Muscle car

Last updated

Muscle car is a description according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary that came to use in 1966 for "a group of American-made two-door sports coupes with powerful engines designed for high-performance driving." [1] The Britannica Dictionary describes these as "an American-made two-door sports car with a powerful engine." [2]

Contents

Although the term was unknown for another fifteen-plus years, General Motors introduced the 303-cubic-inch (5 L) Rocket V8 used in the Oldsmobile 98 models into the smaller and lighter 88 models, a formula that later evolved into the "muscle car" category. [3] [4] The competition between American manufacturers started when Chrysler installed the 331 cu in (5.4 L) Chrysler Hemi engine in the mid-range Chrysler Saratoga in 1951 that was normally installed in the full-sized luxury sedan Chrysler New Yorker. In 1952 Ford's luxury brand Lincoln introduced the 317 cu in (5.2 L) Lincoln Y-Block V8 and the rivalry began, where the Lincoln Capri was entered in the Pan American Road Race in both 1952 and 1953, and taking first and second place in 1954. [5] [6] This was followed by both the Oldsmobile 88 and Chrysler Saratoga being raced in stock form at NASCAR races.

By some accounts, the "muscle car" term proper was originally applied to mid-1960s and early 1970s special editions of mass-production cars which were designed for drag racing, [7] though it shortly entered the general vocabulary through car magazines and automobile marketing and became used generically for "performance"-oriented street cars.

By some period definitions and perceptions, the term muscle car came to connote high performance at lower prices, where powerful engines were put into relatively basic-trimmed intermediate-sized cars and marketed at more affordable prices. This approach was exemplified by the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner and companion Dodge Super Bee 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).

By some definitions – including those used by Car and Driver , CNBC , Road & Track , and Motor Trend cited below, pony cars such as the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and the Plymouth Barracuda and their luxury companions the Mercury Cougar, Pontiac Firebird and Dodge Challenger in that large, influential, and lucrative 1960s–70s niche, could also qualify as "muscle cars" if outfitted with suitable high-performance equipment.

Terminology

Definition

The definition of a muscle car is subjective and endlessly debated. [8] [9] Muscle cars often have many of the following characteristics: [8] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15]

High-power pony cars are sometimes considered muscle cars, however, personal luxury cars are often too expensive to be considered by some to be muscle cars.[ dubious ] [8] Sports cars are not considered muscle cars by some definitions. [21] By some narrow definitions, muscle cars are an extension of the hot rodding philosophy of taking a small car and putting a large-displacement engine in it, for the purpose of increasing straight-line speed. [21] However, that is repudiated by the much broader public acceptance and use of the term as exemplified by the Car and Driver, CNBC, Road & Track, and Motor Trend top muscle car lists below, which display a much broader interpretation of the term.

Supercars

Muscle cars were originally referred to as "Supercars" in the United States, often (though not always) spelled with a capital S." [22] From the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, "dragstrip bred" mid-size cars equipped with large V8 engines and rear-wheel drive were referred to as Supercars more often than muscle cars. [23] [24] [25] An early example is the 1957 Rambler Rebel, which was described as a "potent mill turned the lightweight Rambler into a veritable supercar." [26]

In 1966 the supercar became an "industry trend" [27] as the four domestic automakers "needed to cash in on the supercar market" with eye-catching, heart-stopping cars. [28] Examples of the use of the supercar description for the early muscle models include the May 1965 Car Life road test of the Pontiac GTO along with how "Hurst puts American Motors into the Supercar club with the 390 Rogue" [29] (the SC/Rambler) to fight in "the Supercar street racer gang" market segment, [30] with the initials "SC" signifying SuperCar. [31]

The supercar market segment in the U.S. at the time included special versions of regular production models [32] that were positioned in several sizes and market segments (such as the "economy supercar" [33] ), as well as limited edition, documented dealer-converted vehicles. [34] However, the supercar term by that time "had been diluted and branded with a meaning that did not respect the unique qualities of the 'muscle car'." [35]

History

1950s: Origins

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 303 cu in (5.0 L) engine from the larger Oldsmobile 98 with the body from the six-cylinder Oldsmobile 76). [37] The Rocket 88 produced 135 hp (101 kW) at 3600 rpm and 263 lb⋅ft (357 N⋅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 300 hp (224 kW) from its 331 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engine, and it was advertised as "America's Most Powerful Car". [37] Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.8 seconds and reaching 130 miles per hour (209 km/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 275 hp (205 kW)352 cu in (5.8 L) 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 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engine producing 255 hp (190 kW), its 0–60 mph 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]

Early 1960s: Drag racing influences

1964 Ford Thunderbolt A 1964 Ford Thunderbolt Muscle Car.jpg
1964 Ford Thunderbolt

The popularity and performance of muscle cars grew in the early 1960s, as 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 409 cu in (6.7 L) V8 engine producing 425 hp (317 kW)[ citation needed ] along with upgraded brakes, tires, and suspension. The 1962 Dodge Dart 413 (nicknamed Max Wedge) had a 413 cu in (6.8 L) V8 which produced 420 hp (313 kW) 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 12 seconds. [48] Upgrades included fiberglass panels, aluminum bumpers, traction bars, and a 427 cu in (7.0 L) Ford FE-based racing engine conservatively rated at 425 hp (317 kW). The road-legal version of the Galaxie 427 used the "Q-code" engine which produced 410 hp (306 kW). [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 11.76 seconds. [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 427 cu in (7.0 L) version of the W-series big-block engine, which was officially rated at 430 bhp (321 kW). 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 426 cu in (7.0 L) version of the Hemi racing engine which was official rated at 425 hp (317 kW), but rumored to have an actual power output higher than this. [58] Weight reduction measures included an aluminium hood, 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 426 cu in and an official power rating of 425 bhp (317 kW)). The 1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi could run a 13.8-second quarter-mile at 104 mph (167 km/h) and had a base price of $3,850. [59]

1964–1970: Peak muscle car era

1966 & 1969 Pontiac GTO 1966 & 1969 Pontiac GTO (34841847634).jpg
1966 & 1969 Pontiac GTO
1970 Plymouth GTX 440 1970redGTX.JPG
1970 Plymouth GTX 440
1970 AMC Rebel "The Machine" 1970 AMC Rebel "The Machine" (28293464911).jpg
1970 AMC Rebel "The Machine"

Although muscle cars 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 some models advertising as much as 450 hp (336 kW).

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 389 cu in (6.4 L) V8 engine producing 325 hp (242 kW). 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 390 cu in (6.4 L) in 1968, [60] which produced 315 hp (235 kW) and was first used in the 1968 AMC Rebel SST, [61] AMC Javelin Go-package, and AMC AMX. [62] [63] 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 wasn't known for being in the top competitors for manufacturing cars, but when they came out with the AMX and the Javelin they became one of the top competitors. [64]

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, [65] the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner, [66] and the 1968 Dodge Super Bee. In 1969, the Plymouth Road Runner was awarded Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year. [67] 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 100.6 mph (161.9 km/h). In this customized form, the cost of the Road Runner was US$3,893. [66]

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 383 cu in (6.3 L) V8 engine producing 300 hp (224 kW). It could run a quarter-mile in 13.33 seconds at 106.50 mph (171.40 km/h)on the drag strip. The base price was $2,796.00; the price as tested by Hot Rod was $3,652. [68] The related 1970 Plymouth Duster was powered by a 340 cu in (5.6 L) V8 engine producing 290 hp (216 kW). Performance figures were 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.0 seconds and the quarter-mile time of in 14.7 seconds at 94.3 mph (151.8 km/h). [69]

The 427 cu in (7.0 L) 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 at108 mph (174 km/h). Chevrolet rated the engine at 425 hp (317 kW), but the NHRA claimed power output to be 450 hp (340 kW). [70] The following year, the "Chevelle SS 454" model was introduced, which used the 454 cu in (7.4 L) Chevrolet LS6 big-block engine rated at 450 hp (336 kW), the highest factory rating at that time. [71]

The fastest muscle car produced by American Motors was the mid-sized 1970 AMC Rebel "The Machine", which was powered by a 390 cu in (6.4 L) engine producing 340 hp (254 kW). [72] The Rebel had a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.8 seconds and a quarter-mile run in 14.4 seconds at 99 mph (159 km/h). [73]

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. [74] The 1973 oil crisis resulted in rationing of fuel and higher prices. Muscle cars quickly became unaffordable and impractical for many people. [75] 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.

1980s–1990s: Performance revival

1986 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 T-top.jpg
1986 Ford Mustang GT 5.0
1996 Pontiac Firebird Formula.jpg
1996 Pontiac Firebird Formula

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. [76]

The few muscle cars remaining in production by the mid-1990s included the fourth generation Mustang, [77] [78] fourth generation Camaro, [79] [80] and fourth generation Firebird. [81] [82]

2000s–present

2006 Pontiac GTO 2006-Pontiac-GTO.jpg
2006 Pontiac GTO
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca 2012 Ford Mustang Laguna Seca -- 2011 DC.jpg
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

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. [83] [84]

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 2005, the fifth-generation Ford Mustang, designed to resemble the original first-generation Mustang, brought back the aggressive lines and colors of the original.

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. [85]

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". [86]

A year later, running on that same sentiment, Chevrolet released the 2009 Camaro, which bears some resemblance to the 1969 first-generation Camaro.

Australia

1970-1971 Holden HG Monaro GTS 350 coupe 01.jpg
Holden HG Monaro GTS 350 (1968–1971)
1972 Ford Falcon XY GTHO Sedan (12995029084).jpg
Ford XY Falcon GTHO (1971–1972)

Origins

The first Australian-designed car to be marketed as a performance model[ dubious ] 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. [87] [88] The EH S4 was powered by an upgraded version of the standard six-cylinder engine, enlarged to 2.9 L (179 cu in) and producing 90 kW (121 bhp). [89] [90] In 1964, the Ford Falcon (XM) became available with an enlarged 3.3 L (200 cu in) "Super Pursuit" version of the standard six-cylinder engine, which produced 90 kW (121 bhp). [91]

In 1965, the Chrysler Valiant AP6 became the first Australian car to be available with a V8 engine. This optional engine was the 4.5 L (273 cu in) version of the Chrysler LA engine, which produced 135 kW (181 bhp) and was imported from the United States. [92] The first Australian-designed Ford to be available with a V8 was the 1966 Ford Falcon (XR), with a 4.7 L (289 cu in) version of the Ford Windsor engine (imported from the United States), which produced 149 kW (200 bhp). [93] The first Holden to be available with a V8 was the 1968 Holden HK, with a 5.0 L (307 cu in) version of the Chevrolet small-block V8 (imported from the United States) which produced 157 kW (210 bhp). [94] Later that year, a 5.4 L (327 cu in) version of the engine became available in the Holden HK Monaro GTS 327 coupe. [95]

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 5.8 L (351 cu in) version of the Ford Cleveland V8 engine, officially rated at 224 kW (300 bhp), but estimated to produce between 261–283 kW (350–380 bhp). [96] The Holden HQ Monaro GTS 350 was powered by a 5.7 L (350 cu in) version of the Chevrolet small-block V8 producing 205 kW (275 bhp). [97] The Chrysler Valiant Charger R/T E49 model was powered by a 4.3 L (265 cu in) version of the Chrysler Hemi-6 six-cylinder engine producing 225 kW (302 bhp). [98]

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. [99] [100] [101] 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. [102] [103]

Brands still offered high-performance models with V8 variants throughout the 1980s, but these vehicles were not produced in significant quantity 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, which debuted in 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. [104] 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.

Argentina

A TA Torino in the Juan Manuel Fangio Museum Torinos en Tecnopolis - BugWarp 03.jpg
A TA Torino in the Juan Manuel Fangio Museum

In Argentina, Chevrolet and Dodge produced two highly 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 highly acclaimed and popularized in the Argentine automotive field.

Lists of muscle cars (1962–1974)

According to Car and Driver, January 1990: [105]

According to CNBC, April 2013: [106]

According to Road & Track, January 2021: [107]

According to Motor Trend, June 2023: [108]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Camaro</span> Muscle car manufactured by Chevrolet

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 1967.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth (automobile)</span> Defunct American automobile brand

Plymouth was a brand of automobiles produced by Chrysler Corporation and its successor DaimlerChrysler. The brand was launched in 1928 to compete in what was then described as the "low-priced" market segment that was dominated by Chevrolet and Ford. It became a high-volume seller for the automaker until the late 1990s. Plymouth cars were marketed primarily in the United States. The brand was withdrawn from the marketplace in 2001. The Plymouth models that were produced up to then were either discontinued or rebranded as Chrysler or Dodge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Road Runner</span> Type of muscle car manufactured by Plymouth

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Personal luxury car</span> American car classification

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Chevelle</span> Mid-sized automobile

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Caprice</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 to 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold. It was the most popular car in the U.S. in the 1960s and early 1970s, which, during its lifetime, included the Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Charger</span> Series of automobiles marketed by Dodge

The Dodge Charger is a model of automobile marketed by Dodge in various forms over seven generations since 1966.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pony car</span> American car classification

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Barracuda</span> Car model built by Chrysler Corporation

The Plymouth Barracuda is a two-door pony car that was manufactured by Chrysler Corporation from 1964 through 1974 model years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iron Duke engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Iron Duke engine is a 151 cu in (2.5 L) straight-4 piston engine built by the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors from 1977 until 1993. Originally developed as Pontiac's new economy car engine, it was used in a wide variety of vehicles across GM's lineup in the 1980s as well as supplied to American Motors Corporation (AMC). The engine was engineered for fuel efficiency, smooth operation, and long life, not for performance. Total Duke engine production is estimated to be between 3.8 and 4.2 million units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buick V6 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Buick V6 is an OHV V6 engine developed by the Buick division of General Motors and first introduced in 1962. The engine was originally 198 cu in (3.2 L) and was marketed as the Fireball engine. GM continued to develop and refine the 3.8 L (230 cu in) V6, eventually and commonly referred to simply as the 3800, through numerous iterations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Chevy II / Nova</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Chevy II/Nova is a small automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, and produced in five generations for the 1962 through 1979, and 1985 through 1988 model years. Built on the X-body platform, the Nova was the top selling model in the Chevy II lineup through 1968. The Chevy II nameplate was dropped after 1968, with Nova becoming the nameplate for all of the 1969 through 1979 models. It was replaced by the 1980 Chevrolet Citation introduced in the spring of 1979. The Nova nameplate returned in 1985, produced through 1988 as a S-car based, NUMMI manufactured, subcompact based on the front wheel drive, Japan home-based Toyota Sprinter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Super Bee</span> Motor vehicle

The Dodge Super Bee is a mid-sized muscle car marketed by Dodge, that was produced for the 1968 through 1971 model years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler Hemi engine</span> Series of I6 and V8 engines built by Chrysler

The Chrysler Hemi engines, known by the trademark Hemi or HEMI, are a series of American V8 gasoline engines built by Chrysler with overhead valve hemispherical combustion chambers. Three different types of Hemi engines have been built by Chrysler for automobiles: the first from 1951 to 1958, the second from 1964 to 1971, and the third beginning in 2003. Although Chrysler is most identified with the use of "Hemi" as a marketing term, many other auto manufacturers have incorporated similar designs. The engine block and cylinder heads were cast and manufactured at Indianapolis Foundry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Custom 880</span> Motor vehicle

The Dodge Custom 880 is an automobile that was marketed by Dodge from 1962 through the end of the 1965 model year. It was to fill Dodge's product offer in the mid-price full-size market segment, as well as to help fill the void in Chrysler's lineup left by the discontinuation of DeSoto in 1961.

The GM A platform was a rear wheel drive automobile platform designation used by General Motors from 1925 until 1959, and again from 1964 to 1981. In 1982, GM introduced a new front wheel drive A platform, and existing intermediate rear wheel drive products were redesignated as G-bodies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurst Performance</span>

Hurst Performance, Inc. of Warminster Township, Pennsylvania, manufactured and marketed products for enhancing the performance of automobiles, most notably muscle cars.

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. By the strict definition of a muscle car as an intermediate-bodied vehicle equipped with a big-block engine, the 1962 Max Wedge Dodges and Plymouths were among the first so-called muscle cars.

References

  1. "Definition of Muscle Car". Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  2. "Muscle car Definition & Meaning". Britannica Dictionary. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  3. Newton, Andrew (13 December 2018). "The 1949-53 Oldsmobile 88 was a breakthrough design, so why doesn't anybody want one?". Hagerty. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  4. "20 Greatest Muscle cars". motor-junkie.com. 5 April 2019. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  5. Kowalke, Ron (1997). Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975 . Krause publications. ISBN   0-87341-521-3.
  6. Hagenbuch, Pete (16 November 2020). "Origin of the Mopar Hemi engine, Ardun Heads, and Riley cars". allpar.com. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  7. "Muscle Car History". classic-car-history.com. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Muscle Car Definition". Muscle Car Club. 2 January 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  9. "Muscle Car Definition: Understand the Requirements". carsdirect.com. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  10. 1 2 3 "Super-iority: Defining the Supercar and Muscle Car". ateupwithmotor.com. 28 July 2009. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  11. "muscle car". Merriam-Webster Online. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  12. Sherman, Don (4 June 2006). "Muscle Cars Now Worth Millions". The New York Times. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  13. "Classic Muscle Cars Library". musclecars.howstuffworks.com. 19 October 2007. Archived from the original on 4 November 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  14. "Muscle Car Definition". Muscle Car Society. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  15. "Muscle car definition and meaning". collinsdictionary.com. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  16. "Why Are Old-Fashioned Muscle Cars Louder than New Ones?". Classic Car Deals. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  17. Mueller, Mike (1997). Motor City Muscle: The High-Powered History of the American Muscle Car. MBI Publishing. p. 13. ISBN   978-0-7603-0196-8.
  18. 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–" . Retrieved 28 May 2023.
  19. Ray, Manny (3 November 2021). "The 29+ Best American Muscle Cars Ranked". daquan.tv. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  20. "1960s Muscle Cars - The Beginning, Downfall & Best Muscle Cars Ever". supercars.net. 3 March 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  21. 1 2 Henshaw, Peter (2004). Muscle Cars. Thunder Bay Press. ISBN   978-1-59223-303-8.
  22. Severson, Aaron (27 July 2009). "Super-iority: Defining the Supercar and Muscle Car". ateupwithmotor. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
  23. Harless, Robert (2004). Horsepower War: Our Way of Life. iUniverse. p. 1. ISBN   978-0-595-30296-3.
  24. Gunnell, John (2001). Standard Guide to American Muscle Cars: A Supercar Source Book, 1960–2000. Krause Publications. ISBN   978-0-87349-262-1.
  25. Norbye, Jan P.; Dunne, Jim (October 1966). "The Hot Ones: Supercars of medium size flaunt their suspension, brakes, and engines". Popular Science. Vol. 189, no. 4. pp. 83–85. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
  26. "1957-1960 Rambler Rebel". How Stuff Works. 22 August 2007. Archived from the original on 27 July 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  27. Harless, p. 8.
  28. Campisano, Jim (1995). American Muscle Cars. MetroBooks. p. 91. ISBN   978-1-56799-164-2.
  29. "Rambler Scrambler". Car Life. Vol. 16. 1969. pp. 33–36. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
  30. "Rambler Scrambler". Car and Driver. Vol. 14. 1968. p. 84.
  31. Lyons, Dan; Scott, Jason (2004). Muscle Car Milestones. MotorBooks/MBI Publishing. p. 89. ISBN   978-0-7603-0615-4 . Retrieved 21 May 2016.
  32. Bonsall, Thomas E. (1985). Muscle Plymouths: The Story of a Supercar. Bookman Publishing. ISBN   978-0-934780-71-1.
  33. Hot Rod Magazine: Muscle Car Files. MotorBooks International. 2004. p. 112. ISBN   978-0-7603-1647-4.
  34. Carner, Colin (February 1999). "1967 Chevrolet Stage III Nickey Camaro". Sports Car Market. Retrieved 21 May 2016.
  35. JEL. "Why are "muscle cars" called so?". Stack Exchange. Retrieved 21 May 2016.[ unreliable source? ]
  36. Nerad, Jack. "Oldsmobile Rocket 88". Driving Today. Archived from the original on 4 July 2017. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  37. 1 2 "The Birth of Muscle Cars". How Stuff Works. 16 January 2007. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  38. Dulcich, Steve. "Rocket Man". Popular Hot Rodding. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013.
  39. "Chrysler 300 History". edmunds.com. Archived from the original on 11 November 2016.
  40. 1 2 "What Was The First Muscle Car?". Classic Car History. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
  41. 1 2 Hardin, Drew (20 June 2019). "Was the 1957 Rambler Rebel the First Muscle Car?". Automobile Magazine. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
  42. Truesdell, Richard. "John Goergen's 1966 343 prototype (sidebar)" (PDF). Musclecar Enthusiast. p. 59. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  43. "1957–1960 Rambler Rebel". How Stuff Works. 22 August 2007. Archived from the original on 19 July 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  44. Strohl, Daniel (February 2007). "Silver-Sided Dawn – 1957 Rambler Rebel". Hemmings Muscle Machines. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
  45. Stupski, Brian (7 August 2013). "This $1,000 1962 Max Wedge Dart Is Better Than Nothin'". dodge.com. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
  46. "What is a Max Wedge?". maxwedge.com. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
  47. "1962 Dodge Dart 413". howstuffworks.com. 22 December 2006. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
  48. Shaw, Tom (December 2005). "Anatomy of a Lightweight". Legendary Ford.
  49. "Q-Code 1963 Galaxie". bangshift.com. 28 March 2016. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
  50. "Big Car, Bigger Job: 1964 Ford Galaxie Q-Code". barnfinds.com. 17 July 2018. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
  51. 1 2 Holder, Bill; Kunz, Phil (2006). Extreme Muscle Cars: The Factory Lightweight Legacy. Krause Publications. ISBN   978-0-89689-278-1.
  52. 1 2 "Ford Thunderbolt". How Stuff Works. 30 November 2007. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  53. Gunnell, John (2005). American Cars of the 1960s: A Decade of Diversity. Krause Publications. ISBN   978-0-89689-131-9.
  54. "Chevrolet's 1963 Z-11 Impala". 348-409.com. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  55. "1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight 'Hemi-Honker'". mecum.com.
  56. "1964 Dodge Polara Hemi 330 factory lightweight". barrett-jackson.com. Retrieved 3 February 2019.
  57. "1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock". conceptcarz.com. Retrieved 3 February 2019.
  58. "1964 Dodge 426 Hemi". howstuffworks.com. 30 November 2007. Retrieved 3 February 2019.
  59. "1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi". How Stuff Works. 5 January 2007. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  60. Sealey, Mike (16 November 2020). "AMC V8 engines – history, descriptions, and more". allpar.com. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  61. "Sharp Restoration: 390/727 1968 AMC Rebel SST". bringatrailer.com. 28 November 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2019.
  62. "AMC Muscle Cars". How Stuff Works. 20 December 2006. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  63. Stephens, Bill (25 March 2012). "How About Some Love for the AMX". Velocity by Discovery. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  64. "Evolution of the American Motors AMX-The Other American Muscle Car". heacockclassic.com. 13 May 2019. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
  65. "1968 Plymouth GTX". How Stuff Works. 9 January 2007. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  66. 1 2 Car Life January 1969.
  67. Sanders, Bill (February 1969). "Road Runner". Motor Trend.
  68. Kelly, Steve (December 1968). "Barracuda on the Line". Hot Rod.
  69. "1970 Plymouth Duster 340". How Stuff Works. 10 January 2007. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  70. "1969 Chevrolet Chevelle COPO 427". How Stuff Works. 11 January 2007. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  71. "1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454". How Stuff Works. 10 January 2007. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  72. Cheetham, Craig (2007). Ultimate Muscle Cars . MBI Publishing. pp.  12–15. ISBN   978-0-7603-2834-7.
  73. "1970 AMC Rebel Machine". How Stuff Works. 12 January 2007. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  74. Yates, Brock W. (1983). The decline and fall of the American automobile industry. Empire Books. p. 97. ISBN   978-0-88015-004-0.
  75. Bailey, Katharine (2006). Muscle Cars. Crabtree Publishing. p. 12. ISBN   978-0-7787-3010-1.
  76. "Everyone remembers the Grand National, but the Buick Regal turbo-T was even faster". 11 December 2018.
  77. "1994 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra". caranddriver.com. 1 April 1994. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  78. "1994 Ford Mustang GT – Long-Term Wrapup". motortrend.com. November 1995. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  79. "The '93 Camaro Z/28: Why It Was the First Modern Muscle Car". drivingline.com. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  80. "1993 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – the High Compression Muscle Car Returns". oldcarmemories.com. 10 July 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  81. "1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula review". caradvice.com.au. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  82. "The Firebird Facts and Trans Am Truths". wilsonauto.com. 29 June 2015. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  83. Karn, Medha (9 January 2021). "The True Story Of Why The Pontiac GTO Was Discontinued". hotcars.com. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  84. Mateja, Jim (23 February 2006). "GTO to Be Discontinued Again". WardsAuto. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  85. "Future Chevrolet Monte Carlo". gmauthority.com. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  86. Strohl, Daniel (2 July 2006). "Challenger headed to production". Hemmings. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  87. "Holden History". uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  88. "Milestones 1960–1969". holdenhistoricalservices.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  89. "EH S4 Holden History". ehholden.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  90. "Holden EH S4 (1963) Review". tradeuniquecars.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  91. "Detailed specs review of 1964 Ford Falcon Deluxe Hardtop 200 Super Pursuit Six 3-speed (XM) offered since July 1964 for Australia". automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  92. "Chrysler Valiant AP6". uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  93. "Ford Falcon XR Specifications". uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  94. "HK Holden Specifications". uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  95. "Holden HK". uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  96. "Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase III Technical Specifications". uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  97. "HQ Holden Specifications". uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  98. "Chrysler VH Valiant Charger". uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  99. Nichols, Mel. "HO down the Hume". falcongt.com.au. Archived from the original on 23 May 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  100. "The Ultimate Muscle Car: Enter the Ford Falcon XA GT-HO Phase 4". smartbeard.com. Archived from the original on 27 June 2016.
  101. Wright, John (1987). "The Final Finest Phase" (PDF). Super Ford's. pp. 20–27. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  102. "Holden Torana LX A9X". uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  103. "Ford Falcon XC Cobra". uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  104. "1985 VK SS Group A HDT Commodore Genuine". Finest Restorations. 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  105. "Car And Driver Magazine 1990 back issues and used magazines". usedmagazines.com. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
  106. "10 classic american muscle cars". CNBC. 11 April 2013.
  107. "12 of the Rarest and Fastest American Muscle Cars Ever Made". Road & Track. 15 January 2021.
  108. "10 Best 1960s Muscle Cars". Motor Trend. 20 June 2023.