10 Best American Muscle Cars of the Past and Present

Beyond mere mechanical creations, American muscle cars are proof of human ingenuity, ardor, and the quest for thrills.

Embark on a nostalgic voyage as we ignite the engines of the past, presenting to you the supreme array of classic American muscle cars that have endured the trials of time, etching an enduring impression on the pavement.

Within our top ten list, we’ve also incorporated the newest additions to the realm of best American muscle cars – and they’re all set to hit the road. Are you prepared to dive into another master piece added to our Best of the Best congregations on HighStuff.com?

What is a Muscle Car?

The American Muscle Car stands out in the automotive world, boasting a potent engine, rear-wheel drive, and a dynamic, sporty aesthetic. It enjoyed immense popularity across the United States between the 1960s and 1990s, acclaimed for its accessible price point and exceptional capabilities.

In contemporary times, the phrase ‘muscle car’ encompasses expansive American vehicles with a V-shaped eight-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, and a wallet-friendly cost. These cars pack a punch with robust horsepower, available in both two-door and four-door variants, unlike GT cars, which come with two doors and a 2+2 seating layout.

In 1950, Oldsmobile crafted the first muscle car, yet it wasn’t until 1964 that the phrase gained widespread popularity. Following that, Chrysler unveiled their fresh series of Dodge and Plymouth, christening them as “muscle cars” due to their superior potency compared to earlier designs.

The moniker “muscle car” sprung from American drag racing roots, though presently, it primarily designates larger, top-tier performance automobiles.

10 Best American Muscle Cars Ever

10. 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona

A true standout from the golden era of muscle American cars, the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona emerged as a sensation on the NASCAR racing scene. Designed exclusively for conquering the NASCAR tracks, Dodge’s team of engineers took an existing Charger coupe and subjected it to wind tunnel testing, resulting in an eccentric new front-end design and an imposing, nearly two-foot tall rear spoiler.

This innovation yielded an exceptional drag coefficient of 0.28cd, a feat that remains impressive even by today’s standards. Complementing this was a 426-inch Hemi V8 engine churning out a formidable 425 hp. However, the real showstopper was its remarkable top speed. The sleek aerodynamics and potent powertrain combined to propel the irresistible Dodge Charger Daytona to a mind-boggling speed of over 200mph, a remarkable achievement for the year 1969.

9. 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

Here’s an underrated treasure hailing from the 1970s best muscle cars era. The 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda boasted a remarkable feature: its renowned 426 Hemi engine, which unleashed an impressive 425 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, embodying the classic American muscle flair. This powerhouse setup positioned the Cuda in direct competition with iconic contenders like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Charger.

What sets apart this Plymouth muscle car is its commitment to tradition. The Cuda made a statement with its elongated sweeping hood leading the vanguard and a curvaceous coupe design highlighted by vivid shades like Tor Red and Lemon Twist. More often recognized as a street racer’s favorite rather than a track-focused machine, the Plymouth Hemi Cuda swiftly transformed into a collector’s prize and a revered cultural emblem.

8. 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

As the sun sets on the glorious era of old-school muscle cars, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 emerges as a poignant reminder, ensuring we’ll yearn for its tire-smoking charisma in its absence. Unleashing an unprecedented onslaught, the Demon 170 stakes its claim as the fastest American muscle car, boasting a staggering 1,025 hp and a massive 945 lb-ft of torque. These power figures even eclipse the best supercars.

With an NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of 8.91 seconds, this powerhouse obliterates drag strips, while its mind-bending 0 to 60mph dash in 1.66 seconds redefines acceleration. Adding its name to the legacy of Dodge’s HEMI-powered dominators, the Demon 170 stands tall among the icons.

Within the heart of this automobile lies a potent 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 powerplant, accompanied by a colossal 3.0-liter supercharger – a size akin to the entirety of a 2023 BMW M2 Competition’s engine! It’s evident that Dodge’s Last Call model has indisputably etched its legacy, paving the way for the impending arrival of the all-new, all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona SRT.

7. 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Carroll Shelby’s initial pair of Mustang years remains a top pick for countless Mustang enthusiasts. The ’65 and ’66 GT 350s were lightweight, sported a clean design, and proved impeccable for racing circuits. Meanwhile, the subsequent ’67 and ’68 models packed more power beneath the hood, emerging as the favored contenders for conquering drag races.

In a historic debut, the ’67 to ’68 GT 500 Shelbys ushered in a robust 355-hp, 428-cubic-inch big-block engine beneath the hood. Contemporary evaluators witnessed mid-to-low 14-second quarter-mile runs—a notable feat at the time.

The Shelby Mustangs sported enhanced scoops and more flamboyant aesthetics compared to their predecessors, perfectly complementing the newfound power and torque. The 1968 lineup even introduced the faster KR (King of the Road) high-performance variant.

Trivia: In 1967, Shelby Mustangs incorporated Mercury Cougar taillights; however, the ’68 models adopted lamps sourced from the ’66 Ford Thunderbird.

6. 1969 AMX/3

The AMX/3 emerged as an incredibly stylish exotic with a mid-engine layout. Crafted through a global partnership, an AMC crew spearheaded by Dick Teague, ItalDesign, Italian engineer Giotto Bizzarrini, and even input from BMW converged to create this masterpiece.

With a weight of 3,300 pounds, this American muscle boasted an AMC 390-ci V8 engine, delivering a robust 340 hp, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission. Impressively, it could surge to 60 mph in slightly over 5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 170 mph – an achievement that stood strong during its era.

However, the vehicle never found its way to AMC dealerships, partly due to financial considerations. Its potential price tag was rumored to hover around $15,000, a mere couple of thousand dollars less than Lamborghini’s Miura.

Notable Detail: Six prototypes of this automobile were manufactured (alongside an alleged seventh vehicle for spare parts), with several finding homes in personal garages. These remaining AMX/3s appear more akin to finalized models than experimental prototypes. Remarkably, one of these units was successfully auctioned in 2017, fetching nearly $900,000.

5. 2023 Dodge Charger

Hurry if a Dodge Charger is on your wishlist – the chance is here. Act fast, and you could secure a spot among the fortunate few to own a Limited Edition Last Call model. As 2023 comes to a close, this timeless American muscle car will bid farewell, marking the closure of its production chapter as Dodge embarks on a journey of electrifying and contemporizing its range.

V6 entry-level trims provide a pleasant daily driving experience with easily navigable technology, whereas the lineup of V8 powertrains will lead you to frequently review your financial plan to gauge affordability. The 2023 limited edition variants showcase attention-grabbing design components and functionalities, yet the Hellcats remain iconic, boasting over 700 horsepower.

Cannot afford the 2023 Charger (MSRP: $32,645-$85,000)? No worries; you can still grab it from my other recently published list of fastest cars under $20K

4. 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SD-455

In the early 1970s, the Pontiac Firebird of ’73 gained a reputation as a speed demon on the streets. Its prominent role in propelling the American muscle car culture into the spotlight comes as no shock. Notably, the SD455 version boasted distinctive attributes setting it apart from the crowd – a reinforced cylinder block secured by a quartet of four-bolt main bearings.

The car boasts a sleek front end, concealing its headlights, accompanied by a bold grille style. Its wide fenders, hefty rear tires, and twin tailpipes at the rear complete the look.

What sets this specific auto apart is its remarkable craftsmanship. Engineers enhanced established components, including reinforced pistons and expanded oil passages in the engine’s crankcase, curbing internal leaks. This upgraded variant also introduced a range of unprecedented enhancements in the realm of high-performance racing machines, all while staying within legal bounds.

Come 1973, the era of American muscle cars teetered on the brink of oblivion. Their journey from affordable, gas-savvy rides to costly options, coupled with soaring insurance expenses, further dimmed their once-blazing allure. Amidst this setting, Pontiac dared to innovate, birthing a fresh model that embraced even more heft than its predecessors.

3. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS-454

A captivating automobile from 1970, the Chevrolet Chevelle SS-454 boasts a sleek profile and bold design cues. Sporting hood scoops, side louvers, and distinct taillight elements, it exudes an adventurous aesthetic. Its interior matches the exterior elegance, featuring lavish touches such as dashboard wood grain accents.

This mid-sized wonder housed engines of varying displacements, contingent on the production year. The variant with less potency embraced a V-shaped overhead valve (OHV) eight-cylinder motor.

General Motors went on to unveil a series of even more potent iterations, incorporating a V-shaped overhead valve (OHV) 12-cylinder engine. The zenith of muscle car excellence emerged with the SS-454, boasting a formidable engine capable of achieving speeds upwards of 150 mph.

Furthermore, this variant came equipped with a four-speed manual transmission and saw production spanning the years 1970 to 1972. Buyers could opt for either a two-door coupe or the convertible model, both featuring an array of novelties.

Noteworthy enhancements encompassed power steering, front disc brakes, vinyl bucket seats, and an array of unprecedented choices that had yet to grace the muscle car scene.

The SS-454 stands out as among the finest vehicles General Motors has ever crafted, owing its triumph to a flawless blend of luxury, velocity, and elegance, thus cementing its iconic status in the realm of top muscle cars.

2. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Chevrolet offers two muscle cars, with the Camaro being the more budget-friendly option. Alongside competitors like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, the Camaro offers versatile configurations to fit different budgets and turn heads effortlessly.

In the 2023 lineup, the Camaro boasts the ZL1 variant as its flagship, tailored for the track and housing a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 making an impressive 650 horsepower. Beyond the formidable V8 engine, this edition includes enhancements such as launch control, a performance suspension, top-tier Brembo brakes, and an electronic limited-slip differential.

1. 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra

In the pursuit of surpassing Dodge and Plymouth, aiming to recapture the coveted “Speed Monarch” crown from the Daytona and Superbird, Ford chose to fine-tune a standard Torino coupe. A specialized group of engineers integrated a streamlined package – unifying it into a single form rather than a mere frontal attachment – and constructed an expanded grille positioned lower to optimize the influx of air.

Regrettably, the omission by the engineers of a substantial rear spoiler resulted in a rather challenging driving experience for the King Cobra, especially when reaching speeds of 200 mph. The vehicle’s rear would consistently lift during high-speed turns, resulting in an element of unpredictability. Instead of revisiting the drawing board, Ford decided to discontinue the project, resulting in a mere trio of King Cobra units crafted.

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