Muscle Cars (213)This episode of
A CARography documents the history of some of the most powerful production cars in the world—the muscle cars, with a history all their own. The first Chrysler 300 sold in 1955 and more than 30,000 GTOs sold by Pontiac in 1964 are just a few of the muscle cars featured. In 1962, Chevrolet offered two V8 engines for the 409, one 380 horsepower, one, naturally, 409 HP. Of course, along with the legendary muscle cars come the legendary drivers, with names such as Carroll Shelby in the forefront.
In the early 1960s, Detroit started putting large engines in small cars. The result was widespread competition among the Big Three—spawning such vehicles as the Pontiac GTO, the Chevy Camaro and the Shelby Mustang. Dodge and Plymouth built the fastest muscle cars, with virtually unbeatable HEMI powered engines.
The Competition Facts:
- The Camaro ZL-1 engine was all aluminum.
- Ned Jarret won the 1965 NASCAR Grand National Championship driving a Ford Galaxie.
- For insurance reasons, Ford advertised that the 428 Cobra Jet engine produced 335 horsepower when it actually produced over 400 horsepower.
- Wilson Pickett recorded Mustang Sally in 1966.
HEMI Power Facts:
- The Max Wedge 426 engines produced 425 horsepower.
- Plymouth built its last Barracuda in 1974.
Resources:
American Muscle Car Association
www.musclecarnationals.com/index2.htm
Website includes links to their magazine and event listings
Present Day Facts:
- The Firebird has been produced from the original muscle car days to the modern era without interruption.
- The first Special Vehicle Team Mustang Cobra was introduced in 1992.
- The Dodge Viper is powered by a 450 horsepower V10 engine.
- The American Muscle Car Association was founded in 2001.
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