Muscle cars are loved all over the world because they represent power and speed. Some muscle cars are famous for their performance, while others have gained recognition through their appearances in movies. The golden era for muscle cars was from 1960 to 1990, during which manufacturers produced some of the most iconic models. Many of these classic cars can still be purchased today, either at a reasonable price or at a premium at auction houses.
The 10 most iconic muscle cars of all time are:
10. 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2
The ’70 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2 is a well-known muscle car. It is equipped with a 5.4-liter V8 engine and comes with a BO9 Police Apprehender Pursuit package. With the W30 package, the 455 CID V-8 engine produces 370 horsepower. It is considered one of the pioneers in the muscle car horsepower race and was even chosen as the Indianapolis 500 pace car in 1970. The price for a ’70 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2 can range from $100,000 to more depending on the condition.
9. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The ’69 Chevy Camaro ZL1 is a street car with excellent racing abilities. It is powered by a 7.0-liter aluminum block ZL1 V8 engine, producing 430 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Unofficially, some reports claim it can reach up to 550 horsepower. It has a fast 0-60 mph time of under 5.1 seconds. The ’69 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is valued at around $500,000 in today’s market.
8. 1969 Dodge Charger R/T
The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T is easily one of the most recognizable muscle cars. It has gained fame through its appearances in TV shows and movies, especially the famous Fast and Furious franchise. The R/T models were an upgrade, featuring a standard 440 Magnum engine or an optional 426 Hemi engine with 425 horsepower. The ’69 Charger R/T is currently priced between $50,000 and $150,000, depending on its condition.
7. 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS 454
The 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS 454 is a powerful muscle car known for its speed. It is equipped with a 7.5-liter Chevy big block V8 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. It has a top speed of 130 mph and a quarter-mile lap time of 14 seconds. The cost of a 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS 454 can range from $150,000 to millions, depending on its condition.
6. 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350
The 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 is the work of Carroll Shelby, a legendary race car driver and automotive designer. It was an upgrade to the 1965 Ford Mustang, designed to be more menacing and suitable for racetracks. It is powered by a 4.7-liter Windsor K-Code V8 4-barrel carb engine, producing 306 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Only 562 models were produced in 1965, and it is now valued at over $500,000.
5. 1985 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
The 1985 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z is a popular muscle car known for its racing abilities. It features a fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 155 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. It has a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds. The ‘85 Camaro IROC-Z is recognized for its racing-inspired design and door tag. It is priced at around $10,000 to $20,000.
4. 1969 Yenko Camaro
The 1969 Yenko Camaro is a rare and highly sought-after muscle car. Only 201 models were manufactured, specially ordered by race car driver Don Yenko. It is equipped with a powerful L72 engine, producing 425 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The ’69 Yenko Camaro is priced at over $300,000.
3. 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
The 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is a classic muscle car that is highly regarded. It features a 400 cubic-inch L74 Ram Air III engine, producing 335 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. It has a fast 0-60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Trans Am is known for its racing-inspired aesthetics and design. Auction prices for the ’69 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am can exceed $100,000.
2. 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda
The 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda is one of the rarest muscle cars in existence. It is powered by a 7.0-liter Hemi V8 engine, producing 425 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque. It has a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The ’71 Hemi ‘Cuda is highly sought-after and sold for millions of dollars at auctions.
1. 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird
The 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird is the most iconic muscle car of all time. It features a distinctive aerodynamic design with a high rear wing and a cartoon roadrunner graphic. It is powered by a 7.0-liter Hemi V8 engine, producing 425 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque. It has a top speed of 185 mph and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The ’70 Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird is extremely rare and valuable, with auction prices reaching millions of dollars.