Top Ten Classic Muscle Cars
During the 1960s and the 1970s, some of the most impressive feats came out of the automotive industry. This era has produced some of the best muscle cars we know today. Muscle cars are showy, loud, and powerful machines that compete against one another in fierceness. Year after year, brands like Ford, Chevy, Pontiac and Dodge would come out with a new muscle car even more outrageous than before. They come equipped with speed and power. These classics have graced the roads for many years and continue to live up to their reputation.
1964 Pontiac GTO
This classic muscle car is regarded as one of the pioneers during the 60s and 70s. It was built with an emphasis for street-performance after GM had issued a ban on factory-sponsored racing.
Specs: This car has a V8 engine with 325 horsepower at 4,800 rpm. Road tests show that the ‘64 Ponntiac GTO can go from 0 to 60 in 6.6 seconds.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
While the Camaro is what comes to mind when you think of Chevrolet’s muscle cars, the Chevelle actually was there first. While this car was introduced in ‘64, it wasn’t until 1970 that the Chevelle really stood out.
Specs: The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS has a 454 cu. in. big block V8 engine that supplies 450 horsepower with 500 lb/ft of torque. It goes from 0-60 in 6.1 seconds.
1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda
The Plymouth Hemi Cuda was produced from 1964 until 1974 it is one of the most sought after cars in history. In 1970 there were a lot of design changes that took place and the new body style was highly attractive to many enthusiasts.
Specs: With its V8 engine and 425 horses on tap, this car is popular with racers. It can go from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds
1968 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi
The Road Runner, whose name is inspired by the iconic Looney Tunes character, was a very popular choice for a muscle car especially in the late ‘60s. It didn’t come with all the bells and whistles and rather a basic package that brought the focus back onto the car and its performance.
Specs: The four barrel V8 engine goes 0-60 in 6.1 seconds and has 335 horsepower at 5200 rpm.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Known as one of the fastest and most powerful cars of its time, the Camaro was created specifically for drag racing by Dick Harrell. This is one of the rarest American-made muscle cars with only 69 of these ever created.
Specs: With 500 horsepower and the capabilities to hit 0-60 in 5.3 seconds, this car is considered to be one of the best.
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429
While the Mustang’s in the ‘60s and 70’s were well known for being iconic, few are as special as the Boss 429. This car was used in the first John Wick movie and had a unique body that was more aggressive and more sleek than ever before. This is one of the most rare mustangs with only 1359 being produced in 1969 and 1970.
Specs: This car has a Ford 385-series V8 engine with 380 horsepower at 5200 rpm. It can go from 0-60 in a short 5.1 seconds.
1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Despite its name, this car never appeared in the Trans-Am races. It did, however, appear in the Burt Reynolds film, “Smokey and the Bandit” a 1977 smash hit. The style of the Firebird Trans Am foreshadowed the following muscle car styles in years to come. There is even a special edition package known as a “Bandit Package” with a special roof, tires, steering wheel and none other than the big gold bird on the hood.
Specs: The ‘77 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am has 200 horsepower and 325 lb/ft of torque as well as a V8 engine.
1968 Dodge Charger R/T
This car, more than 50 years later, is still just as popular as the day it came out in the late ‘60s. Appearing alongside Vin Diesel in Fast and Furious the Charger R/T was highly coveted. The car had a star quality about it while remaining stoic. There is an unmistakable design that is unique to the Charger and recognized around the world.
Specs: Beside the timeless design, the ‘68 Charger R/T has a four-barrel Magnum V8 engine with 375 horsepower. It goes from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds.
1970 Buick GSX
The 1970 Buick GSX was built to rival the Pontiac GTO, the Chevloret Chevelle SS and the Oldsmobile 442. This muscle car promoted a luxury interior as well as being a high performance car. Since there were only 687 GSX’s made this is one of the more rare and collectable classic muscle cars.
Specs: The horsepower is 360 at 4600 rpm and with the V8 engine, it can go from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds.
1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Known best for its role in the action-thriller “Bullitt” with Steve McQueen and for achieving a quarter-mile time that slips below 14 seconds. It was one of the most popular cars in the United States because of its affordability and the variety of body styles they offered.
Specs: This car can reach 0-60 in 6.5 seconds and has 400 HP at 5600 rpm with a Ford Cobra Jet V8 engine.
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