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The muscle car is a wonderful American innovation, and a car class that is loved the world over. Within it lie some of the finest automobiles ever created, cars that not only ooze power, but whose looks defy the passing of time. Vehicles like the superb Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 and the iconic 1967 Pontiac GTO.
A legacy of muscle cars has been woven into the very fabric of America’s car-loving society, with it becoming a much loved part of the culture. This devotion has ensured that the muscle car has not only endured, but also evolved. As America changes, so does it muscle cars, with recent additions such as the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody showcasing what modern technology and a love of pure muscle can really achieve.
Flicking back through the history books shows that America has always led the way in regard to producing muscle cars, and these 10 American Cars embody the spirit of pure muscle.
10 The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 426 Hemi
The Dodge Charger has etched out a lasting legacy for itself. Not only is it one of the most famous muscle cars on the planet, but it is also one of the most desirable. Having been the ride of choice for many television and movie heroes, its envious reputation can’t be matched.
Sitting proudly among the Charger line-up is the 1969 R/T 426 Hemi, a 425 hp fire-breathing monster that can blast to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. It’s a rumbling, snarling heavyweight of the muscle car world. A car that underlines a special time in American automotive history.
9 The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The modern muscle car revival was in full swing when the 2014 Camaro ZL1 emerged, but it was well worth the wait. Marketed as the most powerful Camaro ever created, its 6.2-liter V8 used a 1.9-liter supercharger to spew out a colossal 580 hp and 556 lb/ft of torque.
Bury the throttle in a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and the dash to 60 mph is dispatched in just 3.9 seconds. This put the muscle car toe-to-toe with supercars, and had many of them quaking in their rubber. Fantastically fast, the Camaro was an out-and-out street fighter.
8 The 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird
One of the few muscle cars that was built to perform beyond the quarter mile, the Roadrunner Superbird became a NASCAR legend. When tuned and geared for epic performance, the road legal versions of the car were said to be capable of kissing the 200 mph mark.
Opting for the 425 hp 7.0-liter Hemi V8 would see the Superbird rocket to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. A truly bizarre machine to gaze at in the metal, all the aerodynamic additions set the Superbird out as something of a muscle car unicorn. It was a unique creation, and worth it.
7 The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt
Placed up on a pedestal thanks to the film Bullitt, the 1968 Mustang GT has become a legend. Starring in one of the greatest car chases ever shot, it was a hard-working brawler that lifted a mediocre film to epic heights. The limited edition 2019 car recaptures all of this magic.
Draped in Highland green paint, and boasting a 480 hp 5.0-liter V8, the 2019 Mustang Bullitt will rip to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Hugely involving to drive, it’s a slick evolution of the original. A car with one foot in the nostalgic past, and one in modern muscle car heaven.
6 The 2002 Pontiac Firehawk SLP
A limited run of 1300 Firehawks were made before the Pontiac closed its doors. These cars featured a tuned 5.7-liter LS1 V8 that dished out 350 hp to the rear wheels. From standing, it could blast its way to 60 mph in as little as 4.9 seconds. Making it a truly formidable car.
Even judged by today’s muscle car standards, the 2002 Pontiac Firehawk can stand its ground. Having become a base for tuners to create some truly awe-inspiring machines, with the Firehawk being a popular-used buy. All set to become a future collectible, it’s one to watch.
5 The 1970 Buick Skylark GSX Stage 1
A 1970s dream machine, the Buick Skylark GSX Stage 1 left the factory with its power rated at 355 hp. In reality, this figure was in excess of 400 hp along with a tire worrying 510lb/ft of torque. Buick had birthed a snarling behemoth, and it was on the hunt for muscle car prey.
Tearing up the streets, the 1970 Skylark GSX Stage 1 could rocket its driver to 100 mph in around 12 seconds. Unleashing that huge reservoir of power would not only bring a huge smile to any gearheads face, but also catch plenty of challengers out when sat at the lights.
4 The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170
An absolute demon in name, and nature. The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 sticks a middle finger up at the latest wave of high performance EV’s, as it tears its way up the drag strip. It’s a fossil fuel powered rocket ship, and a glorious ode to old-school muscle cars.
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 has huge bragging rights, featuring a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 pumping out 1025 hp. With a clean launch, a Demon will notch up a 1.66 second 0-60 mph time. This puts it ahead of the Tesla Model S Plaid, and rightfully so.
3 The 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Keen to push the Chevrolet Camaro back into second place, Ford green lit the Mustang Boss 302. A masterful creation, it raided some of the best parts from the company stockroom. Its tuned and smooth 5.0-liter V8 produced a generous 290 hp, along with 290 lb/ft of torque.
Generally considered to be underrated horsepower power wise, it could scamper to 60 mph in a respectable 6.7 seconds. One of the best handling classic Mustangs ever made, the Boss 302 is a firm favorite among collectors. With cars now exchanging hands for big money.
2 The 1987 Buick Regal GNX
Considered to be the Darth Vader of the muscle car world, a Buick Regal GNX is at one with its dark side. Resplendent in its gleaming black paintwork, and looking mean as hell. The superb Buick Regal GNX had the performance to back up its aggressive looks, in spades.
Utilizing a 3.8-liter turbocharged V6, the Regal GNX flexed its muscles to the sum of 276 hp, allowing it to post in a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. Back in the 1980s, that put the Buick GNX firmly in supercar territory. It punched well above its weight, and is still a contender.
1 The 2004 Cadillac CTS-V
As good as any period European counterpart, the Cadillac CTS-V was a revelation and a surprise to all that drove it. Able to look both the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 square in the eyes, the Cadillac CTS-V was an American muscle car with a Euro sport dusting.
Harnessing 400 hp from its 5.7-liter V8, the Cadillac CTS-V could produce a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. In-gear, the car felt ridiculously fast. With a deep prod of the throttle, pouring on speed with such a deft ease makes keeping below the speed limit the real challenge.
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