It is the sheer simplicity of the muscle car that makes it so universally appealing. The recipe is just so straight forward. Take a compact automobile and install an incredibly-powerful engine (preferably a V8) to deliver a tire frying performance. No auto enthusiast can argue with that one. It's a formula for success that have been tried and tested for 50 years and has created some of the most exciting cars in history. Just mentioning the names Mustang, Charger, GTO, Corvette or viper sends a shiver down the spine!
The muscle car story began in America's post war boom of the 1950s as inter-brand rivalry in Detroit saw horsepower figures steadily rising through the decade. But these big engines were being fitted to big cars and they didn't have mass market appeal. That all changed in 1964 when Pontiac installed a full- size engine into a mid-size car and created the awsome GTO, the first true muscle car.
The buik wildcat ruled the roads throughout 1962 to 1970. The production ended in 1970 with the final model but buik started thinking of it with a concept in 2010. May be this will be a new era of the old legend.
The muscle car story began in America's post war boom of the 1950s as inter-brand rivalry in Detroit saw horsepower figures steadily rising through the decade. But these big engines were being fitted to big cars and they didn't have mass market appeal. That all changed in 1964 when Pontiac installed a full- size engine into a mid-size car and created the awsome GTO, the first true muscle car.
Today the muscle cars are back with new styles and improved features like advanced suspension and latest electronic driver aids. If that sounds too complicatedfor die hard muscle car fans don't worry, because none of the newcomers has forgotten that basic principle. Horsepower is still the number one priority as the muscle car legend lives on.
Take a look at the legends of the 50s and a glance at the heros of the road of 21st century.
- The AMC AMX
The AMC AMX of 1968 was the only two-seater American sports car of that time
Specification
- Years built 1966-1974
- Most powerfull model 1969 SS
- Engine type V8
- Displacement 401 cid
- Transmission four speed manual
- Top speed 120 mph
2. Buik Wildcat
2010 model wildcat.
Specification
- Years built 1962 to 1970, 2010 to date.
- Most powerfull model 1970 455
- Engine type V8
- Transmission Five speed automatic
- Power 370bhp
- Top speed 130mph
3.Dodge viper
The Dodge Viper exploded onto the scene at the 1989 Detroit Auto Show and moved the muscle car into a whole new era. Big, brash and brawny, within three years the viper was in showrooms and an American dream was realised.
Specification
- Years built 1992 to date
- Most powerful model 2005 SRT-10
- Engine type V10
- Transmission Six-speed manual , rear-wheel drive
- Power 500bhp
- Top speed 190mph