body look in great condition, as per the rest of the bodywork, but no mention to past restoration work or its back history. The factory undercoating is still in place, with no signs of any rust spots, at least from the provided images.(you will have to enquire for included paperwork and proof of back history.)

Inside the car features the bench seat option, with factory steering wheel and working Beep Beep horn. Everything in here looking as clean as the day it was born.

As for the drivetrain, it has the numbers matching 440ci. V8, 2951736 Intake and a Holley 750 carburettor, linking to a 727 automatic transmission, flowing through to a Sure Grip 8 inch Rear end and 3.55 gears. Exhaust wise there are 2899879 and 2951865 manifolds, linking to dual pipes and Turbo Mufflers. Power steering and power brakes are also included.

This Superbird is a fine example of the breed and we know from past experience that Smoky Mountain Traders sell quality muscle cars, so there shouldn’t be any disputes over quality and authenticity.

This example may not be the rarest of Superbird’s out there, lacking some of the rarer options. But, in all other respects, it ticks all the boxes you would expect from a quality Plymouth Superbird. Definitely worth looking into if you want to be seen from a million miles away.

Buy Now on Ebay

The post 1970 Plymouth Superbird For Sale Numbers Matching appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Its commonly thought that the first muscle car was the 1964 Pontiac GTO or even the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88. The tick list being a huge V8 engine in a small(ish) car, performance parts, usually two door and available to the average car buyer. The origins seem quite well established, but according to classiccar.com, there’s an argument for the R1 and R2 Studebaker Lark being the first example of the breed.

The Studebaker Lark was launched in the fall of 1958, for the 1959 model and according to Wikipedia, ‘the Lark was the first car of its size to offer a V8 engine.’ (hmmmm…, check your facts Wikipedia)
From 1959 to 1960 the fullbore engine consisted of a 259ci. (4.2 L) V8, with a 289ci.(4.7 L) V8 coming in 1961. One other de facto standard in a muscle car is the supercharger, which apparently first came to the 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk coupled to a 289 V8. This one was a Paxton VS57, which increased power to 275HP, using a two barrel carburetor. For a full rundown of the car specifications, check out the full article at classiccar.com.

The article compares the Pontiac GTO to the Studebaker for muscle car origins, concluding that the GTO, which sold in far bigger numbers won the title, mainly due to popularity. But it excludes the other side of the story, the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88. The first rocket 88 came with a 303 cubic inch V8 with 135HP(.debatable) and 283 lb-ft of torque and with an increased compression ratio, a 10% fuel efficiency was achieved. Performance wise, this equated to a 0-60 mph of 13 seconds and a top speed of 97 mph. Extremely rapid for the 1950’s.

It didn’t take long for the likes of Dodge, Plymouth and Pontiac to get the same idea. while the Rocket 88 moved away from its roots and became a much larger vehicle, turning into a full-size sedan.

You could argue that the Rocket 88 was the first V8 engine car to tick all the muscle car boxes. The Studebaker also has a viable say in the story. But, when talking about muscle cars, the 1964 Pontiac GTO is the nearest template to the classic era of the late 1960’s and early 70’s, especially with a more potent 389 ci. (6.4 L) V8 producing 325hp.

Like many evolving muscle cars, the GTO hit its stride in 1968 with the second-generation model. This body shape is what we came to know as a classic muscle car, along with a huge 400ci. (6.6 L) or 455ci. (7.5 L) V8. But, as for which model was the first out of the blocks, is not just open for debate, but as is the term itself.

We’ve been down this rabbit warren a good bunch of times with these past articles. There is no concrete point in time where the term ‘muscle car’ was first used. As long as the automobile has been around, it’s been referred to over the years as having ‘muscle.’ Plus, the very debatable point on the Wikipedia muscle car page which says that the original muscle cars were actually referred to as ‘supercars’.(if anyone out there can give further clarification on the supercar thing, please comment below.)

Which means that the term will always be seen retrospectively, with the terminology being added to vehicles which were not referred to as muscle cars until many years later. Which means all three of the examples above could be muscle cars, none of them or maybe one, depending on which side of the bed you got out of.

As for conclusions, we don’t really have one. Apart from if you want to go off the modern definition and this can still be ambiguous. The Mustang and Camaro are often referred to as muscle cars, but strictly you should call them pony cars. Which means if you want to be liberal minded about the whole affair, the Studebaker could be ‘one’ of the original muscle cars.

Like many great ideas, there’s usually lots of reference points. It’s clear that the late 1940’s and 1950’s brought lots of innovation, with the need for more power and performance. The V8 and no replacement for displacement were the mindsets and those should be the areas of celebration rather than who was the first out of the gates.

The post Was the Studebaker The First Muscle Car? appeared first on Muscle Car.

By David Ashton

VIN: RS23L9G205224
Engine: 440ci. V8/ 375 hp
Transmission: Automatic
Mileage: 12,346
Color: F3 Light Green
Price: $50,000.00

Buy Now

When talking about fire breathing muscle cars, it’s not often the word ‘gentlemen’ gets slotted into the sentence. Usually a muscle car is perceived as a performance vehicle with its calling card being straight-line speed. Gentlemanly vehicles usually denote an arm chair-like ride, still with plenty of horses under the hood, but only there to waft you along in leisurely comfort.

However, back in the day, the Plymouth GTX married the two concepts. Based on the mid-sized Plymouth Belvedere(the Belvedere GTX in 1967), from 1967 to 1971 the GTX could be bought with a 426ci. Hemi or 440ci. V8, with the latter being able to hit a quarter mile in 15.2 seconds, with a 0-60mph of 6.5 seconds. Not too shabby for the day.

In 1968 the GTX B-body got it’s full muscle car credentials. Mainly as a more luxurious version of the Plymouth Roadrunner. 1969 was the last year of convertible versions of the GTX, with minor design changes in 1970. 1971 saw a more rounded fuselage, echo’d on the Roadrunner, with the name running on from ’72 to ’74 when any Roadrunner was ordered with the optional 440 engine to the Road Runner GTX. This ’69 version came standard with a 440 engine and TorqueFlite automatic transmission, while being an optional extra on the Roadrunner. The trim was from the Sport Satellite, with a hardtop having no B pillar.

This example, currently for sale on eBay, is being sold at roughly market value and apparently comes from somebody’s personal collection. It’s thin on the ground with details, with only a shot of the VIN number which you can check at the top of the page. The car has had one repaint, with a newly rebuilt engine(no mention of being original), adding Edelbrock heads.

The car is clearly in excellent condition both inside and out and a great example of the breed. But, as per usual, documentation will need to be seen, thoroughly checking out the vehicle in person and evidence of its back history. There’s also the concern that the seller has a ‘0’ sell history, which isn’t always the best indicator.

If everything checks out on this GTX, it could be a nice little collector’s item. It has the looks, appeal and power of a Road Runner, with that extra level of luxuries.

Buy Now

The post 1969 Plymouth GTX: The Gentleman’s Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Buying a fake muscle car is actually pretty easy. Check nothing, ask no questions and ideally buy unseen. However, the reality is that even the experts can be caught out once in awhile as the scammers can go to great lengths to cover all bases. Not exactly great news for a prospective muscle car owner. But, at the very latest, knowing this is a thing, should mean more vigilance on the buyers part.

This article was triggered when I came across this listing on Craigslist. The listing is basically about the guy who initially bought the car, found it to be re-bodied and luckily for him, eventually got his money back.

It seems that after the guy(or girl) purchased the 1970 Cuda in good faith, not only did he find that the car had been re-bodied, but the VIN number on the cowl, radiator and dash had been re-stamped, along with a fake fender tag. The car was also claimed to have done just 10,000 miles and was purchased off the original owner back in the 70’s as a dealer demo vehicle.

There were plenty of other things not exactly correct with the car, which the guy would not have known about until he found a picture of the VIN re-stamping in the center console and a duplicate title (apparently, the seller had simply forgot to remove them from the centre console!)

Long story short, the guy asked for a refund and luckily got his money back. But the plot thickens as the car was spotted by the guy on a Mecum Auction. After contacting Mecum, the sale was cancelled and the highest bidder was refunded.

If you come across a bright yellow 1970 Plymouth Cuda with VIN number BS23V0B159582, walkaway, than let everybody know on this website and forums, where it was for sale and any details.

How to spot a fake muscle

Classic muscle cars have a bunch of identifiers to prove they are authentic. VIN tags on the cowl, dash and radiator. Code stamps on the engine and transmission which should match, along with documentation such as the build sheet and title. But as above, these can be copied to an extent.

Which leaves us with having to perform potentially a lot of homework and checking. Time-consuming, yes, but not as bad as parting with lots of hard earned cash for something that isn’t what it says it is.

If you don’t know the P’s and Q’s cues about a particular car you are interested in, you will have to use an expert to give the car a thorough examination. Again, costs are involved here, but far cheaper than buying a fake car. There are muscle and pony car authentication services for different types of muscle car, such as a Marti Report for Fords, but these can take some time to turn around. There are experts out there who will charge for inspection service, like here if you cannot contact someone in your local area. In other words, a reputable expert will be needed to check out the potential vehicle in advance.

Great articles for authenticating a muscle car

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/authenticating-your-muscle-car/
https://www.ebay.com/motors/blog/certify-your-car-authentic/

Conclusion

It’s a sad state of affairs, but there are fake cars out there. This means that for even a modestly priced muscle car, authentication needs to be done, ideally prior to purchase. This may seem a costly affair, especially if you’re checking out a bunch of vehicles, but it’s best to set in motion the authentication process on your number one pick, rather than the whole range. A few hundred dollars spent at this stage could save you thousands in the future.

When your spider senses go off when checking out a car and something doesn’t feel right, simply walk away. This can feel at times like you’re walking away from a golden opportunity, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. The other point to note is that if you do buy a fake car, you simply can’t sell it on, unless you want to class it as a loose restomod, which then means adding lots of new bits. Try and sell it on and if your found out, no one will touch you with a barge pole for anything car related in the future.

Don’t let these words potentially put you off buying a muscle. Instead, they should be motivation to thoroughly check out a vehicle before purchase. If you can’t do this yourself, there are services out there.

Some choice videos below recounting stories of fake muscle car

The post How To Buy A Fake Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

Muscle cars are an American symbol of power and engineering. These heavy beasts also happen to make the best sleeper cars. We have 5 reasons to fear the muscle!

Did you know that the Ford Mustang was the best-selling muscle car for the last few years? In 2018, over 66,000 of these were sold. Sales of muscle cars are going from strength to strength. They are a true symbol of American motoring.

However, not everyone wants a car that shows off its power. Bright colors, custom motifs, and mods may interest some. However, often, we want a car that packs the power of a muscle car yet in a more subtle way. If so, you are looking for a sleeper car.

Does a sleeper car interest you? Which are the best sleeper cars available? Check out our in-depth guide below.

1. Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454

By any definition, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a great sleeper muscle car. Despite its relatively “coupe” appearance, there was serious muscle under the bonnet.

For those who chose this car’s beast mode, it came with a 7.4-liter V8 engine that outputted 360 HP. Despite the impressive stats that this car has, it remained unappreciated in its time.

2. Plymouth GTX

The Plymouth GTX is very much a car that is undercover. It was a true muscle car from Plymouth. However, the car-makers wanted this beast to compete with the cars in the luxury class.

This resulted in a car that was not a true luxury car but had all the benefits. It was not a true muscle car but had all the power. Despite all the luxuries that were applied to this model, it still had a 375 HP 440 V8 engine as standard.

If you want to get your hands on one, consider selling your current motor to a company that gives the best price cash for cars. You may just be able to raise the budget or a Plymouth GTX.

3. Chevrolet Bel Air 427

The Chevrolet had plain looks, 2-doors, and dog-dish hubcaps. Not your average muscle car exterior. Yet under its skin, it packed the power of either a 390 or 425 HP engine. This was powered by a 7-liter engine.

Despite its rental car appearance, it packed power to rival any muscle car of its age.

4. Buick Century GS

The Buick Century GS was a limited edition muscle car that proved to be the last 0of its type from Buick. It offered 270 HP with braking systems and suspension to match its style.  This was available in either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission.

However, only 700 were ever made. This means that if you see a Buick Century on offer today snap it up as there are not many to go round.

5. Pontiac GT 37

Pontiac offered the GT 37 as the GTO lite. This is because it lacked the Endura bumper and rear spoiler of the more popular GTO models. despite its subtle appearance, it could ramp up to 345 HP for a very reasonable price.

However, Pontiac was deemed to be a little too subtle. For this reason, it was not a hot seller and in two years Pontiac only made 2000 of these sleeper muscle cars.

The Best Sleeper Cars and Much More

If you are looking for a car that packs serious muscle, yet in an unassuming way we are here to help. We leverage our years of experience in the muscle car industry to provide trustworthy and reliable guidance to our readers.

Whether you are looking for the best sleeper cars available, or something that shouts about its power we have something for everyone. Why not follow our blog to find out more.

The post Hidden Muscle: The 5 Best Sleeper Cars Made in America appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The sale of the original Bullitt Mustang may not be the most expensive muscle/pony/American car sold at auction, but it is at least the most expensive Mustang. We reported on the car’s back history in a previous post and this is the first time the car has been put up for auction. Selling for a cool $3.4 million and a final price of $3.74 million at Mecum, Oceola Heritage Park on January 10, 2020.

This Mustang was one of two used in the filming of Bullitt. The other, while still in existence, is now mostly unoriginal and dilapidated, while this version is nearly all original with plenty of documentation to back up its history.

Previous muscle cars passing under the hammer have sold for eye watering amounts, such as a 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake for $2.2 million and while a 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible went for $3.5 million and a 1962 Shelby Cobra CSX2000 for $13.75, this is a landmark for a movie car and one with such a large, cult following.

For those unfamiliar with the background, the car hit notoriety when it starred in the 1968 movie ‘Bullitt’ with Steve McQueen playing Lieutenant Frank Bullitt, a San Francisco police detective. A Mustang was chosen as a regular car of the day, something believably used by the character, presumably chosen by McQueen himself.

The Highland Green Mustang hit fame, mainly due to the 10-minute long chase scene, which also involved a Dodge Charger. Cementing the movie and car in pop culture history and being the template for car chases in movies from then on. The car fell out of public view until very recently and still retain many of its original movie insignia, such as camera mount points and souped up suspension.

The post The Original Steve McQueen Bullitt Mustang Sells For $3.74 million appeared first on Muscle Car.

Muscle cars are aesthetically beautiful. For collectors and car enthusiasts, there is nothing more exciting than owning a classic ‘60s or ‘70s vehicle that has surpassed the challenges of time. But muscle cars are not just ornaments to decorate your garage with, as they can be upgraded with plenty of modern features to keep them up to date on speed, maneuverability, and comfort. Whether it is a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro or a 1960 Plymouth XNR, you can relish the experience of driving a sleek vehicle that takes you a couple of decades back in time.

When you purchase a vintage muscle car, you may have a plethora of things to tweak to get it up and running, and compliant to road safety rules. Part of the fixing you should do involves updating its safety features. Classic cars are comparatively less safe than their contemporary counterparts, and with roads that see thousands of accidents each year, it pays to stay up to date. The nuances of car accident law favor cars equipped with proper safety measures during an accident, after all. Here are some of the best safety upgrades for your timeless muscle car.

Lap-Shoulder Seat Belts

It may sound bizarre, but lap-shoulder seat belts were not standard in cars back in the ‘60s. Instead, they had the first models of shoulder seat belts, which were only available to front seats. As a result, they provide no safety back-up whatsoever to passengers. It is vital that you have modern seat belts installed, as they are a primary safety feature in contemporary cars and have undoubtedly saved countless lives. In 2017, almost 15,000 lives were not lost thanks to seat belts, and 47% of the passenger vehicle occupants killed during the year were found not to have been wearing seat belts.

If you intend to use your vintage car as a racer, then it is crucial to install high-end belts in the specific attachment points required by the law. Consider having them added by professionals, as industry experts are likely to know precisely how seat belts should be installed in particular cars and for specific purposes. By adding seat belts in, you will surely not go flying during a crash or other unfortunate circumstances.

Modern Brakes System

The modern brake system is quite complex — you have the power to stay in control of the steering wheel despite slamming on the brakes, and can divide the brake system into two wheels at a time. These features allow you to control your vehicle despite a panic brake or when half of the system becomes faulty. It is pertinent to install antilock and dual cylinder brakes by swapping out old drum brakes with disc-type ones using a replacement kit. Depending on the type of muscle car you own, there may be a unique installation method or a particular type of brake system that would work best.

Back-Up Cameras

You may not be a fan of back-up cameras, which have just entered the car scene in recent years, but they have undoubtedly saved plenty of lives since they became a standard feature in vehicles. Side mirrors can give you a narrow view at best, and it is impossible to see the complete picture behind you. By knowing whether a car is irregularly speeding at your trail or if the coast is clear before you back up, you may save multiple lives, including your own. So before you discount this safety feature, think about how it can benefit you in the long run.

Car accidents due to speeding, drunk driving, and the like are not uncommon, but you can reduce the annual numbers by being a responsible driver. Equip your vintage cars with the appropriate safety features and drive away with little worry. If anything goes wrong, contact a lawyer that specializes in car accidents. Make sure your vintage muscle car is road-worthy and safe as can be before you take it out on the open road.

The post The Best Safety Upgrades For Your Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

Classic muscle cars are probably the most enduring legacy of the golden age of American automobiles. The high-powered, high-performance sports cars running on a mighty 8-cylinder engine gained its iconic status almost immediately after their introduction in the early ’60s.

Sadly their dominance wouldn’t last, with the gas crunch, rising insurance costs and new pollution standards seeing them mostly phased out in the following years. But having been built to last, many of the American originals can still be found out on the roads.

In their honor, here is our countdown of the top classic muscle cars of all time.

10. Chevrolet Corvette

Before there were muscle cars, there was the Corvette. Though more of a sleek cruiser than a genuine muscle car, the Corvette would be the first mass-production car to deliver one horsepower per cubic inch.

When the Corvette really came into the muscle category proper was with the introduction of C2 in 1963. These second-generation cars packed four-wheel disc brakes, a big block 6.5-liter V8, and optional side exhaust pipes.

9. Shelby Cobra

The Shelby Cobra is one of the very first muscle cars introduced. First marketed in its native Britain as the AC Cobra, the AC car company collaborated with Shelby and Ford for its introduction to the United States.

The result was the Cobra 417, manufactured in Detroit with a Ford V8 engine and a newer, larger chassis.

8. Chevrolet Camaro

The Camaro has consistently been one of the most popular muscle cars ever built. In the United States, it’s ranked third in all-time sales and popularity.

Originally developed in 1966, the Camaro was built with the intention of challenging the Ford Mustang’s dominance. The first generation came with three six-cylinder options and four V8s. Now on its seventh generation, the tradition of including a wealth of engine options has continued, with each generation being more powerful than the last.

7. Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is the single most popular muscle car ever produced in the United States. Introduced in 1964, I don’t think even Ford was prepared for the hugely popular reception that their new pony car would receive.

The Mustangs’ first-generation saw its power creep up steadily. Originally they were only able to get 101hp from the six-cylinder engine and 164hp from the V8. But the addition of a more powerful V8 would see the horsepower rise to a more respectable 290.

The Mustang also has the distinction of being one of the few classic muscle cars to survive the ’70s oil crisis with the introduction of the Mustang II. Though enthusiasts were largely dismissive, this smaller and more efficient car was able to weather the influx of Japanese compacts and helped ensure the model’s continuation.

6. Plymouth Road Runner

The Road Runner was conceived as a more economical alternative to some of the other muscle cars on the market, with fewer features and basic trim. But if anyone minded, it didn’t seem to harm the sales figures, as the Road Runner enjoyed 12 years in production.

Though lacking in amenities, the Road Runner was available in a full range of big-block engines, ensuring that it would live up to the speed of its namesake.

5. Dodge Daytona/Plymouth Superbird

Though technically two different vehicles, these cars share enough features and an entwined history for them to be placed together.

Both of these audacious-looking vehicles were limited production specials meant to legalize them for NASCAR racing. Packing a 426 Hemi and a 440 Wedge respectively, the certainly had the power to live up to the task. Combined with their iconic silhouette, these are among the most distinctive muscle cars ever conceived.

4. Plymouth Barracuda

The first production run of the Barracuda was nothing special. It shared the same chassis as the four-dour valiant, had minimal styling, and limited engine options with a V8 maxing out at 180 horsepower. Faced with the continued dominance of the Mustang, Plymouth realized that the Barracuda needed a push.

So with the second generation, they rolled out a longer, more aggressive car with improved handling and big-block V8s. Still not satisfied, the Barracuda achieved its perfected form with the third generation in 1970.

The new Barracuda no longer shared a platform with a sedan, and instead had a new, long and low profile. Most notably, this generation also saw the introduction of the famous “Hemi Cuda”, outfitted with a 426ci Hemi engine.

This addition virtually cemented the Barracuda’s legendary status.

3. Chevrolet Chevelle SS

The Chevelle is among the most iconic American muscle cars. Just look at its film appearances. It’s John Wick’s vehicle of choice, and its presence in Dazed and Confused perfectly dates the period pice to the waning days of American muscle.

But beyond its iconic design, the Chevelle stood up as a serious competitor on the drag racing scene, backed up by either Chevy’s 396 or 454 big-blocks under the hood.

2. Pontiac GTO

The original GTO maxed out at a 326 cubic-inch V8 making with an output of up to 280hp. While that doesn’t make it the most powerful car on this list, its impact can’t be understated.

The GTO was among the very first true muscle cars and inspired competitors like Ford, Chevy, and Chrysler to prioritize building there own affordable, high-output cars. As such, its importance cannot be overlooked.

Sadly, Pontiac’s attempts to revive the name were mostly unsuccessful and foreshadowed the company’s eventual demise. But though they may be gone, the GTO’s reputation lives on.

1. Dodge Charger

The Charge is quite possibly the most iconic muscle car ever built, a status that is reflected in pop culture. From The Dukes of Hazard to Bullitt, to The Fast and the Furious, the classic Charger seems as popular now as ever.

Originally introduced as a show car, the Charger’s popularity quickly grew along with its reputation as one of the fastest things on four wheels. And you can still find them on the roads today.

Like many classics, the Charger is starting to show its age. In particular, the Charger has always been known to have body roll issues. Fortunately, with the right parts, it’s correctable, and with resources like these manuals available, it’s an easy fix for a hobby mechanic.

Classic Muscle Cars Are Still the Kings of the Road

Though their heyday has come and gone, classic muscle cars still manage to stick in our collective memory. And while it’s unclear if we’ll ever see a muscle car renaissance, many of these originals can still be found in good shape.

The post The Top 10 Classic Muscle Cars of All Time appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

It’s hard to believe that the iconic Dodge Challenger is now 50 years old. To celebrate this landmark birthday, Dodge are releasing a 50th-anniversary limited edition model, with iconic shaker hood which will be ready for sale with December. Prices should land between $4995 – $5995, depending on the model type. The launch of this limited edition Challenger coincides with a year of great sales, having had their best third-quarter in 2019, with a healthy 66,716 being sold in 2018.

The original Challenger came out in the latter part of 1969, alongside the other E-body, Plymouth Barracuda. The idea was to compete against other pony cars of the time, such as the Mercury Cougar, Pontiac Firebird and even the Ford Mustang. Part of the success was the wide range of trims and engine options which ranged from a small 198ci. slant six, to the ubiquitous 426ci. V8 Hemi. Many of the current versions echo models of the past, still keeping the muscle car ethos, with features and performance expected of today.

The 50th Anniversary Edition package will be available on the GT RWD, R/T Shaker, R/T Scat Pack, and R/T Scat Pack Widebody versions, with the shaker hood coming to the R/T Scat Pack Widebody V8. The Shakers scoop will be color coded to the body, more in line with the look of vintage models.

As this Challenger is a special edition, it also has a bunch of other one-off features. These include ‘Gold School’ painted alloy wheels which change the look depending on the trim level and Brembo brakes finished in gunmetal. The interior will also feature a limited edition yellow themed gauge cluster, sepia stitching and carbon fiber accents. Just to remind everybody this is a 50th edition, there will be “50” logos throughout the car from the grille to the floor mats and even on the headlight housing.

Its also going to come in a range of colors, specifically ‘Gold Rush’ for this edition, along with some retro classics – Frostbite, Hellraisin, Sinamon Stick, TorRed, F8 Green, and Go Mango.

An obvious question at this point, if it’s limited edition, how many are being made? Dodger are producing 70 examples in each color and trim combo. Each of these having its own numbered dash placard.

As orders are being taken at the end of the year, deliveries will get to dealers by the early spring of 2020. This means that if you know a Dodge Challenger fan, this would make an ideal stocking filler for the holidays.

The post 50 Years Of The Dodge Challenger And A Special Edition appeared first on Muscle Car.

Hollywood’s rich and famous has long been synonymous with a collection of muscle cars enough to make you jealous. Explore some celebrity favorites.

Carmakers had no idea the legacy they were starting when the first muscle car rolled off the production line in 1949.

Though the true muscle car race didn’t hit its full stride until the 60s and 70s. Today, these impressive machines are experiencing a whole new resurgence in popularity.  This can be seen from the number of celebrities that have chosen to drive their own American muscle car.

Keep reading to learn who the famous faces are that you can see behind the wheel of these impressive machines.

Celebrities and Muscles Cars 

Celebrities are just like us, and some have a passion for muscle cars. Ben Affleck has admitted to trolling eBay and drooling over the car listings.

What’s better is that these famous people with a passion for cars also love driving them. So before you sell your motorhome, why not take one more trip out west to the land of Hollywood and get a glimpse of one of these cars on the road.

Amber Heard: 1968 Ford Mustang 

You may know her from the blockbuster Aquaman or the 2009 zombie comedy Zombieland. But what you may not know is that she has a passion for muscle cars.

Back in 2015, she and Johnny Depp appeared on the Velocity show OverHaulin’ when he had her beloved 1968 Mustang redone. The classic muscle car went from old and tired to a complete stunner.

She bought the car when she was a teen and can be seen regularly driving it through the streets of Hollywood. The finished car is a stunner with a rich red flake paint and all new trim.

John Cena: Plymouth Superbird

When John Cena isn’t out on the road traveling for his wrestling career, he’s at home enjoying his collection of cars. Many in his collection are the classics that we all drool over.

He has so many cars that he’s outgrown the space in his garage. Here are some of the standouts in his collection.

• 1969 Red Pontiac GTO
• 1970 Cardinal Red Pontiac GTO Judge
• 1971 Black Pontiac GTO Judge
• 2006 Ford GT
• 2007 Dodge Super Bee
• 2007 Parnelli Jones Saleen Mustang
• 2009 Corvette ZR1

It’s safe to say that while Cena may be known for wrestling, he’s secretly a total gearhead.

Ben Affleck: 1966 Chevy Chevelle SS 

An admitted car enthusiast, Ben Affleck has a particular soft spot for 1970s muscle cars. But in his garage is a 1966 Chevelle SS. When he’s not starring in movies such as Gone Girl and Batman vs. Superman, he’s cruising the streets in his classic muscle car.

The 66 Chevelle marked a new era as Chevy began creating showroom to start line Super Sports. Under the hood was a beautiful and powerful 396 cubic inch engine. It pumped out an impressive 360+ horsepower.

Kellan Lutz: Ford Shelby GT 500

Known for his role in the Twilight saga and one of the younger celebrities on this list, Kellan Lutz drives a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.

This muscle car was a beast back in the day. It boasts a 428 cubic inch big block engine that pumps out an impressive 355 horsepower.

Lebron James: Chevy Camaro SS

Unlike many of the other cars on this list, Lebron James opted for a more modern muscle car, a 2010 Camaro SS. This isn’t just any off the showroom floor Camaro, though.

It’s entirely custom and all white, except for the gloss black emblems and super fine black pinstriping detail. The windows are tinted super dark, which not only gives privacy but also adds to the overall look of the car.

To replace the stock rims are a set of super-sized multi-spoke ones in white. The outset lip gives them a nice touch of detail.

Travis Barker: 1963 Chevy Impala 

If you aren’t a fan of rock, you may not be familiar with Barker. In the early 2000s, he made his name known as one of the best drummers of modern music with the band Blink 182.

These days he focuses on his solo music, family, and working on his cars. One of which is a 1963 Impala.

This classic car is in perfect condition as Barker stayed true to the original car’s beauty. He did drop it to give it a bit of modern attitude.

Rob Dyrdek: 1969 Chevy Camaro 

This famous skateboarder and entrepreneur has an impressive collection of big boy toys. It once included a 1969 Camaro that was completely custom. We have All Speed Customs of Michigan to thank for the work done to this impressive beauty.

What’s impressive is that Dyrdek kept his signature style out of this overhaul. There are no crazy patterns, or colors, and no insane graffiti art across the side. The car is decidedly serious with a high gloss black paint job, and powder coated red rims.

Under the hood is a fuel-injected LS and 4L60E automatic overdrive transmission. It’s claimed that the car can produce 400 horsepower.

Kenny Wayne: An Entire Collection 

While other celebrities on this list may have car collections, they aren’t a complete collection of muscle cars. Then we have Kenny Wayne Shepherd. This famous blues-infused rock and roll artist has a serious passion for muscle cars.

His daily driver is a 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT 8. He’s done several modifications to the car that include a Magnuson supercharger, Hotchkins TVS suspension, custom wheels, Magnaflow exhaust, and custom aluminum valve covers and shifter.

Other cars in his collection include:

• 1972 Dodge Charger
• 1970 Plymouth Duster
• 1969 Extreme Lee
• 1950 Ford Business Coupe Hot Rod

This list goes to prove that muscle cars have a universal appeal. Even celebrities skip over the standard car and opt for a heart-racing muscle car.

Some are true to their roots and stay classic, while others have given their ride a completely custom feel. Either way, these muscle cars continue the tradition of American made power and performance.

The post Hollywood’s Hot Rods: Celebrities Who Love Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

A healthy bunch of classic muscle cars will be going up for auction very soon, seized by investigators from DC Solar’s ‘Ponzi-type’ scheme. The inventory includes 149 cars, which include a fair chunk of classic muscle cars.

The collection comes from Jeff and Paulette Carpoff, a husband-and-wife team who are accused of defrauding investigators, along with monies from the likes of Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffett. Allegedly, funds were funnelled from their solar energy company, DC Energy, into a lavish lifestyle, which included the purchase of collectable vehicles.

The auction itself is being held by Apple Auctioneering Co. on October 26, 2019 and if anything else, the pair had good taste when it came to vintage muscle cars. Included in the auction are three 1970 Plymouth Barracudas, Plymouth Road Runners ranging from 1968 to 1971 and 1965-67 Mustangs. Checking out the auction homepage there are also other definite standout models available.

A Burt Reynolds owned Pontiac Trans Am, a Dodge Demon, a 1970 Chevelle SS, a Dodge Viper, Superbirds and Daytonas, a few early 70’s Dodge Challengers and Chargers and a few more modern muscle cars. Basically, a bit of everything thrown into the mix.

If you want to take part in the auction, bidding can be done online or in person, with online bids being taken prior to the start date.

Many tasty vehicles up for grabs here. So, if you’re in the market for a prime muscle car, then this auction will be well worth checking out.

The post Classic Muscle Cars Seized By FBI Go To Auction appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

VIN: BS23U0F132594
Engine: 440cid V8, 375hp
Transmission: 3 speed 727 Torqueflite Automatic
Mileage: 16354
Color: B5 Blue
Price: $85,000.00

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At this time of year muscle car owners are usually packing away their prized possessions for the winter months. But, this doesn’t mean there isn’t a bunch of prime examples up for sale. This example is a rather fine looking ‘U’ Code, numbers matching 1970 Plymouth Barracuda 440, dressed in B5 Blue, with a blue interior. It’s not exactly a bargain, but it is a numbers matching car, its in the Chrysler Registry and its biggest claims is that it is #1 of 1 with its options.

Apparently, the ‘one of’ comes from the 1 of 618 that has the rare combo of a 440ci. high performance engine, 4 barrel and a 727 Torqueflite transmission. Built on February 20th, 1970, its also #34 of 46 produced at the Los Angeles, CA plant and #8 of 13 equipped with factory air.

It seems like it’s had a complete restoration, both inside and out and even has the original Mopar glass windshield. It also has a Dana 60 Sure Grip rear with 3.54 gears, bucket seats, push-button radio, factory power steering, power disc brakes and Rallye wheels with correct Polyglas GT F-60-15 tires.

There’s no mention of any paperwork, but the listing does say the car has the original fender tag, cowl stamp, radiator support stamp, engine stamp, transmission stamp and door stamp. It’s also a one owner car prior to the restoration.

The car is clearly in excellent condition and is said to have the Galen Govier stamp of approval. It would have been nice to see some images of the paperwork to show its authenticity, but that will be down to any interested parties asking for those upfront before you start the bargaining process. 1970 Cudas can reach three figure sums with the right combo of options, which means ideally, this car would need some third-party verification before you part with any money.

If all things checkout, this is a mighty fine example of a Cuda and if it is truly 1 of 1, it could be a nice little investment piece for the future.

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The post 1970 Plymouth Barracuda 440: 1 of 1 appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

After stumbling across this Facebook post by Braby Motors it brought into sharp focus the almost 50 year evolution of the Dodge Challenger. The two Challengers shown here are a 1971 Challenger R/T 440 with 425HP and a 2019 Challenger Red Eye with 797HP.

Firstly, thanks to Braby Motors, Canada for the fine images. Secondly, it shows the stark contrast of how the Challenger has progressed over nearly 50 years. First introduced in the fall of 1969, the E-body Challenger had a lot in common with the Plymouth Barracuda, but had a longer wheelbase and more luxurious features.

By the mid-1970s, like most muscle and pony cars, the Challenger started to get its wind knocked out of its sails by a number of factors such as escalating insurance prices, fuel shortages and clampdowns on emissions. This obviously didn’t stop healthy engines being fitted, such as the 440 cu in (7.2 L) and the 426 cu in (7.0 L).

The very weird looking second generation lasted from 1978 to 1983, with a comeback in 2008. The current platform has proved ever popular, with a design shakeup predicted in the next few years. However, with models such as the Challenger Redeye with its mighty 797HP, it looks like the platform could easily keep going for years to come.

Comparing the vintage to the new shows how the designers have mixed in a very aesthetic way, the old and the new in the latest platform with arguably more muscular looks than the originals. No wonder the current platform is still going strong over 10 years later.

The post The Evolution Of The Dodge Challenger appeared first on Muscle Car.

In the heady world of sporty vehicles, the muscle car may seem like a specialized proposition, but it doesn’t have to be. All the old caveats thrown towards muscle cars are gone with the modern versions, presenting a viable alternative to the rest of the sports car market.

In this regard, we will go over the aspects that make modern muscle cars appealing and why they should be a legitimate alternative to the rest of the sports cars out there.

Engine Power
That’s what it’s all about, right? Stuffing a large displacement engine into a regular sized, two-door car, with plenty of performance parts. Today’s muscle/pony cars like the Challenger, Charger, Camaro and Mustang, prefer 5 Liter+ engines, ideally with an atmosphere sucking supercharger to ramp up the power. The current top of the tree is the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, a 6.2L Supercharged High-Output HEMI V8 engine producing 797 horsepower. They have the power and sound incredible.

Looks
There’s no denying that the late 60’s Ford Mustangs, Cudas and the like are fine looking beasts. However, we are talking more about modern muscle cars and the likes of the 2020 Mustang which is selling like hot potatoes in Europe. A welcome alternative design to the rest of the market.

We have to use the wording, but the modern Mustang, Charger, Challenger and Camaro, just look more muscular than the rest of the sports car market. The lines may not be as arguably sleek or refined as a German counterpart, but rather a more edgy look, billowing out side panel as if to strain to maintain the power within. This may equate to a heavier car, but there’s also more ground clearance and generally more daily practicality.

Larger interior
Yes, that’s right, the muscle car sticks to its principles of still being a viable daily driver. It may be a two door like a sports car, but it still has room in the back and enough trunk space to venture on a long road trip. A little two seater sports car maybe zippy and fun, but you cannot always take a few of your friends along for the same thrill.

Round The Track and Acceleration
The modern muscle car is still like its grandfathers in principle, compared to other sports cars. Far faster in a straight line, but due to the meatier bulk, not as quick round a track. Most sports cars are simply lighter weight and thus less mass to move, which is ideal for a track day outing, but we are talking about living with a vehicle on a daily basis. Track days are usually a sporadic affair, with the bulk of the driving being done when you want to stretch your legs on a straight or out in the country.

Fast acceleration times are usually what gives us the most thrill when driving and this is where the muscle car comes into its own. That being said, the Mustang and the Camaro are still good options if blasting round a track is your thing.

Pricing
Okay, you can pick up a 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata for $25,730, which is a splendid little sports car, but if you compare the top notch punch of the Dodge Demon and Redeye compared to a supercar, then its value for money.

A 2019 Dodge Challenger Redeye has a starting price of $69,650, which works out at more like $71,350 delivered to your door. That’s 797 horsepower, 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time in 10.8 seconds at 131 mph. Maybe not having the supercar refinements, but for dollars per horsepower very good value.

Which brings us to our rather one-sided, blinkered conclusion. Seriously though, modern muscle and pony cars are a raw and fun alternative to the current crop of sports cars. Something a bit different, good all-rounders and no matter the caveats, the takeaway is always great, raw driving fun that will always put a smile on your face. And this inherently is what driving should be all about.

The post Why Muscle Cars Are Better Than Sports Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

When it comes to muscle car values, it’s easy to dismiss the less popular years or models. However, with a few of the right ingredients in slightly off year models means they can still fetch a hefty sum. In this case it’s a 1971 Plymouth GTX which has the special ingredients of the ‘Elephant’ 426 Hemi V8 engine, one being sold recently at Mecum Auction, Dallas for $253,000.

Usually, muscle cars after 1970 start to drop-off in value, but as the years go by, these models become ever more worthy. The GTX started out as the 1967 Belvedere GTX, with a slightly higher spec. trim, but it was the second generation from 1968 to 1970, which had the classic B-body looks. A bit more luxurious than the equivalent Roadrunner.

However, in 1971 the GTX received a re-design, caused by a dip in sales and the government’s clear air mandates. Luckily, the healthy size of the 440ci.(7.2 L) V8 and the 426ci.(7.0 L) 426 Hemi V8 were still available, but sold in very limited numbers. In this case it’s 1 of 19 Hemi GTX models mated to an automatic transmission.

This particular example comes in bright Citron Yella paint, with a black interior, TorqueFlite automatic ttransmission, Rallye wheels and N96 Air Grabber hood.

If a 1971 Plymouth GTX tickles your fancy, then you don’t have to to spend $253K to land yourself a prime example. A quick scoot about online and there are a few GTX’s currently for sale. Checking out Hemmings.com there’s a 1971 Plymouth GTX in Plum Crazy Purple, with a “V” Code Six Pack V8 engine going for $75,000 in reasonable condition. Another example from Hemmings is again in Plum Crazy with a rebuilt rebuilt 440ci. V8 And currently going for $41,998 in very good condition. This one has an accompanying video, which you can check out below.

In total, the 1971 Plymouth GTX is a fine muscle car with all the best attributes of the era. It may not be the most classic looking, but it sure will be a worthy investment if you can pick one up in good condition at the right price.

The post 1971 Plymouth GTX Hemi Fetches $253K At Auction appeared first on Muscle Car.

VIN: WM23M9A270645
Engine: 440ci. 6 Pack V8
Mileage: 53276
Transmission: 833 four speed Manual
Exterior Color: R4 Bright Red
Interior Color: Red
Price:US $79,995.00

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I was just reminded the other day that the website hasn’t featured a standout example of a muscle car for sale for some time. No excuses, as we have simply been focusing on other stuff. So, when I came across this 1969 Dodge Coronet A12 Super Bee which is gathering quite a bit of interest online, it was worth looking at a bit closer.

The 1969 Dodge Coronet A12 Super Bee came at roughly the height of the golden era of muscle cars. It was essentially a rebadged Plymouth Road Runner, with the ‘Super Bee’ name coming from the B Body design and a lower priced version than its Roadrunner counterpart. The A12 version, which you can note from the ‘M’ fifth digit in the the VIN number. The Super Bee was also 65lbs. heavier than the Roadrunner and had a 117-inch wheelbase, compared to the Roadrunner with 116 inches. Externally, the Super Bees had bumblebee tail stripe, a better grille, a chrome plated Bee medallion badge and taillight ornaments. These A12 M-code cars were an option which added mechanical and visual components to make it a cut above the rest.

Items included in the A12 package included a ‘six-pack’ three, two-barrel Holley carbs., 440ci. V8 with 390bhp, 4:10 gear-ratio Dana 60 axle, the option of automatic or four speed manual transmission and lift off black hood. Other small engine items were added, along with 11 inch drum brakes, black steel rims and 15 inch high performance G-70 tires. Only 1,907 examples were made in 1969, making one of these cars a bona fides rarity.

A quick scoot around online and the Super Bee registry says 826 examples of the WM23 Hardtop 440 Six Pack Engine / Manual 4spd Transmission were produced in 1969. Digging a bit deeper and this seems to be the same car on another website showing a few more details.

This listing doesn’t come with loads of details, as it’s the usual, ‘if you know what you’re looking at, you know what it’s worth’ scenario. The listing does say that the car comes with the original broadcast sheet and the condition is show quality. The listing also says that the car has been featured in ‘Hemmings Muscle Machine Magazine’ and any prospective buyers can have a live virtual walk around via facetime with the listing having simply loads of pictures and a video which you can see below.

The exterior of the car comes in R4 Bright Red with an equally bright red interior which does look immaculate. The same goes for the exterior and engine bay, with even shots of the underneath not showing any rust spots apart from a tiny bit on the rear leaf springs.

As for being a worthy buy or not, there are three other 1969 Super Bee A12s for sale on eBay currently. This one is the cheapest of the lot, with the highest price one being sold by RK Motors for $119,900. That one has the lowest mileage, but also has the usual dealer markup. This means that this example A12 could be a reasonably priced purchase as long as everything checks out. Hopefully, there should also be some back history that comes with the car.

In any case, this is a definite muscle car rarity which will definitely hold its value and increase over time.

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The post 1969 Dodge Coronet A12 Super Bee With Lift Off Hood appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The Hemi line of muscle car engines has been in the public consciousness for many decades. Synonymous with power and performance, it’s no wonder this large displacement engine has found a use from street to top drag racers. The origins of the hemispherical cylinder head go back to World War II, but it was in 1964 that Chrysler decided that the 426ci. (7.0 L) engine needed proper performance applications.

Nicknamed the ‘elephant engine’, the original was aimed at NASCAR racing, being dropped into the Dodge Dart and Plymouth Fury in 1965 and a street version going into things like the Dodge Coronet from 1966 onwards. These are often referred to as the 2G or Gen 2 Hemis. A modern, limited edition version of the elephant engine was also recently produced by Mopar.

So, what goes into one of these huge brutes of an engine, going from the basic engine block to the final build? This video from Nick’s garage covers the rebuild of one of these huge engines and testing. As for power levels, the engine produces 500HP and the dyno test produced torque ranges from 490.4lb. ft. to 493.1lb. ft. at 4500-4600rpm.

If you’re at all fascinated with how one of these engines ticks, than the video below is definitely worth checking out.

The post Amazing 426 HEMI Engine Build appeared first on Muscle Car.

Muscle cars, like any popular vehicle that has been around for a good few decades, have their up-and-down times with prices. The original muscle cars of the late 1960s and early 70’s are now in some cases moving from the classic to the antique car category. Those vehicles that are over 45 years old and still command a tidy sum. These can also be classed as post-war era vehicles (1948–1972)

In this regard, we thought it would be a good idea to put together a basic overview of the most popular muscle cars and general values. This will include both old and new muscle cars, but don’t take it as a be all and end all list. More to give a general guideline, so you know either how much your current classic is worth or is it worth buying into a certain vehicle.

General information
Buying into a classic muscle car can be done for a variety of reasons. The car you always longed for, an investment piece….many reasons. For any vehicle, there is a tick list of criteria which goes towards its ultimate value.
Condition and originality – the more original the parts, the better. From seating to engine elements, the more original, the higher the value.
Mileage – the lower, the better.
Age – not always a factor, but usually the older the better.
Rare options – base model cars fetch the least amount, while limited run vehicles with rare options fetch the most. Generally, it’s the popular makes and models, with a bunch of rarely chosen options that fetch the most money.

Modern Muscle
When it comes to modern muscle cars, we’re usually talking in the last 15 years or so. The four big contenders are the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger and Ford Mustang. The Camaro has been in production since 1967, with only a break between 2002-2010. There have been limited edition Camaros over modern years, such as the Z/28.

The Dodge Challenger, which is probably the nearest tip to a classic muscle car, came back in 2008, with some collectors models along the way, such as anniversary editions. But, its the Dodge Challenger Demon with 808HP and only 3,300 units produced which is a current favorite. The Dodge Charger also came back in 2006, with a few limited edition models along the way.

The Ford Mustang has been the longest running pony/muscle car, with loads of options to choose from. Standout models include the GT350 and GT500.

As a brief overview, here are some examples to whet your appetite.
Chevrolet
2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: Concours = $50,000, Fair = $25,000
2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary: Concours = $35,200, Fair = $12,100

Dodge
2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition: Concours = $44,000, Fair = $17,600
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon: Concours = $165,000, Fair = $100,000

2009 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T: Concours = $26,300, Fair = $10,700
2009 Dodge Charger SRT-8 Super Bee: Concours = $38,000, Fair = $14,200

Ford
2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca: Concours = $50,000, Fair = $29,900
2014 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet: Concours = $100,000, Fair = $45,000
2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Super Snake: Concours = $90,000, Fair = $50,000

Pricing guides
The links below should provide you with good variety of resources for finding car values, models and basic specs. of each vehicle. In no particular order, as some resources present the information better than others.

The National Automobile Dealers Association have appraisal guides for many vehicles. Free and easy to search.

Haggerty have a great valuation tool with different conditional prices, historic values and an overview of each vehicle.

Hemmings have a nice array of data, based on recent sales from the previous three years.
There are also classified ads. and guides on the website for further information.

The Historic Automobile Group International have their HAGI Index for tracking investment values.

The Collector Car Market Review tracks the value and prices of classic cars with an extensive database, featuring loads of information.

As for the information below, we searched Haggerty for the information. The site doesn’t just give high and low prices, but also historical data, amongst other things and a basic overview description of each vehicle. If the vehicles you are interested in is not in the limited selection below, check out Hagerty’s evaluation tool directly to find a specific make and model.

Classic muscle car prices
When it comes to classic muscle cars, those of the late 60s and early 70s, there’s simply loads to choose from. There were far more models back in the day and in some cases, it only took a few ticks of the option list to end up with a bona fide rarity.

As a basic list of the most popular muscle car makes back in the day, these include – AMC, Buick, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Mercury, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac and Shelby.

As for the top prices paid for vintage muscle cars, the top of the heap goes to a 1962 Shelby Cobra CSX2000 for a cool $13.75 million. Second, a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 two-door coupe for $3.85 million. Third, a 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible four-speed, in Hemi orange auctioned for $3.5 million. Lastly, in 1967 Corvette convertible L88 sold at auction for $3.2 million. Then again, you can pick up a good condition 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T for mid $45,000.

Below are a few examples of classic muscle cars to give an idea of the range of prices. There should be a make and model out there for everybody’s pocket if you shop around.

1969 American Motors AMX SS
Concours = $118,000, Fair = $48,900

A healthy two-door fastback with a 390ci./340hp 4bbl V8 engine.

1969 Buick GS 400
Concours = $67,700, Fair = $25,300

Based on the Skylark custom, the Buick GS has reasonable muscle car specs. A 350-ci. V8 with 4-barrel and 280 horsepower.

1970 Buick GSX Stage I
Concours = $194,000, Fair = $93,500

455ci/360hp V8 and a healthy amount of torque. Only 400 were produced, making this a definite collector’s item.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
Concours = $134,000, Fair = $46,200

Featuring a LS6 454ci. V8 and 450 horsepower, the 1970’s Chevelle SS hit the peak of the muscle car era. In many ways you can’t go wrong with any year of Chevelle if you want a classic muscle car.

1969 Chevrolet Nova Yenko
Concours = $480,000, Fair = $253,000

Yenko Chevrolets basically stuffed the best performance parts onto a vehicle to make the most potent cars of the time. Very few were produced, which makes them surefire rarities. The Nova version had a 427ci./425hp 4bbl L72 V8 engine with only 38 produced.

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
Concours = $236,000, Fair = $97,500

Sporting a healthy 440ci./390hp 3x2bbl V8 with the top of the tree, a 455 bhp 426 ci. Hemi V8. The Dodge Challenger came in many different variations, with many different options. If you’re not too bothered about complete originality, then you can pick up a 1970’s Challenger for the mid $45,000 mark.

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Concours = $130,000, Fair = $47,200

Ford being Ford, there are literally loads of different models and combinations over the years. Variations of the Mustang are the most popular, with the Mach 1 being one of many. At the top the Mach 1 had a 428ci./360hp 4bbl Super Cobra Jet V8 and although not the most classic shape of Mustang, still very valuable.

1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E
Concours = $151,000, Fair = $82,200

The Cougar had at the top a 428ci./335hp 4bbl V8, which had only 357 examples produced. Maybe not the most popular of muscle cars, but every bit as worthy.

1969 Oldsmobile 442 W-30
Concours = $99,500, Fair = $30,800

A 400ci./360hp 4bbl V8, the 442 W30 was the hotter version of the 442, which also included the W-31 and W-32 options, which had only 300 examples built. Classic muscle car looks and features.

1970 Plymouth Cuda AAR
Concours = $110,000, Fair = $42,000

Sharing the same E body underpinnings of the Dodge Challenger, the Plymouth Barracuda is another standout vehicles from the muscle car era. The AAR had a 340ci./290hp 3x2bbl Six Pack V8 with 2,724 AAR Cudas being produced.

Hopefully this abbreviated list of muscle cars and their rough prices will give you an idea how some of the more rare models fair in the market.

The post Muscle Car Prices 2019 appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

It’s always a wonder, what happens to the last models of a car when a line is discontinued. Sometimes they can be the best of the breed as a last hurrah or they can just disappear into obscurity. In this case, the story unfolds for the last of the 1971 Pontiac Judge Ram Air, one of the classics of the golden muscle car era.

The Judge model was introduced in 1969 as competition to Plymouth Road Runner. The initial package on the GTO had a Ram Air III engine, Rally II wheels, Hurst shifter, rear spoiler and Judge decals. 1971 was the Judges final year with a Mountain Performance package and a large, 455 HO engine. Only 357 were eventually sold to the public in its final year, 17 being convertibles, with final production finishing in February 1971. 1972 saw the last of the GTO models before the GTO entered its third generation and became all weird, like.

This story starts with a couple from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who in April 1971, went to order a prized Judge, but got their a month too late after production had ended. A quick call from the dealers to Pontiac, put in an order for Pontiac to produce one more in the special paint color of Orbit Orange, for the princely sum of $4,862.23. Unfortunately, the car arrived in white, so a quick respray in the dealers bodyshop, got the color they wanted and their dream car.

However, recent inspections of the car show the orange paint to be original, so the jury is still out as to the story of the white version and the added black grille….that’s car dealer for you……

After buying into a Chevy truck, the couple used the Judge as the family hauler, but like many big engined cars in the mid-70s, were affected by the fuel crisis, but the couple didn’t part with the car, like many did for a more fuel and cost-effective import. They knew it was a special car and had a good enough garage to store the thing long-term. The 455 CI LS5 V8 engine had the power, but the cost of running back then could have been an easy decision to swap. However, as time went by the car was put into storage, where it sat for a couple of decades before being revived.

After going through a restoration process, the car was shown to the public for the first time at the 2018 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, with further appearances at the 2019 Indian Uprising All Pontiac Weekend car show.

The car may not be as valuable as 1 of the 17, 1971 Judge convertibles which have gone at auction for $250,000+, but there’s still plenty here to make an interesting back story.

For those interested, the first known 1971 GTO Judge pilot car went up for auction in 2018, at Mecum and had an estimated value of $75,000-$100,000.

This story is fully documented over at thetransmission.com

The post The Last Ram Air Judge With Its Original Owner appeared first on Muscle Car.

Do you want to make an investment in a classic car or truck? If so, learn about the best muscle cars to invest in here.

What’s more American than apple pie? If you’re an automotive guru, your answer may be American muscle cars.

If you’re revving up to make your own investment in a classic muscle class vehicle, we’re here to help. Here’s a roundup of some of the best muscle cars to consider.

A Brief History of Muscle Cars

Muscle cars have a special place in American automotive history.

Many point to the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 as the very first muscle car on the market. It features many of the hallmarks of the muscle car class:

• Sport coupe body
• Midsize
• Lightweight construction
• Robust V8 engine
• Rear-wheel drivetrain
• Fast and powerful

While the Oldsmobile Rocket is given props as the vehicle that started it all, the true heyday of muscle cars was between 1950-1970. During this era, drivers and automakers alike jumped on the bandwagon for speedier, sportier vehicles.

This led to the mass production of an array of muscle cars and a culture of muscle-car appreciation. Older shoppers loved them for daily cruises and younger buyers raced them. They were a fixture of everyday life and driving.

In the mid-1970’s the muscle car lost its status as a daily driving vehicle. Newer models were less affordable than before. And the Clean Air Act and a focus on reducing emissions put restrictions on engine construction. This decreased the performance power of many models.

Buying Trends Over the Years
Even though there was a shift away from old muscle cars after the 1970s, they’ve still maintained their popularity. Casual drivers appreciate the nostalgia they represent and car collectors know the value of adding a few classic models to their collection.

According to data from the Hagerty Price Index American Muscle Cars, muscle car buying trends have stayed strong for the last several years. They predict that this will continue to be the case since younger car collectors are drawn to many of the most popular classic models.

Best Muscle Cars to Invest in Now
Classic American muscle cars still hold an important place in many towns and cities across the country. If you head to a car show or do some research on beloved collectible muscle cars, you may come across one or a handful of these models.

Pontiac GTO
The first version of the Pontiac GTO, produced in the mid-1960s, was an influential model in the muscle car trend. Highlights include a light build and powerful engine capable of producing about 360 horsepower.

Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevy Camaro is actually still on the market today, which proves its everlasting appeal. It first appeared in 1967 as a direct competitor to the Ford Mustang. The first version was equipped with a standard 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine that puts out 140 horsepower.

Dodge Charger
It’s hard to dispute the iconic appeal of the Dodge Charger. This model is also still popular to current drivers. The first version appeared in 1966 with an output of over 420 horsepower.

Ford Mustang
Around 1964, the Ford brand unveiled the legendary Ford Mustang. It was instantly popular and still is available in coupe and convertible styles. The earliest versions came with V6 and V8 engine options.

Chevrolet Chevelle
The Chevrolet Chevelle appeared in the early 1960s. It’s a model that’s also synonymous with the muscle car culture of that decade. Even people who aren’t classic car enthusiasts easily identify this vehicle as a classic model.

It’s so recognizable that it often appears in movies that feature muscle cars.

Plymouth Road Runner
The Plymouth Road Runner came at a time when other automakers were making more costly muscle cars. This model was introduced in 1968 at an affordable price and with a capable engine that would appeal to the average driver.

Plymouth Barracuda
If you want a truly distinctive old muscle car, the Plymouth Barracuda is eye-catching and powerful. It first appeared in the mid-1960s just before the Ford Mustang.

Some characterize this model as the original pony car. This term refers to a class of vehicles that are small, affordable, but sporty too.

Corvette Stingray
The Corvette Stingray is a stunning vehicle first introduced in 1963. It was considered the all-new iteration of the original first-generation Corvette. It was restyled in the fashion of a race car—and it shows—in aspects like a coupe body style and independent rear suspension.

Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger came to the market in 1970, and it continues to be a major player for the Dodge brand. The first version was built on the same platform as the Plymouth Barracuda and came with an impressive selection of nine engine options.

According to the FCA US LLC, restored models can sell for six figures.

Making a Smart Investment
The coolest muscle cars can enhance a car aficionado’s personal collection. But if you choose wisely, they can also prove to be a valuable and profitable investment.

Like any other financial investment, purchasing a collectible muscle car requires careful thought. Classic muscle cars require a considerable buy-in after all. Your investment doesn’t just stop with the initial purchase.

There are risks to consider such as the condition of the vehicle and how much it could cost you to restore and maintain it. You’ll need to work with a body shop that specializes in muscle car service and restoration you can depend on. It will also cost you to house and properly insure the vehicle.

And if you plan to sell it in the future, consider how you can recoup the costs. Will you be able to make a profit or just break even?

Get the Latest Muscle Car News
While this is a lot to think about, you have plenty of resources to help you evaluate your investment. And our blog is a great place to start.

Visit our site if you’re looking for more research and information on the best muscle cars to invest in. We’ll supply the latest buying tips and model highlights.

The post The Best Muscle Cars to Invest In appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Sometimes when a car goes up for auction, it simply doesn’t hit it’s reserve price. This was the case with Richard Petty and his 1970 Plymouth Superbird. Arguably one of the most famous American racing cars, bidding topped out at $3.5 million and was apparently far short of the undisclosed reserve price. If the reserve price had been met, it would have made the Superbird the highest priced NASCAR vehicle sold at auction.

Mecum Auctions live

A call from the auctioneer to start at a cool $10 million fell on deaf ears, with bidding starting at $1 million and ended with a $3.5 million phone bid.

The Superbird was part of the Todd Werner collection, which was amongst other tasty muscle cars ready to cross the auction block at Mecum. Petty 82, was also in the audience for the auction, stating ‘anytime you got in that car you knew you had a chance to win the race.’
Petty used a bunch of Superbirds during the 1970 race season and it was Todd Werner who had the eagle eyes to recognize this particular Superbird as one of the originals. The car was taken to Petty Enterprises where it was completely restored with its iconic Petty Blue paint and the no.43.

But Why, oh why is this elongated muscle car so significant?
Like any iconic vehicle, there are a number of factors. ‘The King’ Richard Petty was the driver to have in 1970 and being with Ford at the time, Petty would only go back to Plymouth if a potent ‘winged Warrior’ or ‘aero car’ was at his disposal, just like the Dodge Charger Daytona.

The 1970 Superbird which was only around for one season and featured a 426 Hemi V8 with the potential to hit 200mph. The formula worked and resulted in 18 race wins and 31 top 10 finishes. NASCAR then put a halt to aero cars competing after 1970. As the street versions didn’t sell very well, precious few remain and are now ultra collectors items, especially with a 426 Hemi V8. The rest of the street going versions featured a 440ci V8. Thus, rare, iconic and it also marked the height of the classic muscle car era where there was literally no replacement for displacement. The iconic Petty blue paint and the number 43 also standout as a hallmark for that period of racing. In many ways, if you want to own the ultimate golden era muscle car, this is probably it.

The other significant aspect of this car is the barebones interior. Modern NASCAR vehicles aren’t exactly plush limos inside, but the Petty Superbird in comparison is a steering wheel, a seat and that’s about it. Basically, seat of your pants driving and some would argue the most raw and purist form of the sport.

Read more about the original listing here.

The post Richard Petty’s Plymouth Superbird: When $3.5 million Is Not Enough appeared first on Muscle Car.

VIN: BS27V0B100004
Engine: V-Code 440/390 HP Six Pack
Transmission: 4-Speed
Color: EW1 Alpine White with side stripe delete
Odometer: 8,835
Serial No. 4 Pilot Car
Estimate: $550,000 – $700,000

This is the time of year where muscle car fans are either out with their rides or hunting them down at car shows. Not necessarily shopping around for specific models. However, if you have a bunch of money just dying to be spent, there are prized nuggets for sale throughout the year.

For example, here is a rather rare 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible Pilot Car coming up for auction at Mecum, Aug 15-17 which should attract a lot of attention. In essence, this Cuda is job No. 8, the first convertible V-Code 440 Six Pack engine one of the first with the Cuda name. This one was built on Saturday, August 1, 1969.

Having much in common with its sibling the Dodge Challenger, both being built at the Hamtramck assembly plant, this pilot car has elements not found on production vehicles. These include the Dutchman panel between the rear window and decklid, Code-V68 to delete the side stripes, 26-inch radiator and two ‘erroneously’ codes on the tag for good measure. The Track Pak is also not included on the fender plate.

Other unique aspects are in the interior, including PRX9 premium-grade leather seats, P37 power top and P31 power windows, deluxe R22 AM/8-track stereo and Hurst Pistol Grip which was standard for these models.

There are only two white 440 Six Pack 4-speeds known to be built, no details from the listing if the other exists. This one was restored back in 2005 by Rocket Restorations, LLC in Olympia, Washington, but no other details on its back history. One things for sure, this is a bona fide rarity in fantastic condition and the next lucky custodian will have an investment piece that will be guaranteed to slowly increase in value as the years go by.

If you want to check out the listing directly, you can find it here.
Just as impressive from the same auction collection by Dana And Pattis cars, is a 1970 Dodge Challenger RT convertible pilot car. This one also has an estimated value of $550,000 – $700,000 and is definitely worth checking out here. If you have the money, which one would you go for??

The post 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible Pilot Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

VIN: RM23H9G291998
Engine: 400ci. V8
Transmission: 727 Torqueflite, 3 speed Automatic
Exterior Color: R4 Bright Red
Price: $13,000.00

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

We recently thought it’s long overdue for us to have a look at muscle cars floating around on the open market. Mainly to see if there are any bargains out there and the state of the market. In this regard, a quick look online for a popular make and model, that’s not too expensive and has the potential to keep going up in value. Thus, we landed on this 1969 Plymouth Road Runner project car.

This isn’t a buy and drive away mobile. Its a buy and drive straight into your garage for 6 to 12 months of restoration. This means that if you’re not interested in a car which you can restore, then you might as well stop reading now. It just saves time.

For everybody else, let’s have a look at what’s on offer. A 1969 Plymouth Road Runner with non-matching powertrain like this one, could fetch around the high $30k+ mark when restored. This one currently has a 400ci. engine, originally a H9G – 383 330HP OR 335HP 1-4BBL, in this case a E63 – 383ci. 4 barrel V8 according to the fender tag. The Road Runner also has a 727 Torqueflite, 3 speed automatic transmission, but it’s not specified if original or not. The listing says that the car ‘Runs, drives, stops and steers,’ which means the engine has some sort of life in it, but will probably need a full strip down to make sure everything is in order.

The listing also documents everything from the fender tag. What stands out is the ‘A14: Spring Special.’ Delving online into the knowledgeable folk on forums, one Mopar site says the ‘A14 Road Runner Spring Special package’ consists of – ‘Vinyl roof, chrome styled road wheels, belt mouldings, performance hood paint, sport stripes, sure-grip differential, Fiberglass belted RWL tires F70-14.’ No stripes on this Roadrunner – have they been deleted, new paint job or something else? The forum also says a red Roadrunner with white vinyl top and Spring Special package as in this case, could be rare in some way, but that would need some further research.

Fender tag:
RM23: Plymouth Belvedere, Satellite Medium, Road Runner 2 Door Hardtop
H9G: 383 330HP OR 335HP 1-4BBL 8 CYL 1969 St. Louis, MO, USA
291998: Sequence number
E63: 383 cid 4 barrel V8 H.P. 335hp
D32: Heavy Duty Automatic Transmission
R4: Bright Red Exterior Color
M6S: Trim – Opt. Decor Group, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Pewter/Black
A4: Silver Metallic Int. Door Frames
618: Build Date: June 18
375869: Order number
A14: Spring Special
C16: Console w/Woodgrain Panel
C55: Bucket Seats
H51: Air Conditioning with Heater
M21: Roof drip rail moldings
M31: Belt Moldings
R11: Radio Solid State AM (2 Watts)
V21: Performance Hood Treatment
V6W: Longitudinal Stripes, White
26: 26in Radiator
END: End of Sales Codes

The exterior bodywork looks relatively solid with only surface rust showing in places. The engine bay looks in the same condition. As for the engine, it will need poking around in person to check out it’s true condition.

Interior wise, there are no carpets and everything looks very shabby with a few missing door panels and seats that will definitely need reupholstering. Interior shots also show a few rust holes in the bottom of the car which will need addressing. The underside, as you would expect, lots of surface rust, but at least from the supplied images no obvious gaping wounds to patch up.

Is this Roadrunner worth buying? Probably yes, probably no. If you have the means, enthusiasm, resources and skills to restore the car for a reasonable amount then it will be worth it. Outsourcing the complete restoration is another mixed bag. As with any restoration project, there are always problems along the way, which basically need more money spending than first anticipated. A car like this really needs seeing in person, listing what’s obviously wrong, then doing a quick total of what all those jobs would cost with parts(smartphone and internet needed). Take that total from current market prices and you have the ‘can I be bothered’ answer or not. This may sound a little negative, but it’s better being being upfront with the work ahead and the costs, as even small restorations can take a lot of time and effort.

One things for sure, Roadrunners are continually going up in value each year, which means there will always be buyers in the future, even if you did nothing to the car. Even so, this Roadrunner definitely has potential and could be a nice little classic if restored by the right hands.

They have another Road Runner for sale here in blue, but with a non working engine going for $11k.

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

The post 1969 Plymouth Road Runner Project appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Police forces around the world usually have a few vehicles in their lineup with that extra bit of zing under the hood. Since the dawn of the motor car, it’s been a cat and mouse game to have police vehicles faster than the baddies. Muscle cars are an ideal choice in this respect. Plenty of power and torque, along with a sound that makes the car in front realize they have something serious on their tail.

Florida Highway Patrol, Troop G in Jacksonville, are one the latest forces to realize a bit of Dodge muscle car is the thing to have. In this case, it’s a Challenger R/T with a 5.7-liter V8 producing 375HP. The signature black and tan colors have been added, along with emergency lights, 360-degree camera and the usual police force kit. Performance tires and wheels have been left on, rather than using the steel wheels as used on the Dodge Chargers in the rest of the fleet.

The Challenger R/T isn’t the most potent in the lineup, that goes to the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye with 797HP, but it’s a good start point. The Florida Challenger has also been entered into the 2019 Best Looking Cruiser Contest for the American Association of State Troopers’.

Other police Vehicle Muscle Cars

Adding a spot of muscle car into the inventory of police vehicles is nothing new, especially in the US and Canada. One of the first was possibly the 1932 Ford Model 18 which housed a flathead V8, but even back in 1899 the police had a wagon which ran on electricity.

If we go back to the heights of the classic muscle car era, there was simply no excuse for a US police force to not use some sort of American V8. In alphabetical order, the Alabama State Police used a 1970’s AMC Javelin. Chevy Camaros in the form of a B4C police package was used 1991–2002 by the California Highway Patrol, Chevrolet Impala PPV 1971–1976, 1977–1985, 2000–2016 and the Chevrolet Nova PPV 1975–1979 and the Bloomfield Hills police department using several Chevrolet Corvettes.

Dodge Charger PPVs from 2006–present, a Dodge Viper used by the Sheriff’s Office of Camden County, Georgia, Dodge Challengers and the 1970 Dodge Coronet.
Ford Torino/Ford Fairlane — 1963–1976, Ford Mustang SSP from 1982 to 1993, 730-HP Saleen Mustang Cruiser used by Riverside Police Department, California and the Ford Mustang LX Highway Patrol Edition by the the Texas DPS, 1983 and 1993.
The Plymouth Fury PPV 1965-1978 and the Pontiac LeMans PPV 1973-1977. Clearly not an exhaustive list, but it gives an inkling into where there is a muscle car make, there’s usually a law enforcement application.

One place where modern, high-end muscle cars are an obvious choice is in the Dubai police Department. Their police vehicles could easily be mistaken for a supercar concours show, with the likes of Bugatti, Ferrari and Lambos in the lineup. Currently used or in the past, the Dubai police Department have patrolled the roads paved with gold with the likes of a Chevrolet Camaro SS, Corvettes, a Dodge Viper and a Ford Mustang GT by Roush Racing.

As Chevy have now confirmed the mid-engined C8 Corvette supercar, I wouldn’t be surprised if one of these eventually makes its way into the Dubai line up.

The post Muscle Cars Used As Police Vehicles appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Dodge originally produced the Daytona model under the moniker of the Dodge Charger Daytona back in 1969, mainly to smash the pants out of the competition in NASCAR. Affectionately known as the ‘Winged Warrior,’ just like the Plymouth Superbird, the vehicles definitely produced the goods on the track, for example hitting 200 mph (322 km/h) at Talladega in 1970. So good, they were banned the next year. A limited number were also available to the public, but didn’t sell very well, thus ultra collectors items today.

The Daytona name was brought back over the years as trim levels on certain models, along with some lacklustre front wheel drive hatchback Dodge Daytonas from 1983-1993. But, it was the mystique of the originals which always begged for a modern version.

Dodge still have a trim level ‘Daytona’ for the Charger as below, but not a dedicated model. This means it’s down to third-party makers to come up with their own interpretations. GAA Classic Cars in Greensboro, North Carolina, are currently auctioning such a creation from the George Shinn car collection in Nov. 2019.

Sitting under this modern Daytona exterior is a 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T with the Super Track Pack, housing a 372HP 5.7-liter Hemi V8. On top of the Daytona body kit conversion are 20 inch Aluminum wheels and a custom white leather interior with red accents.

This modern interpretation looks very cool, especially with the matching white and red interior, that’s if you buy into the winged Warrior look. However, the auction listing and the George Shinn webpage dedicated to the car, doesn’t seem to mention the original builders or more correctly, the people who performed the conversion.

A quick sniff around online and there are a few outlets who will build you your own Daytona/Superbird such as mivehiclesolutions.com. These seem to be conversion kits which have a functional Shaker hood, nose cone, three-piece wing and side vents, along with options like a Magnuson supercharger for 2008-2014 Challenger models.

These kits seem to have originated from the company HPP which had a starting price of $16,395. Add in all performance extras and the total came to $41,461, not including the donor car. Also intriguing is what looks like the same car going to auction at Auctions America back in 2016 according to Motor1 which stated the sales estimate was $60,000 to $65,000 and the conversion was possibly done by ‘Detroit’s now-shuttered HPP.’ If this is all correct, then expect a similar asking price at the current auction.

If a modern interpretation of a Daytona is not your thing, the only other option is to raid your long-term savings to buy an original or go for a Daytona Charger package on a new car. These are only packages added to other trim models, but at least it’s an official Dodge release as you can see from the specs below.

2019 Dodge Charger Daytona Edition Group
Package MSRP starting at $3,495

Available on R/T and R/T Scat Pack, this Package Includes (Depending on Model):
20-Inch Forged/Painted Aluminum Wheels
Carbonite Interior Accents
Daytona Decals on the Hood, Roof and Trunk
Daytona Front Grille and Instrument Panel Badges
Daytona Logo Nappa Leather/Alcantara® Suede-Trimmed Seats; Front Seats Include Power, Four-Way Lumbar Support and Heated and Ventilated Features; Rear Seats Feature an Armrest with Storage and Cup Holder
Driver and Front Passenger Lower and Upper LED Lamps
Gloss Black Instrument Panel Cluster Trim Rings
Mopar® Cold Air Intake System

The big question, is this 2013 Dodge Challenger Daytona auction worth a bid? Clearly, this will depend on the rough asking price and if you want a professionally built, modern interpretation of a Dodge Daytona. In many ways it will be an emotional purchase. Decent power, but nothing groundbreaking. As for looks, it will definitely turn heads and be like nothing else on the road. This car would suit somebody who loves the original, is very familiar with its back history, but wants the convenience and build of a modern Dodge Challenger.

The post A Modern Dodge Challenger ‘Daytona’ Recreation appeared first on Muscle Car.

As the years tick by the interest and value for muscle cars, especially the vintage variety steadily increases. Not at all surprising when you think these vehicles represent a more carefree time, engine displacement was king and bigger was always better.

We looked back in 2018 at the most searched muscle cars online and surprise surprise, the ’69 Dodge Charger came out on top, with the Mustang a close second – (at least across North America according to ClassicCars.com). Google Trends came to a different conclusion with the Mustang at number one, the Camaro at number five and the B-body Dodge Charger at number 13.

What about now?
So has anything changed this year? Not really. According to Classic muscle cars, the ’69 Charger is still up there are at no.1, the 1967 Chevrolet Impala is new in at no.2 and the ’67 Mustang at no.3. The popularity of the Impala, they say could be down to the exposure it was given on the TV series ‘Supernatural.’

Other prime suspects such as the ‘1969 Mustang, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, the 1964 Chevrolet Impala, 1969 Ford Mustang Mach I, 1968 Charger, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette and 1968 Mustang’ are in the top 10 searches for May 2019 with the ’69 Mach I and the 1962 Corvette making its first appearance in the top 10.

That’s the data from arguably one of the most popular muscle car selling websites in North America. But, what about ‘muscle cars’ as a search term from Google Trends. Punching in the term ‘muscle car’ and ‘muscle cars’ give different results. ‘Muscle cars’ for North America has ‘2019 Mustang – sports car’ at no. 4, Dodge super Bee at no. 5, Boss 429 at no.7. Worldwide ‘2019 Mustang – sports car’ is at no.1 with ‘Plymouth GTX’ at no.4. Also, Australia are no.1 with the United States at no.3 for the most searches. These are rising search terms of related topics.
With Australia being a big muscle car loving continent, it’s no surprise that the ‘Ford Falcon (XB)’ is at no.2 and simply ‘horsepower – unit of power’ is at no.4, with ‘Australia muscle cars for sale’ been no.1 for related queries. Australia are also at no.1 for ‘interest by region’ and the United States at no.3.

If we just look at the search term ‘muscle cars’ over the last 12 months for the United States, ‘barn finds’ is at no.1 as a related topic, with ‘V8 muscle cars 3’ at no.3 and ‘2019 muscle cars’ at no.4 for related queries.

Bear in mind these are just for search terms and not the value of vehicles. If you want to check out Hagerty’s ‘Index of 1960s American muscle cars‘ it shows that from January 2014 to January 2016 muscle car values increased dramatically with them staying straight up to January 2019. Rarity, exposure and just plain street cred. play a large part in value with some of the main players always being in there like the 1970 Chevelle LS6 SS 454 and the 1969 Boss 429 Mustang.

What does all this mean?
No matter the country or state, Mustangs are popular, as are vintage Chargers, with other culprits such as Impalas and Corvettes being popular. People also like a nice barn find. Not surprising with so many TV shows these days featuring pickers and bargain hunters finding those hidden gems hidden away for years.

Mustangs are showing no sign of going away any time soon, so it’s no surprise they are at the top for interest levels and worth, steadily increasing for both vintage and modern versions. The Dodge Charger is just an iconic shape as a muscle car and backed up with plenty of appearances in both TV and movies. This means that if you’re interested in buying a vintage muscle/pony car, you can’t go wrong with a Mustang or Charger for popularity or holding its value. Generalizing, the same can be said that the big three muscle car makers of Chevy, Dodge and Ford.

The post Most Searched 2019 Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

VIN: 242379Z124319
Engine: Ram Air III 400
Transmission: Manual
Exterior Color: Matador Red
Mileage: 3776
Price: $84,000.00

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The Pontiac GTO is plain and simple an iconic muscle cars. Produced between 1964 to 1974, it was really the second generation vehicles started in 1968, which have the muscle car status. It’s probably the 1969 and re-designed 1970 models which have the best combinations of looks, power and performance. The ‘Judge’ version was basically a lower cost GTO with many of the creature comforts stripped out to battle against the Plymouth Roadrunner.

6,833 Judges were sold in ’69 and this example is a frame off restoration example finished to concours condition. Quite honestly, this example caught my eye simply because of the amazing looking Matador Red exterior. Whoever did the paint job on this vehicle definitely needs a commendation. 1969 or 2019, this Judge is definitely a looker.

It seems all parts on the car are period correct. The listing doesn’t say if they are all original or date correct replacements. The same with the powertrain, but with the asking price, its presumed that its numbers matching, but this will have to be verified.

This example isn’t the cheapest end of the market, after lots of due diligence and making sure back histories checked and everything is is as it says it is, a little bit of haggling over the price would be needed. If everything checks out correctly, then this Judge would definitely be a car you could be proud of.

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The post 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge For Sale appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Anybody who caught the Mecum Indianapolis auction this past week will have seen a few rare muscle cars pass under the hammer. One of the top sellers was a 1 of 14, 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible in FY1 Lemon Twist which went for a nice $1,980,000.

The rarity value of this Cuda came from it being only 1 of 3 delivered to Canada in 1970 (2 of them were in Lemon Twist), 1 of 9 with a 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, it’s fine condition and documented history. The 426ci. Hemi V8 is a clear attraction here and I have to say the H6T5 saddle tan( the only Hemi Cuda convertible with this color combination) looks amazing in this top notch condition. Brown has never looked so good before..

The Lemon Twist theme carries onto the wheels, which in total must have made this Cuda standout a mile away with such a loud color combo.

The yellow Cuda wasn’t the only vehicle to shoot past the $1 million mark, as a 1971 Hemi Cuda manual Convertible in FE5 Bright Red, 1 of 17, went for a cool $1,115,000. This one had a 440ci. V8 with a D32 Heavy duty automatic transmission and A34 Super Track Pak among it’s option list.

Other muscle cars went under the hammer, one being a 1969 Dodge Daytona with a Hemi 426ci. V8. This one had an estimate of $750,000 – $800,000 and normally would be the center of attraction in the rarity stakes if it wasn’t for the Lemon ‘Cuda above.

Other choice picks from the auction included a 1967 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro, 1 of 54 with a 427ci.  and a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner Rapid Transit vehicle which was part of the Plymouth Rapid Transit System Caravan traveling road show.

These sales still doesn’t beat the 1971 Hemi Cuda convertible (1 of 11) sold in 2014 for $3.5 million, but at least it shows interest in early 70’s muscle cars is still buoyant and showing no sign of slowing down.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

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Engine: 440-375 HP Magnum
Transmission: 727 TorqueFlite Automatic
Exterior Color: Hemi Orange
price:US $247,998.00

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The original, real deal 1969 Dodge Daytona along with the other winged warrior the Plymouth Superbird, could be the ultimate classic muscle car. Big and bold in every way, the Daytona was put together specifically for winning at NASCAR and was the first car to break 200 mph. Just over 500 road going versions had to be sold and this one is said to be #404 of just 503. The Dodge Daytona is one of those vehicles that started off as an ugly duckling and over the years has turned into a swan. It maybe a huge orange swan, but the Daytona is beautiful in its own right all the same.

This Daytona has had a complete rotisserie restoration back to factory specs. and comes with the original build sheet and fender tags. This one has a 440ci. V8 Magnum motor and it seems like all the minor details like hoses and leads have been correctly matched up. The only rare options listed are the Kelsey Hayes ‘recall’ cast wheels on redline tires, which do fit the car perfectly.

What is nice is they have provide an accompanying video for the car with a walk around as below.

So, what about estimated value? Conceptcarz value a ’69 Daytona based on a 36 auction average as a Current Year Average of $232,833. Hagerty have the value as $296,000 in concours conditions and $236,000 in excellent condition. So, around $234,000 seems to be about right for an excellent condition version like this one. I’m saying its not concours condition as that would need a personal inspection. As they are asking $247,000, a bit of negotiation maybe in order.

At this investment level of personal inspection will be needed. If everything checks out on this car, it would be a great investment for the future.

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The post 1969 Dodge Daytona, Numbers Matching appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Engine: 426ci. V8
Transmission: 4 speed manual
4:10 dana supertrac pack
Mileage: 33,000
Exterior Color: Red
Price: $677,426.00

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If you want to get your hands on a rare vintage muscle car as a surefire investment piece, you can’t go wrong with a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda. Even base model ‘Cudas can fetch a pretty penny, but it’s those examples with the rarest combo. of options that are worth the most. An orange 1971 Hemi convertible 4 speed sold for $3.5 million and a purple ‘Cuda convertible for the same price, giving you an idea of how much these vehicles can fetch.

This example is a hardtop Hemi, said to be completely original except for the oem quarter panels, 1 of 59 and comes with the original build sheet and a full Dave Wise inspection to prove everythings authentic. Not much more information comes with the listing, apart from they would accept a swap for an auto ’71 Cuda or equally good ’70s Hemi.

The car looks in magnificent shape with a clean engine bay and interior. An in-person inspection would be needed to make sure everything is pinpoint accurate, but that’s a pre-requisite for a car this expensive.

A quick look online for alternatives and I found this listing for a 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda, also a hardtop and also saying its 1 of 59, an unrestored survivor, but priced at $479,900…..hmmmm. This listing says that only 107 1971 Hemi ‘Cudas were produced, with only 59 made with a 4 speed combo. Check out the listing here.

This is why it’s always helpful for car listings to show all its rare options to clarify its authenticity. more information is better than less, especially for an expensive vehicle. In any case, if you are serious about this car, an individual inspection would be needed just for peace of mind. If everything does check out, this is definitely an investment-grade vehicle and a great example of a vintage muscle car.

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The post 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi, 1 of 59 appeared first on Muscle Car.

Sometimes when a project car is completely totalled, it’s the end of the ride, move on. Not the case with this 1967 Belvedere II owned by Cara Mackenzie. As you will read below, the rebuilt wasn’t just a quick respray or even a barebones restoration. The process also involved swapping out part of the whole chassis.

Much toil, sweat and years/tears later, the Belvedere is now a mashup of the best bits their could acquire. Read on for the full story…

‘The car was originally a 1967 Belvedere II. I owned her for about 7 years. We fixed some body work got her a new carb., an ignition setup, new rims and paint. Drove her almost everyday.

In early December my brother was driving her home when rain turned to a bad ice storm. He came over a hill when another car lost control and crossed 3 lanes before smacking into her. The damage totaled her out.
On the inside the dash was completely smashed from my brothers knees an the steering wheel broke in half and the windshield smashed. One of the torsion bars busted through the floor pan which split the firewall and busted the tranny. We saved the engine and most of the interior which then went into a ’66 Coronet.

After fighting with the insurance company and finally settling after 3 months, I got some cash to build her again. We found a 4 door donor car that had almost all we needed to fix it. So the chopping began.

After we got all the bad out we cut the two cars down the factory weld seems and then started piecing everything back together. Then we put in a big block K member and manual gear box. After that we put back the suspension and moved her out of the pit and over to the garage for the engine install. Amazingly, the doors closed perfectly on the first try!

She now has a 383 that’s been ported, deck with roller rockers, electronic ignition, aluminum intake and lots of other goodies. Still had some issues though. I wanted to keep her with the ’67 grille so we had to change the fenders. We had the left one still but had to find a right one as a replacement. I also went to a Mopar swap meet and got her new carpets and a console. Later we found completely redone bucket seats for her in a nice dark blue.

It’s been a ton of blood sweat and tears to get this far. After 2 years finally came time to turn the key again! She’s started up first time and sounds really, really good! The final bits will be installing the drive shaft and windshield and then she will be ready for a test drive.

Cara Mackenzie https://www.facebook.com/cara.mackenzie.98

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The post Charlotte The 66-67 Belvedere II Build By Cara Mackenzie appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

April 26th or ‘4-26’ is National Hemi Day and helping with the celebrations is the release of the monster Hellephant Hemi engine. The 426c.i. crate engine produces 1,000 horsepower and 950 lb-ft of torque and is now available for preorder.

A little history…
The hemispherical cylinder head(Hemi and trademarked by Chrysler) was first experimented with in 1945, in the Republic P47 Thunderbolt airplane. The first overhead valve V8s in vehicles were named ‘FirePower’ by Chrysler, with Dodge having a version called the ‘Red Ram’ and pushed forward versions up to 1957. It wasn’t until the second generation of Hemi’s in 1964 with the 426 Hemi, where things started to get interesting. Produced to hit NASCAR hard, production versions had to be produced to officailly compete in racing which were dropped into the Dodge Dart, Plymouth Fury and Dodge Coronet. The ‘Street’ Hemi was introduced in 1966 to enter the 1966 NASCAR season.

The third generation of Hemis started production in 2003 with a 5.7 L Hemi and then the 6.1L/ 369.7ci. V8, 6.4L / 392 Apache, 6.2L Hellcat and 6.2L Demon engines.

The Hellephant
The ‘Hellephant’ engine was first announced at the 2018 SEMA show, inspired by the 1964 426 elephant engine and joins the other Mopar madness of the 707-horsepower ‘Hellcrate’ engine, unveiled at the 2017 SEMA Show. The Hellephant is only available for pre-1976 muscle car vehicles due to emission laws in certain states. States without the inspection or emission clamps can happily drop this engine into any car you like, but needing the pre-requisite upgrades.

Hemi day itself will celebrate the debut 50 years ago of the mighty 426 HEMI engine. Mopar will post content through social media channels throughout the day. you want to help spread the word just simply add the hashtags #Hellephant and #HEMIday.

‘The reaction when we revealed the ‘Hellephant’ engine at the SEMA Show was just amazing, and the momentum continued after the show, with close to 1,000 people expressing interest in buying this engine,’ said Steve Beahm, Head of Parts & Service (Mopar) and Passenger Car Brands, FCA.

The Hellephant Hemi engine, part number P5160194 is priced at $29,995, with the Hellephant Engine Kit (part number 77072500,) costing $2,265 which allows plug and play installation of the whole setup. The engine kit comprises of an accelerator pedal, charge air temperature sensors, CAN bus interface device, chassis harness, fuel pump control module, ground jumper, engine wiring harness, powertrain control module (PCM), power distribution center and oxygen sensors. There are also other engine bay kits available from Mopar such as the Exhaust Manifold Kit and Rear Sump Oil Pan Kit which should make installation of the whole setup that bit easier.

The supercharged 426ci/7L Hellephant Hemi engine uses a number of factors to hit its power levels, which include 4 inches of stroke and a bore of 4.125 inches.
The supercharger has a high-efficiency rotor set mounted on an aluminium block, beefing everything up to the max 1,000HP.

Pre-ordered through www.cratehemi.com

The post 1,000-horsepower ‘Hellephant’ Helps Celebrates HEMI Day appeared first on Muscle Car.

The famed wheelstander Hemi Under Glass, owned and driven by Mike Mantel will get an update in 2020 with the Challenger platform. The original ’68 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi Under Glass was conceived by Hot Rod’s Ray Brock as an idea to George Hurst of Hurst Performance. The promise was to stick the engine in the back over the rear wheels to scream off the line. But due to its ability to pull wheelies, it soon became one of the most viewed exhibition cars across the United States and Europe. Originally driven by ‘Wild Bill” Shrewsberry, then Bob Riggle from 1966 – 1975 and 1992, before being owned by Mike Mantel.

For some the first sightings of the Hemi underclass was on Jay Leno’s Garage, driven by Bob Riggle, where the car took an unfortunate roll as in the video below. Fortunately, nobody was injured, but the video did bring the car to the wider masses and a brief look into such wild horse power levels.

For the new version a Gen 3 426 Hellephant V8 will be used having enough power to pop a wheelie down a 1/4-mile straight, producing 1,000Hp and 950 lb-ft of torque.

The original Hemi Under Glass will still tour with whatever new model is chosen and give fans a look into more than 50 years of history and how the brand has evolved over time.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post New Hemi Under Glass Debuts in 2020 appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The 1971 movie Two Lane Blacktop is a road movie which isn’t just a look at vintage muscle cars in their historical settings, but also 102 minutes of how Route 66 used to look before the Interstate Highway era. The movie centers around mechanic (Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys), driver (James Taylor) and their 1955 Chevy 210 two-door. The movie also stars Laurie Bird(the girl), Warren Oates(GTO) and directed by Monte Hellman.

Without giving away the plot, the guys go from town to town earning their way through drag races with lots of moody interplay, reminiscent of the times. The film wasn’t a commercial success, but it’s definitely up there with similar classic road movies like Vanishing Point and Easy Rider. Esquire magazine were impressed enough with the movie, naming it ‘The Film of the Year.’ Having the strapline, ‘their lives begin at 140 mph’ still sounds extremely impressive in 2019. Filming took place from California to Tennessee, over a two-month period and was quite a low-budget film for its time. ‘Blacktop’ by the way means asphalt roads.

As you’d expect with an American road movie featuring lots of drag races from the early 70s, there’s plenty of muscle car eye candy along the way. The main stand out vehicle is a 1970 Pontiac GTO 455-ci. Mark IV Ram-Air in Orbit Orange, with Rally II” stripes and spoiler options(not the ‘Judge’ version) driven by Warren Oates(GTO). Two GTO’s were use during filming, been described by screenplay writer Rudy Wurlitzer as, ‘The GTO is the consumer car par excellence, a metaphor for the consumer culture. It’s absurd, but in a great way.’ The 1955 Chevy 210 on the other hand, was described as, ‘The Chevy is the artist’s car, made and created by people who are in love with the process of building a car.’

In no particular order, there are also two 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sports, a red 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle, a 1969 AMC Javelin, 1970 Chevrolet El Camino, 1969 Chevrolet Impala, 1969 Chevrolet Nova, 1970 Dodge Charger, 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, 1968 Dodge Coronet, 1967 Mercury Cougar, 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S, 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda, 1966 Plymouth Barracuda, 1969 Plymouth Barracuda, 1970 Plymouth Duster, 1967 Plymouth Fury, 1969 Plymouth Fury and a 1966 and 1967 Pontiac GTO. Basically, a bit of everything vintage muscle car wise thrown into this film.

Many reviews say the movie is understated, mostly sparse with minimal dialogue, but this is also a reflection of the open landscapes and the much slower pace of movies from this era, rather than the short, quick editing we are used to in present-day. As a fan of vintage muscle cars this film should definitely be on your watchlist.

Here’s a link to the film on online 
Available on Amazon 

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The post 1971 Two Lane Blacktop Movie: Muscle Cars Galore appeared first on Muscle Car.

It seems that fans have been doing the design work for the manufacturers with what could be a future Plymouth Barracuda as you can see from the attached renders from Igor Alekseev at Artstation. DaimlerChrysler stopped the Plymouth brand in 2001, but it hasn’t stopped enthusiasts wishing for a modern version of the ‘Cuda, first entering production in 1964.

This render is probably one of the closest interpretations which could work in the real world, heavily influenced by the current Dodge Challenger. Cuda styled taillights, a small rear spoiler reminiscent of the AAR ‘Cuda, shaker hood and fender vents are all reminiscent of the heyday of Cudas.

Could the design make it into reality? Fiat Chrysler Automobiles renewed its trademark on the term ‘Cuda in the United States in 2017, previously in 2010 and then in 2015. Unfortunately, there is currently no news of a new ‘Cuda coming to light in the near future. However, if the powers that be see a viable design such as this one, it may just spur them into action.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post Plymouth Barracuda Fan Render: Nearest to a Real Thing? appeared first on Muscle Car.

One rare muscle car coming up for sale is exciting, but two of the same type is even better. However, in the case of the Dodge Charger 500, it’s not just the year and body style that are difference. In fact the closest similarities are that they are both Dodge Chargers and have the name 500.

The 1969 Charger 500 was produced to tip the scales in NASCAR. In an attempt to make the Charger R/T faster on the track as it suffered from aerodynamic problems at high speeds, the rear window was made flush with the roof with reshaped backlights and the front of the vehicle was given the 1968 Coronet grille which was flush with the front of the body. 500 models had to be officially produced to qualify as ‘stock’ for NASCAR. The 440ci. Magnum V8 was standard, with 67 models having the 426ci. Hemi V8. Depending on who you ask, there may have been 559 produced, while the common consensus puts the number at 392. Although the Charger 500 gained 18 victories in the 1969 NASCAR season, Ford mopped up 30 wins, which ultimately led to the release of the 1969 Charger Daytona and 1970 Plymouth Superbird.

In 1970 the Dodge Charger 500 was no longer a performance model but a trim level, being one of three versions available that year in the base model, 500 and R/T, with an oprional SE package available. The 500 came with a standard 318ci.V8 or a 383ci.V8 with 2 or 4 barrel carburettors. The 1970 Charger 500 adopted the stylistic changes made to the vehicle this year, the last for the second generation of Charger B-bodies. A single front grille, wraparound chrome bumper, electric headlight doors, redesigned taillight panel, faux air intakes in the doors and various interior changes. 1970 also saw the introduction of ‘high impact’ colors, e.g. Hemi Orange, Plum Crazy, Panther Pink, Top Banana, Go Mango and Go Green.

Dodge Charger VIN numbers begin with a ‘X’ and in the case of the 500, another ‘X’ to denote price class. ’29’ is for a two door hardtop, the 5th character for the engine, the six character for the model year and the 7th for the production plant.

This means the 1969 Charger 500 is a limited edition, street version of its racing counterpart and the 1970’s version is a standard issue model. The irony is that the 1969 Dodge Charger 500 is slightly rarer than the Charger Daytona or Plymouth Superbird, but doesn’t command as high a price or the same notoriety.

Clearly, both of the vehicles below are in fine condition, fully restored, numbers matching and fully documented, but it’s also good to know the differences between each model. In today’s market they are both vintage rarities, solid investments and fine examples of performance from their day.

1969 Dodge Charger 500 Numbers Matching
VIN: XX29L9B217178
Engine: 440ci. V8
Transmission: 3 Speed A727 Torqueflite Automatic
489 Case Open Rear End
2.76:1 Gear Ratio
Exterior Color: Green
White 500 Tail Stripe
Charger 500 Aero Package
Mileage: 55872
1 of 392 Built #102
Price: $89,900.00

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1970 Dodge Charger 500 Numbers Matching
VIN: XP29N0G202958
Engine: 383ci. V8 Single 4 Barrel
Transmission: 4 Speed A833 Manual
8 Rear End
Exterior Color: Go Green
Mileage: 70614
Current bid: $31,100.00

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The post 1969 and 1970 Dodge Charger 500s For Sale appeared first on Muscle Car.

VIN: RS23L8A253040
Engine: Super Commando 440ci./375HP
Transmission: Automatic
Exterior Color: Black velvet
Rear end: 3.23:1 sure grip
Mileage: 33266
Price: $49,000.00

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The Plymouth GTX was first introduced in 1967 as the Plymouth Belvedere GTX. Apart from a blacked out grille, nonworking fibreglass hood scopes, tachometer on the dash and few other visual treats, it was mostly a Belvedere muscle car with a high trim level. Engine options were the 440ci V8 and the 426 Hemi V8.

1968 saw the classic muscle car design come in on the Plymouth B-body with ‘Coke bottle’ styling and a complete redesign. The hardtops had no B-pillar, with dual stripes on each side and added more luxury above the lower-priced Roadrunner. Roadrunners sold more than double the GTX in 1968 as people wanted the performance and lower price of the Roadrunner, rather than the extra trim of the GTX. The Roadrunner was also lighter by 100 pounds.

This example of a 1968 Plymouth GTX is in beautiful condition, having been completely restored in 2009. Said to be numbers matching with a 440 V8 and rare white and blue interior, front buddy seat, with side peacock blue stripes and red stripe tires. The car also features a column shifter, power steering, power disc brakes and is registered in the Chrysler registry by Galen V Govier.

Interior shots of the car only show it halfway through the restoration process. Hopefully you get the rest of the interior on the final sale, but a few completed interior image shots would have helped.

It would have been nice if the listing showed the production numbers or images of any paperwork to back up any rarity claims. But in any case, this is a beautiful example of a 1968 Plymouth GTX. Not looking overt or overdone, but more like a fine example of a classic vehicle.
The price point isn’t the most expensive, nor the cheapest, but if everything checks out this GTX, it would make a very nice long term proposition.

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Mecum will be hosting a rather special auction this May in Indianapolis featuring the Juliano collection. The Plymouths in question are custom show cars from the Rapid Transit Caravan which were used as part of the marketing for the Rapid Transit System. The collection also includes 4 original Shelby Cobras, a Cheetah race car, a Plymouth Barracuda and a Dodge Dart Swinger concept car.

Juliano amassed the collection over 30 years, which also includes plenty of automotive art. Although a modified ‘Cuda was eventually out of reach to complete the collection and with Steven Juliano battling pancreatic cancer through the 2000s, the vehicles going to auction are still amazingly creative examples of their time.

The Rapid Transit Caravan was conceived to promote the Rapid Transit System at Plymouth, who hired Harry Bradley(GM and Hot Wheels designer) and Bob Larivee to hook up customizers to make the cars more youth inspired. The Rapid Transit Caravan travelled the US visiting Plymouth dealers and car shows, showing the complete package of the Rapid Transit System from high-performance parts, racing information, the cars and accessories.

Once the promotional tour of the caravan had ended, the vehicles used fell into obscurity, mainly because they were not factory correct. However, Juliano after a meeting with Ed Meyer, started to track down and collect these obscure vehicles and slowly over time started to bring back interest into these custom cars. The car is also rarely been shown in public with two out of the three been shown at Carlisle a few years ago and all three at Muscle Cars and Corvette Nationals last year for the first time in public.

The other vehicles in the auction consist of a 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster CSX2416, a 1967 Shelby 427 S/C Cobra Roadster CSX3042, a 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster CSX3173, 1965 Shelby Factory Stage III 289 Cobra Dragonsnake CSX2427, a 1963 Cheetah Race Car No. 4 of 11 built, 1969 Plymouth Barracuda Mod Top 340 CI, 1 of 937 produced and a 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger Concept Car.

1971 Plymouth Road Runner Rapid Transit, LOT R254

Job 169 and Serial No. 100016 pilot plant construction
Engine: 383 CI
Transmission: Automatic
Color: Orange Candy-over-Pearl with White Pearl break-line
Built by Chuck Miller of Styline Custom
Known as the as the ‘Chicken Head’ for the Road Runner side marker lights
Front end molded and extended over six inches
Hand-formed rear roll pan with concealed Red, Green and amber tail lenses
Ram Air induction scoops
Molded aerodynamic rear spoiler
Deck lid recessed over 4 inches
Bucket seats and center console
Custom Black pan wheel covers
OEM Interior
Miles: 1,300

1971 Plymouth Hemi Road Runner Rapid Transit, LOT R255

Engine: 426 CI. /425 HP
Transmission: Torqueflite Automatic
Color: Candy Gold with Pearl White roof
Dana 60 4.10 rear axle
150 MPH speedometer
Road Runner horn button on 3-spoke steering wheel
Enlarged air scoops
Flat Black deck lid and hood
Oversized Road Runner birds painted into the body
Rear wheel wells enlarged and flared out 4 inches
Molded rear spoiler
Bucket seats and center console
9 inch square Cibie headlights and plastic honeycomb grille
One-piece tail lens
Shaved handles
Ansen Sprint wheels
Bodywork by Roman’s Chariot Shop in Cleveland, Ohio
Restored by Ken Heckett in 2000
Miles: 1,700

1970 Plymouth Duster Rapid Transit

Engine: LA-series 340 CI. small block/275 HP, 4-barrel carburetor
Transmission: 4-Speed
Color: Green
Interior: White and Black bucket seat interior
Built by Byron Grenfel twice in 1970 and restyled in 1971
Dual exhaust with custom through-bumper exit
Functional brake air intakes
3.90 rear axle
Power brakes with front discs
Stewart Warner tachometer and auxiliary gauges
Solid State radio
Color-keyed mirrors
Dual fuel fillers
American Racing slotted Dragmaster wheels
Upper front-grille Duster psychedelic lettering
Custom headlamp enclosers
Custom OE-lensed tail lamps
green and yellow custom striping
Signed glovebox by Grenfel and RTS Show Promotions Manager Bob Larivee

Find out more here https://www.mecum.com/auctions/indianapolis-2019/collections/steven-juliano-estate-collection/

The post Rapid Transit Caravan Muscle Car Collection Heads For Auction appeared first on Muscle Car.

To the average onlooker, super cars are generally the fastest and usually the most expensive high-performance vehicles on the road. The preserve of the rich who want an exclusive vehicle with a 0-60mph time of under 4 seconds, a spaceship like design and is as highly bred as a prize-winning racehorse. The problem is most super cars need as much costly care and attention as most thoroughbreds.

However, there’s another breed of vehicle with just as much performance, with equal amounts of street cred., costs less and will not take a king’s ransom in maintenance bills. Muscle cars have the looks, performance, sound and design to rival super cars on all fronts. The designs may not be as wild, but the muscle car is based on more regular road going vehicles, i.e. more practical, if you can call it that, coming from cars that the average person could buy and still get high performance from back in the day.

Forget about muscle cars of the past having a reputation for sloppy suspension, ‘active’ rear axles and can drain a lake of fuel in 30 seconds( partly true). Today’s muscle cars have all the advance modern handling you could ever want and with horsepower levels(some models hitting 800HP+)and a price tag of a regular performance vehicle. That’s alot to offer as an alternative to a supercar.

On a side note, the sticklers for definitions may have come across the Wikipedia post for muscle cars, stating the original term for the breed was not a muscle car, but a supercar. It’s still not hundred percent verified if this is true or not, so if anyone out there has any information on this point it will be most helpful, so please comment below.

Anyways, the vehicles listed below might just tempt you from buying your next Bugatti, giving you just as much speed and you’ll still have enough money left over to buy one or two villas in the Algarve.

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

The Dodge Hellcat has now become the template and flag bearer for the rest of the Dodge line-up. No surprise with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 707HP, 650 lb-ft of torque and practical enough to use every day. For 2019 the horses have been increased to 717 with 656 lb-ft of torque, producing a 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with prices starting at $58,650.

The engine and its DNA have even made its way into the Trackhawk SUV. An SUV with 707HP will make any school run that much more interesting, something you definitely can’t do in a supercar.

Dodge Challenger Redeye

What do you do if you didn’t have chance to get your greasy paws on one of the 3300 limited edition Dodge Demons? Buy a Dodge Challenger Redeye of course. The Redeye can be seen as a more readily available, road going version of the Dodge Demon with a more sedate 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Prices start around $71,350.

You can have your cake and eat it with this vehicle. Supercar power and performance and the ability to be used on a regular basis. Further down the line up with the same looks, you can buy into the R/T Scat Pack with the ubiquitous 392 Hemi V8 having 485 horsepower with prices starting at $38,995.

How can you tell the Redeye apart from the rest of the Hellcat lineup? The cat logo has, well ….a redeye, literally… and a dual scoop hood.

Ford Mustang GT500

We could have easily listed the Ford Shelby GT350R, the Boss 302 or the GT here, but the Ford Mustang GT500 for 2020 is planned to be the most powerful yet with 700HP, 0-60mph in the mid 3sec. range and a quarter of under 11 seconds. On releases the car is definitely lined up to be competition to a supercar. Features like a hand built all aluminium engine, seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and forged conrods, means the new GT500 is all about performance.

No prices released as yet, but no matter the price its still going be cheaper than a supercar. But will it have the prestige, exclusivity and desirability of a super car? Basically, yes.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The Vette maybe more sports car, but it still covers all the bases for the muscle car classification. It’s also the nearest in design to a supercar here. A 6.2L Supercharged V8 producing 650HP and good for 0-60mph in 2.95 seconds and a quarter-mile in 10.95 seconds @ 127mph. Very track orientated with coupes starting around $81,995 MSRP. That’s a lot of power and performance for the money.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Just like the Mustang, the Camaro has been around for literally millions of years, originally coming from Chevrolet’s COPO special-order system which upgraded the Camaros of the time with huge 427 Big Block engines. Ridiculously powerful than and now. For 2019 the ZL1 will have a 6.2L V8 LT4 supercharged engine producing 650HP through a six speed manual or 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. This will be good for 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.4 seconds at 127 mph.

The ZL1 1LE version like the models above have a host of extra options available which can include carbon fibre rear wings, dive planes on the front fascia, upgraded brakes and suspension and a more track focused set up.

Conclusion
There are clearly far more vehicles in the muscle car group to choose from, old to new and even customized versions. Tuning outfits such as Hennessey regularly crank up the power of muscle cars through their upgrade kits to over 1,000HP. Older muscle cars such as the Plymouth Hemi Barracuda or Chevelle SS 454 still have the reputation and solid muscular looks, coupled with the worth of a classic car.

Dodge, Chevrolet and Ford still produce the most well-known and potent muscle and pony cars(that term is another story!) All of their top-of-the-line models are easy contenders against super cars for a fraction of the cost. If you want to dig into classic muscle cars, there are plenty more makes to choose from and although they will need a lot more TLC than modern vehicles, but there are many that still have ridiculous horsepower levels for their times.

In all, muscle cars may not be as ‘exclusive’ as a super car, but pound for pound no one comes away from driving one without a smile on their face from the raw attitude.

The post 5 Muscle Cars Faster Than Super Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

When you talk about muscle cars and which are the good and bad picks, there are so many to choose from, as the breed goes back decades. In this category you can basically lump in pony cars, which include the Ford Mustang and Camaro and even from these two models there’s a huge variety to choose from.

Like any breed of car, there are some general guidelines to follow for which are the good and bad years, the engines are models to look out for and even certain options. But there are even caveats to what are considered the bad years of certain models, where people have given the utmost care to their vehicle and got the most from what they had or even converted them into something better. Generalizing, 80s and 90s aren’t exactly known for their outstanding performance, but many have been given upgraded powertrains, suspension and brakes and turned into a completely different beast. The upside of this route is that they are far cheaper than other models to buy into.

One of the overall considerations with vintage models is dealing with technology that is over 30 years old. This means no matter the make or model, it’s going to need a lot more TLC and constant maintenance there anything made in the last 10 years. In that respect, problems that were inherent in the original car, may be problems that arise in any vintage vehicle. It just goes with the territory.

So, here we move on to some of the general muscle cars which are considered good and bad picks, like if you were in the scenario of just laying down your cash and driving away a well maintained vehicle. If you want to really generalise about the good and bad, its generally accepted that the late 60s and early 70s muscle cars are the best picks for classic designs any huge displacement engines. The 80s and 90s had a few standout vehicles depending on your preference, but then we’re into the 2000’s and beyond for when the modern movement of muscle cars started to take hold with just as big displacement and modern handling.

These ‘buys’ and ‘avoids’ are generalisations as it’s always down to the individual vehicle, how they are maintained and what you get out of them personally.

Avoid
Buick Regal Sports Coupe – the second-generation models brought out some classics like the Grand National and GNX, but the Regal Sports Coupe was not in the same ballpark. Loads of maintenance and a luxury car with not the greatest performance.
Pontiac Grand Prix – quite a modern and stylish front-end, but too much torque for its platform and didn’t have the greatest of handling.
Early 80’s Chevrolet Camaro – the Fox body Mustang started to come into its own by the end of its generation, but the 1982 model was seriously underpowered. Like many Fox bodies, much better to replace the drive train and turn it into a street racer.
Chevrolet Monza – the car has a Italian Grand Prix circuit name, but an in line 4 made it weak and not the greatest with handling.
Second generation Mustang – it seems around the mid-1970s to the early 80s, muscle car design and engines just lost the plot. sleek designs turned into….well, something else and engine performance dropped like a stone. The Mustang II is an example of this – a V6 with weak performance and handling.
Chevrolet Vega – it tried to look like a second-generation Camaro, but was plagued with problems and was poorly built.
Mercury Capri RS Turbo – the same powertrain as the Mustang, but had terrible styling and design. Europe ironically had their own Capri from Ford at the same time, which was a success but really didn’t like the rain…..
Second generation Dodge Challenger and Charger – By 1975 it was almost like Dodge had a bang on the head and had completely forgotten how to make a muscle car. Both models tried to go down the luxury route with weak engines and completely different designs. Definitely the wilderness years.
Seventh generation Chevrolet Impala – the great vehicle of the late 60s and early 70s eventually suffered like the rest of the muscle car market, from emission controls, higher insurance and stuffed with smaller engines. But by 1994, it turned into a front wheel drive machine and a shadow of its past designs.

Buy
First generation Ford Mustang – this era produced the classic designs we know today and with many examples produced, even the base models are a classic to own. They also benefit from having loads of parts available to buy.
Second-generation Chevrolet Chevelle SS – a 1969-1970 with either a 396ci. or 454ci. V8 is arguably one of the most classic and iconic muscle cars around. Gorgeous design and huge, powerful engines.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette – the Sting Ray is a classic vintage design, with the 1963 model hitting the nail on the head for sleekness and performance.
1970 Plymouth Superbird – although they didn’t sell very well at the time, it is now one of the most standout muscle cars with such a recognisable design. You will need deep pockets to buy one in good condition these days.
Dodge Charger Daytona – just like the Superbird, this winged warrior is now an ultra rarity, especially with a Hemi engine. Distinctive design and amazingly fast for its time.
1987 Buick GNX – the 80s wasn’t a great time for the muscle car, but the Buick GX stood out with great performance and a distinctive 80’s look. A collectors item today and highly distinctive.
Chevrolet Nova – The great thing about the Nova is that its a great platform to be customised. A simple design and a solid performer, the best being the third generation vehicles. There are also plenty around for reasonable money. SS models being the most desirable, like many Chevy’s of the time.
Second generation Dodge Charger – the 1968 to 1970 Dodge Charger is probably one of the most recognisable muscle cars. With a 440ci. V8 it’s definitely the poster boy of this era of muscle cars.
Plymouth Barracuda – the third generation, going in pecking order from 1970-1974 are a classic design in the muscle car world and fetch some of the highest prices. You’ll need deep pockets to get hold of one of these.
Plymouth Road Runner – The Roadrunner is almost the standardbearer for the muscle car. Running from 1968 to 1974, the first two generations embodied everything you would want from a muscle car. Muscular looks and huge engines. The most distinctive probably being a 1969 or 1970 model with a 440ci. or 426 Hemi V8.

There are clearly loads more models which have to be evaluated on their own individual merits. These also include modern muscle cars from both Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet. Ford with the GT, GT350 and GT500, variations of the Dodge Challenger and Charger like the Hellcat and Chevrolet with the Camaro ZL1. Modern examples of muscle cars may be a better choice if you don’t want the ongoing maintenance of a vintage vehicle, but you can’t beat those old school muscle car designs and if well maintained can last you a lifetime.

The post The Muscle Cars You Should Buy Or Avoid appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Like any long standing movement, there’s generally not one specific moment where all ideas are invented, but more a series of steps and standout points in time which culminate in a high point. This is the case with muscle cars where the golden years can be argued to be the late 60s and early 70s, but there were pivotal years over a few decades before which built to this high point.

In this article from sturgisjournal.com, there is an account of 1962 being one of the years ‘that muscle car performance kicked off in high gear.’ It is a nostalgic recount of the year and focuses on four main brands being, ‘The 413 Dodges/Plymouths, the 409 Chevys, the 406 Fords and the 421 Pontiacs.’

The full article is definitely worth a read. There is nothing like a first-hand account of what makes, models and engines were used at the time and in this case, how they fared on the track. Heavy cars with big, heavy, powerful engines were the order of the day. by 1964, the fashion was more mid-sized vehicles, ‘Led by the ’64 Pontiac GTO, the Chevy Chevelle and Ford Fairlane.’ The other great standout quote is, ‘ the year 1962 sticks out like no other as the year you could walk into your dealer, plunk down the cash and drive out with a 13-second super stocker you could race that evening.’ Raw, cubic inch power was the state-of-the-art for the times and still very accessible to the average guy.

If you want a more general overview of the muscle car era, then you can delve into the two books below, which are previewed on Google books to get back history on the muscle car era. It’s always a good idea to get information from a bunch of sources, as you will always find slightly different accounts of what happened when and to whom.

In this book, Motion Performance: Tales of a Muscle Car Builder, page 15 states how small, niche car makers of the 1950’s designed many prototypes, examples like the Bocar(Corvette powered) and the Kaiser Darrin. Lots of innovation and creativity when the automobile platform was still simple enough to make wildly different creations. Some of these creations inspired the biggest carmakers, which led to some of the classics we have today.

The book American Muscle Cars: A Full-Throttle History, describe some of the early years of the muscle car and some of the pivotal years.

Some standout vehicles of 1962 include the Chevrolet Corvair Monza Spyder, Chevrolet Corvette C1, 1962 Plymouth Sport Fury, 1962 Ford Fairlane, 1962 Oldsmobile F-85 Jetfire, 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix and 1962 Studebaker Hawk Gran Turismo.

A 1962 Pontiac Super Duty 421 which easily had 450HP may seem very basic by today’s standards, but you’re talking about engineering that is over 50 years old and even now the horsepower rating is impressive, as is the beautiful contours of design, based more on an aesthetic than a computer-generated readout. Looking at the car designs today, seems more like automotive artwork than purely functional design. Couple this with great horsepower and you really couldn’t ask more for your money.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

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By Dave Ashton

The Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals just celebrated its 10th annual showing this past weekend, showing off some of the best muscle cars in existence.

There were so many tasty vehicles at the event, no matter your preference. The very rare came in the form of vehicles like COPO Camaros, a 427 Corvette, pristine originals like a 1970 Dodge Super Bee 440-6 Pack, 971 Dodge Challenger Convertible, 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner and a 1970 Pontiac GTO convertible more shiny and polished than a pristine mirror.

To get a good idea of the event here are some choice videos which will give you a nice walk around many of the vehicles on show.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post Choice Picks From The Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Sigh (or big exhale sound), it seems on a regular basis muscle car fans have to defend their favourite breed of car, especially in a modern environment where the mindset is moving towards words like ‘eco’, ‘electric’, ‘hybrids’, etc. The inspiration for this article was from reading a post on titled, ‘25 Glaring Problems With Muscle Cars Everyone Just Ignores.‘

The post starts with looking at a little back history of the muscle car, more or less starting with the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88, then outlining modern versions like the Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, then on to the so-called ‘problems’.

You can follow the link above for the full explanations, but they essentially are listed as points like oil change required more often, new parts not available, needing special insurance, poor fuel economy, needing expensive fuel, no good for a daily commute, fluid leaks, bad suspension, poor brakes, expensive to buy, even one of them being manual transmission.

It’s almost like every thing that can be wrong with a vehicle is stuffed into the inherent problems of a muscle car. In some ways it even feels like the post is grasping at straws with items like – questions from fans, different to drive and hot in the summer. It doesn’t feel like a direct attack on muscle cars per se, rather than a lets pad this out to 25 points, thing.

If anyone has looked even briefly into the breed of muscle cars, they will know that the golden era was from the late 60s – 1970s, clearly now being vintage vehicles and also being in the high performance category. Being vintage vehicles in most cases, strikes out most of the caveats ever thrown at muscle cars.

We are talking about vehicles which are over 40 years old which people are still driving and maintaining today. They have the technology of the late 1960s and early 1970s. By today’s standards of technology that may seem very antiquated, especially with things like carburettors, disc. brakes, suspension, etc. Parts are available generally by OEM suppliers, apart from the rarest items, so no problem there. Therefore, if you take any technology still being used today from that time period it will inherently need extra maintenance, it goes with the territory. Which is why the constant comparison from that time period compared to now is just a null point.

Look at the engineering of any car from anywhere around the globe from that time period. Drum brakes, leaf spring suspension, carburettors. It’s ironic that for example the E-type Jaguar isn’t compared to modern day vehicles or its faults, like a muscle car would be. The E-type has a 4.2-litre V6 with 265 bhp. An iconic, great looking vehicle, but completely antiquated towards today’s standards. Show the E-type a picture of a rain cloud and it will turn to iron oxide quicker than Clark Kent to Superman.

Modern muscle
But let’s lump in modern muscle cars. Poor fuel economy, expensive fuel, no good for a daily commute, expensive to buy, even bad for the environment are some of the points listed in the article. Starting with the fuel side of things and maintenance. These are performance vehicles and like an expensive racehorse, they need more attention and care than a regular vehicle, much more for the older models. Newer cars are are better on fuel economy and have many more creature comforts making them decent for a daily driver.

in the US, registration fees are the same no matter what vehicle you have and taxes are too as long as there is no ‘gas guzzler’ tax. I would argue that modern muscle cars aren’t as bad for the environment as emissions technology and catalysts are leaps and bounds better than they were 10 and even 20 years ago. They might not be on the zero emissions or PZEV list but they are surely much better than older carburetor vehicles with no catalysts. Modern muscle cars can easily be used every day, but they are not exactly designed per se for the school run.

When you start mentioning eco-friendly vehicles, the muscle car almost seems like the antithesis or poster boy. Huge engine and low fuel economy. However, muscle cars are such a small percentage of the total amount of vehicles ever built and currently on the roads, you could probably have them all running 24/7 and they still wouldn’t even make an impact when you take into the account all the other vehicles ever made and what is pumped out by industry. Even when everything goes completely electric, the sound of a mighty, rumbling V8 engine with all its pleasing vibrations will be a nice reminder of why human beings wanted more power and performance from their vehicles in the first place.

The elephant in the room
One big elephant in the room (not the new 426 hemi…ahem), which is rarely talked about and why muscle cars can easily get a bad rap globally is ‘refinement’ perception. Generally speaking, if you’re from Europe an American vehicle is probably the last on your list. Maybe even the east and beyond. Go to Australia and they love their muscle cars, but they also had their own breed. But it’s mainly down to the refinement or image thing.

Muscle cars have traditionally been seen outside of the US as being more of a ham-fisted way to approach performance, especially in the old days. Basic engineering and if you wanted more power, stuff in more cubic inches was the perception. But this is a very generic and blase way to look at things.

Ballet and hip-hop dancing are both legitimate art forms, but Ballet is seen as the more refined. A fillet steak meal and a hamburger can be equal in quality, nutrition and taste, but the steak is seen as more refined. Some of the old Italian cars of the same period, which are so revered today are no better in technology and need just as much maintenance and breakdown even more, but somehow are seen as more refined. But the loud, brash image works to the muscle car’s advantage. It’s a bit like rock music which will always have its haters, but those who love the genre are in it for life, a dedicated, long-lived following. Other genres have come and gone, but a smaller dedicated group will always last the longest.

It’s actually quite surprising that all the vintage muscle and pony cars are as popular as ever and still being driven, arguably the most popular breed of vintage vehicle. This has to be testament to what they deliver to their owners. They will need lots of maintenance, but it goes with the territory of maintaining a vintage car. However, the benefits outweigh all the caveats and they are still some of the most raw and fun vehicles around to drive. The bottom line is, lovers or haters of the muscle car, as long as they are being talked about they will be front of mind and that’s the point to keeping the breed going.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post Addressing The Negatives Of The Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

VIN: BS23R1B295999
Engine: 426 Hemi V8
Transmission: A727 TorqueFlite 3 Speed Automatic
Color: Rallye Red
2,010 mile
Price: $1,179,900.00

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

Some of you may ponder from time to time what is the most expensive muscle car? Topping the charts is a 1971 Hemi Cuda Convertible 4-Speed which sold at Mecum in 2014 for $3.5 million. that particular one was 1 of 11. So, the buzzwords are 1971, Hemi and convertible if you want to charge top dollar. Which brings us onto this listing being a 1971 Cuda 426 Hemi in Rallye Red. This one is a hardtop but still wanting an eye watering $1.1 million asking price.

This one is still dressed in its original paint having done only 2,010 mile. There’s lots of rare options here, FE5 Rallye Red lacquer, V1X black vinyl top, 426 hemi V8, A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission. as you’d expect from asking price like this, it has a full documented back history and build sheet.

Clearly in immaculate condition, you are obviously playing top dollar for this vehicle, but it’s also the rarest of its breed.

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post 1971 Plymouth Barracuda 426 Hemi Highest Optioned Survivor appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Dropping a new engine into a vintage vehicle might take some reworking what about a complete modern chassis and engine with a vintage shell on top. This is the case with a third generation Dodge Viper chassis and engine with the outward looks of a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda.

The whole building was put together by Street Ciudad Juárez, Mexico and his company Toys Hot Rods & Customs. a lot of the interior from the third generation Viper was also used along with the 8.3-liter V-10 engine, frame and chassis. Adapting both platforms to fit seamlessly took some major reworking which runs throughout the car from chassis to engine. The engine itself is given a Paxton NOVI 2000 supercharger pushing the power to 710 horsepower. The transmission is a Tremec T56 six-speed manual while keeping the Vipers limited slip differential.

The chassis has also been lengthened to fit the Cuda body, with a few external cues like badging to hint at its Viper internals.

You can check out the full build by their gallery on Facebook.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post A Plymouth Barracuda With A Dodge Viper Heart appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Engine: 440 Super Commando
Transmission: 4 speed Maual
Exterior Color: Orange
Mileage: 64000
Price: $147,500.00

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

There are allegedly 2,783 Superbirds originally built with around 1,000 survivors. I wish this one had given more details in the ad. about the overall car, so i’m presuming here that this is the 440ci. Super Commando 4 barrel V8 originally with 375 hp. This is an unrestored survivor, with only one repaint in the past and is in remarkably good condition considering its age. it still has its original spare wheel, Jack and trunk mat.

The car also comes with the original VIN tag, fender tag, door stickers and two build sheets. for a car that’s never been restored and is only one paint job and its life, it’s in remarkably good condition. Even that vinyl top looks hardly worn. It’s not perfect condition time capsule, Everything is very nice and clean here. The engine compartment and valve covers are properly in the worst condition showing some rust spots.

There are one or two manual 440 Superbirds currently for sale wanting around $175-180k, but in better condition and have a stamp of approval from the likes of Galen Govier. However, this one is unrestored apart from the one repaint, which means that the asking price maybe just about bang on. On the surface it looks like it needs more of a thorough cleanup than a restoration and being a manual transmission car, this will add to its long-term value.

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post 1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 Numbers Matching Survivor appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

VIN: BS27H1B168759
Engine: H-code E55 340ci. V8/4bbl
Transmission: D32 Torqueflite 727 Automatic
Exterior Color: GY3 Curious Yellow
Interior: X9 black
V3X black convertible top
Mileage: 22,487
Price:US $135,000.00

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

This is definitely a fine specimen of a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible, which is said to be numbers matching and has had a complete rotisserie restoration. The car comes fully documented with original build sheet and is 1 of 102 convertibles built with a a H-code E55 340/4bbl and D32 Torqueflite 727 automatic transmission. The car also has additional equipment such as the J45 hood pins and A36 performance axle package.

This one has reasonably low mileage with only 22,487 miles on the clock and has previously been invited to the 2016 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago.

So, this is an exceptionally high quality convertible Cuda with some rare options, good enough to take instantly to any car show. The only real downside here is that it is a 340ci. V8, but anything bigger engine wise and you’ll be seriously increasing the price. even so, the asking price of $135k is still substantial. On the right day you could possibly pick up a 440ci. V8 version for the same money, but it may not have the rare options, especially in a convertible.

1971 Cudas will always retain their value and specimens like this will only ever increase in value. Still a worthy purchase, especially for a Cuda dressed in GY3 Curious Yellow.

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible, 1 of 102 appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

It seems that all the elephant type innuendos seen in the last few teaser videos from Mopar were correct. At this years SEMA show Mopar unveiled a staggering 1,000-HP create engine named the Hellephant, (get it…hellcat….elephant..) available early next year.

The naming structure clearly comes from the ubiquitous modern Hellcat engine crossed with Chryslers famous 1964 426ci. V8 named the ‘elephant engine.’ The original engine was a huge power plant that only went into 11,000 original Chrysler vehicles including the Dodge Coronet, Dodge Dart and Plymouth Fury, mainly due to its cost of build.

As well as the 1,000 horsepower the 426ci/7L supercharged engine will produce 950 pound-feet of torque, coming as a kit specifically for pre-1976 vehicles. The whole kit is designed to be as plug and play as possible with everything you will need from a powertrain control module, sensors, fuel pump control module, water pump, front sump oil pan, fuel injectors, coil packs and the like. You can also buy a Mopar front end accessory kit which has an alternator, power steering pump, pulleys and belts included. Mopar will clearly have every accessory you will need to get this colossus engine running smoothly.

Clearly the design is in part from the Hellcat, but has 4.0 inches of stroke with a 4.125 inch bore. Also a full aluminium block for weight saving, valve covers from the upcoming Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye and valves, locks and valve trains coming straight from the Dodge Demon. In other words, you’re getting a bit of everything from the top end of the Dodge line thrown into this mix here with the added wallop of power.

To debut the engine at this years SEMA show, Mopar elected to not just show off the engine by itself, but also in a custom 1968 Dodge Charger. The ‘Super Charger’ concept was there to show the potential kind of vehicle this new engine would eventually go into. The Super Charger features the Hellephant with a six speed manual transmission and other internals coming from the current Charger SRT Hellcat. The body itself has been customised with a wide body, front wheels 2 inches forward and a wheelbase increased from 117 inches to 119 inches.

To increase the stance, the body has been dropped by 2.5 inches at the back and 3.5 inches upfront, with six piston Brembo brakes all-round behind 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the back. The interior has also been customised with some nicely placed Hellephant logos such as on the steering wheel and glow blue dials on the dash. The whole car package represents the ultimate in what you could expect from a customised Dodge Charger.

The engine will hopefully be available in the first quarter of 2019 with prices to be released.

Mopar SEMA press Conference (the engine stuff started at 11 mins.)

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post Mopar 1,000-HP Hellephant Crate Engine Announced At SEMA appeared first on Muscle Car.

Does the cost of car repairs threaten your financial stability? Then you need to know what your auto repair financing options are.

Bad credit scores are incredibly common. Close to one out of three Americans have bad credit. Just a few small mistakes can push your credit score down from good or fair to bad. If you’re one of those people with bad credit, don’t feel bad — it can happen to the best of us. Instead, start taking the steps to get your financial life back on track.

Getting auto repair financing can help ensure that surprise car repairs won’t make your financial health worse. Wondering how to get this financing even when you have bad credit? In this guide, we’ll show you how — keep reading to learn more!

What is Poor Credit?

Not sure if you have poor credit? Let’s take a look at how to tell where your credit score stands.

Bad credit usually means you’ve missed or made late payments on your credit agreements. If it doesn’t seem like you can pay back the money you’ve borrowed in a timely matter, your credit score falls.

This is dangerous because all you have to do is forget a couple of payments to get into poor credit territory. Even with the best of intentions, a bad financial month or a forgotten payment can mess up your score.

Credit scores span from 300 to 850. Once your score is under 650, you’re approaching poor credit territory. Anything under 630 is generally considered bad credit. A score from 630 to 689 is considered fair credit, while anything above that is good or excellent.

If you have poor credit or even fair credit, it can be hard to finance the auto repairs you need. However, it’s not impossible — let’s take a look at what you can do.

How to Pay for Car Repairs With No Money

If you don’t have available funds or good credit, you can still get your car fixed! Try one of these strategies to make it happen.

1. Open a Credit Card

Getting a credit card might seem like the last thing someone with poor credit should do. However, there are some types of cards that are designed for people with low credit scores, so you can build your credit back up. If you use this card to make car repairs accessible, it’s a win-win. Your car gets fixed and your credit score gets better.

You can even pre-qualify for some of these cards without a hard credit inquiry. Since the credit inquiry will lower your score a little bit, this is a good choice when you want to protect the points you still have. However, keep in mind that the interest rates and fees on these cards tend to be high. The sooner you can pay it off, the better.

2. Try an Auto Loan

Sometimes, it makes more financial sense to get a new car than to repair the one you have. If your car is totaled or needs lots of expensive repairs, consider the benefits of getting a new car with an auto loan instead.

There are bad credit loans designed for people with low credit scores here, too. Be sure to compare lenders to make sure you can get the best possible terms.

3. Take Out a Personal Loan

Personal loans can also be a great way to pay for car repairs when you don’t have enough funds on our own.

Unsecured loans tend to have better interest rates and terms. However, a secured loan might be easier to get if you have a low credit score. Secured loans use collateral, such as your house, to back the value of your loan. As long as you have the collateral, this type of loan can help you save money on interest.

Of course, these loans can be risky — if you can’t pay it back, you’ll lose the collateral. If you’re not comfortable with that idea, try getting an unsecured loan. But be aware that these are harder to get with bad credit.

4. Try Negotiating

Another good way to get your repairs done is to start by negotiating with the mechanic. You might be able to talk them down to a more reasonable price, so you don’t have to seek out as much financing.

Ask them if they offer payment plans you could apply for or discounts that are applicable to your needs. Be polite and professional — they’re more likely to help you out if you’re willing to work with them on a plan that’s best for both of you.

5. Consider a Pawn Shop Loan

Pawn shop loans are fast and simple to get, even with bad credit.

To get a loan from a pawn shop, you bring in an item or items to pawn. They’ll loan you money based on the estimated value of the item. You can get these loans right away, and they’re secured using the thing you pawned as collateral.

Of course, these loans are also risky — if you can’t pay them back fast enough you could lose your things. But they are a fast way to get immediate money if you have valuables to work with.

6. Compare Prices

Make sure to never commit to paying a mechanic until you’ve shopped around for the best deal. Sometimes, another mechanic or auto shop will offer a lower price or a better payment plan.

Get quotes from a few different places, and tell them that you’re comparing before you decide — they might offer you an even better deal to make sure you choose them to do the work.

Don’t Wait to Get Auto Repair Financing

When you need auto repair financing and can’t get it, your whole life can get put on hold. You might have to neglect errands or take time off from your job that involves your car.

With these ideas for emergency car repair loans and money-saving tips, you won’t need to put things on hold anymore.

Once you don’t have to worry about car repairs, you can start saving up money and getting your finances organized. Someday, you might even save up the funds to buy a new car! If a muscle car is the car of your dreams, check out our muscle car statistics here.

The post 6 Auto Repair Financing Tips for Drivers with Poor Credit appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Mopar have just released a teaser video ahead of the 2018 SEMA show titled, ‘Something Big Is Coming.’ That ‘something big’ could have something to do with the first generation Dodge Charger as featured in the video clip.

The video starts off with what looks like two fiery cat paw prints, which then seem to be stood on by what looks like two elephant imprints or at least that’s what it looks like to me. A first-generation Dodge Charger then comes into view and then the ubiquitous Mopar logo, with a link to crateHemi.com. Could this be a reference to Chrysler’s old 426ci. Hemi V8 which was nicknamed the ‘elephant engine’ which only found its way into the Dodge Coronet, Dart and Plymouth Fury.

At this point, if you visit the crateHemi.com website it gives away nothing more than the teaser video with text saying that all will be revealed at this years SEMA show. No giveaways there.

Therefore, it may be likely that a 426 Hemi V8 maybe a new offering from Mopar, especially with SEMA being a hotbed for after markets customised vehicles. Having the cat-like paw prints show on the bottom of the elephant prints may mean this new engine is based on the hellcat engine, at the least taking most of its DNA. Very likely with the popularity of the engine.

With the SEMA show fast approaching on October 30th, we don’t have long to wait before all is revealed.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

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By Dave Ashton

Engine: 426 Hemi V8
Transmission: 727 Automatic
8 3/4 rear end
Exterior Color: QQ Electric Blue
Mileage: 54,000
Current Price: $75,100.00

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

Depending on the condition, you can pick up a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner from around $10k for a completely battered example to over $100k. The top prices are going to be for examples with a Hemi engine and in spotless condition. This one seems to tick the boxes of a truly high-end Road Runner 1 of 169 hard top built that year and 1 of 61 with an automatic transmission.

The 1968 Roadrunner cost $740 more than its base price of $2,800 for the Hemi option. This one unfortunately has a 426 Hemi engine but it’s a ‘period correct’ replacement. The transmission and rear end do seem to be original.

QQ Electric Blue and Black bench seat interior, the car has had a full rotisserie restoration and keeping everything original has redline radials and painted wheels with dog dish caps. Other original points include – Original heads, manifold, valve covers & twin 4BBL carbs. and original factory radio.

We’ve seen this advertised elsewhere for $99,500, but as the engine is a replacement the final price can be more subjective than anything. A numbers matching Hemi Roadrunner will probably be around $120k. If you consider that you can pick up a 383ci. Roadrunner for around $40k in the same condition, is the replacement Hemi worth the extra cost? Possibly, as sourcing and fitting your own date correct 426 Hemi could be $25k+ any day of the week.

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post 1968 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi V8 J Code – 1 Of 61 appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Finding vital statistics on any muscle car has never been easier since the birth of the Internet. Before that, people had to wade through countless magazines, a limited supply of books and still some of the information may not be verified. We’ve got a much easier time today, but it’s still a good idea to have a few bookmarks of ways you can start an investigation for any type of muscle car at your fingertips.

Generic knowledge sites like Wikipedia are a good starting point, but its specialist websites that usually have the best nitty-gritty bits of information that are missed elsewhere. Below a breakdown of some of the resources you can start with when researching your own makes and models. We’ve also added links to our own website for each make. Another port of call is social media groups. Joining a few on the likes of Facebook for your particular make and model and asking a few questions, may not just uncover the information you need, but also get you involved with many like-minded people.

As another general plug on one of our past posts, you could try out our ultimate list of American muscle cars which gives a link to the majority of the main types of muscle cars.

AMC
For AMC vehicles TheAMCForum.com is a great place to stop for any AMC car from 1968 to 1974. Although a lot of the forum still has participation, many people have moved over to social media for discussion. Making things like Facebook groups a good stop off point. The forum still has tons of information which wont go out of date.

Buick
From young to old, you can find a lot of things on Buicks at the Sloan Museum.  It’s mainly a centre for Buick information, but you can find other stuff for vehicles produced in Flint, Michigan. You’re going to have to pay for the information, but that should also mean more accurate research. Individual car listings are also quite good these days in giving you production numbers and engine starts, basically as it verifies how much a car is worth.

Chevrolet
Chevy and GM have a lot of information to wade through, but one first stop could be the GM Heritage Center. The National Corvette Restorers Society is also good for production numbers. Being such a big carmaker there is also plenty of museums – the Chevrolet Hall of Fame, the Corvette Museum and the California Automobile Museum.

Mopar
The Mopar name is everything from the Fiat Chrysler group. An all-inclusive name for Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, Imperial and DeSoto vehicles. Galen Govier is one of the foremost experts. Darrell Davis series of books is good for Dodge and Plymouths. Mymopar.com is not as maintained as it used to be, but its still got lots of old threads of information as a start point. You also have Allpar.com which has literally tons of information on Mopars.

Ford and Mercury
You can find lots of examples of Fords and Cougars(the cars, not the…….) or anything in general by Mercury to wade through. Marti Reports are the top paid service for anything Ford, also standard for official verification for selling a Ford vehicle.

Oldsmobile
Oldsmobile comes under the GM banner, as with Buick, Chevrolet and Pontiac, but better to seek out info. for the individual models. The GM Heritage Center have levels of records for a fee, but there are some free documents as here on the 442. Like most of the vehicles listed on our website we try to get as much information as possible, from engine sizes to production stats., so supplement this information, with social media user groups.

Pontiac
There are quite a few resources online for Pontiacs. Jim Mattison’s PHS Automotive Services is again a paid for service but will give you everything for your particular model. The GM Heritage Center is again a the port of call, as is the Pontiac-Oakland Museum.

Like all these resources above, its a good idea to double check the information on a few different websites before concluding your search. Paid for services should be the most accurate and should give you the stamp of approval when selling a car, but free resources can be as good for your own research. The lists of information is growing all the time, so hopefully the ones above will give you good start point.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post Muscle Car Statistics appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The visual appeal of a muscle car is one of its standout features. Its name echoes its design. Muscular looks, with strong flowing lines straight from the factory. The additional benefit of a muscle car is that custom upgrades to its overall design features only to enhance its look.

You could argue that custom features can be added to any vehicle. Give it a better paint job, shaved door handles, add a supercharger and you’re good to go. The problem is that other vehicles just don’t seem to have a better finished off end look. It’s almost like the muscle car is a great blank canvas for any further modifications.

If you want to visually stroll through a ton of example images of customised muscle cars, a few social media galleries are a great start. Obviously our website has a load of muscle car examples as a start point which should be your first port of call. Just work your way through past articles or use the search box in the top right-hand corner to find a full range of vehicles.

Clearly one of the best Galleries of muscle cars is going to be Pinterest, enough here to keep your eyeballs occupied for hours. You’re going to get images of all sorts of muscle cars here. As there were from the factory to Pro street, restomods and beyond. When you see them all together as a whole and in comparison to each other, it really does show how different the cars of the late 60’s and early 70’s are from the vehicles today. It’s not just the squared off looks of something like a Plymouth Roadrunner or Chevy Nova that looks so unconventional, seeing something like a vintage Dodge Challenger or even a Plymouth Superbird by today’s standards, almost looks alien.

If you want to take away some inspiration to either inspire you to get into the hobby or even for a future car build, there’s enough on our website and at the link above to keep you going for quite a long time.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post The Best Pro Street Images Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Finding one Plymouth Superbird as a barn find in good condition is a rarity, finding two is just showing off. But this seems the case with these two eBay listings. One of the Birds here is B5 blue with white bucket seats and the other in Alpine White with black bucket seats.

The Current seller was apparently at an auction bidding on a blue Superbird which he won, when he was approached by a man offering for sale two Superbirds which have been in his possession and storage for the last 40 years. He bought them from the original owners who he knew personally. He had licensed them until 1985 and 1987 and then put them in storage since. Now both are for sale with a current bid of around $150k.

Both have a 440ci. Super Commando 4 barrel engines, one is a manual one is an automatic. Both have clearly been kept in good condition over the years, with the bodywork on both of them looking in fine shape with only the interior in the blue one looking like it has some surface mold which stand outs on the white interior. Probably the white Bird is in the best condition of the two.

The White one has 42,497 miles and the blue one 27,419 miles on the clock. Both are being sold separately and presumably the engines are in running order. Clearly these are rare finds and it’s great to see two more Superbirds coming back into existence.

Find out more about the blue Superbird listing here.

Find out more about the white Superbird listing here.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post Two 1970 Plymouth Superbird Barn Find! appeared first on Muscle Car.

Muscle Car Art has been around since the dawn of the first vehicles. Way before everything was drawn on a computer, hand drawn ideas were the norm. Possibly millions of sketches from rough ideas to final designs lurk in car company archives, but there are also thousands of pieces out there produced by independent artists ranging from interpretations of existing designs to wild new concepts.

It’s not hard to see why muscle cars are the inspiration for such artistic outlets. It’s not just sleek lines like other performance cars possess. Mention the word muscle car and designs range from sleek to muscular and always looking powerful, along with highlighting the artist’s expertise. Below are just a few we have selected that could easily take pride of place on anybody’s wall.

Henk Holsheimer 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500

This charcoal drawing can be found on Henk’s website along with other vehicle images. Photo realistic and one of the finest and most beautiful images of a Mustang.

Muscle Cars 1960-1974 by ADCF Design

We featured this collection of muscle car images in the early days of our website. It is a collection of the most famous muscle cars produced by ADCF Design originally as a poster and a limited edition book. It’s a shame the website isn’t around anymore for you to purchase one of these posters, but there is a gallery link on Behance if you want to check out the images more closely. it’s not just great artwork, but a compendium of all the great muscle cars done as side shots. For any muscle car fan its a great thing to hang on your wall if you can get hold of a copy somewhere.

Khyzyl Saleem futuristic muscle cars

British artist Khyzyl Saleem produces some insanely photorealistic images of vehicles who currently works as a concept artist at EA and Ghost Games. His images range from post apocalyptic to concept vehicles, with all of them having mind blowing detail. you can check out his full gallery over at artstation.com where you’ll probably over use words like ‘wow’ alot.

Emil Arts Camaro Z/28

Photorealistic vehicle images like this one lend themselves well to futuristic designs. Here is one example from Emil Arts of a Camaro Z/28. Check out the rest of his work at Arttstation.

1971 Plymouth Satellite

There’s nothing like classic photography when it comes to great images of muscle cars. AmericanMuscle over at Deviant Art.com manages to bring out the best in any design as you can see here with this 1971 Plymouth Satellite. When it comes to fantastic photography you’re really spoilt for choice when you wade through the endless images on deviantART.

Mustang by ractapopulous

Being more abstract or different with car art always stands out. This seems to be case with this Mustang produced by ractapopulous. It’s a sort of splatter image of a Mustang which makes for a great art piece. You can even download it under CC0 Creative Commons for use if you visit the link at pixabay.com.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post Muscle Car Art Work appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The Alan Rietz Mopar collection has been one of those hot topics in recent months concerning a whole host of Mopar vehicles and parts coming up for auction. The actual auction itself took place on June 9, 2018, but it’s not always promoted what the vehicles and parts went for after the event.

You can find out some of the background to the collection in the videos below, but the main talking points are the example vehicles and the eventual selling prices. The whole collection centres around Dodge cars, Dodge pickups, Plymouths, Chrysler Imperial’s, Corvettes, tons of Mopar parts and a bunch of motorcycles. Vanderbrink auctions.com who handled the auction have a PDF on thier website with the full rundown of auction listings and final selling prices.

Examples a 1970 Dodge Challenger SE 2dr HT JH29N0B150852 sold – $15500.00, 1970 Plymouth Cuda 2dr HT BS23U0E137284 sold – $13500.00, 1970 Dodge Super Bee 440 6 Pack 2dr HT 42250.00, 1970 Road Runner 2dr HT RM23N0E101183 sold – $20000.00, 1970 Dodge Dart GT 2dr HT LH23C0R2364872 $350.00, 1972 Dodge Demon 2dr HT LL29C2B145062 sold – $2250.00.

With over 100 vehicles this was quite the Mopar auction and hopefully some of the sale prices will give you an idea, in one nice list of what some of these vehicles can currently sell for.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

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