In 1949, General Motors introduced its 88 with the company's 303-cubic-inch (5L)OHVRocket V8 engine, which was previously available only in its luxury Oldsmobile 98. This formula of putting a maker's largest, most powerful engine in a smaller, lighter, more affordable vehicle evolved into the "muscle car" category.[3][4] Chrysler and Ford quickly followed suit with the Chrysler Saratoga and the Lincoln Capri.[5]
The term "muscle car", which appeared in the mid-1960s, was originally applied to "performance"-oriented street cars produced to fill a newly recognized niche; it entered the general vocabulary through car magazines and automobile marketing and advertising. By the early 1970s, muscle cars included special editions of mass-production cars designed for street and track drag racing.[6] The concept of high performance at lower prices was exemplified by the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner and companion Dodge Super Bee, whose powerful engines drove relatively basic-trimmed intermediate-sized cars that were meant to undercut more expensive, more stylish, and better-appointed models from General Motors and Ford that had come to define the market, such as the Pontiac GTO (1964), 396 Chevrolet Chevelle (1965), 400 Buick Gran Sport (1965), 400 Oldsmobile 442 (1965), as well as the 427 Mercury Comet Cyclone (1964) and 390 Mercury Cyclone (1966).
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The definition of a muscle car is subjective and endlessly debated,[7][8] resulting in the term having few universally agreed characteristics:[7][9][10][11][12][13][14]
A large high-performance V8 engine, often in the most powerful configuration offered for a particular model
Rear-wheel drive
Being manufactured in the United States in the 1960s or early 1970s (the specific year range of 1964–1973 is sometimes used)[15][9]
A relatively lightweight two-door body (though opinions vary as to whether high-performance full-size cars, compacts, and pony cars qualify as muscle cars,[16] and why a two-seat AMC AMX could be, but a two-seat Chevrolet Corvette was not. While some feel that only mid-size cars can be considered muscle cars,[7][9] this view is not held by the top, industry-defining, enthusiast publications, including Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Motor Trend.
High-powered pony cars are sometimes considered muscle cars,[7] as by the above-mentioned publications, with some exceptional personal luxury cars also regarded by some as qualifying on their merits. In the opposite direction, by the late 1960s a wave of inexpensive, straight-line speed oriented stripped down intermediate sedans offered at prices under as US$3,000(equivalent to $26,285 in 2023)[17][18] expanded the original definition from a "muscle car" as one offering both performance and some measure of style, accessories, and cachet, and doubled it back toward the drag strip focus[19] of such exceptional early proto-muscle cars as the limited production, factory experimental 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt.
Sports cars– including those which meet all the above most basic criterion, such as the 1969 ZL-1 Corvette, with an all-aluminum 427cuin (7.00L) V8 listed at 430hp (321kW) but reported to produce 560hp (418kW), that slung the car through the 1⁄4 mile (0.40km) traps in 10.89 seconds[20]– are considered muscle cars by some,[21] and not by others.[22] Drag strip-oriented fans see muscle cars as an extension of the hot rodding philosophy of taking a small car and putting a large-displacement engine in it to maximize straight-line speed.[22] However, widespread public acceptance and use of the term, including that exemplified by the Car and Driver, CNBC, Road & Track, and Motor Trendtop muscle car lists below, affirm a much broader interpretation as the norm.
"Supercar"
Not to be confused with the expensive exotic automobile known as a supercar.
Muscle cars were initially referred to as "supercars" in the United States,[23] such as the 1957 Rambler Rebel, which was described as a "potent mill turned the lightweight Rambler into a veritable supercar."[24] From the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, "dragstrip bred" mid-size cars equipped with large V8 engines and rear-wheel drive were also referred to as supercars, more often than muscle cars.[25][26][27]
In 1966, the supercar became an "industry trend".[28] This was when the four domestic automakers "needed to cash in on the supercar market" with eye-catching, heart-stopping cars.[29] An example of the use of the supercar description for early muscle car models includes the May 1965 Car Life road test of the Pontiac GTO,[citation needed] followed in 1968 with a Car and Driver review of the 1969 American MotorsSC/Rambler describing it as ready to compete in "the Supercar street racer gang" market segment,[30] with the initials "SC" signifying SuperCar,[31] and a 1969 Car Life review that included how "Hurst puts American Motors into the Supercar club with the 390 Rogue".[32]
The supercar market segment in the U.S. at the time included unique versions of regular production models[33] that were positioned in several sizes and market segments (such as the "economy supercar"[34]), as well as limited edition, documented dealer-converted vehicles.[35] However, over time the term came to be applied to much, much more expensive and exotic cars, which claimed the name supercar.
Opinions on the origin of the muscle car vary, but the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 is cited as the first full-sized muscle car.[36] The Rocket 88 was the first time a powerful V8 engine was available in a smaller and lighter body style (in this case the 303cuin (5.0L) engine from the larger Oldsmobile 98 with the body from the six-cylinder Oldsmobile 76).[37] The Rocket 88 produced 135hp (101kW) at 3600 rpm and 263lb⋅ft (357N⋅m) at 1800 rpm and won eight out of ten races in the 1950 NASCAR season. The Rocket 88's Oldsmobile 303 V8 engine, along with the Cadillac 331 engine, also introduced in 1949, are stated to have "launched the modern era of the high-performance V-8."[38]
In 1955, the large-sized Chrysler C-300 - the first in a long, 15-year series of large, expensive, performance-first Chryslers - was introduced that produced 300hp (224kW) from its 331cuin (5.4L) V8 engine, and it was advertised as "America's Most Powerful Car".[37] Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60mph (97km/h) in 9.8seconds and reaching 130 miles per hour (209km/h), the 1955 Chrysler 300 is also recognized as one of the best-handling cars of its era.[39]
The compact-sized 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk was powered by a 275hp (205kW)352cuin (5.8L) Packard V8, the second most powerful engine to the Chrysler 300.[40]
The Rambler Rebel, introduced by American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1957, is the first mid-sized car to be available with a big-block V8 engine.[40] The Rebel followed most of the muscle car formula including "make 'em go fast as well as cheaply."[41] It is therefore considered by some to be the first muscle car.[42][41] With a 327cuin (5.4L) V8 engine producing 255hp (190kW), its 0–60mph acceleration of 7.5 seconds made it the fastest stock American sedan at the time.[43] Only the fuel-injected Chevrolet Corvette beat it by half a second.[44]
The popularity and performance of muscle cars grew in the early 1960s. This was when Mopar (Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler) and Ford battled for supremacy in drag racing. The 1961 Chevrolet Impala offered an SS package for $53.80, which consisted of a 409cuin (6.7L) V8 engine producing 425hp (317kW)[citation needed] along with upgraded brakes, tires, and suspension. The 1962 Dodge Dart 413 (nicknamed Max Wedge) had a 413cuin (6.8L) V8 which produced 420hp (313kW) and could cover the quarter-mile in under 13 seconds.[45][46][47]
In 1963, two hundred Ford Galaxie "R-code" cars were factory-built specifically for drag racing, resulting in a full-size car that could cover the quarter-mile in a little over 12seconds.[48] Upgrades included fiberglass panels, aluminum bumpers, traction bars, and a 427cuin (7.0L)Ford FE-based racing engine conservatively rated at 425hp (317kW). The road-legal version of the Galaxie 427 used the "Q-code" engine which produced 410hp (306kW).[49][50] The following year, Ford installed the proven 427 "top-oiler" engine in the smaller and lighter Fairlane body, creating the Ford Thunderbolt. The Thunderbolt included several weight-saving measures (including acrylic windows and fibreglass/aluminium body panels and bumpers)[51] and a stock Thunderbolt could cover the quarter-mile in 11.76seconds.[52] The Thunderbolt was technically road-legal, however, it was considered unsuitable even "for driving to and from the (drag)strip, let alone on the street in everyday use".[52] A total of 111 Thunderbolts were built.[53]
The General Motors competitor to the Thunderbolt was the Z-11 option package for the full-size Chevrolet Impala coupe, of which 57 examples were produced in 1963 only.[54] The Z-11 Impala was powered by a 427cuin (7.0L) version of the W-series big-block engine, which was officially rated at 430bhp (321kW). With a compression ratio of 13.5:1, the engine required high-octane fuel. The RPOZ-11 package also included weight reduction measures such as an aluminum hood and fenders, the removal of sound-deadening material as well as the deletion of the heater and radio.
In 1964, a drag racing version of the Dodge 330 was created, called the "330 Lightweight".[55][56][57] It was powered by a 426cuin (7.0L) version of the Hemi racing engine which was official rated at 425hp (317kW), but rumored to have an actual power output higher than this.[58] Weight reduction measures included an aluminium hood as well as lightweight front bumpers, fenders and doors, polycarbonate side windows, and no sound deadening. Like other lightweights of the era, it came with a factory disclaimer: "Designed for supervised acceleration trials. Not recommended for general everyday driving because of the compromises in the all-round characteristics which must be made for this type of vehicle."[51]
Also using the 426 Hemi racing engine was the limited production 1965 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi. In 1966, the racing version of the 426 Hemi was replaced by a detuned "Street Hemi" version, also with a size of 426cuin and an official power rating of 425bhp (317kW)). The 1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi could run a 13.8-second quarter-mile at 104mph (167km/h) and had a base price of $3,850.[59]
Although pure muscle cars often sold in relatively small volumes, manufacturers valued the halo effect of the publicity created by these models. Competition between manufacturers led to a horsepower war that peaked in 1970, with models such as the LS-6 Chevelle advertising as much as 450hp (336kW).[60]
The Pontiac GTO, a car that captured the public mind and strongly influenced the muscle car era, was introduced in 1964 as an optional package for the intermediate-size Pontiac Tempest. The GTO was developed by Pontiac division president John DeLorean and was initially powered by a 389cuin (6.4L) V8 engine producing 325hp (242kW). The success of the GTO led other GM divisions to develop muscle cars based on intermediate-sized platforms: the 1964 Oldsmobile 442, 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, and 1965 Buick Gran Sport.
The AMC V8 engine was enlarged to 390cuin (6.4L) in 1968,[61] which produced 315hp (235kW) and was first used in the 1968 AMC Rebel SST,[62]AMC Javelin Go-package, and AMC AMX.[63][64] AMC was a car manufacturing company that made these two incredible cars. AMC only made small economy cars until they hired Dick Teague as a designer, who later became the vice president. AMC was not known as a muscle car maker, but the new AMX and AMC Javelin became top competitors.[65]
As the 1960s progressed, optional equipment and luxury appointments increased in many popular models of "performance-oriented" cars. With the added weight and power-consuming accessories and features, engines had to be more powerful to maintain performance levels, and the cars became more expensive. In response, some "budget" muscle cars began to appear, such as the 1967 Plymouth GTX,[66] the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner,[67] and the 1968 Dodge Super Bee. In 1969, the Plymouth Road Runner was awarded Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year.[68] With optional performance parts such as intake and exhaust manifolds, upgraded carburetor, and drag-racing tires, the Road Runner had a quarter-mile time of 14.7 seconds at 100.6mph (161.9km/h). In this customized form, the cost of the Road Runner was US$3,893.[67]
The Plymouth Barracuda was a pony car that could be turned into a muscle car with the addition of the famed Chrysler 426 Hemi, available as an option beginning in 1968, after debuting in street form two years earlier in the Plymouth Belvedere, Dodge Coronet, and Dodge Charger. Originally based on the smaller compact car body and chassis of the Plymouth Valiant, the Barracuda was also available with a 383cuin (6.3L) V8 engine producing 300hp (224kW). It could run a quarter-mile in 13.33seconds at 106.50mph (171.40km/h)on the drag strip. The base price was $2,796.00; the price as tested by Hot Rod was $3,652.[69] The related 1970 Plymouth Duster was powered by a 340cuin (5.6L) V8 engine producing 290hp (216kW). Performance figures were 0 to 60mph (97km/h) in 6.0 seconds and the quarter-mile time of in 14.7seconds at 94.3mph (151.8km/h).[70]
The 427cuin (7.0L)Chevrolet L72 big-block engine became available in the mid-sized Chevrolet Chevelle in 1969 as the COPO 427 option. The 427 Chevelle could run a 13.3 sec. quarter-mile at 108mph (174km/h). Chevrolet rated the engine at 425hp (317kW), but the NHRA claimed power output to be 450hp (340kW).[71] The following year, the "Chevelle SS 454" model was introduced, which used the 454cuin (7.4L)Chevrolet LS6 big-block engine rated at 450hp (336kW), the highest factory rating at that time.[72]
The fastest muscle car produced by American Motors was the mid-sized 1970 AMC Rebel "The Machine", which was powered by a 390cuin (6.4L) engine producing 340hp (254kW).[73] The Rebel had a 0–60mph (97km/h) time of 6.8seconds and a quarter-mile run in 14.4seconds at 99mph (159km/h).[74]
1970s: Decline of the segment
The popularity of muscle cars declined through the early 1970s, due to factors including the Clean Air Act, the fuel crisis, and the increasing cost of insurance for these types of cars.[75] The 1973 oil crisis resulted in rationing of fuel and higher prices. Muscle cars quickly became unaffordable and impractical for many people.[76] In addition, the automobile insurance industry levied surcharges on all high-powered models.
Before the Clean Air Act of 1970, a majority of muscle cars came optioned with high-compression engines (some engines were as high as 11:1), which required high-octane fuel. Prior to 1970, 100-octane fuel was common. However, following the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970, octane ratings were lowered to 91 (due in part to the removal of lead). Manufacturers reduced the compression ratio of engines, resulting in reduced performance. Simultaneously, efforts to combat air pollution focused Detroit's attention on emissions control rather than increased power outputs.
Muscle car performance began a resurgence in the early 1980s with high-output V8 engines introduced for the Ford Mustang GT, Chevrolet Camaro Z28, and Pontiac Firebird Formula/Trans Am. Initially using four-barrel carburetors, engine performance, and fuel economy were increased by the mid-1980s using electronic fuel injection systems and advanced engine management controls. Muscle car performance began to reappear on intermediate two-door coupés such as the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS and Buick Regal. The Buick Regal used turbocharged V6 engines on the Grand National, Turbo-T, T-Type, and GNX models which rivaled the performance of V8 engines.[77]
The few muscle cars remaining in production by the mid-1990s included the fourth generation Mustang,[78][79] fourth generation Camaro,[80][81] and fourth generation Firebird.[82][83]
For the 2004 model year, the Pontiac GTO was relaunched in the United States as a rebadged captive import version of the Holden Monaro. The model was to recreate the past versions, but the new version "was nothing like the old aggressive and evocative model from the 60s" and it was discontinued in 2006.[84][85]
For 2005, Chrysler introduced muscle car heritage to high-performance V8-powered versions of four-door sedans, the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300C, using nameplates traditionally used for two-door muscle cars.
For the 2006 model year, GM relaunched the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS with the first V8 engine on the Monte Carlo in 15 Years. The same V8 was used on the Monte Carlo's W-Body sister cars like the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Buick Lacrosse Super, and the Chevrolet Impala SS. All Monte Carlo production ended on June 19, 2007, because of declining sales of coupe models in general as well as Chevrolet's plan to reintroduce a new Camaro.[86]
For 2008, Chrysler re-introduced the Dodge Challenger, which features styling links to the 1970 first-generation Challenger and was claimed by the Chrysler CEO to be "a modern take on one of the most iconic muscle cars".[87]
The first Australian-designed car to be marketed as a performance model[dubious–discuss] was the 1963 Holden EH S4 model, of which 120 road cars were produced so that the model could be eligible to compete at the 1963 Armstrong 500 motor race at Bathurst.[88][89] The EH S4 was powered by an upgraded version of the standard six-cylinder engine, enlarged to 2.9L (179cuin) and producing 90kW (121bhp).[90][91] In 1964, the Ford Falcon (XM) became available with an enlarged 3.3L (200cuin) "Super Pursuit" version of the standard six-cylinder engine, which produced 90kW (121bhp).[92]
In 1965, the Chrysler Valiant AP6 became the first Australian car to be available with a V8 engine. This optional engine was the 4.5L (273cuin) version of the Chrysler LA engine, which produced 135kW (181bhp) and was imported from the United States.[93] The first Australian-designed Ford to be available with a V8 was the 1966 Ford Falcon (XR), with a 4.7L (289cuin) version of the Ford Windsor engine (imported from the United States), which produced 149kW (200bhp).[94] The first Holden to be available with a V8 was the 1968 Holden HK, with a 5.0L (307cuin) version of the Chevrolet small-block V8 (imported from the United States) which produced 157kW (210bhp).[95] Later that year, a 5.4L (327cuin) version of the engine became available in the Holden HK Monaro GTS 327 coupe.[96]
The pinnacle of 1970s Australian muscle cars were the 1971–1972 Ford Falcon GTHO, Holden Monaro 350, and Chrysler Valiant Charger R/T (the smaller Holden Torana GTR was also a successful performance car of the era, but it is not considered a muscle car due to its prioritization of lighter weight over outright power output). The Ford Falcon (XY) GTHO Phase III model was powered by a 5.8L (351cuin) version of the Ford Cleveland V8 engine, officially rated at 224kW (300bhp), but estimated to produce between 261–283kW (350–380bhp).[97] The Holden HQ Monaro GTS 350 was powered by a 5.7L (350cuin) version of the Chevrolet small-block V8 producing 205kW (275bhp).[98] The Chrysler Valiant Charger R/T E49 model was powered by a 4.3L (265cuin) version of the Chrysler Hemi-6 six-cylinder engine producing 225kW (302bhp).[99]
Supercar scare
In 1972, the production of Australian muscle cars saw a setback when the Supercar scare caused Ford, Holden, and Chrysler to cease development of upcoming performance models, due to government pressure.[100][101][102] The Australian muscle car models produced during the 1970s later consisted of the limited production 1977–1978 Holden Torana (LX) A9X option and the 1978–1979 Ford Falcon (XC) Cobra model, both created as homologation models for Group C touring car racing. These were less powerful than their predecessors.[103][104]
Brands still offered high-performance models with V8 variants throughout the 1980s, but these vehicles were low production and were generally underpowered compared to their late 1960s and 1970s predecessors. An example was the Ford Falcon (XD), which was available with a 5.8 L V8 engine. Subsequent generations of the Ford Falcon would not have any V8 options available until 1992, when the EB XR8 was introduced. The Holden Commodore debuted in 1978. However, a renaissance in muscle cars would be sparked by factory-backed aftermarket operations. Holden Dealer Team would release high-performance models of the Holden Commodore throughout the 1980s, such as the HDT Group A, which would become iconic for its blue paintwork.[105] In 1988, Ford released the Ford Falcon (EB), which was available with a V8 in a 25th anniversary special model celebrating the original Ford Falcon GT.
In Argentina, Chevrolet and Dodge produced two acclaimed models of muscle cars. The first was the producer of the third American generation of the Chevrolet Nova, which in this country was renamed Chevy. This model was initially presented in a 4-door sedan version that maintained many physical features of the Nova coupe version, which would also be produced and marketed in Argentina a few years later. While Dodge produced in Argentina a series of vehicles based on the fourth generation of the Dodge Dart that received the name of Línea Dodge (Dodge Line). This vehicle presented sedan and coupe versions, which in turn were a local redesign of the Dart model and which, depending on its level of equipment, received different names (Polara, Coronado, RT, and GTX). In return for these brands, both Ford and the national producer IKA would respond with the production of two high-performance sedans, such as the Argentine version of the Ford Falcon and a derivative of the Rambler American model, called IKA Torino, which, in addition to its sedan version, would present a coupe version which would end up being acclaimed and popularized in the Argentine automotive field.[106]
The Pontiac GTO is a front-engine, rear-drive, two-door and four-passenger automobile manufactured and marketed by the Pontiac division of General Motors over four generations from 1963 until 1974 in the United States — with a fifth generation made by GM's Australian subsidiary, Holden, for the 2004 through 2006 model years.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid-size American automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, classified as a pony car. It first went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. The Camaro shared its platform and major components with the Firebird, produced by General Motors' Pontiac division that was also introduced for the 1967 model year.
The Plymouth Road Runner is a mid-size car with a focus on performance built by Plymouth in the United States between 1968 and 1980. By 1968, some of the original muscle cars were moving away from their roots as relatively cheap, fast cars as they gained features and increased in price. Plymouth developed the Road Runner to market a lower-priced, basic trim model to its upscale GTX.
Personal luxury car is a North American car classification describing somewhat sporty, sophisticated mass-market coupés that emphasized comfort over performance. The North American manufacturers most often combined engineering, design, and marketing to develop upscale, distinctive "platform sharing" models that became highly profitable.
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-sized automobile that was produced by Chevrolet in three generations for the 1964 through 1977 model years. Part of the General Motors (GM) A-body platform, the Chevelle was one of Chevrolet's most successful nameplates. Body styles included coupes, sedans, convertibles, and station wagons. The "Super Sport" versions were produced through the 1973 model year and Lagunas from 1973 through to 1976.
The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 through 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965, with over a million units sold. It was the most popular car in the U.S. in the 1960s and early 1970s, which, during its production, included the Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala.
The Dodge Charger is a model of automobile marketed by Dodge in various forms over eight generations since 1966.
Pony car is an American car classification for affordable, compact, highly styled coupés or convertibles with a "sporty" or performance-oriented image. Common characteristics include rear-wheel drive, a long hood, a short decklid, a wide range of options to individualize each car and use of mass-produced parts shared with other models. The popularity of pony cars is largely due to the launch of the Ford Mustang in 1964.
The Plymouth Barracuda is a two-door pony car that was manufactured by Chrysler Corporation from 1964 through 1974 model years.
The AMC V8 may refer to either of two distinct OHV V8 engine designs that were developed and manufactured by American Motors Corporation (AMC). The engines were used in cars and trucks by AMC, Kaiser, and International Harvester as well as in marine and stationary applications. Contrary to long-believed misinformation, from 1956-1987, AMC never installed a V8 engine in their vehicles that was designed, built or supplied by any other manufacturer.
The Dodge Charger (1966), also known as Dodge Charger (B-body), is a mid-size automobile that was produced by Dodge from 1966 through 1978 model years, and was based on the Chrysler B platform.
The Dodge Custom 880 is an automobile that was marketed by Dodge from 1962 through the end of the 1965 model year. It was positioned as Dodge's product offer in the mid-price full-size market segment and to help fill the void in Chrysler's lineup left by the discontinuation of DeSoto in 1961. A cheaper version, the Dodge 880, was also offered for 1963 and 1964.
The Rambler Rebel is an automobile that was produced by the American Motors Corporation (AMC) of Kenosha, Wisconsin for the 1957 through 1960 model years, as well as again for 1966 and 1967.
Hurst Performance, Inc. was an American manufacturer and marketer of automobile performance parts, most notably for muscle cars.
Coke bottle styling is an automotive body design with a narrow center surrounded by flaring fenders. This design element bears a general resemblance to a Coca-Cola classic glass contour bottle design. Industrial designer Raymond Loewy, who in 1955 had re-designed the actual Coke bottle as well, introduced it on the radical 1962 Studebaker Avanti gran turismo.
American Muscle Car is a weekly television show on Speed, produced by Restoration Productions LLC., about muscle cars. Original release was in 2003. Each episode provides a timeline of each vehicle's history beginning with its first year of production to its most recent year of production. The show was initially designed to showcase traditional muscle cars such as the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Dodge Charger. It eventually added other performance vehicles such as the Shelby Cobra and the, and even began to focus on specific eras such as the (disambiguation)|. In 2006 season, the show's focus was expanded to include designers and engineers of muscle car era.
This is a list of automobiles produced for the general public in the North American market. They are listed in chronological order from when each model began its model year. If a model did not have continuous production, it is listed again on the model year production resumed. Concept cars and submodels are not listed unless they are themselves notable.
The Max Wedge, formally the Maximum Performance Wedge, was an engine option produced by the Chrysler Corporation from 1962 to 1964, that was available exclusively in B Platform (intermediate) Dodges and Plymouths. The Max Wedge motor used the Chrysler RB Block, and was produced in 413 and 426 cubic-inch iterations. The 1962 Max Wedge Dodges and Plymouths, which offered a high-performance big-block engine in an intermediate-bodied vehicle, may be regarded as examples of a proto-muscle car.
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