In the realm of automotive history, American muscle cars stand as iconic symbols of power, speed, and innovation. These marvels of engineering have left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of enthusiasts worldwide. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the captivating world of American muscle cars, uncovering surprising facts and untold stories that highlight their enduring legacy.

1. Pioneering Powerhouses: Origins of American Muscle Cars

The genesis of American muscle cars can be traced back to the mid-20th century, a time of unparalleled innovation in the automotive industry. It was an era characterized by fierce competition among manufacturers to produce vehicles that embodied speed, strength, and style. One of the earliest contenders in this arena was the iconic Chevrolet Camaro, introduced in 1966 to rival the Ford Mustang. This rivalry sparked a revolution, giving birth to a new breed of automobiles that would captivate generations to come.

2. Horsepower Extravaganza: The Heart of American Muscle

At the core of every American muscle car beats a powerhouse engine renowned for its raw power and exhilarating performance. From the thunderous roar of the Dodge Challenger’s HEMI V8 to the iconic rumble of the Ford Mustang’s Coyote engine, these vehicles are synonymous with uncompromising horsepower. With innovations in engineering and technology, modern muscle cars continue to push the boundaries of performance, delivering adrenaline-fueled thrills with every drive.

3. Design Evolution: Form Meets Functionality

The design of American muscle cars is a testament to the marriage of form and functionality. Characterized by bold lines, aggressive stances, and aerodynamic profiles, these vehicles exude a commanding presence on the road. From the sleek curves of the Chevrolet Corvette to the muscular silhouette of the Dodge Charger, each design element is meticulously crafted to enhance performance and capture the imagination of enthusiasts.

4. Cultural Phenomenon: Muscle Cars in Pop Culture

Beyond their prowess on the asphalt, American muscle cars have become enduring symbols of American culture, permeating literature, film, and music. From the silver screen antics of the Pontiac Trans Am in “Smokey and the Bandit” to the high-octane adventures of the Ford Mustang in “Bullitt,” these vehicles have left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring countless enthusiasts to embrace the thrill of the open road.

5. Racing Heritage: Dominance on the Track

The racing pedigree of American muscle cars is legendary, with a storied history of dominance on the track. From the drag strips of Detroit to the circuits of Daytona, these vehicles have etched their names in the annals of motorsport history, showcasing unparalleled speed and agility. With victories in iconic races such as the Daytona 500 and the NHRA Nationals, American muscle cars continue to reign supreme in the world of motorsport.

6. Evolutionary Milestones: Innovations in Performance

Over the decades, American muscle cars have undergone remarkable transformations, evolving to meet the demands of discerning enthusiasts. From the introduction of fuel injection systems to the implementation of advanced traction control technologies, these vehicles have embraced innovation to deliver unparalleled performance and driving dynamics. With each new iteration, American muscle cars continue to push the boundaries of automotive excellence, setting new standards for speed and power.

7. Iconic Models: Legends of the Road

From the legendary Ford Mustang to the formidable Chevrolet Camaro, American muscle cars boast an impressive lineup of iconic models that have captured the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. Each model represents a unique chapter in the storied history of American automotive excellence, with a legacy that continues to inspire awe and admiration. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of the Chevrolet Corvette or the brute force of the Dodge Challenger, these vehicles stand as testaments to the enduring spirit of American ingenuity and craftsmanship.

8. Collector’s Corner: Rarity and Value

In the world of automotive enthusiasts, American muscle cars hold a special place of reverence, with pristine examples commanding top dollar on the collector’s market. From rare limited-edition models to meticulously restored classics, these vehicles evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration among collectors. With their timeless design and unparalleled performance, American muscle cars represent not only a sound investment but also a piece of automotive history that is truly priceless.

9. Global Phenomenon: The Reach of American Muscle

While rooted in American automotive culture, the appeal of muscle cars extends far beyond the borders of the United States, captivating enthusiasts worldwide. From Europe to Asia, these vehicles have garnered a dedicated following, with enthusiasts embracing the thrill of American horsepower. Whether it’s cruising the boulevards of Los Angeles or tearing up the autobahns of Germany, American muscle cars transcend geographical boundaries, uniting enthusiasts in a shared passion for automotive excellence.

10. Enduring Legacy: The Future of American Muscle

This article is just a brief overview of muscle cars in general. More detailed information can be found on our website.
What the future holds for Muscle cars is unclear. Dodge has recently released an electric version of their Dodge Charger, meaning the V8 engine could be long-term, resigned to the history books, only to be built in the future via limited edition models.

In conclusion, American muscle cars stand as timeless icons of automotive excellence, embodying the spirit of power, performance, and innovation. From their humble beginnings to their enduring legacy, these vehicles have left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape, captivating enthusiasts worldwide. As we celebrate their storied history and look to the future, one thing remains clear – the allure of American muscle is as irresistible as ever.

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‘Hiding in plain sight’ seems to be the theme when it comes to huge barn finds of muscle cars. In this case it’s 90,000 sq.ft. of muscle cars, trucks, and an assortment of prewar cars. The additional good news is all these vehicles are up for sale (the contact email ad. at the foot of this page).

The background to the collection starts with a James Harky, who bought the land and farm back in the 1970s, when he also started his vast inventory. The collection has been built up over the last 20 years, but after his wife’s passing last year, the collection needed to be thinned down.

Some of the standout muscle cars included in the video below include a Chevy Caprice 504ci, 1971 Camaro, 1970 Pontiac GTO, 1964 GTO LS Swap, Z28 Camaro, plus many more. Even if you have no intention of buying any vehicle in the video, its still a 22 minutes nostalgia trip checking out many types of American vehicles which go back nearly a hundred years.

Contact harkeyfarm@yahoo.com for any inquiries

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In the fast-paced world of automobiles, where each passing year brings forth innovations and modern designs, a class of vehicles seems to defy the sands of time. With their roaring engines and iconic designs, classic vintage muscle cars maintain an enduring appeal that transcends generations. This article explores the reasons behind the timeless allure of these automotive legends.

The Birth of an Icon

Classic muscle cars arose in the mid-twentieth century, fueled by post-World War II optimism and a thirst for speed. A1 Auto Transport reported that their shipping partners noticed a huge increase in muscle cars being transported during this time. Sensing a demand for excitement on the road, American automakers developed muscle cars. The Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Charger emerged as trailblazers, representing the spirit of defiance and power that defined a period. These brands are characterized by unique engine and body parts that ultimately make the automobile stand out. You can see more info here about various automotive products from these brands.

The allure of classic muscle cars lies in their performance and their symbolism. These vehicles were born when the open road symbolized freedom and driving was not just a means of transportation but an expression of individualism and adventure.

Some of the most iconic classic muscle cars that have left an indelible mark on the industry are:

• Ford Mustang

Model Years: 1964-1973

The Ford Mustang is an American icon and one of the pioneers of the muscle car era. Its introduction in 1964 created the “pony car” class, offering a blend of style, performance and affordability. The 1967 Shelby GT500 is particularly revered, featuring a powerful 428 Cobra Jet engine.

• Dodge Charger

Model Years: 1966-1974

The Dodge Charger is known for its bold design and powerful engines. The second-generation Charger (1968-1970) is often considered the pinnacle, with the iconic “Bullitt” Charger R/T and the monstrous Charger Daytona, designed for NASCAR dominance. The 1969 Charger, immortalized in movies like “The Dukes of Hazzard,” is particularly iconic.

• Chevrolet Camaro

Model Years: 1967-1969

The Chevrolet Camaro is another heavyweight in the muscle car arena. The first-generation Camaro, especially the SS and Z/28 models, is celebrated for its aggressive styling and high-performance options. The 1969 Camaro ZL1 is one of the most sought-after muscle cars, boasting an all-aluminum 427 cubic-inch engine.

• Pontiac GTO

Model Years: 1964-1974

Often credited as the first true muscle car, the Pontiac GTO paved the way for the revolution. The early GTOs, especially the 1966 model with the potent Tri-Power carburetion system, are highly coveted. The GTO embodied putting a big engine in a midsize car, creating a formula that defined the muscle car ethos.

Model Years: 1964-1972

• Chevrolet Chevelle SS:

The Chevelle SS is a classic example of Chevrolet’s prowess in crafting muscle cars. The SS (Super Sport) package, available on various Chevelle models, turned these midsize cars into high-performance beasts. The 1970 Chevelle SS with the LS6 454 cubic-inch V8 is legendary, boasting one of the highest factory horsepower ratings of the era.

Design Elegance that Stands the Test of Time

The timeless design of classic muscle vehicles is one of their distinguishing features. The sleek forms, forceful poses and eye-catching color palettes distinguish them from their counterparts. The union of form and function in these vehicles reflects a time when style was just as vital as substance. Even in the middle of a sea of modern automobiles, the timeless beauty of their design guarantees that these cars remain head-turners.

Classic muscle cars are not just machines but works of art on wheels. The aesthetic appeal of their design is not subject to the whims of passing trends, making them a testament to the notion that true beauty is eternal.

Nostalgia and Cultural Significance

Beyond their mechanical prowess, classic muscle cars carry a cultural significance that adds layers to their timeless appeal. These vehicles are not just relics of the past; they are living reminders of a bygone era. Nostalgia plays a pivotal role in their enduring popularity, as they evoke memories of when the automobile represented more than just a mode of transportation.

Movies, music and popular culture have all contributed to the mystique surrounding classic muscle cars. From iconic scenes in films to the rock ‘n’ roll tunes that echoed through the radio waves, these cars became intertwined with the cultural fabric of their time. Owning a classic muscle car is not just about having a vehicle; it’s about possessing a piece of history that encapsulates the spirit of an era.

Conclusion

In a world where trends come and go and technology advances relentlessly, classic vintage muscle cars stand as stalwart guardians of a bygone era. The birth of these iconic vehicles marked a turning point in automotive history, and their timeless allure continues to captivate enthusiasts across the globe. From the engine’s roar to the elegance of their design, classic muscle cars are more than just vehicles; they are living legends, embodying the spirit of an age that refuses to be forgotten.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

Today, the muscle car has become a timeless classic that continues to resonate with automobile enthusiasts to this day. From their beginnings as affordable performance cars to their transformation into high-end collectables today, there’s hardly a facet of these iconic automobiles that haven’t been explored. What started out as simple cars with low production and little aftermarket support soon turned into a fully-fledged culture of modified street machines with an atmosphere all its own. Today, many of these modern classics are valued at prices that reflect how rare and special they are. Here are some of the most sought-after muscle car collectables today:

Dodge Charger Daytona

The Dodge Charger was one of the first-ever muscle cars to be built, produced from the mid-1950s to the 1970s. The very top-line model was the Daytona, equipped with a 4.05-litre V8 Magnum engine that could generate 345 horsepower. Although the Charger Daytona was only released for two consecutive years (1968 and 1969), it was available in two- or four-door coupe or convertible forms.

The rarity of this classic muscle car, with only 1,046 Chargers manufactured that year, has made it a highly sought-after collector’s item today. Along with its exclusivity, the Charger Daytona also made history as the first muscle car to hold a proper performance title. The Daytona could reach 60 mph in 7 seconds and 171 mph at its peak speed.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The iconic Chevrolet Corvette was unveiled in 1953 as the American answer to European sports cars such as Ferrari and Porsche. With its fibreglass body, detachable roof, and lightweight aluminium chassis, the Corvette was the first affordable US sports car of its kind and a popular choice among performance car fans.

The Stingray, which was produced from 1964 to 1967, was the mid-engine version of the classic model and is still highly sought after by muscle car collectors. Equipped with a 327-horsepower, 4-barrel V8 engine connected to a 3-speed automatic transmission, the Stingray could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 6 seconds and reach a top speed of 145 mph. With only 27,901 Stingrays ever built, the model’s rarity has only added to its desirability.

Ford Mustang Mach 1

In 1969, the Ford Mustang Mach 1 made its grand debut and quickly became the best-selling sports car in the nation. This ‘muscle car’ of the South quickly made its mark outside the traditional Southern car culture and was modified in several ways. Six model variations were available throughout its production run, with the Mustang Mach 1 being the most sought-after option.

The Mach 1 was based on the fastback Mustang coupe and featured a redesigned exterior to show off its aggressive look. Powering the vehicle was a 4-barrel V8 engine with 351 horsepower and a 3-speed automatic transmission. Despite the fact that only 40,970 of these Mach 1 models were produced, they are now among the most sought-after muscle car collectables.

Shelby GT500KR

The Shelby GT500KR, released in 1967, was Shelby’s most powerful offering, available in limited numbers and exclusively in black with a white hood stripe. Based on the Shelby GT500 sports car, the GT500KR boasted a 5.8-litre engine and was connected to a 4-speed automatic transmission, together producing an impressive 527 horsepower. In addition, the Shelby GT500KR was capable of reaching a top speed of 202 mph, making it one of the rarest and fastest muscle cars of all time. Less than 2,500 of these vehicles were ever produced, making them a real collector’s item.

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

The Pontiac Trans Am was one of the earliest pony cars to make a lasting impression on the racing scene. It featured a 4.5-litre V8 engine and 3-speed automatic transmission and delighted drivers with its performance variants until 1994, when it was discontinued. During the 1988 model year, only 3,531 Trans Ams were produced, making them one of the rarest muscle cars to collect. Even after the car was discontinued, it continued to be a popular model among enthusiasts and collectors, making it a sought-after classic to this day.

Chevrolet Camaro ZR-1

The Chevrolet Camaro was one of the first modern muscle cars in America to feature independent front suspension. The ZR-1 was an ultra-rare performance package available on the 1993 Camaros in two colours: black and blue. This limited-edition model featured a manual 6-speed transmission, alloy wheels, and a free-flowing exhaust. On top of that, the ZR-1 was equipped with a powerful 6-cylinder engine that could generate up to 355 horsepower—an impressive increase compared to the regular Camaro SS, which was powered by a V8.

Pontiac GTO

The Pontiac GTO was the epitome of the muscle car era in the 1980s, and its legacy continues to this day. It was built from 1968 through 2003, and its engine was a 6.0-litre V8 mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Production of the GTO was limited, with only 9,721 produced in 2006, making it one of the rarest muscle cars to collect. Such was its popularity that the Pontiac GTO is still one of the most sought-after models for car enthusiasts and collectors. With its power and reliability, the GTO continues to be one of the top muscle car models available today.

Chevrolet Camaro SS

The Chevrolet Camaro made its debut in 1966, paving the way for a new era of affordable American muscle cars. Its revolutionary independent front suspension made it one of the first post-war American cars to feature this innovative technology. The Camaro SS model, produced between 1967 and 1978, was one of the most desirable and powerful cars of its time. Boasting a 6.2-litre V8 engine that produced 580 horsepower, the Camaro SS was easy to maintain and drive, making it an extremely sought-after model. The Camaro SS was the perfect blend of power, convenience, and aesthetics.

Speaking of aesthetics, the quality of the car finishing or polishing products you choose can make or break the look of your car, especially if you own a muscle car. With the right car polishing products, you can bring out its true beauty and make it stand out from the crowd. Plus, well-maintained cars last longer, so investing in quality car products is an investment in your car’s future.

The post 7 Most Sought-after Muscle Car Collectibles appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Have you ever wondered why certain makes and models of cars last the distance while others don’t? Considering all the variables involved in a car’s design, it can be just one component that breaks the performance chain. In the accompanying video, Uncle Tony’s Garage provides us with not only a back history of the inner workings of muscle cars, but also why some just didn’t last the distance.

One of the topics covered explains why Pontiac didn’t reach the heights it should have. In essence, this could have been down to a design flaw in one critical component.

The video itself is worth a watch providing firsthand, behind-the-scenes information from a guy who has been working on these cars for decades. It’s a bit like hearing insider tips on the real pros and cons of classic muscle cars and how those shortcomings can be rectified. As stated in the video, if the car is driven within factory parameters then the components should last. This is a different story if the car is tuned or modified.

The other bonus here is the comments and feedback on the video page from real users, documenting their own experiences. Basically, anecdotes from people who actually owned these type of cars themselves, the problems they overcame, and in some cases how they were fixed. In other words, if you already own a classic muscle car or are in the market to get hold of one, all this information could be incredibly useful. Especially if you want to push its current power levels.

The post American Muscle Car Evolution – Why Pontiac Started Strong And Faded Into Obscurity appeared first on Muscle Car.

There is no denying that muscle cars have a certain appeal, attraction and pulling power. They are fast, powerful and portrayed as the symbol of style and manliness in many movies. Many of us know very little about their engine, production, running costs and maintenance but still want to own or drive one like our heroes on the screen.

Once a fascination sets in, it is hard to get over it and everything comes back flooding in when you see one of these beautiful automobiles, even on the screen. Perhaps, we cannot get our hands easily on a 1968 Ford Mustang or drive it like Steve McQueen. We may not look as cool as Starsky and Hutch on a 1975 Ford Gran Torino. But we still dream to take a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am on a cross state run like the Bandit.

Luckily, cars like the Ford Mustang are still in production and come with all the modern fittings. Also, they are not really that expensive to buy, even though you may have to pay a bit more for gas and you would definitely not be able to get inexpensive car insurance for it. You may actually delay your purchase if you are still young or have a bad driving history because of the age restrictions imposed by many vehicle insurance companies or prohibitive costs.

You can own a Ford Mustang under $30,000, which is not more than a typical sedan would cost. Of course, after watching many vintage auto restoration programs on Netflix you would love to get your hands on one of the rusty Corvettes and do it up like they do. But most of us neither have the skills or budget for it. For now, we enjoy watching the greasy hands on TV to live the dream for us.

You cannot help but think that maybe some of the movies were inspirational for today’s cars. For years we watched KITT taking over the driving and doing all sorts of stunts. Also, it was a smart car that can even talk and make jokes. It isn’t so far-fetched any more as there are self-driving automobiles on the roads. It is only a matter of time before they start thinking for themselves, talking back and even coming up with a funny joke.

KITT was a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am that looks out of this world even today. The good news is that you can now own cars that are as powerful and filled with all sorts of gadgets. You should still hold on to the steering wheel but you can enjoy other features. They are getting more and more affordable as there are standard versions to suit most budgets along with the fancier ones.

Actually, there are even electric muscle cars in the market today. So, there is no reason to hold back and get on one. Even if you are as environmentally conscious as Leonardo DiCaprio you don’t have to drive a Toyota Prius like him. There are many cooler cars like Ford Mustang Mach-E that give you everything without any of the guilts or gas costs.

For those of us who aren’t really ready to take the next step and buy a performance car, we can still enjoy driving them on holidays. There are many places in the US and other parts of the world where you could rent most cars you fancy and drive them with rental car insurance. Probably, not out of airport rentals but they are available if you want to quash your thirst. Again, you may still have to be over 25 to rent them. And you can only drive some of the sports cars on the racing tracks specially prepared for this purpose only. So, your fantasies may still come through.

The post How Much Movies Influenced Your Fascination with Muscle Cars? 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.

Pony cars are very sporty, and garner lots of attention. They are often compared to muscle cars for their flashiness. However, they tend to be more compact than muscle cars. The term “pony car” is derived from the equestrian image of a Mustang, because the Ford Mustang was the first car released of this type. 

They are fun and classic, and although they had their heyday in the 60s and 70s, they’ve made a few comebacks. So don’t count out the pony car. 

They definitely have evolved over time, however. So we’ll take a look at the best ones, and compare their original days to their current models. 

Pontiac Firebird 

Photo from Pexels

For the Pontiac Firebird, it all started in 1967 as a response to the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. People instantly took to it because the Firebird was very powerful and more luxurious than the Camaro. It was flashy and came with a fiery decal. And it was immediately a legend.

Unfortunately, in 2008, General Motors cut out the brand in order to simplify its market. However, that has not deterred its enthusiasts from keeping the Firebird presence alive. In fact, there are many options when it comes to Pontiac Firebird insurance, even though it is no longer manufactured. 

Ford Mustang 

The Ford Mustang is definitely the most popular pony car. The Mustang is sleek, aerodynamic, and rides close to the ground. 

It first went on sale in 1964 and appealed to a wide variety of customers, including both men and women of all ages. Ford planned for 100,000 sales in the first year, but dealers had already sold 22,000 on the first day. And many people even now purchase first-generation Mustangs. 

The original engine lineup included a 170-cid straight-six, 4.3-liter V-8, and the 289-cid V-8 that went up to 271 horsepower. It had elegant contours and a bold look.

The modern Mustang includes a 300-hp V-6, a 435-hp V-8, and a 310-hp, 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It is sharp in aesthetic and a powerful ride.

Chevrolet Camaro

Ford held the monopoly on the pony car market for several years, but in 1966 Chevrolet introduced the Camaro, and the monopoly ended.  The Camaro almost identically matched the dimensions of the Mustang, and the Camaro came close to matching the Mustang’s option list as well.

The original Camaro had a very fluid, smooth shape, in contrast to the more muscular Mustang. The modern Camaro has a dark front-end treatment. Its aesthetic is less smooth and fluid, more robust and intense. 

While the Camaro started out as a response to the Ford Mustang, it definitely has held its own, standing the test of time.

Dodge Challenger 

The Dodge Challenger came a little later in the game than the rest. Dodge released the Challenger in 1970, and it did not outsell the Camaro or Mustang. It did, however, secure itself a name on the list of the wildly popular pony cars. The Challenger is considered to be the last of the pony cars.

The Challenger had a complete line of nine available engines. These ranged from the Slant Six to 426 cubic inch Hemi. The Hemi was in effect a race engine that was re-adapted for the street. It had a vibrant appearance and vibe.

The modern Challenger is powerful, fast, and can hit 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. It, too, has stood the test of time, though it has evolved over its course.

Iconic and Powerful

Pony cars have remained popular over the decades, in varying degrees. For some, the appeal is the classic look. For some, it’s the sporty, compact, aerodynamic ride. Whatever the reason they have stuck around, they truly are iconic and make for a great joy ride. 

Dorothea Hudson writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, QuoteInspector.com. She is passionate about many types of cars and enjoys educating her readers on the topic.

The post The Best Pony Cars Then and Now appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

‘What if….’ This seems to be the starting point for most artists to interpret past, present, and future muscle cars.
Since day one of the automobile, artists have pondered what alternative versions of a car may look like. Either reimagining old classics, redesigning present vehicles or possible designs for the future. Below we will take a look at this highly creative subculture with some choice picks.

What’s a Render?

When I think of a muscle car render, I generally think of some sort of CGI/3D creation. But, as the word render essentially means, ‘to represent or depict artistically,’ it can be anything from a simple pencil drawing to a multistage, digital asset. For example, take the wonderfully futuristic Mustang render by Jomar Machado from our header image. A great example of a digital rendering.

Good old-fashioned pencil drawings will never die out, as per the example below. If you fancy gaining the skills to draw your own muscle car, then roundsixpod.com has a nice tutorial on how to draw your own muscle car.

Interpretation

No matter if the end result is for the artist to simply flex their creative muscles or design the next new thing, a subjective interpretation is the endgame.

Some draw or paint classic muscle cars to simply sell on as automotive artwork. This is a valid area, as a man cave always looks much better with a few bits of muscle car artwork hanging from the wall. Then there is the rendering of current or future models. In other words, the basic ‘what if..’ mindset.

Below is a truly lifelike 3-D rendering of a Dodge Demon Shooting Brake by Rain Prisk. Basically, what would the Dodge Demon look like in a family-friendly form.

Then there is the interpretation of old classics into outlandish, custom vehicles. Just check out the render below of a Pontiac GTO Judge by Instagram user @adry53customs (Judgemental). Even if you don’t like the design, you can’t help but admire the guy’s artistic skills.

But, what about future models? With Dodge planning to spit out its first EV muscle car in the next few years, everybody’s trying to second guess a possible design. One particularly cool vision of the 2024 Dodge Challenger emuscle car is from Adry53Customs. I’m no muscle car designer, but this interpretation looks very viable. Me wonders if the official Dodge designers take note of these designs. Only time will tell.

It’s all About Creativity

Muscle car renders allow our imaginations to go wild. The constraints of production vehicles don’t apply, and the final design isn’t restricted by wind tunnels or computer readouts. But, for those trying to predict the design of a future model get the most satisfaction if their design comes to fruition, whole or in part.

If you want to check out further muscle car renders and artwork, you can’t go wrong with visiting behance.net or Pinterest. Maybe, buy some of their artwork to keep their creative juices flowing.

The post The Cult of Muscle Car Renders 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.

Mark R.Weisseg

Author and certified gear head David Bonaskiewich has written a comprehensive 96-page book about the 1966 Pontiac GTO. The book is packed with 125 photos along with all the specifications that will certainly expand your knowledge base. It’s a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

So, you may ask why the 1966 Pontiac GTO Book Review and not all the years? Well, that’s easy and the author gets right to the point. The 66 Goat, as it was nicknamed, is the highest-selling GTO of all time with nearly 97,000 cars! That in and of itself should tell you why. But, the author takes you much deeper than just sales numbers. The book provides a history lesson of sorts.

Most car buffs give the late John Delorean full credit for its 1964 debut. Partly true of course, but the book takes a closer look at other important team players that brought this endearing classic to life. It’s a roadmap that will let you understand what it took to get this iconic car to market.

Now I won’t post any spoiler alerts. However, I will tell you his efforts did not go unnoticed by this reader. As one that lived through the first muscle car (and best) era I found myself traveling down memory lane. It was such a brief period of time from about 1964 to 1971 after all. So in order for the 66 “Goat” to stand out among so many other muscle cars, you know it had been something darn special. It was, and still is to this very day.

The Pontiac name sadly is now long gone, but not the GTO. There are numerous Pontiac clubs and conventions all over the country. The car is still in great demand and pricing has never been higher. It seems they just don’t hit the market very often. Who would have imagined that almost sixty years later the GTO would still be alive and well? That my friends is the reason you need this book.

Please order online at www.cartechbooks.com or simply call 1-800-551-4754. It’s only $27.95 plus a small shipping and handling fee. Cartechbooks.com has a large library of books and manuals for nearly every make and model vehicle you love. So, check them out when you order your 1966 Pontiac GTO book.

The post 1966 Pontiac GTO Book Review appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Heading to auction at the beginning of January via Mecum, is this special order, Pink Mist 1968 Pontiac Firebird convertible. The color combo was only available for a few months in the spring of 1968 as a promotional vehicle, pardon the pun.

Before any of the alpha males out there immediately turn their noses up at the color pink, we are in the 2020s man, it’s cool to like the color pink. Plus, you will always be the center of attention at any car show; isn’t that the aim?

This particular Pontiac Firebird comes with a 4-barrel carb 400cu./330 HP V8, and a Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. It is fully optioned with a code 260 parchment knit and Morrokide deluxe interior(mostly original interior), air con., power windows, lots of nice wood grain, and a T-handle shifter. The car has also been treated to a concierge body-on restoration, making it a shining example of its breed.

Unfortunately, the listing doesn’t state how many 1968 Firebirds were made in Pink Mist. Even after some general sniffing around online, there doesn’t seem to be any information on exact numbers. Maybe the documentation that comes with the car will clarify these details. Otherwise, if anyone knows how many of these were produced, please scribble down your findings in the comments below.

We did find that Nancy Sinatra apparently owned a couple of these back in the late 1960s, but not much more information-wise. We have also documented in the past a few ‘pink’ muscle cars of the period which went to Playboy models. But, production numbers and ultimate value seem to be hard to pin down for this color code.

However, if you want to stand out from the crowd and stray a bit from the norm., there’s no reason why you shouldn’t park this one on your driveway. Plus, it may be the only car you can buy that the wife could agree upon, that’s if she likes the color pink.

Find out more details about the auction here.

The post 1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible Going To Auction appeared first on Muscle Car.

Planning on buying a muscle car? For many people, this is one of their biggest goals in life and something that they often dream about. If you have a passion for muscle cars, owning your own is an incredible feeling and will help you to feel like you have made it in life. Whether you are buying a Dodge Charger, Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Camaro, or any other muscle car, it’s important that you take your time and try to find the best deal. This will be a major financial decision to make and there are a few tips that will help.

Pick Your Model

Firstly, you’ll need to settle on a model that you want. Most people will have a favorite muscle car in mind, which can make it much easier to search and find what you are looking for. While it is helpful to have a model in mind, it is a good idea to be flexible when it comes to the spec. You might be able to make big savings by opting for a model that has less horsepower, for example.

Look At Used Car Dealerships

It is always worthwhile looking at the stock that used car dealerships currently have, and you might be surprised at what you can find. These days, you can buy from dealerships all over the place. This means that you are not limited by location, so you can find the best muscle car sales Uttoxeter has online with virtual showrooms and the ability to have the car delivered. Buying from a used car dealership is also smart because you can arrange finance deals, which will make the cost easier to manage.

Get A Mechanic’s Assessment 

Before putting pen to paper, you should always get a mechanic to check over the muscle car. You can check the vehicle over and take it for a test drive, but as such a large and important financial decision, you want to make sure that the car is in a safe condition. This is why it is worth hiring a mechanic to check over the vehicle to give their verdict – this will also give you peace of mind.

Get Sufficient Insurance

As your prized possession, it is important that you protect yourself financially with insurance. Obviously, you will need to have car insurance in place, but you may also want to look into classic car insurance and make sure that you have a clear understanding of what is included and what is not included.

Join An Owner’s Club

It is also a smart idea to join an owner’s club for your specific make and model (these are easy to find online). Not only is this a great way to connect with other muscle car enthusiasts, but it can also be helpful in terms of advice and getting questions answered. They will be able to advise on how to best look after the vehicle, where you can source parts from, and what garages you should take the car to (and which to avoid).

This post should come in handy when taking the plunge and buying a muscle car and hopefully help you to get the most out of the vehicle.

The post Handy Tips For Investing In A Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

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.

The original muscle car was the Oldsmobile Rocket 88, which hit the streets in 1949. While there have been some periods where it looked like the muscle car was going extinct, they’ve always come back stronger than ever.

Let’s look at 3 of the best modern muscle cars available right now.

What Are Muscle Cars?

While the first muscle car debuted in 1949, the term itself wouldn’t show up until the 1960s when Pontiac described the 1964 GTO as a “muscle car.” The term quickly caught on and was used for all brands of vehicles.

At its core, a muscle car is an intermediate-sized vehicle with a powerful engine, usually a V8. Traditionally, muscle cars were American-made but there’s some debate over that point.

One of the nice things about muscle cars is that you can easily get parts from a source like redlineautoparts.com. That’s just not possible with a lot of “supercars” with this kind of performance like Porsche or Ferrari.

1. Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R

The Mustang is one of the original muscle cars and Carroll Shelby’s versions were even higher-performance than the factory models. Ford and Shelby had their ups and downs since then but they’ve been working together again for several years.

The modern GT350R is one of the most powerful Mustangs to ever hit the pavement. Its 5.2-liter V8 generates 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The “R” in its name means it was designed for racing, with carbon fiber components throughout. The combination gives it a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds and a quick 12.5-second quarter-mile.

2. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

We couldn’t mention the Mustang without including its arch-rival, the Chevrolet Camaro. The Camaro is another genre-defining vehicle from the 1960s.

The modern ZL1 version sports a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that generates a whopping 650 pound-feet of torque plus a matching 650 horsepower. It bests the Mustang GT350R with a 3.5-second 0-60 time and only 11.4 seconds for the quarter-mile.

3. Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

To complete the trifecta of the big three brands of muscle cars from the 1960s, we’ve got the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Dodge has several high-performance versions of the Challenger but the Demon is the most extreme muscle car to ever come straight from the factory.

The SRT Demon sports a 6.2-liter turbocharged engine that’s also equipped with a 2.7-liter supercharger. The combination produces 840 horsepower — enough to need a special type of drag radial road tires.

This monster can go from 0 to 60 in only 2.3 seconds and runs the quarter-mile in only 9.65 seconds, hitting 140 miles per hour in the process.

Modern Muscle Cars Might Be the Best Ever

While purists might tell you the 1960s were the golden age of the muscle car, that’s definitely up for debate. Modern muscle cars are faster, more powerful, and more comfortable to drive than anything in those early years. That’s pretty hard to beat.

Check out the rest of our site for more articles about muscle cars — modern and classic.

The post 3 Modern Muscle Cars You’re Going to Love Driving appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

A 1987 Buick GNX, 1 of only 547, was recently sold on the Bring a Trailer website for an almost record hitting $215,000. This particular example is #255 of 547, with only 1,200 miles on the clock.

The 1980’s isn’t exactly known for its outstanding muscle car contributions. But like any era of car building, there are always standout examples. The Buick GNX is one of these, being a final hurrah for the Grand National line, created in collaboration between Buick and ASC/McLaren. All 547 vehicles were painted black with extra levels of trim and obviously loads more power.

This example was purchased on October 21, 1987 from Faulkner Pontiac Buick in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The car houses the sought-after Garrett T3 turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 (276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque), linked to a four-speed TH200-4R automatic transmission, going down to 16-inch basketweave wheels and Goodyear Eagle VR50 tires (245/50 front and 255/50 at the rear). This example also has loads of original documentation with the original window sticker, purchase paperwork, a Carfax report, and a clean Pennsylvania title.

The interior of the car has that typical 80’s plasticky feel, but it still has plenty of amenities. These include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, and a fancy cassette player with a graphic equalizer. The whole dash is very squared off in design, but you have to live with the fact that right angles were very much the fashion in the eighties.

Even by today’s standards, this Buick is reasonably fast. Back in the day, Car and Driver tested the Buick GNX, with the car delivering a 4.6 second 0-60 mph time, the 2nd quickest of its time, just behind the Porsche 911 Turbo.

The original window sticker shows a total price of $29,290, with the GX option costing $10,995. If you’re interested, the highest value GNX was sold for $275,000 at Barrett Jackson auction with only 8.7 miles on the clock.

Find out more about this particular 1987 Buick GNX here.

The post 1987 Buick GNX Muscle Car Hits Record Price 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.

By Dave Ashton

There’s nothing better than a passing comment to get the rumor mill turning. This was the case recently when Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis stated in an interview with Muscle Cars & Trucks, ‘We will have some pretty interesting stuff July 8.’

Some kind of announcement from Dodge will be scheduled for the Roadkill Nights, August 14 at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan. Kuniskis also goes on to say, ‘We’re not going to show anything new there. We had something that we’re trying to get done in time to share right around the event.’

If the last statement is anything to go by, a fully electric Dodge Charger or Challenger announcement is unlikely. Plus, with SEMA coming up this November, that event seems a more obvious platform for any major announcements. So, what could this news from Dodge possibly be about?

The slow rollout of EV concepts for all the major V8 manufacturers is starting to unfold. Ford has the Mach-E SUV, Chevrolet may spit out a Camaro EV SUV of some kind in the future, which leaves Dodge to announce some sort of interim EV vehicle before it steps onto the hallowed grounds of fully electrifying the Challenger and Charger.

SUVs are very fashionable and the average owner is generally more concerned with trunk size and if the rear seats are baby sick proof. Not so much the legacy, power, and rumble of a good old V8. Thus, an electric SUV with some sort of previous Dodge model name attached should get people warming to Dodge producing electric vehicles……..maybe.

At this stage of the party, the V8 knows last orders are coming up and is ready to get in as many drinks as possible before we are told to go home. In reality, drink-up time for the V8 will probably last until the end of the decade. So there is still plenty of time to buy a brand-new muscle car. As one of the last vestiges of the true muscle car template, we hope Dodge announces the most mind-blowing V8 car they have ever made. Something like a 9L supercharged V8 monster with close to 1,000HP would be nice.

The post Will Dodge Announce Electric Vehicles on July 8? appeared first on Muscle Car.

Muscle cars have an undeniable appeal, from the absolute classic icons such as the 1964 Pontiac GTO and the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 to the lesser-known models and often underappreciated Studebaker Avanti R2. They are stylish, retro, and a lot of fun to drive.

There are many practical advantages of owning a muscle car in comparison with other types of vehicle—the simplicity of their engineering makes them easy to tinker with, replacement parts are cheap and accessible, and the communities of muscle car enthusiasts are welcoming and vibrant!

However, any type of vehicle has some potential drawbacks. Here are some top tips for muscle car owners to help avoid the possible pitfalls and make the most of the advantages.

Take Advantage of the Aftermarket

Compared to modern vehicles, vintage muscle cars have low gas mileage, lack luxuries such as heated seats and climate controls, and safety technologies are often pretty much limited to just a seatbelt.

Thankfully, you can overcome many of these issues by taking advantage of the huge aftermarket (both online and in physical stores) for parts, usually at low prices. Why not have the best of both worlds by installing more comfortable seats, air conditioning units, and other modern benefits in your vintage ride? If you plan on selling your car in the future, be cautious about making these changes, though, as it could lower the value.

Get Insured

This tip is essential for all vehicle owners but can be especially important for muscle car owners due to their cars’ age and the aforementioned lack of safety features. Car accidents can be extremely expensive, so insurance is a must-have. There are many companies offering vehicle insurance plans at competitive rates, such as KBDinsurance.com. Don’t go out on the road until you are covered!

Use Your Car as a Project

Modern cars have much smaller engines but more power than muscle cars, with some cars having a 213 cubic-inch V-6 engine developing 500 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the 1967 Shelby Cobra develops 425 horsepower with a V-8 427 cubic-inch engine. Therefore, it can be a great project for you to undertake to see how much engines have changed over the years and whether you can replace your engine with something more powerful if you wish.

The good news is that the simplicity of the ignition systems and valve trains of old V8 engines makes them easy to tinker with.

If you want to learn about how cars work or even try out your first auto engineering project, you can’t go wrong with an old muscle car. It is important to note that not all muscle cars are equal when it comes to power or fuel efficiency, so a less popular model might be more difficult to source parts for.

Meet Other Muscle Car Fans

A large part of the appeal of owning a muscle car is owning a piece of history. Aside from the driving experience (which is exhilarating), the knowledge that you are preserving an important and iconic part of American culture makes any drawbacks more than worth it.

Why not show off your muscle car project to others who will appreciate it? Going to track meets and muscle car conventions will not only give you a chance to show off your pride and joy, but you can also learn some useful maintenance tips from more experienced muscle car veterans. You never know—you may even make friends for life. The muscle car community is a lot of fun to be a part of.

The post Top Tips for Muscle Car Owners 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

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.

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.

The Pontiac Firebird has been an iconic part of the GM lineup for decades, even though General Motors decided to discontinue the brand in 2010. It might have been the best option at the time, while GM was struggling through some financial problems, but it broke the hearts of Firebird fans everywhere.

This year may have been awful in many respects, but it has given us one positive thing. We may have a new Firebird making its debut in the 2021 model year. Here’s what to know and when we might see them on the road.

It’s Not Coming From General Motors

While it might have the same name, this incarnation of the Pontiac Firebird isn’t coming from GM. It’s the brainchild of a custom carmaker based in Tallahassee, Florida, named Trans Am Depot. Pontiac fans know that Trans Am Depot is just about the best company in the world when you’re looking for someone to restore old Pontiacs.

You’ll Have to Act Fast to Get One

This isn’t going to be like the normal new model debut with hundreds of options to choose from rolling off the assembly line. If you want to get your hands on one of these new Firebirds, you’ll have to act fast. Burt Reynolds drove a Firebird in the 1977 movie “Smokey and the Bandit,” and Trans Am Depot is only building 77 of these new mods in his honor.

It’s Built Around a Chevy Camaro

Trans Am Depot doesn’t have the original Pontiac frame to work with, but that isn’t stopping them from bringing the Firebird back to life. This mod will be built on top of the new Chevy Camaro SS. By the time they’re done, it won’t be recognizable as a Camaro. The team replaces more than 380 parts, from the bumpers to the taillights and everything in between. Carbon fiber panels will give the Firebird its distinctive shape.

It Will Have Incredible Power

Traditionally, you had two options under the hood for a Firebird — a 3.8-liter L-6 engine and a 6.6-liter V-8, the former generating 220 horsepower and the latter 340. While neither is anything to shake a stick at, they can’t hold a candle to the new 2021 Firebird. The tweaked and modified V-8 Camaro engine can generate 840 horsepower and has a top speed of 200 mph.

It Will Be Expensive

This isn’t the kind of budget-friendly Firebird that you could buy during the model’s heyday. This version will set you back $115,000 if you can get your hands on one. This includes the cost of the donor Camaro that will serve as the foundation for your new Firebird. This price may be worth it to Pontiac enthusiasts, but you’ll probably want to look elsewhere if you’re looking for a cost-effective option.

Bringing Home a 2021 Firebird

The new Pontiac Firebird won’t be available until 2021, but if you miss the feeling of getting behind the wheel of one, you have the chance to do so again. Stay tuned to see what you’ll need to do to bring home one of these iconic cars.

The post What We Know About a Possible 2021 Pontiac Firebird appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The writing is clearly on the wall. Electric vehicles are on a slow trudge to take over the world. This may not ultimately affect muscle cars as there will always be a place for the mighty V8. But when it comes to high-powered engine swap, electric alternatives are now trickling in, as discussed over a digitaltrends.com with a possible viable options for the traditional LS engine swap.

The initial argument for going down the electric route is simply reliability. According to the article, the basic premise is why have an engine with hundreds of moving parts with loads of icky liquids running through it, when you can have an engine with one single moving part. The traditional LS swap may provide all the power you need, but for every horsepower gained, the engine becomes ever more temperamental.

Electric GT are the guys behind the test engine in question, which provides not just the V8 lookalike e-Crate Motor, but also also all the other bits and battery cells to run the thing.

Checking out the company’s website, they have complete crate motor power plants, for instance the GTE-240 with 240 horses. While they also offer many other separate parts, such as battery management systems, motors, cooling systems and complete electrical hookup systems. All the systems available can be hooked up to a regular transmission and for anything from small roadsters to a large sized SUV.

If this particular way of thinking has already tickled your fancy, you may be already wondering about the initial costs. For a complete system dropped into your favorite vehicle, prices are on average are $59,999. One example build on their website is for a 1967 to 1969 Camaro or Pontiac Firebird conversion, which will deliver 240hp with 350lb/ft of torque, which they say feels more like 400hp in a traditional V8.

As for the looks of the engine, it certainly has the outer appearance of a traditional V8. Just with smaller dimensions and none of the usual wires, hoses and usual engine paraphernalia.

The initial costs will be the biggest downside to many. But we can see that it’s only a matter of time before these type of retrofits drop considerably in price. Especially when demand starts to increase and the cost of parts drop accordingly.

Which means that if you have the cash to splash, the current offerings from Electric GT could be a viable way to electrify a vintage muscle car. But for everybody else, even a Chevrolet Performance DR525 LS 6.2L drag racing crate engine that produces 525hp with all the bits needed, is still far cheaper, with plenty of money left over for when things do go wrong. Plus, a traditional engine has a built-in soundtrack, visceral feel and smells that are equally as important.

Electric engines are well on their way and there’s no denying their instant torque capabilities. But I think we have quite a few years before they become the de facto standard.

The post Can an Electric Crate Motor Be as Good as an LS Swap? 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.

By Martin Banks

American automakers produce as many pony cars as they can sell. For Chevy in the 1980s, that meant six-figure production numbers. These “F body” Camaros are just now coming of age on the collector’s market, but with so many made, they’re not all special. An IROC or Z-28 car makes a nice prize, but how about a Player’s Challenge factory-built racecar?

What is the Player’s Challenge, you ask? It’s a one-make race series for which Chevy built around 100 factory racecars per year. Many retired racecars wind up in junk heaps, but fourteen Player’s Challenge Camaros just hit the market in pristine condition, and they all belong to one owner!

What Is a Player’s Challenge Camaro?

In the hair-band-heavy 1980s, showroom stock auto racing let race fans see cars go wheel-to-wheel for the glory that they could “walk into the dealership and buy.” This style of racing hasn’t faded entirely, but when these special Camaros were conceived in 1986, the Player’s Challenge was a Canadian race series that featured both the Camaro and its twin, the Pontiac Firebird, each in race-spec.

To make a Player’s Challenge Camaro, Chevy started with a 5.0-liter IROC-Z/28 car with the air conditioning removed and a tweaked gear set for better acceleration. But that was just the beginning.

These factory hot rods also received uprated brakes, high-performance shocks, an aluminum driveshaft and a baffled fuel tank to help combat starvation when the cars were flung into long corners. It was one of the earliest examples of the 1LE handling package that modern Camaro buyers can opt for if they value responsive handling over their back health.

Hypothetically, anyone could purchase a 1LE Camaro. However, as with many of the most fabled Chevy performance cars, you had to know how to unlock the high-performance option by selecting the right combination of option codes on your buy sheet. Only those in-the-know would understand that this special 1LE suspension package would only become available if they elected to have the G92 performance rear end and C41 A/C delete.

So, yes, anyone could walk into their local Chevy dealer and buy one. They just had to know the “cheat code” built into the option sheet.

A Brace of Canadian Muscle

Of the roughly 1,500 Player’s Challenge cars built, the Canadian-spec cars could be said to be the most special. They received an additional R7U option code during production from 1989 to 1992. To keep the competition fair, these cars all got sealed-block 305-CI V8 engines. A sealed block means the engine has special markings on it to ensure it isn’t tinkered with, ensuring that every driver gets the same performance from their car.

However, while the competition was even, R7U cars were said to output more than the factory-rated 230hp of the standard Z/28 Camaro thanks to ECU tuning.

In a recent Autotrader listing, the owner of one clean Player’s Special car states that they have 13 more available for sale. Each has seen limited use and no track miles. The cars were spares but were never used in the race series.

Based on the $40k+ price tag of the car that’s listed, one clever collector is cashing in on the wise decision to stash these back when they were fresh from the factory. Can it be that the F body’s moment in the sun has finally arrived? Love it or hate it, you have to appreciate the muscle car nostalgia these obscure Camaros offer.

The post Over a Dozen Rare Camaros up for Sale appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

As the automotive industry is slowly cranking back into gear, news from both the old and the new muscle car scenes are starting to emerge. Firstly, it’s the turn of Dodge who are releasing a bunch of 50th anniversary features. Earlier in the year limited edition models were available in high impact colors, while this time around the newer models will be unlimited for the rest of 2020.

Dodge New Colors

The latest release for both the Dodge Challenger and Charger will be a new color, called ‘Smoke Show’ (paint code PAE). Five total exterior colors will be available for both models which also include Hellraisin, Sinamon Stick, Frostbite, and Gold Rush. These colors were first debuted a few years ago at a FCA Design Color Clinic in California, where the new color were unfortunately dubbed, ‘Garbage Can’ and now aims to replace the color ‘Destroyer Grey.’ The new colors will also be available in all levels of trim for both the Challenger and Charger models.

1968 Dodge Super Bee Field Find

Just as night follows day, there will always be an instance of a rare vintage muscle car being found in the most unlikely of places. In this case it’s a 1968 Dodge Super Bee which has been buried under a green tarp since 1991. The car is currently for sale for just $3000 on Facebook’s marketplace.

There aren’t many details with the listing, with the most information gleaned from the accompanying images. The images show the vehicle is in quite a shocking state and while the engine is in place with the automatic transmission, it’s got a good deal of panel rust, so we can only presume what the underside is like. The interior also looks like it would need a complete overhaul.

The ad. says that the car is ‘good for parts’ and while a good condition 1968 Dodge Super Bee can fetch over $40k, it’s still going to take a brave person to attack this project.

Mecum Head Sells GTO Collection

If completely knackered muscle cars or the latest and greatest is not your thing, then you may be interested in this lineup of Pontiac GTO’s being owned and auctioned by Dana Mecum, president and founder of Mecum Auctions.

All the vehicles come from his own personal collection of Pontiac GTO’s ranging from the years 1964 to 1970, such as a one-off gold GTO which was apparently a giveaway during a 1965 marketing campaign. As Mr. Mecum is a long-standing fan of GTOs, with his father having owned a Pontiac dealership in the past, these vehicles are near and dear to his heart. This point has been made stark with the stipulation of one vehicle being if it is eventually sold again, it must be sold back to Mecum.

If you fancy one of these tasty vehicles, then these particular GTO’s will head to auction during the Indianapolis Mecum auction on July 10-18, 2020. To find out more about the particular auction, check out the link here.

The post Muscle Car News: Mopars And GTOs appeared first on Muscle Car.

When we hear about muscle cars in the United States, the first image that comes to our mind is an enormous vehicle with a sturdy and virtually unbreakable body. Such is not the case because muscle cars are high-performance cars that may look like other vehicles, but have high powered V8 engines that can make them fly. We have listed here five exciting facts about muscle cars that will whet your appetite if you are a car enthusiast.

1.     Best muscle car is a combination of speed and safety:

When it comes to muscle cars, most people talk about horsepower and other similar attributes but fail to address the most critical characteristic of a muscle car i.e., safety. Along with a great engine, best muscle cars have must-have safety upgrades so that the risk of road accidents can be minimized.

If you are behind the wheel of a muscle car, you still cannot drive recklessly. You should also install the best safety features that will allow you to operate the vehicle as safely as possible. If you are a new driver, consider the tips in this car accident video from these Vegas car accident lawyers.

2.     Australia once had a significant following of muscle cars:

Muscle cars are mostly attributed only to the United States, but even Australians once manufactured muscle cars with great zeal and had a massive following in Australia. If we go back in history, we would realize that muscle cars gained popularity in Australia at the same time when they were getting popular in America. But, the Australian government slapped a ban on such vehicles as they were deemed unsafe because of their ability to reach high speeds without any safety standards. 

3.     Ford Mustang cannot be termed as a muscle car:

Even though some muscle car enthusiasts are adamant about terming the iconic Ford Mustang a muscle car, but it is not the case because it does not fulfill the requirements of a muscle car. Ford Mustang is a well-designed vehicle, but it is only a pony car because its V8 engine is much smaller than the rest of the muscle cars.

4.     Muscle Cars used by police:

During the inception phase of muscle cars, police cars were big and slow, and criminals used muscle cars to outrun the police vans. Therefore, Alabama state troopers realized that they need faster cars to play cat and mouse games with the criminals. As a result, they bought a muscle car named AMC Javelin, which had a V8 engine with high horsepower. It was the first time in American history that a police department obtained a muscle car for patrolling purposes.

5.     No one knows the first American muscle car:

People still find themselves at loggerhead about which was the first American muscle car because there have been speculations about several cars. But, most of the experts have shortlisted the two oldest muscle cars such that the argument of ‘who came first’ can be made for both the cars with equal conviction. One is the 1964 Pontiac GTO, and the other one is Oldsmobile Rocket 88, and both of them had V8 engines and body in proportionate with the newer muscle cars.

The post 5 Interesting Facts You Must Know About the Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

Performing mods on a muscle car is as old as the breed itself. It’s not just about the mechanical upgrades to make things faster and more reliable, but also the aesthetic. Usually this means tweaking design elements, so the body is more streamlined and uniform. However, some attempts at this procedure can go as wrong as a Hollywood star who’s had too much plastic surgery.

The other analogy could be those kids in school who just simply could not draw or create artwork. We either have it or we don’t. These are usually the type who with the best intentions, want to improve the look of a vehicle, but the process goes drastically wrong. A blast of inspiration, thousands of dollars later and months down the road results in an aberration, rather than a bespoke masterpiece.

Hopefully, some of these examples will give you inspiration as what not to do and the realization that the original car designers got in most cases the original designs pretty much spot on. Just to be upfront, you may need extensively shaded eyewear or a barf bag before viewing the following items.

The Proboscis Monkey Muscle Car

We featured this rather creative design in an article some time ago, which had uncanny similarities to a Proboscis Monkey. Underneath somewhere is a Pontiac Trans Am Firebird, which has clearly had a good amount of pennies spent on it in the past and was originally for sale for €14,500.

Each to their own when it comes to car taste, but some designs have a unanimous thumbs down. At the least, the pearlessence red paint job looks good quality, even if it does now remind me of a Baboon’s ass in heat.

I’m Exhausted….

The Mercury Grand Marquis maybe crow barred into the muscle car category, but this example shows the extremes of large exhausts. In reality, it may not even be the exhaust system. It could be an improvised rainmaking machine or one of those confetti cannons you see at concert.

Big exhausts equal a cool exhaust note, but there is a cut-off point. The cut-off point on this car should be right at the headers, which would at least make it driveable without sounding like two whales in conversation.

Abstract Car Designs

I simply have no idea what this car is, was meant to be or is trying to emulate. It strikes me as an abstract splat, with some fins, but just like those weird looking fish you see at the bottom of the ocean, it must have its purpose. Maybe it’s an art piece with an untold message or exactly as the designer intended. Whatever the reasonings, my brain simply doesn’t compute.

The Unicorn Mustang

Unicorns are lucky, right? So, why not turn a vintage Mustang into one and drag a trailer behind it. This is exactly the thought process with this Mustang, having a huge silver horn on the hood, silver and purple birds wing slapped onto the rear quarters and a psychedelic horsey color scheme.

If you look closely, the Unicon’s head on the front fender is meant to blend in with the huge horn on the hood. But, this would mean in real life the unicorn would have a horn that slanted off at 45 degrees. Better luck next time.

A GTO Too Far

When we first started this website, this was one of the first images we came across of a muscle car mod. At first it seems cool to have stacked up superchargers, but this thing is about as practical as a chocolate fireguard. It’s just the simple fact of having a tower of metal blocking your view, unbalancing the car and wanting to constantly rip itself free from the engine block.

If you’re going to go to the lengths and expense of stacking up superchargers like this, strap on some mini guns, huge rear wing and make it as outlandish as the supercharged stack. The shame here is that without the superchargers, this could be a great looking car. In this example, at least the changes can be easily reversed.

The Camaro Limo No-No

While other lists of this type highlight oversized donk cars, cars trying to be trucks, loud paint jobs and botched body kits. This example is to show that you should never turn a regular car into a limo.

Even when visually a car makes you slightly nauseous, if it can at least drive, it has some worth. When a car is always in danger of snapping in half at a moments notice, it’s time and expense down the drain. This Camaro was probably a good runner once in its life. Now it’s a disappointing mess that no one will buy, unless you want to turn it into a small, static motor home or lengthy garden shed. This Camaro is a whole heap of wrong and could of had the money and time spent on a few upgrades to make it a good everyday runner. Shame on you.

The post The Worst Muscle car Mods 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 Dave Ashton

Rumors and whispers have been floating around for years about a possible new/remake/reimagining of the iconic DeLorean. The car was initially made famous for starring in the ‘Back to the Future’ movie trilogy. The three surviving cars from the movie, being owned by Universal Studios and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Checking out the DeLorean Wikipedia page states that DMC Texas have had the idea since 2007 for a remake, but with legal wranglings and setbacks, it’s only now with regulation changes that a modern interpretation can be made. Quite a gap in time considering the last official versions were produced in 1982.

Interestingly, a limited run of vehicles was expected to be released in 2017, but the Wikipedia page says production is projected to start in 2021. For the life of me, I cannot find any indications of a production date on either of the DeLorean websites(more on that below…)

The new regulations allow low-volume automakers to produce up to 325 vehicles each year that resemble production cars manufactured over 25 years ago. All vehicles must adhere to the Clean Air Act standards as per the year they were produced. In essence, the low volume of vehicles are allowed if engines and emissions equipment are used from another automaker, e.g. GM, Ford.
In a statement to Hagerty, Vice President of DMC Texas, James Espey, stated the company were gearing up to produce the vehicle once again, with a new version of the original design.

The New Design

As for body reworkings, engine specs., flux capacitor designs and such, the official websites don’t give anything away. The only hints to a possible design come from the video below produced at the end of 2016. From which you can see a screenshot at the top of the page. The video shows a flattened car design with gull wing doors and a healthy amount of glass fiber and brushed stainless steel.

If the rendering is anything to go off, the design looks more like a Lamborghini Countach, which themselves are horrendous to see out of the back of, along with being a tight squeeze for anybody who is over a regular size. Which means the rendering can only be taken as a possible interpretation of things to come.

At the time of writing, trawling through the DeLorean website, there is mention of how the new legislation will allow limited production runs of the vehicle, but nothing concrete about a new design – images or specifications. There are sections on the website for buying parts, servicing and restorations, but no sign of the new vehicle.

There also seems to be another DeLorean website, ‘newDeLorean.com‘ which shows a preview video of the old vehicle, with the blog section only mentioning the new regulations. Thus, it’s down to speculation at this point of how the new vehicle will turn out. If the Wikipedia production date is correct, then it may simply be early days before anything solid is released.

If a possible 325 vehicles can be produced by the company each year, they are bound to be fans of the original car and the movie franchise, who will be most interested. As for the purist muscle car fan, the John DeLorean connection is the most fascinating, being one of the originators of the classic Pontiac GTO. The original DMC had more European influences than anything else. A 2.85 L (2,849 cc) V6 engine produced by Peugeot-Renault-Volvo with 130 hp and a five-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission by the same company. With a manual transmission, performance figures came in at 0–60mph in 8.8 seconds, with the automatic transmission taking 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 109mph.

Still, performance figures don’t really count when you’re talking about such an iconic and recognizable vehicle. We just hope that this new DeLorean will be the most advanced and high-tech vehicle around. If it can run off items found in the trash, just like the end of the first movie, all the better.

The post DeLorean Set to Remake the Iconic ‘Back To The Future’ DMC appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Muscle cars from the late 1960’s to early 1970’s are some of the most iconic car shapes ever created. Proven by the hordes of fans who still collect these tried these vehicles on a regular basis. In the world of Restomods(vintage cars with lots of new bits added) those basic designs are tweaked and fettled to make beautiful new creations, along with a sizeable heap of performance parts.

The restomod featured here is a 1968 Pontiac Firebird which will be coming up for auction at Barrett-Jackson, at South Florida Fairgrounds, April 16th-April 18th with no reserve. Richardson’s Custom Auto Body seem to be the originators of this reworked classic, refining and building on the original design, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.

The basic lines and curves of the original design have been kept in place, removing bits such as the chrome outline of the grille, with a simpler, single headlight configuration. In many ways, the original design has been simplified, covered in the deep and thick Viva La Red paintwork, covering everything from the rear bumper to the front air splitter.

According to the Barrett-Jackson description, the car took three years and over 4,500 man hours to complete. Engine wise, it has an LS3 6.2 liter V8 producing over 550hp, with lots of internal grades. The transmission used is a GM 6L90 6-speed automatic, with 3.73:1 gears and a 12-bolt rear end. Ceramic-coated Sanderson headers and  a custom exhaust have also been installed.

Keeping everything tied to the ground, a Detroit Speed coilover suspension has been installed with a QUADRALink setup and tubular front suspension running along the sub frame connectors. Baer brakes are used all-round with 14-inch rotors upfront and 13-inch versions at the back. Finished off with highly polished, 18×10-inch and 19×12-inch Rushforth Concept five-spoke wheels.

Moving to the interior, the bucket seats come from a 2006 Pontiac GTO, dressed in Douglass European leather, keeping the vintage dash and Vintage Air heating.

This example is a fine re-working of a classic and will provide the next custodian with many years of driving pleasure. If you’re at all interested in this vehicle, check out the Barrett-Jackson https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/1968-pontiac-firebird-custom-coupe-for-sale-no-reserve-palm-beach-auction/ website for more details.

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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.

Would you pay a million dollars for a 69 ZL1 Camaro? Well, someone did, and others who also paid a lot for the top muscle cars. Read all about them here.

It’s exhilarating! That feeling you get when you cruise around in a powerful muscle car takes your breath away.

If you’re in the market for a muscle car, you should check out the local auto auctions. Surveys show that Americans buy/sell about 9 million cars at auctions every year!

We did some research and found the top muscle cars that sold at an auction in the last few years. Keep reading to get a glimpse at some of the cars you might get a shot to buy at an auto auction.

What Is an Auto Auction and How Do They Work?

Never been to an auto auction? Don’t sweat it! They’re not as intimidating as you think and you get to see some killer cars!

The size and inventory of auto auctions vary from a small event with only a few cars to a massive auction with acres of cars to choose from. But, no matter which auction you go to, buying and selling cars is the goal.

Buyers and sellers meet at the auction on sale day and the auctioneer facilitates the sale at the highest possible profit for the seller. But, if you know what you’re looking for, you can find some pretty sweet deals! Visit this website to see how you can test drive some of the most outrageous muscle cars in the world before you bid at the auction.

Tip: Pre-register before the day of the auction if you can. You might even get a sneak preview of the cars before the auctioning starts!

Top Muscle Cars Sold at Auto Auctions

You never know which cars you might find at an auto auction. These are some of the sweetest muscle cars that sold at auto auctions in the past few years.

1971 Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible

This is a rare find as one of only 11 produced in 1971 and pristine condition to boot. At the auction, this beauty sold for $2.2 million, but everyone expected it to fetch a million or two more than that!

The only “flaw” in this beast was that it had a replacement engine instead of the one that the manufacturer installed when they built the car. Even considering that little problem, this buyer got a deal of a lifetime in this muscle car!

1965 Shelby Cobra Roadster CSX

Carroll Shelby of Ford Motor Company wanted to design a muscle car to compete with the Corvette. So, they built a new frame to fit a V8 engine and released the 1965 Shelby Cobra Roadster CSX in September of 1961.

This beautiful piece of machinery has a 4.3-liter lightweight, small block engine that went through tons of testing and tweaking before its release. This Shelby Cobra Roadster sold for almost $1.6 million at Barrett Jackson’s Scottsdale Arizona auction held in 2015.

1967 Corvette L88S Coupe

This stunning specimen is one of the most coveted Corvettes ever built. Chevy only made 20 of these in 1967 and this was the only one with a red-on-red color scheme.

These muscle cars boast a heavy-duty suspension and a 430 horsepower engine. Also, the technicians fine-tuned the transmission for the best performance. This beauty is perfect for a drag racing track!

The downsides to this beast of a muscle car are that it had no radio, no heater, and no air conditioning. So, nothing as far as creature comforts and things you want for long-distance driving.

This beauty sold to at an auction in 2014 for a staggering $3.85 million!

1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama Concept Car

In the early 1950s, GM started marketing to younger demographics and their vehicle designs reflect this new direction. The Pontiac Bonneville Special concept car is one of only two that Pontiac built… ever!

The Pontiac Bonneville Special concept has a low to the ground sports car feel with a lightweight fiberglass body. This Pontiac concept car also had an enclosed cockpit with flip-up side windows to make it feel like a race car and, to top it all off, a beefy V8 engine beneath the hood.

In 2006, at the Barrett-Jackson’s 35th-anniversary auction in Scottsdale, the Pontiac Bonneville Special Concept car sold for $3.08 million!

1966 Shelby Cobra 427 “Super Snake”

This stunning machine is the rarest Cobra that exists these days and it is one of only two Super Snakes ever built. Since the other one no longer exists, this is the only Cobra out there!

After rigorous testing, this Cobra received the honor of being a full Competition Roadster because it still has its original parts including the aluminum “Super Snake” hood. It’s obvious why this muscle car sold for $5.115 million!

1967 L88 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

This stunner’s beautiful Stingray design has held its value over the years and it is one of only 20 made in 1967. Most of those models were a company secret sold only to racing teams.

Because Life Is More Fun With a Little Muscle

You can find awesome muscle cars at almost every auto auction these days, and they’re popular among the buyers at the auctions also! Knowing which cars are your top muscle cars before auction day gives you a little edge when bidding.

If you play your cards right, you could snag an amazing deal on the muscle car of your dreams at the next auction!

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you learned a thing or two about the kinds of muscle cars you’ll see at auto auctions. For more articles about everything related to muscle cars, check out the rest of our blog posts today!

The post Best of the Best: Top Muscle Cars Sold at an Auction 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

Most muscle car hunters on the lookout for stashed away gems, may have the mindset of always checking out fields, barns and little stored away garages and units. But as revealed here by Patrick Glenn Nichols, these things can crop up anywhere like in a bunch of tractor-trailers down in Kentucky.

The immediate signs are of a property holding a bunch of old trailers and the like. For example an old Mack firetruck and plenty of other vehicles, but once a few of the trailers are opened up, there is a plethora of vintage muscle cars hidden within. They mostly consist of old GM vehicles, like an old Chevelle, a Camaro Z/28 and a Pontiac Firebird.

Clearly, each of these vehicles will need to be verified for exactly what they are, but there’s definitely a lot of potential tucked away in this little hideaway.

It’s definitely worth checking out the full video to get the full rundown, but if anything, the big takeaway here is that vintage muscle cars can be stowed away in the most unlikely of places. So, next time you’re sailing down a little country road, keep your eyes peeled for tell-tale signs of cars being stored. You never know what you will find.

The post Tractor Trailers Found With Loads Of Vintage Muscle Cars 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

Some people seem to have all the luck. The Barn Find Hunters from Hagerty seems to be one such bunch when they stumbled across this large clutch of desirable muscle cars outside of Lubbock, Texas. A wide expanse of land with loads of vintage vehicles baking away in the heat, with one car standing out in particular, a Pontiac GTO Judge.

At first glance, the Judges looks like it was parked recently and has just let the sun do its usual oxidizing on the paintwork. From the video commentary this is a Carousel Red Judge the paint being original, with a white interior, 400ci V8 4 barrel Ram Air III and a four speed. The odometer also reads 00002.4. Although they cannot pop the hood, the owner says he has driven the car, but doesn’t go into detail for when and for how long. In other words, this is a prime, classic muscle car, begging to be restored.

As for value, the on the spot appraisal was condition 4, which is fair, but above the condition of this car $38,900. Good $56,000 and in concours condition $127,000. unfortunately, the car is not for sale, bah. Rick doesn’t say in the video. If he has any plans for the Judge. he clearly doesn’t want to sell, but will it eventually be restored?

There’s plenty of other vehicles dotted around the land, which could possibly be for sale. But, if Rick ever parts with the Pontiac is another question. In any case, it’s worth watching the video in its entirety as there are loads of vehicles they inspect which are all very interesting in their own rights.

The post Pontiac GTO Judge Field Find appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Just when you thought all the vintage muscle cars in the world have been discovered and snapped up, along comes another bountiful Muscle Car Collection. In this case it’s a huge gathering of old GM muscle cars.

There are quite a few old GM classics in this muscle car collection. Pontiac GTOs, 442 Cutlasses, Hurst Oldsmobiles, a 1970 Buick GS Stage 1…the list goes on. There are also some rarities thrown into the mix like a special order GTO in rare Cardinal Red. Most are non-numbers matching and have been sat for over 15 years. Thankfully, in a temperature controlled environment, which means most of them should have metalwork in good condition. Obviously, that doesn’t take into account the condition they were first brought into the storage environment as some clearly have a few rust holes. There is a varied enough selection here to grab somebody’s interest for their next restoration project.

At this point the video should have whetted your appetite, but where are they, are they for sale, is there an inventory list to choose from, etc.? The bottom line – the collection is for sale and has been documented in the video by Auto Archaeology, who will put interested parties in touch with the owners of the collection. All the vehicles are waiting to be restored and are in a variety of conditions – some with engines, some without.

I can only think that the passing on of interested parties to the seller via email is to cut down on tire kickers. If you’re interested in buying anything that you seen the video or inquiring further, then email the Auto Archaeologist here.

The post Massive Muscle Car Collection In Factory Basement 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

If you don’t have the budget or resources to buy into a vintage or modern muscle car, but you still want the thrill of the ride, there are still options. This obviously depends on which part of our little planet you live, with obviously America being the prime hotspot. But, what if you live in a not so muscle car orientated country and still want a spin?

Being based in Europe, we have our pockets of muscle car fan, dealers, clubs and meets, but it’s pretty rare to be able to pop round to a neighbor’s house and ask for a quick spin in their GT500 or Hellcat. One option available is to try out a muscle car track day. These are usually closed circuit courses and are advertised as ‘high-speed blasts’ over 3 miles. There do seem to be full day events advertised, but these don’t usually include American muscle cars in Europe. More full-day track training or stunt experiences in European vehicles (easier to acquire and repair, etc.)

This means that an American muscle car experience isn’t usually an extensive training day, but a quick taster experience of driving in what can be very tasty, dream cars. You may not get the extensive driving tuition, but on the flip side they are very affordable. For instance a three-mile blast in a Dodge Hellcat costs £39 ($49). The drive can be booked at many venues throughout the UK and have a few additional options like a high-speed passenger ride for an extra £10 or double the distance for £30.

The same website as the one I tried, there are a few other muscle car options which include a ’69 Dodge Charger blast, Shelby Cobra, Pontiac Trans Am, Ford GT 40, Mustang ‘Eleanor’ GT500, Mustang GT350, Ford Shelby GT, a ‘Fast and the Furious’ Dodge Charger R/T, ’69 Camaro SS and Camaro ZL1 blast. In other words, a nice variety of America muscle to choose from. They also have packages to try a few vehicles at once. Most of the American muscle car options come in at around the same price.

These track days are also a great way to taste or should I say get hooked on a particular vehicle before you slap down the cash on your own purchase. It’s not just a test drive, it’s a push the car to its near limits and see what they were exactly built for. Sheer, raw fun and the thrill of the ride.

Like all short blast track days, you will always be left wanting for more and hopefully that’s the objective. Enough so you save up all those pennies to buy your own, or at least treat yourself a few times a year to a variety of ‘blasts.’ Either way, these are great value for money and should be sampled at least a few times in your life. Therefore, if you live in Europe it’s a convenient way to try out a muscle car with a safety net, both new and vintage types.

There’s no particular one website to recommend for these track days, as they usually book for multiple venues. The one I sampled was trackdays.co.uk.

The post Muscle Car Track Days appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Modifying a car past its original design and styling can be a very subjective affair. It’s ever so tempting to stick on wide-body kits, flared wheel arches, spoilers and anything else that can be thought of to make a vehicle standout. The innate problem with car modification is that the original designers put a lot of time and effort into perfecting the design. This means modifying a car design can be a very fine line between beautiful and downright ugly.

I came across this Pontiac Trans Am Firebird on a German vehicle market website recently and the first thing that sprung to mind was a proboscis monkey like in the image above. sorry, I just couldn’t help it.

The modifications on this Firebird are clearly a very individual thing. It would be far too easy to go straight into mocking mode, but the takeaway here is any extensive changes you make to a vehicle, you always have to consider selling it one day and will someone love it as much as you do. It’s why the majority of the top line resto. mods. out there have clearly been modified, but they are subtle changes that still blend ito the original design. Modified enough to enhance the original design, but also generic enough so they can sell the thing.

If you intend to keep a car for the rest of your living days, do what you want to it, but this is usually the exception rather than the norm. The interior on this Pontiac isn’t too bad. Almost like an old truck in appearance. The color is some sort of pearlessence red and seems to shimmer from a deep red to a burnt orange. Not bad, but, the exterior is almost like one huge body kit covering the whole exterior. Underneath it all there is somewhere a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am lurking.

Maybe I’ve missed the point entirely. There maybe a scene out there I’m unaware of which goes for this exact look. They don’t care what the outside world thinks. That’s the style, that’s what they go for and everyone else be damned. That’s cool too.

So, if you’re not part of a certain styled scene and your car modifications aren’t a conscious effort to fit in there, just be aware that you may have to sell the vehicle one day. We are all visual creatures and if a car doesn’t please our eyes we’re definitely not going to lay down cash for it.

If this one does take your fancy, it’s currently for sale for €14,500.

The post How To Not Mod. Your Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

In many ways, it’s surprising that a feature film hasn’t been made about John DeLorean up to now. To the wider populous, DeLorean is most famous for making the DeLorean time travelling car in the movie ‘Back to the Future’ and his headlines as an Icarus style rise to car fame and fall. For others, DeLorean was one of the key components of the classic muscle car era. Good guy, bad guy, pioneer, nonconformist, jetsetting car company head to tarnished businessman charged with cocaine trafficking. DeLorean’s life sparks interest even if you’re not a car fan.

Now, after years of failed attempts, a movie by Don Argott and Sheena M. Joyce about DeLorean has emerged with Alec Baldwin playing DeLorean. The film mixes storytelling with vintage clips from key moments from the extraordinary life of the man.
Firstly, there are caveats to such a screening. You can only cram so much life story into 1hr 49mins., while still covering high drama levels to both entertain both car and non-car fans.

Overview of the man
DeLorean is important to remember for a number of reasons. His autobiography documents most of his standout moments, but in a nutshell after graduating from the Chrysler Institute he joined the Chrysler engineering team, then moved to the Packard Motor Company in 1953. In 1956 he moved to GM working most notably on the Pontiac GTO as the first muscle car for launch in 1964.
Then onto heading up GM and Chevrolet, DeLorean celebrated more of the high life than the usual stoic face of car execs. of the time. Always battling the status quo on both the engineering and management fronts, he went on to form the DeLorean Motor Company and the iconic DMC DeLorean. A meteoric constant rise on the surface, but by 1999 DeLorean had declared himself bankrupt, mostly down to the lack of success of the DeLorean Motor Company. A cocaine sting in 1982 from which he was found not guilty didn’t help matters, but by then his reputation had taken an irreversible hit. Pioneering vehicles, rockstar lifestyle and ultimate fall from grace, what’s not to like.

Whats its all about?
Coming from the muscle car perspective, I would have been almost happy with a straightforward documentary as the video at the foot of the page. A little background of the man’s personal life, but the main focus being on the influence DeLorean had on each car company and the groundbreaking vehicles. The problem with that approach is that it really limits the audience to the petrol heads out there.
So, a more general approach is needed. A bit TV drama mixed with just enough factual information to get the point across to appeal to the wider masses. Probably why vintage clips had been included in the movie. Don Argott and Sheena M. Joyce are class A documentarians, so a completely dramatized version of DeLorean’s life was unlikely, but on the same note Alec Baldwin is hardly going to recite the full story in a linear fashion as a voice-over. So has the fine line between pure documentary and a dramatized Hollywood movie been met?

Movie Trailer

(note the cool eyebrows….)

On the drama side of things, the anticipation is ramped up with most of the film focusing on his arrest and trial. But the original footage of DeLorean’s arrest brings home the painful reality of how the mighty had fallen. Other cast members like Jason Sudeikis, Lee Pace, Judy Greer and Morena Baccarin prop up the story, but you cannot help but want for either a full documentary or full stage play at points.

You do get some background to the man. His influence on the Pontiac GTO, classic era muscle cars in general, the youngest division head at GM, showboating and shenanigans, a man who wanted it all and more. Glamour and pathos make you want to love and hate the character in equal measures at times, especially from the perspective of people who worked with the man at the time. The ill fated DeLorean car company helped Catholics and Protestants work together in Northern Ireland and interspersed interviews show how decisions to protect the workers came at a cost to the company. Good guy, bad guy. Like us all, a bit of both.

For those unfamiliar with John DeLorean’s story the film is definitely worth a watch, even if it’s just to get an overview of the man and his wild ride. Clearly I have a biased opinion as a muscle car fan as any morsels of information that adds to the story are worth a watch. As a pure muscle car fan aware of the man, you will always be left wanting for more information. It’s the nature of the beast with these type of films. For the non-car fan, the movie is an entertaining overview of the DeLorean story which hopefully will lead to further reading and hopefully some appreciation of those early vehicles and how they pioneered what came next.

It can be easy to criticize the balance of a movie like this one. Is it a drama, is it a documentary? Pleasing all men all of the time is always going to be hard work, so at least give this film a watch. You won’t be disappointed.

The DeLorean Story Documentary

Worthwhile links
IMDB page on the film.
Currently on limited release in theaters.

The post Framing John DeLorean Movie Review: The Highs And Lows Of Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

It’s common for car manufacturers to produce concept cars or prototypes before deciding on a final model. But it’s not so common for a concept car to be around for decades which influenced the rest, but never saw the light of day. That title can definitely go to the Pontiac Banshee.

From 1964 to 1988 there were four versions of the Banshee. All very futuristic looking, but they never got full priority to hit production. A bit sad for a model that had all the potential, but never quite made it for a number of reasons.

Banshee I
The first Pontiac Banshee, the XP-833 was to take on the Ford Mustang, well before the release of the Camaro. John DeLorean, Pontiac Motor Division head approved funding for the design in 1963, initially being influenced by the Corvair Monza GT show car and it’s rear-mounted transaxle. For an extensive mechanical rundown of the XP-833 check out this article over at Motor Trend.

What it did have was a 1966 released 230ci. overhead-cam six, but with a tame one-barrel carb. As the concept was meant to be an affordable, two seater sports car, there was going to be an extensive option list, which even resulted in a second XP-833 being built with a 326 V8. If the designers got their way, they would have dropped in Pontiac’s top 421ci. V8. However, when the XP-833 was shown to top GM executives, the whole project was stopped. Some say it is because the XP-833 could have trodden on the toes of the Corvette, while others say is because the sports car market of the early 60’s was nowhere near as mature as it should have been. Luckily, both vehicles were tucked away and saved from the crusher and remain now as ultra collectors items.

Banshee II
When you have a good idea about something, it’s hard to let it lie. This was the case with the 1968 Pontiac Banshee II. A fibreglass outer skin sat over Firebird innards, cut down glass, low ground clearance and housed a 400ci. V8 engine. In 1969 it was given a lick of white paint and graphics and the name Firebird Fiero, which was borrowed later on for its own model.
You don’t like this one GM execs.? Okay, back to the drawing board….

Banshee III
In 1974 the third incarnation of the Banshee was put together. It looks like a sort of squished Trans-Ams from the front because it was based on the Pontiac Firebird platform. A very sloping front end and almost ‘Vette like rear, the design was to improve aerodynamics, with a soft face bumper system, quartz halogen headlamps, electric toll window and red leather upholstery. Under the hood was a Pontiac 455ci. Super Duty V8 all finished off in metallic maroon. The car had additional updates in 1976 and 1978.

Looks-wise the Banshee III is like a mash up between a Corvette and a Trans Am.

Banshee IV
The last version of the Banshee came out in 1988. By now the Pontiac designers had probably resigned themselves to the Banshee only being a concept car, so why not build the ultimate one? The Banshee IV looks like a spaceship even in 2019 with a fibreglass body, tubular steel frame, triangular hood, flush mounted glass and doors, no door handles and a futuristic interior. The doors even opened via an infrared wristwatch sized device.

A 4.0L, dual overhead cam V8 with 230HP ran through a five-speed manual transmission. Inside was a head-up display, under which was a virtual image of the analog cluster, steering wheel controls, television monitors for rear view traffic, headrest mounted radio speakers. Other tech. like memory switches, electrically tilting steering column and memory adjustable front seats all added to the futuristic concept.

Ultimately, the Banshee IV influenced much of the fourth generation Firebird and fourth generation Camaro. But the concept car also influence the mainstream. A Banshee IV model was produced by Revell and Hot Wheels, it was in the 1993 movie Demolition Man and also appeared in the 1989 movie Back to the Future II.

So, the Pontiac Banshee was ultimately one of those vehicles which the powers that be didn’t want to go into production, but were quite happy to borrow all the ideas from.
Me hopes a Banshee V will one day come out, with ridiculously futuristic tech., something like Tony Stark would create to go with his Iron Man suit made out of nano tech., but with Pontiac now a name in a draw somewhere, we can only look back at these wonderful creations and what they influenced.

The post Pontiac Banshee: The Muscle Car That Almost Was appeared first on Muscle Car.

VIN: 242379Z124319
Engine: Ram Air III 400
Transmission: Manual
Exterior Color: Matador Red
Mileage: 3776
Price: $84,000.00

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

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.

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

The post 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge For Sale appeared first on Muscle Car.

Ford Motor Company flew AmericanMuscle’s Justin Dugan out to Pontiac, Michigan over the weekend so he could ‘have at it’ on the M1 Concourse racetrack with the new 2019 Shelby GT350.

What might be just ‘another day in the office’ for Justin allows you, as the viewer, to gain a first-hand look into the development and driving characteristics of this flat-plane crankshaft equipped road-legal race car.

Watch it here: https://www.americanmuscle.com/hotlap-may2019.html

The post 2019 GT350 Reviewed appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

Convertible VIN: 001 & Coupe VIN: 002 1967 Pontiac Firebirds, the first two Pontiac Firebirds ever built are currently for sale on eBay. We first wrote about these two Firebirds when Richard Rawling’s Fast N’ Loud show and Gas Monkey garage acquired the vehicles in 2014. Previously they had been sat for years in a garage in Connecticut. The Gas Monkey garage guys restored the cars to their former glory with the acquisition of the cars and restoration being featured on the show.

Both vehicles were all original and first intended as show cars and for advertising purposes before they were eventually sold. Both vehicles have spent all their lives together, so it’s fitting that they stay that way, being sold together.

Now both vehicles are for sale on eBay from ‘Restore A Muscle Car’ Nebraska asking $285,000.00 for both cars. VIN #001 is a red convertible, housing a 326ci. V8 three speed automatic. VIN #002 is a silver coupe with the same 326ci. V8 and a four-speed manual. Gas Monkey garage is primarily in the business of selling cars, so it’s no surprise that both popped up for sale at Barrett Jackson in 2016.

I would have thought that two vehicles with this much historical significance would end up in a museum somewhere. That’s all well and good, but the museums still has to buy the things in the first place. It will be interesting to see who are the next custodians of these two cars. Let’s just hope they are publicly available for all to see, rather than stuffed away in a climate controlled garage as part of someone’s investment portfolio.

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

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

The post First Two 1967 Pontiac Firebirds Selling On Ebay appeared first on Muscle Car.

When tasked with finding the world’s fastest Ford Mustangs, I thought this would be an easy job. Firstly, consult the Guinness book of records for any official entries, then job done, easy. Well, The first hurdle was the only entries for a Mustang were ‘Largest Parade of Mustangs’ and ‘the most virtual signatures on an electronic greeting card.’ Nothing with the words ‘fastest’ or ‘quickest.’

So, with no official speed entries, it’s down to strictly unofficial records. The next bunch of caveats, the fastest off the line, fastest 0-60mph, fastest top speed, fastest over a quarter mile, fastest over a half mile, fastest over a mile, fastest stock or mod’ed. The list goes on and on…

So, with most of the headlines of ‘Fastest’ this or that, here’s is a sloppily put together list of some of the most potent Mustang muscle cars out there. These are either the fastest in the Mustang community or claim to be the fastest in a certain category. As a side note, the 2020 Shelby Mustang GT500 promises to be the most powerful production Mustang yet, but we will have to wait and see how this beast performs.

Fastest Manual Ford
Housing a 4.6-liter 4V Mod motor, now with Precision 62mm turbochargers, the 1998 ‘TT Minion’ Mustang can produce 1,500 horsepower and do a 7.92 second quarter-mile at 180mph, all with manual shifting. Is it the fastest in the world? Who knows, but it’s up there.

Fastest Quarter Mile Drag Radial Car
A quarter-mile time in 5.92 seconds at 250mph on drag radials. This thing has a Proline 526ci. V8 with two 94mm turbochargers.

Fastest none street-legal production Mustang
This honor goes to the 5.2L Ford Mustang Cobra Jet for the 50th anniversary of the Mustang. Only 68 of these were built and although not street legal, they can hit the quarter-mile in the mid-eight seconds at 150 mph. With a little helping hand from a 3.0 litre Whipple supercharger, it’s arguably one of the fastest production Mustangs around.

Fastest quarter-mile from Drag Times
This quarter-mile time was recorded over at Drag Times for a 1969 Mustang driven by Bill Sexton. The pass was recorded on March 15th, 2004 at 6.860 seconds at 204mph. The engine is a 712ci. Pontiac with a 2 Stage Fogger nitrous kit.

Fastest Shelby GT500 Mustang
This video of the ‘The Devil’s Reject’ Shelby GT500 Mustang gives a claimed 6.76 seconds @ 206mph in the quarter mile. It certainly has the goods with a 5.8liter/349.ci. aluminum block with 2,200 horsepower with help from a Precision 94mm turbocharger.

Fastest S550 Mustang with IRS
The fastest S550 Mustang with independent rear suspension seemingly goes to a 2017 Mustang GT by Sheldon Lewis of Straight Performance Racing. The 7.9 second run at 179 MPH was done with a SPR Built Coyote Engine, 88mm single turbo system and Powertrain Specialties TH400.

However, here’s Jordan Weir with his 2015 Mustang that rocketed to 245.1 mph at The Texas Mile in early 2017. Over 2,000 horsepower comes from a Trinity 5.8-liter engine with two 76mm Borg-Warner turbos and 2013 GT500 intercooler.

Fastest production street legal Mustang
The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 sure has some potent power under the hood with a supercharged 5.8-liter 32-valve V8, producing 662HP. This comes out at 3.5 seconds for a 0-60MPH time and a roundabout 11.8 second quarter-mile time. The GT500 also has a claimed 200-mph top speed.

Shelby GT350 Half Mile World Record
A best pass of 193.5 mph.

This is not an exhaustive list, but will hopefully give you a small insight into some of the fastest Mustangs around.

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

The post The World’s Fastest Ford Mustangs 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 

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

The post 1971 Two Lane Blacktop Movie: Muscle Cars Galore appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

In the vintage muscle car world a vehicle usually only needs one or two rare options to make it an expensive rarity. In the case of this 1972 Pontiac LeMans GT it’s definitely a rarity, but with the added bonus of still being relatively affordable. The LeMans GT package was only available in 1972 aimed at the more budget minded muscle car enthusiasts. This included a chrome bumper instead of the GTO Endura bumper and bench seats instead of bucket versions. The GT also included side tape stripes, dual exhaust, Rally II wheels and color coded mirrors with passenger remote.

The standout option on this car is the Carolina Blue paintwork. The color was a special order from only a few Pontiac dealers in North Carolina who ordered the car as a tribute to the NCAA North Carolina Tar Heels. The ducktail rear spoiler was also special ordered and not a factory option. Apparently, Carolina Blue was also specially ordered on some Chevrolet models.

After a bit of sniffing around online, it seems that the same vehicle as featured here has popped up for sale a few times, most notably from Mecum and from an independent car dealer. Both listings say the car is 1 of 1 with one of the listings saying it has PHS documentation to prove its authenticity. One listing showing the selling price for $32,000. Not a huge amount more than what you would pay for a regular 1972 Pontiac LeMans GT.

So, onto the individual details about this car. It was originally sold from Jim Simmons Pontiac Buick Inc., 829 Church Street, Concord, North Carolina. The schedule build date was the third week of April, shipped on the April 24, 1972. The options included – Solic Special $72.00, GT option $231.00, AM Radio $65.00, Vinyl Trim $27.00, 350-2 Bbl engine $118.00, Soft Ray Windshield $30.00. Total retail price being $3,510.65.

The VIN code 2D37N2A189123 breaks down as below –

2 – Pontiac Motor Division
D – LeMans
37 – 2 Door hardtop
N – 350-2 bbl engine
2 – 1972 Model year
A – Atlanta, Georgia final assembly plant
189123 – Sequence number

The cowl tag breaks down as following –
(72-23537) – 1972 Pontiac Lemans 2 door hardtop
(A) – Atlanta, GA
(17870) – Body number
(256 A52) – Black bench seat Morrokide
(W6) – special order Carolina blue
(04C) – April 3 week

General specs.
Engine: 0535916 – 455 C.I.(originally 350ci. 2 Bbl)
Transmission: 3885010 – Muncie wide ratio 4 speed
Rear: 690131 – 3.23 ratio

The car was restored in March 2014 by Muscle Car Designs, Joliet, Illinois at 40,000 miles, who replaced the original 350ci. V8 with a 455ci. V8 and a Muncie wide ratio 4 speed. Power steering and front disc brakes were also added. The two spoke steering wheel was also replaced with a three spoke wooden rim version. The ducktail spoiler is also a super rarity as it never made it into production due to problems with the mold.

It’s a shame the original powertrain isn’t with the car, but the vehicle is definitely a fascinating rarity from the classic muscle car era.

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

The post 1972 Pontiac LeMans GT in Carolina Blue, 1 of 1 appeared first on Muscle Car.

Have you ever had those ‘what if…..’ moments with a vehicle, either 2AM in a drunken haze or in the cold light of day where outlandish additions to a car feel like a eureka moment and the next evolution in car technology? Well, TheHoonigans in association with Scumbag Labs seem to have had quite a few of these lately and luckily for us, they have the means to make them a reality.

Have they just invented a 10,000 hp Dodge Challenger that runs off rainwater? Is it a new breed of muscle car that can fly? Even better, a $700 1984 Pontiac Firebird with huge fans from a hardware store as turbos(codename: turdos) all stuck together with aluminum ducting and the world’s best material, gaffer tape. With clearly years of scientific planning and design that have gone into the concept, a cardboard mounted toggle switch mounted in the car turns on the planet sucking turbos via a solenoid and power inverter. Finally, the Firebird ends up looking like it’s had two of those monstrously huge camera lenses they use for capturing NASA launches strapped to the front of the car.

The whole experiment tries to answer the question, ‘can home-made forced induction maker us faster?’ So how much power can this thing produce? Through a portable dyno, the Firebird made an astounding 72 hp as a baseline reading and then a 17.37 second eighth-mile. Engaging the ‘turdos’ produced a dyno result of 101 hp, a definite increase in power, but could this be translated to the strip? The obviously frame off restored, numbers matching Firebird launches like an asthmatic sloth, but improves its time to 13.75 seconds. The guys also figured out that the car didn’t need a parachute or brakes for stopping, as scraping down the strip’s concrete walls seemed to be much more efficient.

Now with quad turbos
James Bond said ‘The world is not enough’ and in this case two turbos is not enough. After a small tuneup, the Firebird ran a best time of 9.63 seconds. Myth confirmed, even more air equals even more power….just.

When only compressed air will do
Where do you go when you’ve already made the ultimate turbo setup for a car? Use compressed air, of course. Adding a huge 80psi of boost should at least reach funny car territory, but alas the time came in at 10.6 seconds at the end, not being helped by a blown transmission. But the dyno don’t lie showing an unbelievable 219.17hp and 260.57lb. ft. of torque without compressed air and with 323.85 hp…..mind blown.

…but what about Dry ice?
Cold air intakes are all the fashion, so why not try a few boxes of dry ice? It’s the next logical step, but will it beat forced air induction? Well, not on its own. It seems a spot of airflow would have made the difference.

Conclusion – more air does equal more power, but instead of a disclaimer of ‘don’t try this at home,’ it’s more like ‘don’t bother trying this at home.’ This may not be the future of boosting, but it does prove the concept works. But what about the future of the Firebird? It’s probably retiring and heading to a concours event as we speak.

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

The post The Pontiac Firebird Hoonigan Turbo Madness appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

If anybody says muscle cars aren’t the height of art and culture, then they need to attend the ‘Night of Ballet’ hosted by the Melbourne City Ballet Theatre at the American Muscle Car Museum on Saturday, April 6. The Melbourne City Ballet Theatre Company is raising funds to help their new full production of Swan Lake in association with Satellite Instrumental Music and the National Ballet Theatre of Odessa, surrounded by some of the best muscle cars on the planet.

The Satellite Symphonic Orchestra will be providing the live music as a backdrop to world famous variations from La Bayadere, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. Hors d’oeuvres and a selection of wines and beers will be available on the evening, along with silent and live auctions and a raffle.

More than anything you’re getting three for the price of one for this evening. A world-class orchestra, ballet company and a visit to one of the best muscle car museums on the planet. It makes the entrance price quite a bargain.

How much of the vast collection of muscle cars you will be able to view on the evening is unclear. The muscle car museum houses a huge array of vehicles ranging from the vintage to the very new. The collection has standout examples from all the best muscle car makes and models, from original Hemis, Superbirds, Shelbys, Yenkos, Chevys from 1955 through to present day, Dodge vehicles from 1969 on wards, Fords, Pontiacs and the list goes on.

Maybe an evening like this one could be inspiration for you to play a little Swan Lake as your soundtrack next time you’re high revving a mighty V8 engine. It’s definitely going on my playlist.

There are sponsorship packages available, along with the organisation accepting donations for auction items.
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 6-9pm
$75 perperson, $100 for two, $125 per family
Dress code: semi-formal.

Tickets available here – https://www.eventbrite.com/o/melbourne-city-ballet-theatre-18552345674
Find out more here – https://www.melbournecityballettheatre.com/events

The post Muscle Cars And a Night of Ballet appeared first on Muscle Car.

Engine: 455ci.(7.4L) V8, 1000HP, 1,046lb.ft. Torque
Supercharger: 2.3 Magnuson Liter 14 psi
Price: $169,995.00

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

If you’re unfamiliar with these Chevrolet Camaro conversions, the makers Trans Am Worldwide cars aim to take a sixth gen. Camaro, add whatever custom performance specification you like, add their Trans Am custom features, with the end result being as close to a modern interpretation of the Pontiac Trans Am as possible.

This vehicle isn’t a Camaro with just a ‘Screaming Chicken’ plastered on the hood, the whole car is reworked from the ground up. The engine has been built alongside a top NASCAR engine builder, with modifications such as cold air intake and ceramic coated headers and Magnuson Supercharger to produce a mighty 1,000HP and 1,046lb.ft. of torque.

To give a more Trans Ams feel the interior and exterior have been reworked with lots of carbon fiber included on the body panels, front fascia, shaker hood, carbon fenders, vents, rear fascia and decklid. Other exterior features have also been tweaked like the fascia grilles and headlights. All finished off with custom graphics and fender and rear spoiler details. There’s also a T-tops option if you want the full Trans Am feel.

Now, here’s where the listing gets a little complicated. The 2017 Super Duty SD-455 listing on the Trans Am Worldwide website states that the Super Duty 455 has a ‘limited production of 50 – Beginning May 1st, 2017.’ This one is being listed as a Super Duty 455 Trans AM, seemingly built and ready to deliver, but the listing also says, ‘These cars are all built to specification. So whatever you can dream up, we can build it for you. There is no limit to the possibilities. The price starts at $169,995 for the Base Model (Manual Transmission)’ Hmmm……

At the foot of the listed is given all the various options that can be included on your own custom build. I’m always a little slow on the uptake, but is this listing at $169,995.00 for a completed Super Duty 455 Trans AM or as the starter price for your own build? If the above is correct in that base models ‘starts at $169,995’, then this listing is really about selling you the base package and to receive a Super Duty 455 Trans AM needs all the extra options on top.

If this is true, a slightly misleading ad., but this shouldn’t reflect on the vehicles themselves as they are the nearest we will come to a modern interpretation of a Trans Am with a professional ground up reworking. clearly, if you are interested in one of these vehicles, it will need lots of further enquiry into what exactly is offered for the money. I get the fact that you need to attract people to your listings and putting a title something along the lines of ‘base model Camaro Trans Am., but if you want the top model, it’s twice the price.’ may not attract many visitors, but at the moment it’s a little hard to decipher what you’re getting for the money.

Suffice to say, firstly check out Trans Am Worldwide and the rest of their great vehicles before diving into this listing.

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

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

The post 2017 Chevrolet Camaro Super Duty SD-455 1000HP For Sale appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Look hard enough and you can find examples of classic cars everywhere. The case proven with father and son team Terry and Preston who have uncovered many a fine muscle car over the years all around their home town of North Pole, Alaska.

The duo have built up quite a collection over the years according to the video above by Hagerty. (it’s also to be noted that the Pontiac in the video was referred to as a Ram Air IV, but in reality is a Ram Air III) Their collection range from shiny restorations to barn finds which clearly need some TLC.

A 1969 Ford Torino Cobra is the first vehicle for inspection found by Preston locally buried under a few feet of snow in someone’s backyard. The car is in great condition, still wearing its original green paint. The Torino is apparently one of one as it was ordered with the clock option and an automatic, but the main details from the Marti Report shows the Torino to originally be a promo car which sat for a year at a dealership in California.

Next up two Mustangs in the form of a 1967 C-code fastback in candy-apple red and a 1965 Mustang convertible, also a C-code. It’s clear they like their Pontiacs with a 1971 GTO, a 1967 LeMans “Post” coupe, a 1967 Pontiac Bonneville with a 428 V8 and the pride of the bunch a 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 400 Ram Air III which they purchased from Pontiac executive Jim Wangers.

Terry and Preston’s collection of vintage muscle cars is clearly impressive, especially so considering the conditions some of the vehicles were found. Maybe it’s time for us to get on our own barn finding hats and seeing what’s out there.

The post Muscle Car Barn Finds In Alaska appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

We have written a number of times about the two words that are very hard to mention together, electric and muscle cars. Both terms seem to be the antithesis of each other, raw and snarling muscle cars, quiet and gentrified electric vehicles. However, since the patent for a Ford hybrid engine with a V8 which recently came to light and Dodge possibly making a hybrid, electric is definitely coming the way of muscle cars in the next 10 years in one shape or form.

The question is in what forms and will an electrified muscle car still retain its character? A post on the Detroit Free Press interviewing Chrysler CEO Mike Manley and other muscle car aficionados, gives a good indication of the coming years and what we want from future muscle cars.

Electricity creeps onto the horizon
It’s clear that the powers that be aren’t going to throw away the mighty V8 in favor of a fully electric powertrain anytime soon. Manley commented recently at the the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, ‘I think that electrification … can certainly be part of the formula that says what is American muscle in the future. What it can’t be is the dominant part. If it becomes the dominant part of American muscle then you would say, ‘Why isn’t Tesla known as … American muscle now?’

For example, the 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye with 797HP isn’t going to be a hybrid anytime soon. It’s selling point and street cred. comes from its snarling, traditional roots, along with the sensory overload a traditional muscle car provides. And this is where the problem lies. Replicating the exact experience of driving a muscle car is nigh on impossible with an electric. Engine sounds can be pumped into the cabin, the vibrations of a V8 engine can be somewhat replicated, but it’s not the real thing.

‘With an electric car you get a long, high-pitched whine,’, said Frank Pascoe, Board member of the Michigan Mopar Muscle Car Club. Further, ‘I want the tire-smoking, motor-belching noise, the whole thing that goes with a muscle car.’ ‘The purist’s definition of a muscle car, if you go back to the ’60s, is an intermediate-size car with a big-block motor. A Pontiac GTO is the perfect example of a muscle car,” Pascoe said. “I know a Tesla goes fast, I just don’t think it fits the definition unless they want to change the definition.’

Dodge for instance, may have a platform now first introduced in 2006 with the Charger and the Challenger in 2009, but the interest levels have been high because of their horsepower output. The Hellcat and Demon may be able to drain the equivalent of a swimming pool of fuel in 11 minutes, but they have definitely boosted sales of the entire lineup.

It’s not just the sound…
It’s highlighted in the press release that a major part of the experience of muscle cars is the sound. ‘It’s a throaty, traditional V8 (that) can be heard from blocks away. You know when they’re coming down the road. That’s part of what defines these vehicles for what they are. You don’t just see them, you hear them,’ said Ivan Drury, senior manager of industry analysis for Edmunds.

Independent marketing strategist Rebecca Lindland commented, ‘An American muscle car has great proportions — high belt line, muscular shoulders, a wide, masculine stance, beefy tires, and a deep, rumbling, charismatic exhaust note, which is the biggest challenge facing electrification. It’s like when you meet a handsome man and he has a Mickey Mouse voice. The face may be great, but the voice doesn’t match and the appeal of high cheekbones and a dashing jawline are compromised.’

It we play devils advocate for a moment, what will be the reaction if one of the big muscle car makers released their top end model with a fully electric powertrain equivalent of 1000HP, with no V8 engine in sight, maybe even branded as E-muscle?!? Personally, my heart would sink and unless it was loads cheaper than a Tesla, it would feel like one just in different clothing. It’s a bit like watching your favorite band on video or live in concert. The video is exciting, but will never replicate the real experience.

Its clearly the concern at the moment that future muscle cars may have the looks, but the worry of a gentrified electric engine. The big muscle car makers are aware of the importance and history of the V8, but electrified versions in the lineup are inevitable, either hybrids or eventually fully electric. The V8 isn’t going away any time soon, but we still need to keep an eye on the integrity of muscle car and what has made them great.

Please comment below with what you think will be the future of muscle cars.

The post FCA Ceo Says Electrification Can Boost Dodge Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The Northern Beaches Classic Muscle Car Show was started by Carmine Vescio and a Facebook group to bring classic vehicles to Sydney’s beachside. It’s definitely the place to check out some pristine examples of Australian muscle cars, along with some American types thrown into the mix.

You check out Whichcar’s website, they covered the whole event, featuring some standout examples, including a 1972 HQ SS, 1970 GTS Monaro, a Hertz Mustang, XY GT replicas, a 1976 Pontiac Firebird born in the US then shipped to Japan and then Australia, a XY GT Falcon and a bunch of VC HDT Commodores. Whichcar have loads of images from the event, giving a close-up look of all these amazing vehicles.

There were plenty of enthusiasts at the event, which means its likely to build year-on-year with an even bigger turnout. If you like your muscle cars, especially the Australian variety, this is one of the events to visit.

Check out the Facebook page here.

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

The post Northern Beaches Classic Muscle Car Show appeared first on Muscle Car.

Firstly, this is a selection whittled down from Hagerty’s top 10 classic cars for 2019. These are cars that may become tomorrow’s classics and included are a few that come from the pony/muscle car stable, even if it’s only just. There seems to be a bit of everything in the total top 10 list, which gives even more happy feelings that our beloved genre of car has made it in there.

If you want to find out more about the full top 10 list, visit the link at the bottom of this article. If you own one of the included vehicles in the top 10, then the asking price of your car may have just been given a shot in the arm once other people start buying into these vehicles.

1984–93 Saleen Mustang

Steve Saleen of Saleen Autosport was responsible for this upgraded fox body Mustang. These creations were SCCA club racers for the street with a stock 5L 225Hp V8 having firmer suspension, larger brakes and other sporty, cosmetic upgrades. Originally retailing for $25,000, well above a stock Mustang LX, but it was the best tuned Mustang of the time with a warranty. Currently, they trade for not much more than a regular Fox body Mustang, which will change very soon. Haggerty say a good condition example will go for $26,400–$32,500.

1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

The C4 Corvette came to the end of its 12 year production run with the 1996 RPO Z16 Corvette Grand Sport. 1000 examples were built, which included 810 coupes and 190 convertibles. You had to pay an additional $3250 over the base price of $37,225, which gave 330 hp and 340 pound-feet of torque from a 5.7-liter V8 with 10.8:1 compression ratio. This is all documented on a center console placard next the six speed shifter.

The exterior was strictly Admiral Blue with an Arctic White “skunk stripe” and twin red hash marks on the front fender. 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. Due to the low numbers Haggerty value the car at $36,100–$49,500.

2008-2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Pontiac had some great muscle cars back in the day, but this was the last gasp from the company. The Pontiac G8 was essentially an American version of the Holden Commodore. Problem was, it arrived at the wrong time. 2008 saw the dollar plummet, new car sales were at their lowest since 1983 and importing G8’s was simply unprofitable.

The 2009 G8 GXP had 415hp and 415 lb-ft of torque from a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 and is said to be the closest thing to a four-door Corvette and ‘the most powerful factory Pontiac ever made.’ You could have a six speed automatic or manual, all good to hit 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 146mph.

Price when new were $39,900. Hagerty value for a great example at $40,700–$47,800. Values went up 10% last year and are set to increase year on year.

Find out more https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2019/01/07/best-collector-cars-to-buy-now-2019-bull-market-list

The post Hagerty’s Top Classic Muscle Cars For 2019 appeared first on Muscle Car.

These days, pony cars and muscle cars are kind of lumped in together as terms, mainly because there isn’t the variety of the breed these days as there was back in the day. Nevertheless, the Camaro and the Mustang are still compare to each other like there is nothing else on the market. Fox News https://www.hotcars.com/camaro-vs-mustang-facts-about-the-muscle-car-rivalry/ have put together an article giving you 24 facts about both of these pony cars and how they came into existence.

Here’s a quick rundown –
Camaro

• The 1967 Camaro was developed to compete with the Mustang. The Chevrolet Corvair couldn’t cut it, so the Camaro was developed with some standout engine choices taking a good portion of the Mustang sales.
• When the Chevrolet Camaro was launched, GM use the first mass teleconference system across their dealer network to launch the Camaro.
• Like the Mustang below, the mid-70’s fuel crisis totally rocked the boat of the pony muscle car world. Designs totally changed and so did power ratings. New emission standards and even higher insurance prices put the reins on these ponies for quite a few years.
• 1982 saw the birth of the Camaro IROC-Z, which stood out as an iconic 80’s design.
• The fourth generation Camaro housed Corvette engines. First, using an aluminum LT1 and then the LS1 engine found in the C4 and the C5 Corvettes.
• 2002 saw the end for the Camaro until 2010. The late 90’s was the quietest period for the Camaro, with the fashion going towards trucks and SUVs.
• The 2010 Camaro was first featured in the Transformers movie. Just like the Mustang, designs influenced from the past proved a success and stood out, especially being bright bumblebee yellow.

Mustang

• It was the first pony car.
• The Mustang, sold 22,000 models on its first day. A lightweight design and powerful V8 engine were the main draws.
• The first Mustang was sold by accident, planned to be kept for historical purposes.
• The 1974 Mustang was a sales flop. No surprise here, as muscle and pony cars were hit by the mid 70’s fuel crisis and the impact was the same as Grunge killing hair metal and heavy rock in the early 90s. The Mustang II came from the aftermath, which was like every other mid-70’s pony and muscle car, a limp attempt at former glory in design and power.
• 1979, saw the introduction of the SVO supercharged I-4 Fox body Mustang. Maybe not a heavyweight V8, but the Fox body became a cult classic and is an ideal platform today for modification.
• The Pontiac Firebird was a direct competitor to the Mustang, which carved its own niche in the muscle car world.
• 1994 saw a more modern design for the Mustang. Superseding the Fox body, the new Mustang had a luxurious interior and more performance like exterior and new V8 powerplant.
• In 2005 Ford made the bold step of retro theming the Mustang. The timing was just right as the Mustang took elements from the past incorporated into the V8 designs of the day. This helped reignite some of the muscle car market.
• The Mustang never featured a T-Top like the Camaro or Firebird, but stuck to a traditional convertible top throughout the years.
• The Mustang was kept fresh with constant special editions. The Bullitt, Mach 1, Saleen and Cobra kept the Mustang front of mind throughout its years. The Camaro in comparison relied on the long-standing Z/Z8 or the SS models which may have influenced the stop of production in 2002.
• The Mustang is a popular movie car. Having been around 50 years, it’s expected that the Mustang would have shown its face on the big screen at some time. Gone In Sixty Seconds and the remake being one of the most famous.
• The most expensive Mustang went for $1 million at auction known as The Vicious.

There is alot of history behind both of these fine pony cars and it’s expected that we can see both these models for another 50 years to come.

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

The post 24 Facts About The Camaro + Mustang Muscle Car Rivalry appeared first on Muscle Car.

Restore a Muscle Car from Lincoln, Nebraska specialize in muscle car restorations taking old vehicles and bringing them back to life. They now have such a large inventory that they have to slim down a little, meaning many of their unrestored examples are now up for sale, sold as seen.

Dave Hall from the company goes through many of the vehicles for sale in the video below, making the whole inventory look like the world’s best muscle car barn find. There seems to be quite a few Trans Ams, 71 H.O. Trans Ams, one owner vehicles, a rare black-on-black example and many in different stages of restoration, with and without engines. There’s also 1969 Camaro which looks in reasonable condition.

From checking out their website they have quite a few Pontiac, Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford examples ranging from the 60s to the 70s, rollers up to newer examples of vehicles like a few Dodge Vipers and even a 2017 Camaro Super Duty 455. With so many vehicles on offer, there may be something in there within your budget and they could also have some of the parts needed to get you on your way with a restoration.

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

The post Muscle Car Restorers To Sell Inventory appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

A 1 of 3 prototype 1985 Pontiac Trans Am Kammback will come up for auction in January 2019 at Mecum, Kissimmee. This shooting brake type design was only one of three and after doing the rounds at a few Auto Shows and as a pace car at the PPG and IMSA race series, VIN EX4796 was put in Pontiac Engineering’s car collection for the next 13 years. The car survived the fate of many prototypes by being saved from the crusher from Detroit-area Pontiac dealer and collector John McMullen.

The car was professionally restored by Scott Tiemann’s Supercar Specialties and sold to the John O’Quinn Collection in 2007.

Designwise, it’s got that 80’s front end look, with a more practical rear, featuring a 5.0-liter H.O. V8 engine and a five-speed manual transmission. It also has power steering, Glass T-Tops, padded Formula steering wheel, Dove Grey leather-trimmed interior and curved glass rear windows.

It’s in good enough condition and rare enough to have been featured at Concours d’Elegance and Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago. A unique example of one of General Motors test mules and demonstration vehicles.

Interestingly, the Kammback came up for auction at Barrett Jackson at the beginning of 2017 wanting $44,000.

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

The post 1985 Pontiac Trans Am Kammback Concept Goes To Auction appeared first on Muscle Car.

VIN: 242370B119923
Engine: Ram Air IV
Transmission: Manual Muncie M21
Exterior Color: Polar White
Mileage: 55653
Price: $125,000.00

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1970 was a good year for muscle cars. It helped that GM lifted its cubic inch limit with bigger engines from the likes of Buick, Chevrolet and Oldsmobile. Pontiac stuck to their guns with their lineup from 1969, but featured a better facelift which still looks classic today.

This rarity is said to be one of 3,629 hard-top Judges built, one of 627 RAM AIR 4 speed HT produced and one of only 325 RAM AIR IV Judge HT 4 speeds. A service replacement block for the original 400ci/370hp L-67 block is fitted, but it does have the original transmission it came with. The exterior is Polar White with a pristine, black interior.

The car has had a complete frame off restoration in 2010, with the rear end engine and transmission being rebuilt at different times in the past. All this seems to be documented along with the specifics of the car with a build sheet and PHS documentation. During the rebuild its had a few OEM parts, the only one specified is a Gardner exhaust. Original date correct replacements parts listed are the original Rochester quadrajet, distributor, starter and alternator. Original to the car is the Safe-T-Track rear end and power steering.

Clearly, this Ram Air IV is in excellent condition both inside and out and being in show condition. The question now is if you think it is worth the asking price.

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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.

Price:US $500,000.00

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It’s always an exciting prospect when you come across a huge collection of vintage muscle cars for sale at any one time. Here we have a collection of Pontiac GTOs ranging from 1964 to 1974, with about 40 vehicles in total.

The listing is very short and to the point. It Just says there are lots of cars and parts for sale as they are downsizing their operation. The only specific information about individual vehicles says there are 2 x 1970 Judge hard tops, 1 x 1970 Ram IV HT and 5 GTO convertibles. The images provided don’t give much away as to what is available, apart from some small shots of the car collection.

One positive is that the collection is located in Sylmar, California, meaning the majority of the vehicles should in theory have minimal rust. It seems that this is an established junkyard and after doing a quick search online, I came across Todds GTOs which looks remarkably like the place listed here. If it is, then it seems they are either selling up or thinning out their stock.

For the listing they are asking $500,000.00. It seems quite a high amount for 40 vehicles which all need restoration. I’m not sure at this point if it is for the complete collection and/or what else you get with the sale. Nevertheless, if you’re in the market for some GTO parts or vehicles this may be a listing to consider.

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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.

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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.

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The post Choice Picks From The Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

We were wondering who would be the first car maker out of the blocks with an electrified pony or muscle car. Now it seems to be Chevy with their eCOPO Camaro just ahead of the opening for the SEMA show, Las Vegas.

The car is completely electric powered and has been developed alongside Hancock and Lane Racing, who are behind the all electric Pontiac Firebird ‘Shock and Awe’ capable of an eight second quarter-mile time. The Camaro features a new 800 V battery from General Motors capable of 700 hp and 600 pound-feet of torque. This should equate to a possible nine second quarter mile time.

The motor (can we still say powertrain?) consists of two BorgWarner HVH 250-150 motors, linked to a regular automatic transmission and fixed rear axle as in conventional drag racers. The electric motor is powered by a battery pack with four 175 pounds, 200-volt modules, spread throughout the car for even weight distribution. One being near the rear seats, the other near the spare tire well and the other over the rear axle. The roll cage has also been adapted to cover the batteries. the weight distribution works out to a 44/56 ratio.

If the system works out, it looks likely that the electric motor setup could be an aftermarket crate engine. The bell housing and other features are similar to the LS line of V8 engines, which means it could in theory seamlessly be fitted to any GM transmission. Thus, it’s likely in the very near future anybody wanting to retrofit their GM built car with an electric engine may have a direct replacement to purchase.

Once SEMA is fully underway, it will be interesting to see if there any other electric engine/car offerings.

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VIN: 1G2FW2186JL254468
Engine: 350/5.7L Tuned Port (TPI)
Transmission: 4sp. Automatic
Exterior Color: 74u Flame red
Mileage: 5,403
Price: $22,800.00

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I’m a sucker for 80’s stuff and that includes the car designs of that decade. Not exactly known for the greatest decade for muscle cars especially in the performance stakes, but the exterior designs still hold up well today. With this 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA design, you’d have to drive it with a T-shirt, suit top and rolled up sleeves ala, Miami Vice while blasting an 80’s compilation cassette. That might sound a little cheesy, but oh you would be so happy.

This example is in pristine condition, with loads of original paperwork and very low mileage. It’s also said to have been stored in a climate controlled environment for the past 30 years. The GTA has the 350/5.7L Tuned Port (TPI) which is said to have made 245HP with the TPI and improved valve train of earlier models. It’s apparently quite easy to miss match parts on this engine, so it’s good to have everything here original.

The interior is in great condition, definitely reminiscent of something like a Ferrari of its day with its color. Ironically, the notch back option was referred to as the ‘Ferrari Back’ in the day.

You’re not going to win any awards with speed and performance with this Trans Am, but it is an amazingly well-kept example of its day. If you’re nostalgic for the 80s, then you may want to shortlist this one. Low mileage examples are reaching the high $20k mark, so this could be an ideal 80’s investment piece.

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Engine: 5.7l V8 320hp
6 speed manual transmission
Milage: 16,000
Price: $31000

This 1999 Pontiac Trans Am 30th Anniversary is said to be 1 of 175 with a manual transmission and convertible. A total of 1,600 were built with 535 being only convertibles. The last Trans Ams were built in 2002, with the brand totally disappearing in 2010. Prices are wide ranging for these models depending on the mileage, with the price of this one sitting nicely in the middle.

I think these Trans Ams look very cool. The hood scoops look like flared nostrils and in convertible form I could even say elegant. Keeping a completely white interior spotless is a mission onto itself and this example is in a really good state. The car is on its second owner and has been garaged all its life.

The car still retains its original 30th anniversary features like the w/ power blue convertible top and blue wheel, with the only modifications being a Borla exhaust, headers and intake.

This car is definitely a rarity with investment possibilities. It’s never going to be an ultra sought after vehicle, but it is one of the last of the line-up of Trans Ams with great looks and something you can be proud of for years.

Find out more here.

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By Dave Ashton

I have to admit that I was first going to call this post, ‘muscle car wrongs,’ what not to do with a muscle car. But the more liberal side of me came out to look at this car as a part of muscle car culture as a whole and not just a negative, knee-jerk reaction. However, I am also holding back lots of ‘but this and but that…’ here as like most, seeing oversized wheels on the muscle car is out of the ordinary.

The car looks like a 1996 Firebird formula which has the typical Donk wheels. Massively oversized rims that make a car look very strange to the uninitiated eye. This video shows a Donk drag race, not the typical setting for such a customised car, but at least it does highlight how the cars are not just for show.

It’s easy to take polar opinions on these type of cars. On one side it’s a cultural thing, taking a car and doing whatever you want to them visually. On the other side the oversized wheels make the car look impractical and limit what they are intended to do. Clearly, this video shows that they can run a dragstrip, maybe not as fast as they are originally intended, but they can still do it.

The bottom line is that you can really do whatever you want to the vehicle you own. These wheels are not being put on ultra-rare muscle cars. They are not wrecking classics and if the circles you socialise and live in accept the stylistic changes, then why not. Maybe it’s inspiration to start scaling up the rest of the car to the size of the wheels. Maybe some huge fenders, nose cone and rear wing, like a super-sized Dodge Daytona. In other words, let’s start pushing the creativity and see where it goes……

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By Dave Ashton

Engine: Big block 389ci. V8 four-barrel Carb.
Price: $7,750

The Pontiac Grand Prix was first built in 1962 to replace the Ventura. By 1964 the Grand Prix had some performance upgrades, including stacked headlights and split grille along with a nice big-block 389ci. V8. This one is fully optioned and although looks very plain, is in great shape and really is just waiting for a nice paint job.

Power steering, power brakes, power windows, air conditioning and electric seats. For the price the whole car looks great, inside and out. The ad. says the car is virtually rust-free with only one small spot requiring work. The best bit is the 389 with a four-barrel carb., with 333 hp. It looks in great shape on the surface and if its in as good condition as the rest of the vehicle, this one should be a good runner.

The listing says that the brakes have been rebuilt, replacing all rubber hoses and the master cylinder, along with a new radiator, alternator starter motor.

If you want a vintage muscle car that has had the majority of the hard work done for you, you may just want to shortlist this example.

Find out more here.

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It wasn’t just in horsepower ratings, designs started to change in the mid-70’s from the sporty classic muscle car looks, to more squared off luxury vehicles. However, just like a classic a rock band they never really go away, they just have to wait until they get rediscovered or kick out that one great album again to reignite the flame. Here are a few choice muscle car picks that sit in between the classic and new era of muscle cars. Most of these examples are classic designs of the period, but don’t expect the horsepower ratings of the true classic era or modern day.

1974 Dodge Dart 360

Using the classic rock band analogy again, by 1975 muscle cars are now on their third greatest hits and live albums and looking nowhere near as lean as their previous years. The Dodge Dart was always a solid contender, but definitely started to look a bit flabby by 1974.
0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds and Quarter mile in 15.7secs. at 88.3 mph still had some wind in its sails, but nothing like the earlier models. These later models are cheaper to pick up and are still classics.

1974 Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger is an absolute classic muscle car, but like many of the rest by 1974 the model was in its last year. A 360 V8 with 245 bhp was still available and still retained most of its classic lines from previous models. As we’re still on the edge of the classic musclecar era in 1974, these models can still fetch reasonable prices, but nothing like the cost of a 1970 model.

1974 Dodge Charger

The top engines in this year were the 400 V8 260bhp and 440 V8 280bhp. in 1975 the Charger had a radical design change going from the classic lines of the late 60s and 70s to something that resembled a house brick. By this time it was really no longer a muscle car, but something else. Classic Chargers range from 1966-1974, with 1974 being the last year for a performance Charger.

1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SE

This model from Pontiac is probably best known from Smokey and the Bandit. A 6.6-liter V8 and 200 horsepower may not have been mind blowing performance, but every other aspect of the car is a true classic. In many ways the horsepower is irrelevant. T top, screaming chicken on the hood and V8 roar make this a late 70s classic.

Fox Body Mustangs

Okay, it’s a pony car, its the 1980s, but the Fox body Mustang is now more popular than ever. Produce between 1979 to 1993, the vehicles utilised Ford’s unibody chassis Fox platform and have a distinctive 80s look. Due to their light weight and low cost, there are ideal for performance upgrades. They are now classics and you don’t have to treat them like porcelain like a 1970s Cuda.

3rd and 4th Gen. Chevrolet Camaro

Third generation (1982–1992) and Fourth generation (1993–2002) Camaros, just like Mustangs kept on going from the 60s onwards, with only short breaks up until present day. The Camaro seemed to always keep some sort of sporty look throughout its history, even if you ignore some of its lower powered engines along the way. Models like the 1985 IROC-Z were very cool looking machines and still cheap enough to buy to throw on some upgrades. The stark wedge shape of the third gens. and more smoothed off front of the fourth-generation Camaros still look great today.

1987 Buick GNX

One of the standout vehicles for the 1980s was the Buick GNX, ‘Grand National Experimental’ a limited edition model of the Grand National. Made in association with McLaren Performance Technologies/ASC, only 547 were produced so good luck getting hold of one. Power was around 300 bhp and 420 lb·ft of torque and a a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, apparently faster than a Ferrari F40 and the Porsche 930 of the time. It definitely earned the nickname of Darth Vader’s car.

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The post Great Muscle Cars Not From The Classic Era appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

If you didn’t know already, TransAm Depot are the guys who make modern interpretations of the Pontiac Trans Am from either Gen 5 or 6 Camaros. These cars are not simply peripheral design tweaks, the donor vehicles are stripped back to the bone and built up to produce in some cases 1,000-horsepower monsters.

At this week’s New York Auto Show they are unveiling a recent build where they have got together with Swedish designers Zolland Design to produce this magnificent white modern day Pontiac Trans Am 455 Super Duty with 1,000-horsepower at its disposal. The car is based on the Gen 6 Camaro using the Camaro SS 6.2-liter LT1 V8, built up to 7.4 liters/455 cubic inches by Arrington Performance. On top of which sits a Magnuson TVS2300 supercharger with 14 psi of boost. All this producing a rather subtle 1000 HP and 1,046 LB-FT.

If you’re a Pontiac fan and in the market for a modern day muscle car with gobs of power, this could be your option.

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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.

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The post Muscle Car Statistics appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The temptation to buy a muscle car hits everybody at some point and this definitely seems to be the case with our beloved animated friend Homer Simpson. The man has good taste as he has opted for Snake’s Pontiac Firebird, complete with supercharger. Is it a mid life crisis, maybe but the guy has definitely got taste.

It’s possibly a 1968 model, 400 Ram Air with those two hood scoops and even a convertible for the full pose factor (with license plate GR8 68) but this is clarified when he hit Moe’s for a thorough evaluation – six barrel Holley carb, check. Edelbrock intakes, check. Meyerhoff lifters, hmmm, if they existed. However, like any vintage car, beware of previous owners as they can resurface and become just a bit jealous of their past car’s new owners. After a major fight and the car destroying a house, a bit of polish will get out most of the scratches, but probably Homer is more suited to something a little more sedate. Then again, he would look pretty cool charging around in a Hellcat, pardon the pun.

This snippet comes from episode 9, season 9 if you want to watch the full thing.

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By Dave Ashton

You may have heard of the 1969 Pontiac GTO ‘Judge‘ with Ram Air III or the Ram Air IV V8 built to compete with the Plymouth Roadrunner, but there was also one called ‘The Jury.’ Essentially Canadian built as a low-cost alternative to the Judge based on the LeMans.

These were dealer dressed up vehicles where Stampede Pontiac Buick Ltd., Calgary, AB ordered 26 silver with blue interior 1970 LeMans coupes, 20 of them with four speeds and six with column shift automatics. All had 350ci. 2bbl V8 (255hp, 0-60 in 9 secs.) engines, with the four speeds having wide ratio M-20s and the automatics turbo 350s. All of them having 3.23 posi. rear ends, 390-1 gear ratio and power disc brakes at the front. Also a 69′ Judge rear deck spoiler. Interestingly, the car below and some online reports say only 25 vehicles were ordered, while others say 26 as in High Performance Pontiac, June 1994.

The Stampede shop dressed them up with a stripe package which included fireball decal, Jury logo and black bumblebee stripe over the rear quarter panel. As a more affordable alternative to the Judge, the Jury was priced at $2700 about $1000 less than the Judge. It wasn’t actually that uncommon for dealers to create their own versions of vehicles due to the success of Yenko.

The example in the video below shows the original sales order and advertisements.

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VIN: 2WB7Z7N211221
Engine : 400ci./6.6L V8
Transmission: 4 Spd Automatic
Exterior Color: Black
Mileage: 7,947
Price: $89,999.00

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

With the sad passing of Burt Reynolds, it seemed fitting to show an example of his associated iconic car the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am. The Trans Am follows the long linage of Pontiac Firebirds going from 1967 to 2002. This second generation of Firebird may have had less horsepower than earlier generations, suffering from the same muscle car restrictions that plagued the all mid. to late 70s vehicles. However, designwise and with the popularity of the movie Smokey and the Bandit make sure this edition became a classic.

You can pickup a 1977 Trans Ams for far less money, but this is more to show off one in as original and nice condition as possible. This one is a one owner car, original throughout and clearly stored in a dry safe place, with even things like the original black wall tires, exhaust, weather strips and moldings. You’re also getting plenty of original documentation with the original owners manual.

Special Edition Y82 code Trans Ams are now selling for anything from high $80k – $110k. You can buy a regular ’77 Trans Am for far less, even down to the $15-$20k mark, but one in black resembling something from the movie shoots the price right up. Just like any limited edition vehicle from this era in this good condition will long-term hold its price and gradually go up.

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

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By Dave Ashton

This is a sad day as we learn that Burt Reynolds, the star of Smokey and the Bandit has passed away at the age of 82. He reportedly passed due to a heart attack in a Florida hospital with his family at his side. Burt had a long and varied acting career, with one of his standout movies being the 1977 Smokey and the Bandit in which he played Bo Darville.

The movie was significant for the popularity of the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, which in the movie was apparently 1976 model cars with 1977 front ends, 1977 decals, with ‘6.6 litre’ engine size decals. Such was the popularity of the car that it outsold the Chevrolet Camaro at the time.

The popularity of the Trans Am lasts today, with the likes of Trans Am Depot producing a modern interpretation of the car, with examples signed by Reynolds himself. The movie even spawned the ‘The Bandit Run’ which is an annual road trip by Trans Am owners from Texarkana to Jonesboro, Georgia, recreating the original route from the movie.

Just like the film Bullitt, the Trans Am in Smokey and the Bandit was almost a character in itself, so identifiable by the Screaming chicken hood decal. It was obviously Mr. Reynolds screen presence that made the movie, but the co-lead of the Trans Am made kids and adults yearn for the muscled up car, which doesn’t just represent power and performance, but also a lifestyle of freedom of the road. Mr Reynolds played the parts with a wink and a smile and plenty of humour, also evident in one of his other classics The Cannonball Run.

The Trans Am got centre stage again in the likes of 1978 Hooper, 1979 Rocky II and 1980 Smokey and the Bandit II, along with being chosen for the 1980 Indianapolis 500. The Trans Am was nowhere near the power of classic muscle cars from 68-72, only rated at 200 bhp with the T/A 400ci. (6.6 L) V8, but that didn’t really matter. It was now a movie icon and that’s what counted. Classic looks and so identifiable. Seeing Burt Reynolds blast around with the V8 sound and the freedom of the road meant the Trans Am was so appealing. It became an immediate classic of the late 70s.

Associating an actor with a vehicle is a rarity, you think of one and then the other, but the 1977 Trans Am will always be associated with Burt Reynolds and also a reminder to take life with a wink and a smile. Also, if you want to brighten up your day check out the bottom video for Burt’s infectious laugh.

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By Dave Ashton

Asking a friend for a movie recommendation, they threw out there ‘Upgrade’ which has just graced the movie theatres. I’m glad I didn’t watch the trailer as I’m not a great fan of horror or gore, but sci-fi is right up my street. Anyways, it turns out that the hero of the movie Grey Trace(Logan Marshall-Green) just so happens to restore and drive muscle cars. The movie is set in a near future where most of our lives have some form of computer automation.

As the movie is pretty new and it’s just general reviews online at present, there’s not much information on the cars used in the film. Apart from the futuristic vehicles, the main two muscle cars looked like a 1970 Dodge Challenger variation and a 1977-78 Pontiac Trans Am. As I was in the movie theatre and more enjoying the film than in muscle car spotting mode, getting the exact details and models of the car is going to be more general than anything else, so don’t scold me on the exact details at this time.

The first car shown is a 1977-78 Pontiac Trans Am, with the hood scoop from the looks of things. It gets quite a bit of showing in the opening scenes, eventually being delivered to the baddie Eron Keen. The Challenger looked to be a 1970 model with a mid. body stripe kit, maybe a T/A, but without the hood scoop. One close-up shots showed new, colour-coded side mirrors. As with any movie vehicle, they are usually a mash up from different years, which is probably the case here to an extent particularly the Challenger.

If you don’t mind the gore factor and scenes of violence, this is a great film to watch and the positioning of the muscle cars plays more than just some vehicles for a chase scene or a bit of eye candy. They represent old technology, but more than that they are things we have total control over, simple to fix and as per the car chase when the Challenger gets away, potentially still the best choice no matter the advances in technology.

The muscle cars show something that is simple but dependable. When one of the automated cars gets taken over and crashes, it shows that the muscle cars in contrast may be basic, but when technology fails far more dependable (as long as you change the spark plugs…)

Seeing the Firebird and Challenger designs compared to futuristic cars was like comparing oil paintings to an 8 bit generated piece of art. Both are valid, but the muscle cars clearly had a more organic design based on what we thought looked the best, rather than what a computer told us is the best. It’s kind of saying just because something is an older design doesn’t mean it’s outdated or redundant.

I also thought it was interesting that the Firebird was delivered to Eron Keen. Of all the cars he could have chosen, he chose a vintage muscle car. This could have been just so he could meet Grey Trace, but on another level he could have chosen the Trans Am as it represented an analog time, fully under human control, which we later find out he didn’t have. Then again, he may have just been a bit of a muscle car collector on the side and a fan of Smokey And The Bandit.

In other words, it’s great to see muscle cars being featured in a great film, but also to represent a past way of life which represented full control and freedom, not old and outdated. definitely worth a watch.

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By Dave Ashton

VIN: 2G2FV22G622145793
Engine: LS1 V8
Transmission: 6 speed Tremac Manual
Exterior Color: Red
Mileage: 29,000
Current bid: $11,600.00

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2002 was the final production year for the Pontiac Firebird Firehawk and marking the end of Pontiac and all its variants. The Firehawk was a special edition model, easily spotted with the ram air twin nostril hood. It also has possibly the coolest names for any car.

Rarity wise it is 1 Of 1500 Firehawks for this model year and 1 of 17 built in red with a 6 speed transmission. This one has the extra SLP package, with a LS1 5.7L/347.8ci V8, A/C power windows, locks, mirrors, seat and a full set of gauges. Apparently the car is exactly as it was bought except for Hotchkiss strut brace and a Flowmaster exhaust. It also comes with all the original paperwork, window sticker and RPO build sheet.

The car is in great condition and shows off that nice sleek late 90s to early 2000 design, looking quite nasty with the two nostril hood. The car is also pretty low mileage with only 29,000 on the clock.

Depending on the final asking price, there’s a lot of car here for the money and with its good condition, this could be a nice future rarity.

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

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By Dave Ashton

The Pontiac Trans Am has a long history, starting in 1969 as a speciality package of the Firebird. The car was produced up to 2002 and hit the widespread public consciousness in movies like Smokey and the Bandit (second gen. model) and the TV series Knight Rider ( third gen. model). The car and brand eventually went out of production, but exclusive rights to the Trans Am brand was eventually given to brothers Tod and Scott Warmack who now produce modern interpretations of the car, along with customising and restoring original models.

The brother’s facility at Trans-Am Depot brings together both the old and the new into modern versions of the Trans Am, all with the latest in modern muscle car machinery with example models in their line reaching 1000HP. The show will follow the brothers as they bring back to life old vehicles along with modern versions as they would be like if Pontiac were still in the running today.

Full old school restorations, restomods or modern versions, it seems the brothers cover everything you could ever want if your favourite car is a Trans Am.

The show will premiere on Discovery, Tuesday, October 2, at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

You can check out Trans-Am Depot website here.

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By Dave Ashton

Muscle cars have some of the most distinctive designs in automotive history and have arguably the most customised examples. This is clear from the amount of vehicles from the late 60s and early 70s that are continually being modified. How they are enhanced from their original design can be very subjective, but some muscle car designs are better left as is and some better modified.

The trend to modify an existing design will probably always be there. Muscle car makers have always tried to give variations of designs from the factory, like the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat now available in a wide body, but a few aftermarket touches can always make the difference, while other cars simply will best left alone.

This post was initially inspired by one from hotcars.com which outlined 10 muscle cars that would better with and without mods. The ones listed that are better left alone as per the original design – Equus Bass 770, Chevrolet Camaro SS, late 70s Pontiac Firebird, 1970 Chevelle LS6, Dodge Charger Daytona, AMC Rebel Machine, Cadillac CTS-V, Challenger SRT Demon, 4th generation of Chevrolet Camaro and 1963 Corvette.

The ones listed better with modifications – Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, Buick GNX, Pontiac GTO, Pontiac Catalina, Plymouth GTX, AMC Javelin, 1964 Corvette Stingray, Plymouth Road Runner, Ford Mustang and Shelby GT350. This is quite a varied mix of vehicles from the old to the new. Interestingly, you’ve got a Challenger Demon and Challenger Hellcat listed in both camps. The Demon being the rarer vehicle, which you probably wouldn’t want to touch anyway but is still more or less the same overall design as the Hellcat, where there are plenty of aftermarket mods available from extra exterior design touches to performance tweaks.

If a muscle car is going to be modified can depends mainly on how rare and valuable it is in stock state. Bolting on extra parts to a vehicle which has loads of rare options from a rare year is a bad idea, but fully customising a base model is more acceptable. Adding a cool wrap or a bit of engine tuning is acceptable, but adding a huge rear wing is probably a bad idea, unless it’s on a Dodge Charger Daytona or Plymouth Superbird which needs one anyway.

Take the Ringbrothers AMC Javelin which has been heavily customised. It’s a fine creation and suits all its modifications. However, this is also down to the skill and creativity of the team involved. The Ringbrothers and other top end car modification outfits could probably make any muscle car look and perform perform even better. The best modified vehicles look like they should have been designed that way in the first place. And that’s the point. A seamless integration between modifications in the original design always end up looking the best.

The 1963 Corvette for example hit the target with its original design, but a 1964 Corvette Stingray with added side pipes and upgraded wheels just looks better with a few mods. A Chevy Nova is a classic muscle car which is as a base model looks quite conservative. Strap on a bulging hood, bulge out those panels, add fat wheels and you have one mean looking machine.

Tweaking the appearance of your muscle car is a very subjective area and it really comes down to the worth of the initial vehicle and who performs the work. You wouldn’t go painting extra bits on a Mona Lisa, but some may also say a few extra features would make the painting a bit more interesting, especially with a nicer smile. If Leonardo da Vinci did the changes no one would complain…maybe.

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The guys from Roadkill are again holding one of their fantastic nights on August 11th 2018 at M1 Concourse, 45399 Woodward Ave Pontiac, MI 48431, with loads of thrilling events. Four years strong, if you like your hot rods and muscle cars this is the event for you.

It’s not just for fans of the show, there’s plenty to see and do, including celebrities taking part. Drag racing on Woodward Avenue, celebrity showdown races including Leah Pritchett’s Dodge/Mopar Top Fuel Dragster and Matt Hagan’s Dodge Charger Funny Car, freestyle motocross exhibitions, head-to-head racing in Dodge Challenger SRT simulators, show ‘n’ shine, dyno testing, “Roadkill” stunts, flamethrower and wheelstander exhibitions, and family friendly kids zone activities.

David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan Roadkill cohosts will of course be there, with Chris Jacobs of Velocity’s Barrett-Jackson Live emcee’ing the event, along with Brian Lohnes of Motor Trend’s Put Up or Shut Up. Fast N’ Loud’s Richard Rawlings, Barrett-Jackson’s Live Steve Magnate and Cristy Lee, All Girls Garage and CarCast with Adam Carolla’s Bill Goldberg and Matt D’Andria will also be on site. There’s even a $40,000 purse this year.

Event times are 10am – 11pm, with Drag racing qualifying runs beginning at 11 am.

Tickets for the event on the Roadkill website.
The roadkill Facebook page – facebook.com/roadkillshow

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If you’re a fan of classic Pontiac vehicles, you need not look any further than this event from the Ames Performance Tri Power Pontiac Nationals http://pontiacnationals.com. It’s basically everything Pontiac with three days of drag racing, car shows, swap meets and vehicles for sale. Possibly everything in one spot you could ever want for a Pontiac fan.

One Facebook poster Chris Plummer has posted up a few hundred images from the event. You can find the images from the link below which will give you a nice taster from the event, held at Summit motorsports Park, Norwalk, OH.

Check out the rest of the images here.

Pontiac Nationals – http://pontiacnationals.com/

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Engine: 400ci. V8
Transmission: 4 speed
Color: Red
Price: $11995

This 1968 Pontiac GTO is a solid barn find type vehicle with a few rare options. It has option 674, the chrome bumper rather than the Endura plastic bumper and hood tach option(missing).

The body looks solid throughout, mainly due to living in Arizona and has had a ‘new front floor pans and rear trunk filler panel installed by previous owner.’ The car wears its original red paint, with its original black vinyl top now long gone. A respray will be needed here as most of the panels look quite worn.

The interior looks relatively intact, but has a warn drivers seat, armrest and missing carpets. The good news is that the bulk of the interior is here ready to be restored, but has been nicely toasted by the Arizona sun.

The engine is non-numbers matching, the transmission is said to be original as with the 10 bolt Posi-traction rear end. Said to, ‘Runs good, stops and steers.’ The car sounds like it’s had some work done on it as above, along with new mufflers, shocks and either new or in extremely good condition wheels.

Is this one of those projects where someone started the work and just wants to pass on the project or are there hidden nasties waiting for the next owner?

With the chrome option bumper it does look more like a Lemans which isn’t going to appeal to GTO purists, but it is a strange rarity that could be worth a second look. There’s no mention of any paperwork like a build sheet, etc., but if everything check out this one could be a nice rarity. In good condition, you may be able to double your money here, but it’s also got the case of ‘rare isn’t always desirable’ as the Endura bumper is all GTO, without more the lower model LeMans.

Find out more here: https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/rare-1968-pontiac-gto-barn/6643910916.html

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‘Don’t get left behind. See your Pontiac dealer and breakaway.’ This is the strapline from this old Pontiac commercial, but the main draw here is the famous actors of the time – Mike Mazurki, Elisa Cook Jr., Lon Chaney Jr., Robert Strauss, Broderick Crawford, Leo Gorcey, voiceover by Paul Richards and of course the trainload of classic Pontiacs, the whole 1969 lineup.

The commercial doesn’t just show Pontiac vehicles at the height of their powers, but it’s also a great way to see how vehicles were advertised back in the day. A much more fun viewpoint with a nice happy jingle over the top of it all. Obviously you have to gloss over the point of people digging holes and doing hard labour in the middle of the searing desert heat.

Wouldn’t it have been great if all the other car makers of the time copied this commercial. Even better, having Ford, Dodge and GM make their own modern interpretation. I wonder who they would get these days to play the modern day convicts??

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Mecum will be holding their next auction at Harrisburg, PA on Aug. 2-4 2018. Although there doesn’t seem to be any million dollar listings this time around, there’s definitely a nice varied bunch of rare muscle and pony cars on the roster from both old and new covering a broad spectrum.

If you check out some of the main attractions and star listings they include Lot S93 – 2017 Dodge Viper ACR Dealer Edition 4 of 22, Lot S98 –
1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 with rare bench seat, Lot S135 –  1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback, Lot S157 – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1 of 206 with JL8 Brakes and Lot S124 – 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon with the Demon crate to name but a few. Lot F81 – 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle with a 427ci. maybe worth a look.

There is even some film cars and quite wacky vehicle listings. Lot S145 – 1967 Pontiac GTO XXX Promotional Car, Lot S144 – 1976 Ford Gran Torino Starsky & Hutch promotional vehicle and even a 1966 Batmobile promotional car.

With 28 pages worth of car listings, there’s quite a broad range of muscle cars listed this time around. A bit of everything here, which may not make headline news, but this may also be an advantage where you can still pick up a prized muscle car without the place being packed out due to a few major star attractions.

Find out more here – https://www.mecum.com/auctions/harrisburg-2018/

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By Dave Ashton

People look back on the late 1960s to early 70s as the golden era of the muscle car, but it is now where we are experiencing the next wave where muscle cars are becoming evermore dominant. CEO of Hagerty over at autonews.com states, ‘We’ve been in this strange golden age of muscle,’ he said. ‘People think the muscle car era was the ’60s, early ’70s. But arguably, the Chargers, Challengers, Demons and even some of the high-horsepower Camaros of today — they are track-worthy.’ ‘You’ve never been able to buy more horsepower and reliability cheaper than you can right now.’

There’s going to be a lot of lumping categories together here with muscle and pony cars, especially from the big three makers, but that’s simply because the ranges isn’t as broad as it was back in the day. However, today’s muscle cars don’t just have the big displacements and power, they also have the handling capability and modern luxuries.

Just like the Mr. Olympia top contenders, Dodge are in the most muscular category with the Charger and Challenger. The Dodge Charger took a break from 1987 to 2006 and the Challenger 1983 to 2008 but they’re back with a vengeance. From the SXT, R/T, GT all wheel drive, T/A, 392, Hellcat and soon to come Hellcat Redeye you have power, going from a 305-HP 3.6L Pentastar V6 up to what will be the Hellcat Redeye 797 hp for $70,000. That’s keeping to the muscle car tradition of the most horsepower for your money. The recent limited edition Dodge Demon has a ridiculous 840HP and 770 pound-feet of torque. More muscle than Ronnie Coleman after a pump up session.

Ford have the ubiquitous Mustang which will shortly come out with the GT500 showing off an expected 700HP+. There will also be a limited edition ‘Bullitt’ version with a 5.0-litre 475bhp V8, along with the current GT, 2015 Shelby GT350, 2017 Shelby GT350R and 2012 Boss 302. The Mustang is also arguably the only dedicated right-hand drive pony/muscle car built for where they drive on the other side, such as Europe. In 2016 a report posted in this news article said the Mustang proved such a hit that it was outselling the Audi TT, Porsche, Mercedes and BMW at the time.

Chevrolet have the Camaro and Corvette, with the Camaro going from the 2014 Z28, current LS/LT, 2LT, 1SS, 2SS and ZL1 having a supercharged 6.2 L V8 with 650 HP 650lbs. ft. of torque for $61,500. The Corvette peaks with the ZR1 with a 6.2L LT5 supercharged V8 having 755HP and 715lb. ft. of torque.

Clearly, the want for more makes and models is present with some custom makers producing their own variations and aftermarket kits. Equus created a stir back in 2014 with their own interpretation of a modern muscle car housing a supercharged 6.2-litre LS9 V8 640bhp engine. Trans Am worldwide can make you a modern day Pontiac Trans Am complete with screaming chicken details. You will can also do a quick Google search to find some modern interpretation renderings of what some of the old classics will look like now. The Plymouth ‘Cuda is always in the rumor mill of being the next one to be resurrected and has plenty of renderings made by creative types of what it should look like.

On another note, an interesting article over at thefederalist.com by Helen Raleigh outlines how muscle cars owned by women in oppressive regimes give them a taste of freedom. One remark from the article pretty much sums up the message, ‘Muscle cars are a piece of Americana. They are the cowboys of the car world: daring and uncompromising. Only in the land of the free can muscle cars be built.’ One of the original ideas for the motor car was to give more freedom to human beings. If muscle cars are heading this concept even today, isn’t that a good thing?

Muscle cars have always been here, but it’s now where they are hitting their stride proving that you can have your displacement and eat it….cake and eat it…..type thing, ahem!

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The post The New Golden Age Of Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Finding one or maybe two project cars at once with some parts is a lucky find. Finding a shop full doesn’t come around every day. This listing is predominantly for a shop full of Trans Ams and parts for the asking price of $65,000. From the images, there is clearly more than a few trailers worth of stuff here and the amount of project vehicles here un-specified and what condition they are in individually.

There may be around 10 vehicles here with the ad. saying most range from 1971 to 1979, with most being in the range of years of 77-79. It’s clear this is a collection built up over many years, which include engines, transmissions, suspensions and everything in between for mainly Pontiacs. Parts are stacked on parts usually means it’s clearly going to take time to wade through the complete inventory and decide what is worthy of keeping or useful or not. With so much in the inventory there’s clearly going to be a few gems in the mix and even some other parts and vehicles thrown into the final sale.

In total there is probably easily $65,000 worth of Pontiac stuff here. For somebody wanting to set up a Pontiac restoration shop or expand their own inventory, you will need to take a quick trip down to Springfield Massachusetts to get a full handle on everything that is available here. interested parties may need to start thinking about ordering a few shipping containers for all the stuff.

Find out more here – https://maine.craigslist.org/cto/d/1977-trans-ams-other-cars-and/6625781898.html

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