American muscle cars were the lifeblood of the car enthusiast scene in the 1960s and 70s. Powerful engines with tire-smoking torque, muscular styling that fit the raucous natures of the classic muscle cars of the day, and the raw driving experience they provided have imprinted a lasting legacy in the history books and the hearts of those who loved them. Today, we have modern takes on the classic muscle cars of yesteryear. Cars like the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Shelby GT500 have been brought to life in recent years to conjure the spirit of those old-school muscle cars while adding a modern sports car touch to them as well. Unfortunately, those modern models have also gone the way of the Dodo bird due to increasingly stringent emissions regulations, similar to how the original ones did in the mid-1970s. There are those who still care about classic muscle cars and who have worked to preserve as many examples as possible. Because of that, many of the best muscle cars in history have at least been placed in museums to be preserved. Some even still roam our streets today. Here is our list of the best ones to find, whether you are looking to buy one or you just want to see one for yourself. --- 1. 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 2. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 3. 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 4. 1971 Plymouth Barracuda 5. 1970 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 6. 1966 Pontiac GTO 7. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 8. 1969 Plymouth Road Runner 9. 1970 Dodge Charger R/T 10. 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 11. 1970 Oldsmobile 442 12. 1987 Buick GNX 13. 1971 Plymouth GTX 14. 1970 Ford Torino Cobra 15. 1969 AMC AMX/3 --- ### 1. 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 ![1970-ford-mustang-boss-429-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/63jMDfefr4ernG3DBMkCjJ/83c239c601a701423428f5fb7da4dead/1970-ford-mustang-boss-429-ext.jpg) The Ford Mustang is perhaps the most well-known “pony car” in history, but several versions of it have certainly ventured well into the true muscle car realm as well. Many know of the past and present-day Mustang GT and Shelby models, but the Mustang Boss 429 is often forgotten in the mix. It is one of the meanest looking Mustangs ever, with louvers, scoops, and vents everywhere. ![1970-ford-mustang-boss-429-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/FLN4ln2Fjix4XdL02DBQ3/00cf761935dacd54b4aff0bb9acd2e77/1970-ford-mustang-boss-429-int.jpg) It was a homologation special with low production numbers to allow Ford’s 429 cubic-inch V8 engine to be utilized for racing in NASCAR. 1970 big block 429s featured a four-barrel Holley carburetor, solid lifters, and a higher-flow exhaust system compared to 1969 models. It produced a claimed 375 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque via a four-speed manual transmission, numbers that were likely on the conservative side. Unlike the 1969 model, a wider array of exterior colors were available for 1970 Boss 429 models, and less than 500 total were produced. --- ### 2. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ![1969-chevrolet-camaro-zl1-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7LFQ6CLkv3zjybFEh8Mbzf/d20ff6f882d404e7efa8a1e70af10aae/1969-chevrolet-camaro-zl1-ext.jpg) Like the Ford Mustang, the Chevy Camaro was born as a “pony car” to slot under the bolder, more powerful true muscle cars of the day. The 1969 Camaro ZL1 burst out of the pony car mold as a beast of a high-performance muscle car, even compared to the most powerful ones of the day. It was designed specially for the drag strip, and as such, needed to be ordered through Chevrolet’s Central Office Production Order program, known as COPO. ![1969-chevrolet-camaro-zl1-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2CKhnKwypLwpDtucUv7khu/e61786b911c72ac2d4e0842d39f2f14a/1969-chevrolet-camaro-zl1-int.jpg) The 427 cubic-inch all-aluminum big block used in the ZL1 featured upgrades like cast-iron sleeves, thickened forged steel connecting rods, larger rod bolts, and larger exhaust values over the standard engine to ensure strength under load. When all was said and done, the ZL1 produced a reported 430 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. As is the case with many classic muscle cars, these specs were likely grossly underestimated as some sources claim that power numbers were closer to 550 horsepower. Only 50 ZL1 Camaros were produced and only for the 1969 model year, making it one of the rarest muscle cars in history. --- ### 3. 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A ![1970 Dodge Challenger TA Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/17EDOplpww8qPKBWrLRJdW/df2da425f5e3f69a7ac439212a856264/1970_Dodge_Challenger_TA_Exterior.jpg) 1970 marked the first model year of the Dodge Challenger. It was designed to compete against the likes of the Pontiac Firebird, Mercury Cougar, and even the Ford Mustang and was built alongside the Plymouth Barracuda on Chrysler’s E-Body platform. Even though the Challenger R/T was the mainstream high-performance version of the car, an even more menacing model called the Challenger T/A stood in as the top dog in the lineup. ![1970 Dodge Challenger TA Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2rnSKzKkH307AWXK7S49Io/7417caceb0b93230a1cafd1e34763bcb/1970_Dodge_Challenger_TA_Interior.jpg) It was only available for the 1970 model year and was, much like the Mustang Boss 429, a car to meet homologation requirements for the SCCA’s American Trans Am Championships. It featured a black hood, a huge hood scoop, and black T/A racing stripes to make its already menacing appearance even more serious. Under its hood was a 303 cubic-inch V8 engine that Dodge claimed made 290 horsepower. It also featured three two-barrel carburetors, earning it its “Six Pack” nickname. --- ### 4. 1971 Plymouth Barracuda ![1971 Plymouth Barracuda Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6OtElHUA3zQsVJJH9RPIQt/a7d9dba8c65e3dfe0024dd7e866caef0/1971_Plymouth_Barracuda_Exterior.jpg) The Plymouth Barracuda made its debut as a pony car in 1964. It was essentially a fastback Plymouth Valiant that was rushed to production to compete with Ford’s Mustang. By the time 1970 rolled around, it no longer shared any connection with the Valiant and moved to Chrysler’s E-Body platform, shared with the Dodge Challenger. The Challenger was still bigger than the Barracuda, but the move helped it solidify its position as a true muscle car, unlike its predecessors. ![1971 Plymouth Barracuda Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1PZpuKU4Mw92i5LLST7xB4/b410587fed3d516d0ac98c3978ebd4cb/1971_Plymouth_Barracuda_Interior.jpg) 1971 gave us the best version of the ‘Cuda, the name given to the high-performance versions of the car. The top-dog Hemi ‘Cuda 426 is the rarest and most highly sought-after model. It featured a 426 cubic-inch Hemi V8 engine producing 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. Both a coupe and convertible version of the car were available, each coming with an iconic Shaker hood scoop. Either a four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic was fitted to 1971 models. The rarest of the bunch are manual transmission convertible models with only four reported to have ever been produced. 1971 426 Hemi ‘Cudas are one of the most valuable classic muscle cars on the market today. A convertible model earned a bid of $4.8 million at a Mecum auction as recently as 2021. --- ### 5. 1970 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 ![1970 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/68kGZRLACwgQLk3v3ZFUjI/a48513ebb008549479b51693a1ff1abf/1970_Chevrolet_Corvette_ZR1_Exterior.jpg) 1970 rears its head again, this time in relation to the Chevrolet Corvette. Corvette buyers could opt for the ZR1 high-performance package which included GM’s small block LT-1 V8 engine. The engine was a 350 cubic-inch unit that was upgraded from the standard engines of the same size. It featured a higher compression ratio, an upgraded crankshaft, heavy-duty connecting rods, and solid lifters to help produce a total of 370 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. ![1970 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2ay8j7EYMXgZedBN6DwoPy/4f0409eab5375d16612aca78588659f4/1970_Chevrolet_Corvette_ZR1_Interior.jpg) Even though the famed L88 engine that the LT-1 replaced was rare and even more powerful, the 1970 ZR1 Corvette equipped with the LT-1 is also held in high regard. Inheriting the styling from the Larry Shinoda-designed Mako Shark II concept, the Corvette was one of the sleekest muscle cars of the day. --- ### 6. 1966 Pontiac GTO ![1966 Pontiac GTO Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1gA2YR4ZOUq27rf1zn8ojA/b051e20aaad0971eb6d7b69f614501ac/1966_Pontiac_GTO_Exterior.jpg) The Pontiac GTO is regarded by many as the first true muscle car ever created. That may be up for debate in some circles, but what is not up for debate is the GTO’s presence and influence. It started life as a high-performance package option for the Pontiac LeMans and was granted its own separate model designation in 1966. ![1966 Pontiac GTO Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/45exfH2qk32BkUdwtbkytq/78c088d4c531dd8e07aa3b842f3b383f/1966_Pontiac_GTO_Interior.jpg) Even though the Pontiac GTO “Judge” is the most traditionally revered of the GTO family, the 1966 model’s classic styling, distinctive stacked headlights, and long body lines make it the subtler and more under-the-radar choice. Coupe and convertible body styles were available for the taking and both a 335-horsepower or a 360-horsepower V8 engine were available with manual and automatic transmission options. [Browse used 1966 Pontiac GTO listings here](https://www.autolist.com/pontiac-gto#year_min=1966&year_max=1966). --- ### 7. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 ![1970-chevrolet-chevelle-ss-454-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2i5IYt4MJIqply6Fi7lVpZ/9fbd2615164865bd9a8f7261b3c1db65/1970-chevrolet-chevelle-ss-454-ext.jpg) 1970 produced some awesome classic muscle cars, but the Chevy Chevelle SS 454 may be the best one. The car featured rounded, dual headlights, a black pointed grille, an SS emblem in place of the Chevy bowtie, a “ready-to-pounce” stance, and a legendary engine under the hood. Its 454 cubic-inch LS6 V8 made a whopping 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. ![1970-chevrolet-chevelle-ss-454-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5IoyT3apLrqYhYusHxJOMQ/14d01c9388ff72cb723c2c2608191247/1970-chevrolet-chevelle-ss-454-int.jpg) Only 4,475 Chevy Chevelle models were optioned with the 454 package. Coupe and convertible models shared the upgrade option with the El Camino, but how many of each of these models received the upgrade remains a mystery. Experts believe that only around 20 convertible Chevelle SS 454 models remain in existence today, making it the rarest of the bunch. Regardless of which 454 Chevelle model is your favorite, reported 0-60 MPH times between 5 and 6 seconds and a quarter-mile time of around 13.5 seconds are staggering specs for a classic muscle car without modern sports car technology. Of course, despite having some of the highest officially reported horsepower numbers of the time, the LS6 in the Chevy Chevelle 454 is likely still underrated. --- ### 8. 1969 Plymouth Road Runner ![1969 Plymouth Road Runner Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6EpD8putij9ZKFxeb7lElp/23c5bdd888d94d5c6c0a7d51080a1624/1969_Plymouth_Road_Runner_Exterior.jpg) The Plymouth Road Runner is often overshadowed by other more bombastic muscle cars of the era, but it could hold its own against the likes of competitors from Ford and Chevrolet. Both a 426 cubic-inch Hemi V8 and a larger 440 cubic-inch V8 engine were available for the 1969 model year, including ten convertible versions with the smaller of the two V8 engines. ![1969 Plymouth Road Runner Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5ewSBGyImU8u2sBzQbh0FB/ad98a04ba6da0a5a465594a71f5cb310/1969_Plymouth_Road_Runner_Interior.jpg) Both engines produced 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, but the 440 produced its peak torque number lower in the rev range. The 440 came with 3 two-barrel Holley carburetors, black wheels, and a fiberglass hood. Famously, a Plymouth Road Road Runner would provide the basis for the 1970 Plymouth Superbird, a homologation car to meet NASCAR racing requirements. Real Superbirds are highly prized collectibles today, originally made famous by Richard Petty when he drove for Plymouth. Underneath its long, aerodynamic snout and towering spoiler still lives a Road Runner, though. --- ### 9. 1970 Dodge Charger R/T ![1970 Dodge Charger RT Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2a4fNKT2CwEJX2tC8fyT3I/8655009aeff22572a3fd8881d5458994/1970_Dodge_Charger_RT_Exterior.jpg) The Dodge Charger was first introduced in 1966 with the classic blacked-out grille, covered headlights, and fastback styling that has become synonymous with its appearance. It was not until the 1968 model year after it was updated that its styling and iconic look made its true impression. The R/T package was made available the same year, boosting the Charger and helping it compete better with other powerful muscle cars of the day. ![1970 Dodge Charger RT Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/17zDBU9nCtFURryiZEb0yu/1728764c73ce819615f848decda9b75f/1970_Dodge_Charger_RT_Interior.jpg) Although the 440 cubic-inch V8 Magnum engine with 375 horsepower served as the base engine for the R/T, an optional 428 cubic-inch Hemi V8 pushing 425 horsepower to the rear wheels was the engine to have. Additionally, a 390-horsepower “six-pack” V8 engine provided yet another alternative. A four-speed manual transmission or three-speed automatic transmission was available with each powerplant. With such high power figures, a projected 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds, and an estimated quarter-mile time of under 14 seconds, the Charger R/T would have proven a formidable force in a drag race back in the day. --- ### 10. 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am ![1969-pontiac-firebird-trans-am-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7ImjdWfWMEt1An2Sp5IvIu/8c67ab041505041a519dcef71a92f011/1969-pontiac-firebird-trans-am-ext.jpg) The Pontiac Firebird was first introduced in 1967 alongside the Chevrolet Camaro with which it shared its platform and overall styling. It was not until 1969 that Pontiac made the Trans Am package available on the Firebird. Its name was derived from the Trans Am racing series, though it never participated in that series. ![1969-pontiac-firebird-trans-am-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6ZyM1Pp0k0Hbdi2sqY1awM/67994eca1d59a472b4d2424833b9d788/1969-pontiac-firebird-trans-am-int.jpg) 1969 Trans Am Ram Air IV-equipped models are some of the most distinctive, well-loved, and highly prized models in the Firebird’s history. The 400 cubic-inch V8 engine produced 345 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, the purported 345 horsepower rating was likely exaggerated. Only 55 were ever produced, but each one has a distinctive white paint scheme with blue racing stripes and a blue taillight panel. --- ### 11. 1970 Oldsmobile 442 ![1970 Oldsmobile 442 Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6NkfT7juoBzhaf6o4J8of5/4dd057385a3d48bfe034f450de90a2b4/1970_Oldsmobile_442_Exterior.jpg) For folks younger than thirty or forty years old, Oldsmobile may only be remembered as a mainstream GM company with slightly more upscale offerings than the standard Chevy products on dealership lots. In the muscle car heyday, Oldsmobile was a legitimate force with which to be reckoned. Their most notable model was likely the 442. ![1970 Oldsmobile 442 Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/18SgQBFkt8plD4L2CyvvCa/58afd96a50545b3f10746039b1e28687/1970_Oldsmobile_442_Interior.jpg) 1970 marked the model year when the 455 cubic-inch Olds 455 V8 engine became standard in the 442. It pumped out 365 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. A slightly more powerful W30 high-performance option with 370 horsepower was also available. It added hood scoops, an upgraded camshaft, upgraded cylinder heads, and a fiberglass hood to the car, allowing it to achieve a reported sub-14 second quarter-mile time at the drag strip. --- ### 12. 1987 Buick GNX ![1987-buick-gnx-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5Gz0HM0t8tPV5GlL54jx3r/c5fc11db865c73d95cac72be8a16bb29/1987-buick-gnx-ext.jpg) The 1987 Buick Grand National Experimental, or GNX, is possibly the most underrated and controversial classic muscle car on our list. Some may not consider this to be a classic or a muscle car, both because it was built for the 1987 model year, and because it featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine with a turbo rather than a small-block or big-block V8 engine. ![1987-buick-gnx-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4mxubMiCsWJAcCxRaGvDE4/47a7e0e2125d336f3908c4ef10821c6d/1987-buick-gnx-int.jpg) Despite its smaller displacement and perception as an inferior engine to the American V8, it churned out 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. A reported sub-5-second 0-60 MPH time blew the competition from America and Europe out of the water, including many of the Lamborghini and Ferrari models of the time. The answer to the question of whether or not the ‘87 GNX is a true classic muscle car is quite clear in our minds. It is a resounding yes because of its performance feats and specialized production. Nice ones today can easily sell at auction for six figures, further solidifying our argument. --- ### 13. 1971 Plymouth GTX ![1971 Plymouth GTX Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2Al5yQUyhvm2LAC5tPYvBw/af9911caf5dc9514e17a7d36505e2105/1971_Plymouth_GTX_Exterior.jpg) The Dodge Dart, Plymouth Duster, Dodge Charger, and Plymouth Road Runner are more well-known muscle cars than the GTX, but the GTX shared the main ingredients that made all of those other Mopar muscle cars special. 1971 models were redesigned with a more menacing front facia and a stubbier-looking rear-end to make it look less like a family coupe and more like a performance car. ![1971 Plymouth GTX Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5usmvKpgeShY1U0o8wOJx9/cbb6a49a698fe6f057f5213edb10dbc9/1971_Plymouth_GTX_Interior.jpg) Buyers had the choice to equip a 370-horsepower 440 cubic-inch V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, a 385-horsepower 440 cubic-inch V8 “Six Pack”, or a 425-horsepower 426 cubic-inch Hemi V8 engine. Only 30 1970 GTXs were optioned with the 425-horsepower Hemi, making them a bit more desirable than the rest of the GTX lineup. --- ### 14. 1970 Ford Torino Cobra ![1970 Ford Torino Cobra Exterior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2q1KTY33MeKqAlwMTwM0i6/41c7f4d631ac5d4a11d3750c72a73ed1/1970_Ford_Torino_Cobra_Exterior.jpg) The Ford Torino is another under-the-radar muscle that is often overshadowed by others of the era. 1970 marked the second generation of the Torino’s production. It featured concealed headlights and a wide front grille like the Dodge Charger to give it a menacing appearance, and it ultimately swallowed the Fairlane lineup, reducing it to a trim level within the Torino lineup. ![1970 Ford Torino Cobra Interior](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5E6ifxn2IzGKGeL3tsdoki/ed6245bd7c138e525507c5ee0aeafb43/1970_Ford_Torino_Cobra_Interior.jpg) The top dog in the Torino lineup was called the Cobra. It was available exclusively as a coupe and came with a 429 cubic-inch V8 engine that produced 370 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission was available. A 0-60 MPH time of around 6 seconds and a quarter-mile time of just over 14 seconds came with it. Ford also produced three prototype Torino King Cobra models to compete against the Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird. It featured similar front-end styling to its competitors and was actually able to hit the 200 MPH mark. The project came to an abrupt halt after some testing issues reared their heads and Lee Iacocca became Ford’s new president. --- ### 15. 1969 AMC AMX/3 ![1969-amc-amx3-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4zBIDiK2bjWPidMNSr08Pl/9e6749c1e0dc96902e4ada54393b40be/1969-amc-amx3-ext.jpg) AMC stood out as the oddball in the American muscle car scene. It was not as large a company as Chevy, Ford, and Dodge, but it was able to crank out some special cars that more than held their own against the strong competition. Unlike the other muscle cars on our list, the AMC AMX/3 had a mid-mounted V8 engine that produced 340 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. ![1969-amc-amx3-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/63hUFj8kCu4clvLrZ5IdvA/d28372094a4a69dd8944e36a34fb4e60/1969-amc-amx3-int.jpg) Its styling was akin to the mid-engined Lamborghini Miura, but it was a bit sharper and muscular in its appearance. It was made to compete with the DeTomaso Pantera, another mid-engine sports car marketed by Ford in the late 1960s. Only a handful were ever made before AMC eventually abandoned the project.

The Top 15 Classic Muscle Cars of All Time

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