{"id":56917,"date":"2022-07-08T18:21:58","date_gmt":"2022-07-08T22:21:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/motor-junkie.com\/?p=56917"},"modified":"2022-09-08T14:27:50","modified_gmt":"2022-09-08T18:27:50","slug":"the-greatest-american-muscle-cars-of-all-time-ranked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.motor-junkie.com\/the-greatest-american-muscle-cars-of-all-time-ranked\/56917\/","title":{"rendered":"The Greatest American Muscle Cars Of All Time, Ranked"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s not exaggerating to say that the ’60s were defining decade of the 20th<\/sup> century. Despite leaving a significant mark on society, it also marked major changes in the auto industry. The ‘60s were the birthplace of muscle cars, an automotive phenomenon that is still very much relevant nearly 60 years after they exploded onto the scene. Over the years, muscle car culture had its ups and downs but has remained popular. American muscle cars remain fresh and exciting even after all those years. They simply never get old, even in the dawn of electric cars<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As a car fan, you may wonder what among the hundreds of different muscle cars produced in America are the best? Which are the most sought-after, the most influential machines that shaped the way drivers feel about these cars? So we broke down the top classic American muscle machines that defined this automotive movement perfectly. Saddle up for the ride and enjoy.<\/p>\n

\"AMC
Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

70. AMC Hornet 360<\/h2>\n

AMC based the Hornet on a regular economy car but equipped it with a better suspension and sharper steering. They added a graphics package and a 360 V8 to transform this hot Hornet from an ordinary compact<\/a> into a proper muscle car. The power was not huge at 245 HP. But in a lightweight body, those horses made the Hornet fly (via Hemmings<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Motor1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rest of the muscle car offerings in 1971 all had problems with size and weight, as well as engines that didn’t make power anymore. Unfortunately, buyers didn’t understand the forward-thinking of AMC, so they sold less <\/a>than 800 Hornets in 1971.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

69. Chevrolet SS<\/h2>\n

Although the Chevy SS is now out of production, some car dealers may have unsold models you can buy right now. And you should do that since the SS is one of the best affordable performance sedans<\/a> on the market today. With a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 412 HP, precise steering, and neutral handling, this car rivals Europe’s finest sports sedans.<\/p>\n

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Photo by: Motor Trend<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Its performance numbers are respectable since a 0 to 60 mph sprint is possible in just 4.7 seconds while its top speed is over 150 mph. The SS is a good proposition for people who need a practical sedan but want a sports car. The SS is destined to be a future classic, so grab yours today (via Motor Trend<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

68. Ford Mustang Boss 351<\/h2>\n

In 1971, the Mustang received another restyle that would be the final one of the first generation. It featured a new sharper look with a much wider track. Unfortunately, the Boss 302 and Boss 429 versions were gone.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Auto WP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But there was one interesting model introduced in 1971 called the Boss 351. Available for only one year, the ’71 Mustang Boss 351 was one of the rarest Mustangs Ford produced as Ford made only 1,800 of them. It was powered by a highly-tuned version of the 351 V8 engine with around 330 HP (via Road and Track<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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\"1977
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67. Chevrolet Camaro Z\/28 1977<\/h2>\n

Like all muscle cars in the 1970s<\/a>, the Camaro faced tightening emission and safety regulations, resulting in a loss of power and performance. The early second-generation models looked promising. But just a few years after, the Z\/28 was gone. The most powerful V8 model had around 165 HP (via AutoEvolution<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, the 1977 model is essential for two reasons. First, it marked the return of the Z\/28 option after a few years of absence. The ’77 Z\/28 had just 185 horses, but it looked wild with a unique body kit and spoiler. However, the second reason is much more interesting. In 1977, the Camaro finally outsold the Mustang<\/a> for the first time since 1967.<\/p>\n

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\"Plymouth
Photo Credit: Fury<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

66. Plymouth Fury GT<\/h2>\n

Despite being an economy brand in the Chrysler Corporation, Plymouth<\/a> had a surprisingly large number of muscle cars. Their luxury muscle car was the GTX, but in 1970, the Fury GT debuted as its biggest model on offer (via Hemmings<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Mopar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In GT form, it was a full-size muscle car with the perfect combination of looks and power. Under the hood was a well-known 440 V8 with a three-carburetor setup and 375 HP on tap. Buyers could choose between the 727 Torqueflite automatic and a four-speed manual.<\/p>\n

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\"1963
Photo Credit: Mecum Auctions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

65. Oldsmobile Jetfire<\/h2>\n

Back in the early ’60s, Oldsmobile<\/a> was known as an innovative company that was not afraid to introduce new systems in their cars. In those days, every GM division was competing to present something new and better. So, Oldsmobile chose turbocharging as the new technology they wanted to perfect (Via CarThrottle<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Foto Credit: Auto WP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Jetfire V8 included state-of-the-art technology. The new V8 delivered 215 HP, which was one HP per cubic inch. This made it one of the best performance cars<\/a> of the day. With a 0 to 60 mph time of around eight seconds, it was almost as fast as the Corvette. However, the Jetfire had problems from the beginning.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

64. AMC Javelin<\/h2>\n

AMC wanted to get into the muscle car game so for 1968 they prepared two interesting models. One was the Javelin and the other was the AMX. Those two models shared drivetrains and engines. The Javelin was modern-looking as a four-seat, two-door muscle\/pony car supposedly ready to battle the Mustang and Camaro (via How Stuff Works<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"Javelin
Photo Credit: Hot Rod<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It came with a long list of optional extras and featured several V8 engines. But the top engine configuration was the 390 V8 producing 310 HP, producing respectable performance. In fact, it was the first AMC model that got some street credit from muscle car<\/a> enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

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Foto Credit: Mecum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

63. Chevrolet Bel Air Fuelie<\/h2>\n

Since introducing the legendary 1955 Bel Air V8 model, Chevrolet has improved massively. But in 1957, Chevy presented the most advanced engine option of all American car manufacturers at the time – fuel injection (via Zero260<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Foto Credit: Mecum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Offered as a performance package for the Bel Air, “Fuelie” consisted of a unique fuel injection induction system that replaced carburetors. The 283 V8 engine had up to 270 HP with standard dual quads and 283 HP with fuel injection. Despite the slight difference in output, the fuel injection option delivered more power and was more efficient than the standard intake.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Auto WP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

62. Ford 7-Litre<\/h2>\n

Mustangs and Thunderbirds were the most famous, recognizable Fords of the ’60s, so the Ford 7-Litre is a forgotten luxury muscle model. In fact, many people are not even aware of its existence, but this is an interesting, powerful car. Under the hood was the 428 V8 with a respectable 345 HP, which delivered a convincing performance (via Hemmings<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"Ford
Photo Credit: Hot Rod<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There was also a heavy-duty suspension, power everything, a choice of special colors, and the 7-Litre badges on the sides to identify this model. In muscle car history, the 7-Litre was forgotten for quite a while. But in recent years, its popularity has grown.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

61. Chevrolet Impala SS<\/h2>\n

As the muscle car era came to an end, Chevrolet discontinued the Impala SS, only to resurrect it in 1994. Since the early ’90s marked the return to performance, Chevrolet installed the famous 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine in this full-size rear-wheel-drive sedan (via Car and Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Foto Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Then, they equipped it with a heavy-duty suspension and components, creating a modern-day muscle legend. The engine delivered 260 HP and propelled the big sedan from 0 to 60 mph in seven seconds. Although not exactly spectacular numbers, for the mid-90s, those were quite good results.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

60. Pontiac Trans AM 20th Anniversary<\/h2>\n

In 1989, Pontiac was celebrating the 20th anniversary of its favorite muscle car, the Trans Am. What better way than to introduce a limited run of 1500 cars to commemorate the occasion? Pontiac decided to install Buick’s 3.8-liter turbo V6 from the GNX and create the fastest Trans Am of the decade (via Top Speed<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The white commemorative edition could accelerate 0.1 seconds faster from 0 to 60 mph than the GNX at 4.6 seconds. The reasons were simple as it incorporated better weight distribution and gearing from the Pontiac gearbox.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Ford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

59. Ford Thunderbird Supercharged<\/h2>\n

To consumers, the Thunderbird was a luxurious two-seater with low production numbers and a high price tag. However, its style and performance raised the collective car consciousness, which created the muscle car segment in following years. Ford introduced the Thunderbird in 1955 and it outsold the Corvette immediately (via Auto Evolution<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Ford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But in 1957, Ford introduced two engine options that set the standards for car performance. They have a special place in the history of American muscle cars<\/a>. Mounting a Paxton or McCullough supercharger on top of the optional 312 V8 engine gave the Thunderbird 300 HP. If that wasn’t enough, Ford offered the even hotter 340 HP version of the same supercharged engine intended for racers.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Hot Rod<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

58. AMC Rebel Machine<\/h2>\n

The modest success of the 1969 AMC SC\/Rambler encouraged the company to produce another special, one-year-only muscle car in the form of the Rebel Machine. AMC presented the Machine in 1970 with the same mechanics (via Hemmings<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"AMC
Photo Credit: Hot Rod<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But this time, they gave it more power at 345 HP. It had a cool name and a patriotic color scheme. Also, it had a Ram Air induction hood with a 0 to 60 time of fewer than six seconds. All that made it a reasonable choice for any street racer.<\/p>\n

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\"Dodge
Photo Credit: Bring A Trailer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

57. Dodge Dart Demon<\/h2>\n

The Dart has gone through several incarnations throughout its run. While the Dart isn’t the first nameplate that comes to mind when you think of muscle cars, it could hold its own. The 1971 Dart Demon was a special-edition muscle car that offered a great amount of power (via MotorTrend<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credits: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although you might not consider the Dart a true muscle car, the Demon was a special edition. With the polarizing paint job and the distinct performance of the Demon, it might just be one of the most forgotten muscle cars<\/a> on the road.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

56. Plymouth Barracuda 440<\/h2>\n

The 1969 Barracuda featured a classic body style before the Plymouth E-Body muscle car got a thorough restyle for the 1970 model year. But the biggest news was the new 440 model featuring the biggest engine<\/a> ever installed in that segment. The Barracuda 440 was a one-year-only model with 375 HP and a massive 480 lb.-ft of torque.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Auto WP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although that made it fast, it was hard to launch due to too much wheel spin. Due to the tight fit of the engine, there wasn’t space for the power steering pump. That meant drivers had to use their muscles to turn this compact, overly powerful car (via Motor Trend<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credits: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

55. Pontiac Firehawk<\/h2>\n

The SLP Firehawk was an interesting late muscle car. The model first appeared in 1995, marking the start of a successful venture between GM and the Street Legal Performance Company in New Jersey. This was an outside firm that produced performance kits for Firebirds (via New GM Parts<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credits: Car and Driver<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, the cars weren’t just improved base models; they were much more. The SLP Formula Firehawk had a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 300 or 315 HP, a lofty number for 1995. The six-speed manual version could accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars in America. The package cost $6,500 more than a regular Trans Am.<\/p>\n

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\"Plymouth
Photo Credit: Hot Rod<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

54. Plymouth Duster 340<\/h2>\n

By the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, the compact market had grown, so Plymouth introduced the Duster 340. This model was a junior muscle car. It had a smaller 340 HP engine rated at 275 HP (via American Muscle Carz<\/a>). Plymouth never anticipated the success the Duster 340 achieved, so they doubled the production in just a few months.<\/p>\n

\"1971
Photo Credit: Youtube<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 275 HP engine moved the light body to respectable 0 to 60 mph times in just over six seconds. The car may have been half the size of some of the heavy hitters of the era, but it was almost as fast. Also, it cost just under $3,000, which was extremely affordable.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Mecum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

53. Pontiac Trans Am Turbo<\/h2>\n

The late ’70s were a sad time for muscle cars. However, Pontiac produced some memorable cars through its Special Edition models. In fact, they dressed up the Trans Am and turned it into a street icon. The main model was the Trans Am which came either with a 4.9-liter turbo engine or a 400 NA V8. However, neither of those powerplants had more than 220 HP during the 1977 to 1981 production run (via Motor Trend<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Mecum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Affectionately called the “Screaming Chicken,” it had a highly stylized flaming bird logo on the hood of the car that was extraordinarily modern for the standards of the day. The 1977-78 Firebird Trans Am<\/a> gained international fame by appearing in the cult movie “Smokey and the Bandit.” It helped triple the sales numbers, turning the Trans Am into a movie legend as well as a muscle car icon.<\/p>\n

Also Read:<\/strong> Top 30 Iconic Movie Cars<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credits: Mecum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

52. Chevrolet El Camino SS<\/h2>\n

The El Camino was conceived as a half-car\/half-truck for carrying light loads. But in 1970, Chevrolet introduced the wildest El Camino of all in the form of the El Camino SS 454 (via Hemmings<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credits: Hot Rod<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The mighty 454 V8 LS6 was a 7.4-liter Chevrolet big block engine with a 450 HP official rating. The engine delivered around 500 HP in real life. In the El Camino SS, this engine provided significant performance numbers close to the best regular muscle cars of the day.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Mecum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

51. Dodge Dakota Shelby<\/h2>\n

The Dakota was a compact pickup truck that was dependable, tough-looking, and came with a wide arrange of engines and trim levels. But Dodge wanted more, so they decided to build a performance version. They tapped the legendary Carroll Shelby, who was working with Chrysler at the moment, to create it (via Mopar Insiders<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Dodge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shelby took a regular production Dakota and installed a 5.2-liter V8 engine with 175 HP. Although power output was relatively small, the Dakota was light and had lots of torque. That meant this compact truck had a convincing performance. Shelby also dressed up the Dakota with a special paint job and trim.<\/p>\n

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\"AMC
Photo Credit: Hot Rod<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

50. AMC AMX<\/h2>\n

The main difference between the 1968 AMC Javelin and AMC AMX was that the AMX was a two-seat model. Interestingly, it was the only two-seater on the U.S. car market other than the Corvette. With a shorter wheelbase, 390 V8 engine with 360 HP, and a reasonable price, the AMC AMX was a capable muscle car (via Bring A Trailer<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"1968
Photo Credit: Automobile<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Javelin proved to be a sales success but the AMX was tough to sell. People wanted more room in their muscle cars, so a two-seater AMX was rather obsolete. It lasted on the market for two years. But although it was successful in many drag racing championships.<\/p>\n

Also Read:<\/strong><\/p>\n