The 1960s and 1970s were perhaps the golden age of American auto manufacturing. Many products that we consider very stylish, masculine and high performance are being launched by many American brands.
The term “muscle cars” dates back to the mid-1960s, when early Pontiacs were outfitted with powerful V8s with tons of horsepower. While muscle cars continue to thrive in today’s market, some have truly become classics. Check out USA classic muscle cars in the gallery below.
Which American classic muscle cars are classified as a legend?
Pontiac GTO 1964
Known as the original muscle car, the 1964 Pontiac GTO made history and kicked off an all-horse race in the auto industry.
Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 1965
The blue Le Mans stripes are recognizable worldwide. The GT350 has a lot of muscle, with a V8 engine that makes 271 horsepower. But the GT350R takes it to another level with the Kobra Kustom upgrade, with 306 hp.
Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 1965
Buick Skylark Gran Sport 1965
The first Buick muscle car had a powerful 325-horsepower V8 engine. It will sprint from 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds.
Dodge R/T Charger 1968
The car appeared in the 1968 movie Bullitt, competing with the 1968 Mustang GT.
Ford Mustang 1968
Like the car used in the movie, it sold for $3.74 million, making it the most expensive Mustang ever made.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR 1968
Only about 1,200 were built so they are rare and expensive. This “monster” owns a Cobra Jet 428 cid engine with a capacity of 335 horsepower.
AMC AMX 1968
AMX stands for the “American Motors Experimental” code used on the concept car. Its most powerful engine is a V8 with a capacity of 340 horsepower.
AMC AMX 1968
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 1982
The engine may not be the best in the third-generation Firebird (i.e. 2.5 liters and 90 hp), but the car has been featured in classic movies and shows like “Smoke and the Bandit”. ” and “Knight Rider”.
Ford Mercury Cougar 1967
Mercury Cougar strikes a balance between muscle and luxury. With a different grille and lighter than the Mustang, the V8 still produces 320 horsepower.
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Ram Air IV 1970
These are very rare and expensive classic muscle cars. Not long ago, one sold for $250,000.
545 LS6 Chevrolet Chevrolet 1970
Only 3,733 LS6s were made, so these are classic and expensive cars. In 1970, Hot Rod magazine described Chevelle as “one of the rude people.”
Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray 1963
Sting Ray’s design is so unique that some find it odd. The Manta-ray split rear window on the hardtop model really makes it stand out.
Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray 1963
Classic USA muscle cars culture and global expansion
Muscle cars have always been the pride of Americans because of their uniqueness and power. Not only loved by Americans themselves, but muscle cars have also become the dream, desire and favorite of many car players around the world. The most popular American muscle car brands include Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Pontiac, Shelby or Chevrolet. Maybe many people will know these names but not everyone knows the interesting facts behind them.
Muscle cars began to become part of American culture, not only in local streets and clubs, but in the entertainment world. In movies, stars often appear in stylish cars. James Dean and his car became a symbol of “Revolt without a Cause”.
In 2001, Universal’s Fast and Furious series took the number one spot at the box office, earning more than it cost. The stars of the movie appear in special cars.
With gorgeous cars and hot music, hot girls, the series has become a modern cultural icon of today’s American youth. In addition to famous actors, many audiences come to theaters just to see their dream car.
Still with a big and strong engine block, American muscle cars have long been considered “drinking gasoline like water”. However, today, the muscle car line has flourished, sales of these cars are still increasing despite soaring gas prices.
There are many variations on USA Classic muscle cars these days. The creators of the first-generation muscle car could not have imagined that the lowest version of the Camaro V6 could produce more than 300 horsepower. Even the charger has 4 doors instead of what people usually think of as a coupe (2 doors).
