Best Muscle Cars
The Top 10 Classic Muscle Cars of All Time
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
0 comments