Muscle car enthusiasts oppose the idea of electrified muscle cars, as they value big, loud engines and a bold attitude.
The 2023 COPO Camaro offers three engine options, with the most powerful being the 1,004 horsepower ZZ632 V-8 from Chevrolet Performance.
The COPO Camaro is a purpose-built race car that is not street-legal and cannot be registered or driven on public roads.
The era of muscle cars is undergoing a revival, with iconic models like the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and now the Camaro retiring their traditional internal combustion engines in favor of electrified alternatives. However, many muscle car enthusiasts believe that the American muscle car culture is defined by powerful engines and an unapologetic demeanor. The idea of electrified muscle cars doesn’t sit well with them.
Despite the mixed opinions from fans, automakers like Dodge and Chevy are considering electric or hybrid-powered versions of their popular muscle car models. Dodge has even hinted at an electric Charger inspired by the Charger Daytona SRT Concept. However, before Chevrolet delves into electric plans for the Camaro, they are giving us one last hurrah with the 2023 COPO Camaro, featuring a powerful 1,000+ horsepower engine from Chevrolet Performance. This car is meant to bid farewell to the traditional internal combustion engine era, alongside the upcoming Collector’s Edition model.
This article is based on information from Chevrolet, GM Authority, and Car and Driver.
The COPO Camaro features The Most Powerful Engine Ever Made By Chevrolet Performance
Chevrolet Performance
The COPO Camaro has a rich history that dates back to 1969, when Chevy dealers discovered a loophole in the Central Office Production Order (COPO) system that allowed them to outfit the Camaro with a powerful 427 V-8 engine. This created a high-performance, non-street-legal Camaro that ruled the drag strips. Throughout the years, COPO-branded Camaros have maintained a reputation for being track-focused, high-performance machines that surpass street-legal models of their time.
Like its competitors Dodge and Ford, Chevrolet has race-oriented models for its pony cars, such as the Challenger Drag Pak and Ford GT3 race car. The 2023 COPO Camaro aims to be a fitting farewell to the sixth-gen Camaro, and it will face tough competition from other race-focused models. The COPO Camaro offers three engine options, with the highlight being the 632 cubic-inch ZZ632 V-8. This engine, with an NHRA rating of 1,004 horsepower, is the most powerful engine ever offered by Chevrolet Performance.
ZZ632 Engine Specs
Displacement
632 Cubic-Inches
Bore X Stroke
4.60 X 4.75 Inches
Horsepower
1,004 @ 6,600 rpm
Torque
876 Pound-Feet @ 5,600 rpm
Max Recommended Engine Speed
7,000 rpm
Block
Tall Deck 632 Bowtie Sportsman, cast iron, four-bold main caps
Cylinder Heads
RS-X Symmetrical Port, CNC-Machined aluminum
Crankshaft
Forged Steel
Pistons
Forged aluminum
(Specifications sourced from Chevrolet)
The other two engine options, while not as powerful as the ZZ632, still offer respectable NHRA output ratings. The naturally aspirated COPO 427 V-8 produces 470 horsepower, while the supercharged 350 V-8 delivers 600 horsepower. All three engine options come with the standard TH400 three-speed automatic transmission and Hurst Quarterstick shifter, making for an impressive straight-line performance. It’s worth noting that the COPO Camaro is not street-legal, and its track-only nature is reinforced by the absence of VIN numbers and the inability to be registered in any state.
The COPO Camaro ZZ632 Big Block Package Upgrades Power And Aesthetic
The 2023 COPO Camaro’s exterior design resembles that of the current 2024 model. It features unique paint options, including the Vivid Orange Metallic ZZ632 package, which adds special graphics and engine accent coloring, as well as COPO-embroidered seat backs and black bowtie emblems. This purpose-built race car comes with standard weight box, dual batteries, carbon fiber intake, and an optional parachute.
The ZZ632 package includes large Hoosier drag tires mounted on Black Weld Racing wheels, enhancing the drag-racing characteristics of the COPO Camaro. Wheelie bars are also included to prevent front-end lift during acceleration. The two-piece carbon fiber hood reduces vehicle weight, and while the parachute is optional, it adds to the drag race aesthetic and serves as a deterrent for potential challengers.
It’s important to note that the 2023 COPO Camaro is not street-legal. Chevrolet emphasizes this fact and advises owners to exclusively showcase their dragster at the drag strip. The COPO Camaro cannot be registered in any state and is only sold with a bill of sale, without a title. Additionally, no VIN numbers are assigned to the COPO Camaros, solidifying their status as track-only vehicles.
The 2023 COPO Camaro currently holds the title of the most powerful factory-built race car, specifically with the 632 big block engine option. However, Dodge recently unveiled the Hellephant A170 supercharged 426 cubic-inch V-8 crate engine, which surpasses the ZZ632 with a staggering 1,100 horsepower. Although Dodge has not incorporated the Hellephant engine into a factory model yet, there’s a possibility that they may give the Challenger a massive engine boost as it nears the end of its production. Until then, the 2023 COPO Camaro remains the top dog in American Muscle.
The sixth-generation Camaro will reach its end with the 2024 model year, concluding a lineage that began in 2016. Chevrolet plans to bid farewell to the beloved internal combustion engine model with a special Collector’s Edition, expected to arrive in late 2023 or early 2024. Specific details about the 2024 Collector’s Edition Camaro have not been confirmed, but it will pay homage to the first-generation Camaro from the 1960s and its original codename, “Panther.”
The Collector’s Edition package will be available for the RS and SS models, as well as a limited number of ZL1 variants. There is currently no official release date or further updates regarding the Collector’s Edition or the future of the Camaro. However, Chevrolet has assured fans that the end of the sixth-gen Camaro does not mark the end of the Camaro journey, hinting at the possibility of a future return, potentially with an electric transformation.
Mercedes-Benz is getting ready to release a new version of the CLE convertible. According to our spies, this could be the AMG 53 model.
The front end of the car has been updated with a modified lower fascia, featuring vertical strakes in the center and horizontal crosspieces on the outer edges. The grille follows AMG’s Panamericana design. Moving to the sides, there is a curved inlet on the driver’s side ahead of the rear wheels. The vehicle is seen with black wheels that have multiple Y-shaped spokes. At the rear, there are quad exhaust pipes, two on each side, and a diffuser located between them.
A recent study conducted by Citroën reveals that 73% of UK drivers consider British roads to be dangerous† for those who use them.
Between 2017 and 2021, the police in England and Wales recorded 1,114 accidents resulting in injuries caused by defective road surfaces, which led to the serious injury of 355 individuals and the death of 16††.
42% of surveyed drivers were not aware that they could file a claim with the relevant local authority to compensate for vehicle damage caused by potholes.
46% of drivers avoid certain roads due to the risk of pothole damage.
A previous study by Citroën UK found that the amount spent on compensation in the last year could have filled an additional 340,000 potholes*.
Exclusive research by Citroën UK reveals that nearly 75% of UK drivers believe that the condition of the country’s roads poses a danger to motorists and other road users.
According to Citroën UK’s latest survey, 75% of respondents reported that their cars had sustained damage from potholes, requiring vehicle repairs. However, drivers lack knowledge on how to seek support after experiencing pothole damage, as 42% of those affected stated that they were unaware of the possibility of claiming compensation from the relevant local authority. Only 14% of those surveyed said they had previously claimed compensation from their local authority.
This recent research follows Citroën’s findings in May, which revealed that the total cost of compensation claims paid out last year due to pothole damage amounted to £22.7 million, equivalent to the average cost of filling 340,000 potholes.
Citroën UK compared figures from the Asphalt Industry Alliance over the past six years and discovered that £139.9 million had been spent on damage compensation since 2017. This amount could have filled an additional 2.3 million potholes**.
In the new study, Citroën asked drivers about their perception of the condition of UK roads over the past six years. Notably, 68% of respondents felt that the roads in the UK had worsened, while only 15% believed that the condition had improved since 2017. Almost half of all drivers (46%) stated that they avoid certain roads entirely due to the fear and risk of damage.
The East Midlands was identified as the region where drivers expressed the most concern about road conditions, with 56% of respondents stating that the roads in their area had deteriorated. In contrast, only 18% of drivers in London reported a decline in road conditions in their local area.
Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, commented, “The people of the UK are clearly concerned about the state of our roads. The Citroën Advanced Comfort Programme helps alleviate the discomfort of driving on damaged road surfaces and reduces the impact of hitting potholes for drivers. However, it is evident that more work needs to be done to improve road conditions nationwide and restore public confidence.”
Many Citroën models, such as the New C5 X, benefit from the Advanced Comfort® Programme, which includes enhanced suspension and supportive seating for a smoother ride. All versions of the New C5 X feature Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion® technology, which incorporates hydraulic bump stops into the suspension system to better control compression and rebound on damaged surfaces.
The New C5 X also comes with Advanced Comfort® seats as standard, which feature broad cushions and seat backs. These seats combine high-density foam at the core and a 15mm thick layer of extra textured foam on the surface to provide comfort and relaxation for occupants traveling on the challenging road network in Britain.
While the Honda Elevate has helped the carmaker target the compact SUV segment, we believe the WR-V will make its SUV lineup stronger
Honda has appeared to be on the back foot in India for the last few years. Apart from the Honda City Hybrid – essentially a derivative of the regular fifth-gen City – there haven’t been any new major model launches from the carmaker in our market. To jog your memory, the Honda WR-V was their last fresh launch for India back in 2017, and it served as their closest SUV-like offering.
And now, Honda is finally making a move to rejuvenate its presence in our market with the recently revealed Honda Elevate, an all-new model, which will enter the crowded compact SUV segment. With the WR-V discontinued in April 2023 due to the BS6 Phase 2 norms, the Elevate will be Honda’s sole SUV offering in India. In our opinion, it does not have to be that way, and here’s why.
What About The WR-V?
Although the India-spec WR-V didn’t get any of the global updates before its eventual discontinuation, it has been improved over time in other markets. The new-gen Honda WR-V, which debuted in late 2022, made global headlines with its recent launch in Malaysia. Our friends in the Southeast Asian country also enjoy the sportier iteration of the SUV thanks to the range-topping RS trim.
Why It Makes Sense For India
Honda plans to launch five new SUVs in India by 2030, though it hasn’t divulged details like whether those include any existing nameplates. The only confirmed model is the Elevate EV. So if one could petition Honda regarding which other models to reboot its SUV innings in India, the new-gen WR-V will top our list.
Affordability
Shortening the new WR-V’s length to under four metres (from 4.060m) could make it more affordable and competitive against other subcompact SUVs. While the Elevate can compete in the more premium space against better-equipped SUVs from Hyundai, Kia, Maruti, Toyota and the like, the WR-V could be positioned below the Elevate as a more affordable entry point to Honda SUVs, with the benefit of being a known identity amongst both buyers and Honda fans, unlike the Elevate.
Furthermore, subcompact SUVs today are some of the most sought-after models, proven by the likes of the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue and Maruti Brezza.
Design Advantage
The new-gen WR-V has its own advantages, foremost being its sporty design that will help it stand out in the populated segment. In this writer’s opinion, its design is more exciting than that of the all-new Elevate. Additionally, the Elevate’s target audience is mainly family car buyers. The WR-V, then, with its more compact dimensions and sportier stance, would better help Honda cater to personal car buyers, that too at a lower price point.
The India-spec WR-V could also get an improved interior and gain some premium features from the Elevate, like the 10.25-inch touchscreen, single-pane sunroof, and perhaps the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), as offered in the Malaysian-spec model.
Shared Petrol Engine
Then comes the benefit of the shared powertrain that will help keep manufacturing costs in check. In Indonesia and Malaysia, the new WR-V is powered by the same tried and tested 1.5-litre petrol engine from the Honda City sedan, which will power the upcoming Elevate SUV as well. This naturally aspirated unit puts out 121PS and 145Nm with both 6-speed MT and CVT options. If the new WR-V were to be offered with this powertrain here as well, it would become one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.
In some ways, the Elevate will be Honda’s SUV alternative to its compact sedan, the City. Both have a lot in common, with the latter including features and powertrain options, except that the SUV will not be getting a hybrid version. It will be offered in four broad variants: SV, V, VX and ZX. Prices of the Honda Elevate will likely start at Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom) with the launch slated for September 2023. It will be in contention with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, and MG Astor.
If you’re experiencing issues with Netflix crashing on your Roku, it could be due to a mismatch between the versions of your Roku device and the Netflix app. To resolve this, you can try performing a system update on your Roku to ensure you have the latest firmware. While the Netflix app usually updates automatically, it’s worth manually checking for any available updates on your Roku.
Go to the Settings menu.
Select System.
Select System Update.
Select Check now.
If an update is available, follow the instructions to install it.
Note that if the update is significant, your Roku may need to restart. Once the update is complete, try using Netflix again to see if the issue is resolved.
If the problem persists, you might need to consider performing a factory reset on your Roku. This will restore it to its original settings, but be aware that a factory reset will delete any saved preferences, apps, and accounts, requiring you to set everything up again.
Go to the Settings menu.
Select System.
Select Advanced system settings.
Select Factory reset.
Select Factory reset everything.
Be aware that the factory reset process will take a few minutes. Once it’s complete, your Roku will reboot and guide you through the initial setup process again.
In the 2020s, KTM is rumored to be developing a new 990 Duke, which would be a successor to the KTM 990 Super Duke that was last seen in their lineup 10 years ago. The speculation about a new 990 Duke gained strength in January 2023 when engine drawings from China suggested that the cylinder of the LC8c engine was elongated, indicating significant changes. Now, the existence of the 990 Duke prototype has been further confirmed by spy photos taken during testing. The photos show a partially undisguised prototype, with the rider wearing a matching set of leathers and helmet.
The test mule featured in the photos has a black-and-white color scheme, with hints of KTM’s signature orange on the front fork and the piping around the soft panniers attached to the tail. The rider’s helmet, boots, and race suit also have orange accents. However, the right side of the bike is not visible in these shots, only the front, left side, and rear. The test bike has black alloy wheels with a different spoke pattern compared to the 2023 890 Duke R. The mirrors appear to be similar between the test bike and the 890 Duke.
One noticeable difference between the test bike and the 890 Duke R is the front headlight and cowling design. The 990 Duke prototype features a smaller, angular lattice surrounding a smaller headlight, which gives the impression of brightness despite its size. The swingarm of the test bike also appears to be revised compared to the existing 890 Duke R.
Although the 990 Duke’s styling stays true to Kiska’s signature sharp and angular design language for KTM, it offers a unique take on naked styling. It is expected that the official debut of the completed KTM 990 Duke will take place towards the end of 2023 as a 2024 model. However, it is unclear if the unveiling will happen at EICMA 2023 in November or at a different event. Regardless, motorcycle enthusiasts will be keeping a close watch for updates on this highly anticipated model.
The Pininfarina Battista, an electric hypercar with a Rimac powertrain and Pininfarina body, was announced a few years ago. After launching production versions in 2022, a special edition has now been introduced to honor Pininfarina’s history and Formula 1.
Named the Battista Edizione Nino Farina, this model draws inspiration from Nino Farina, the first Formula One world champion. Farina won the title in 1950 driving an Alfa Romeo in the inaugural FIA World Championship of Drivers. The hypercar itself is named after Battista Farina, who founded Pininfarina and happens to be Nino Farina’s uncle. It marks Automobili Pininfarina’s first complete car.
Believe it or not, the outgoing Lexus GX had been in production for 14 years which is a long time. This may come as a surprise with the previous SUV receiving so many updates, but it was fundamentally the same vehicle from 2009.
The third generation GX was just unveiled, and it is an all-new vehicle built from the ground up. There have been significant changes made to make the GX competitive in today’s market. From a new platform and engine to better technology and safety features, the GX is setting up to be one of the best new vehicles in its segment. This GX may be around for a long time since Lexus/Toyota doesn’t introduce new models so often. Let’s take a look at what we get with this new model compared to the old one.
The new GX rides on an all-new TNGA-F platform introduced on the current LX600 and Toyota Land Cruiser. This is the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) that will be used on all upcoming Lexus/Toyota models. It is still a body-on-frame chassis but it is lighter, stronger, and still maintains its off-road capability.
New double wishbone suspension is used in the front with independent multilink rear suspension. Gone is the old hydraulic unit which is now replaced with Electronic Power Steering. These changes help improve on-road handling and off-road capabilities. Towing capacity has also increased with a max capacity of up to 8,000 pounds, the old GX had a max towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.
A New Rugged Design
Lexus
A front-facing shot of the 2024 Lexus GX and 2023 Lexus GX
Without a doubt, you can tell this is a different vehicle from its exterior design. While the outgoing SUV was getting more aggressive with its facelifts, the initial platform could only allow for limited changes. The new GX has become very boxy and aggressive, it looks like a merger between a G-Wagon, Jeep Wrangler, and the Land Rover Defender.
The aforementioned SUVs look great since they’ve had the same shape since inception and have aged very well. This is a good thing as we expect the GX to be around for a long time and will probably age well too. Its new muscular look also makes it imposing and emphasizes its off-road capabilities. No one will make any mistake about the intent of this car.
Despite its rugged look, there are many modern design elements in the new GX. While the spindle grill is still huge, it has been raised slightly with a shorter front overhang to improve front clearance. The triple-beam LED Headlamp is also integrated seamlessly into the grill giving it a cleaner look. The overall width of the vehicle has also increased by 3.74 inches to achieve a more stable stance. Its wheelbase is now 2.36 inches longer than the previous vehicle which means a bit more room inside the cabin.
Lexus
Rear 3/4 shot of the 2024 Lexus GX Premium
Adding to the boxy stance of the GX are 32-inch tires with the option of either 20 or 22-inch wheels which will complement the aggressive looks very well. Although they may be bigger, the designs of these new wheels look very similar to the ones used on the previous-gen, but those only went up to 20 inches. There are eleven exterior colors available but are dependent on the Premium, Luxury, or Overtrail trims.
At the rear, there’s nothing much to talk about except that it looks taller since the tailgate is completely flat. Light bars are the new trend and the new GX has a full-width rear tail light. Due to customer feedback, the new GX now has a pop-out window, power liftgate, and kick sensor for ease of use especially when your hands are full.
But this engine seems to be detuned for this application as it makes 400 horsepower in the LX 600 but maintains the same torque figure. The transmission is also a new ten-speed automatic sending power to a standard full-time four-wheel drive system.
Fuel economy would also improve with this new GX since the old V-8 model was a gas guzzler at 15/19 MPG city/highway. The new GX will offer an estimated 17 mpg combined. Lexus has also announced that there will be a hybrid model to join the lineup later which will further increase fuel economy.
Updated Lexus Interior And Features
Lexus
Interior shot of the 2024 Lexus GX dashboard
Despite looking like a bully on the outside, let’s not forget the GX is a luxury vehicle and has a new interior with updated features for added safety and comfort. Right in front of the driver is a new 12.3-inch full gauge cluster. The all-new instrument panel is now lower which makes the controls easy to reach.
A new 14-inch center touchscreen is now standard with physical climate control knobs, the outgoing GX only had a 10.3-inch center screen. It’s also equipped with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto where the previous-gen used a wire. You still get a gear selector stick with a knob to switch between different drive modes.
Lexus
Interior of a 2024 Lexus GX Premium
Three-row seating is still available with the option of captain’s chairs or bench seat configuration in the second row. Getting into the third row is also made easier with a one-motion tumble system. Six illuminated charging ports are available throughout the interior with a wireless charging pad in the center console and 12 cupholders.
Music lovers will be treated to crisp music from the optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, but the 10-speaker surround system comes as standard. Additional options include Heads Up Display, Traffic Jam Assist, and a digital key that can be given to friends and family to access your car through their smartphones. Equipped with Lexus Safety System+, new active safety systems include Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist.
Front 3/4 shot of the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail on a hill
Just like Toyota has the TRD and TRD Pro trim, the new GX has a new Overtrail and Overtrail+ trim which adds some off-road features to the GX. The GX is the first vehicle to receive this trim as part of the “Overtrail Project” which will appear on other vehicles. Lexus also plans to sell factory parts and accessories as well as off-road experiences to support this trim. Black roofs are available with four exterior colors to create a two-tone effect.
33-inch all-terrain tires are standard with 18-inch wheels, black over fenders instead of body-colored, and aluminum skid plate as standard. These are only available on the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trim. Off-road systems include Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist, and 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor systems which are standard on the GX Overtrail. You also get an Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved wheel articulation and an E-locking rear differential exclusively on the Overtrail for maximum traction.
The old GX has been a favorite for people who wanted a rugged Luxury SUV with off-road capabilities. Its old V-8 may be gone, but the new V-6 offers more torque necessary for towing and better fuel economy. The new GX offers a completely new design with a new powertrain and a host of new technology and safety features. It has been improved in every aspect and is already a better vehicle than the old one. Lexus doesn’t change cars often, but when they do, they do a great job.
Most people believe that Henry Ford founded the first American car manufacturer because of his assembly line innovations and the enduring legacy of his namesake vehicles. In reality, brothers Charles and Frank of Springfield, Massachusetts started the Duryea Motor Wagon Company in 1893, becoming the first American company to build and sell internal combustion engine vehicles to the public. A one-cylinder four-horsepower Duryea Motor Wagon didn’t have a steering wheel, suspension, or breaks, but by process of elimination, it was the best available and sold 10 vehicles in its first year.
Since that time, hundreds, if not thousands of car companies have been formed in the U.S. and around the world, disappearing as fast as they sprung up. Except for the Tucker Torpedo, which was shut down by dirty politics, most of these flash-in-the-pan automakers died off because they made unappealing garbage cars. Probably only Jay Leno knows or cares what a 1909 De Shaum Seven Little Buffaloes is, and there are hundreds more just as obscure.
On the other hand there have been some really great car companies that lasted decades, which built great rides. Many of these automakers existed until just recently with people both remembering and still driving their cars. It’s tempting to include the DeLoreon Motor Company in this group because of the Back to the Future movie fame of the DMC-12, but honestly, that wasn’t a very good set of wheels. Instead, here are some of the best cars made by companies that no longer exist.
Front and side view of a 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator
Created by Edsel Ford in 1939, Mercury was a division of the Ford Motor Company. It served as the mid-priced brand between the high-end Lincolns and the affordable Fords. Finding its groove in the 1950s, a Mercury Monterey, Turnpike Cruiser, or Colony Park harkens as much nostalgia for the decade as a Chevrolet Bel Air. With declining sales, Mercury tried one last-ditch effort to attract female buyers, but that failed and Ford finally shut the division down in 2011.
The Mercury Cougar was based on the Ford Mustang, but intended to be a more luxurious pony car. It was a little more expensive, but better equipped and won the Motortrend Car of the Year award in 1967. One the coolest examples was the 1970 Cougar Eliminator, with its muscular styling and a standard 290 horsepower Boss 302 V-8. What really put this car over the top was the optional 428 Cobra Jet, cranking out 335 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque.
92008 Saab 9 7X Aero
Saab
3/4 front view 2008 Saab 9 7X Aero
Saab Automobile was a Swedish automaker, founded in 1945 to manufacture weird-looking but reliable vehicles. As one of the most innovative companies ever, they developed many safety and performance features we take for granted like standard seat belts, asbestos-free brake pads, and heated seats. GM bought up the company in 1989, ran it into the ground, and then sold it where it died off. Saab briefly became an EV under the company NEVS, but finally ceased to exist in 2016.
Over the years, Saab had made some pretty quick four-cylinder turbo cars, but again, they were kind of odd looking. Toward the end of their run they finally made an attractive model in the luxury SUV, 9 7X, and discovered the joys of V-8 power. In 2008 they created the 9 7X Aero trim, which came with a 6.0-liter SL2 V-8 that generated 390 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. At the time, Car and Driver announced, “The Swedes go all American on us” and proclaimed the 9 7X Aero better than the Chevrolet Trailblazer SS.
81968 International Harvester Scout 800A
Bring a Trailer
3/4 front view red 1968 International Harvester Scout 800
Known mostly for building farm equipment and tractors, The International Harvester Company had actually been producing road vehicles since its founding in 1902. Their line of pickup trucks and SUVs were successful from the ’50s to the 80s, but somehow the company was always in financial trouble. After selling off much of their assets, including their name, IH became Navistar in 1985, still making commercial trucks, but discontinuing their consumer vehicles.
IH made some crazy rides like the explanation-defying Jungle Yacht, but mostly they built rugged, reliable off-roaders such as the first-of-its-kind 1953 Travelell four-wheel-drive “recreational” vehicle. The best however was the International Harvester Scout, produced from 1961-1980, and the top of that class was the 1968 Scout 800A. Equipped with an optional 302ci V-8, this 4×4 is still sought after today, with Florida company, Velocity Modern Classics producing high-end resto-mods of the classic vehicle.
Founded in 1921 by Brothers Alan and Richard Jensen, Jensen Motors Limited was a British maker of sports cars and commercial vehicles. They hit the big time in 1934 when actor Clark Gable commissioned a car from them, which led to a joint venture with Ford and international renown. The company ran into some financial issues and ceased operations in 1976. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to revive the brand, it was finally dissolved in 2011.
Easily the coolest thing Jensen ever made was the Interceptor, which they produced from 1966-1976. Made for speed and long-distance driving, the 1971 Jensen Interceptor MkII came optional with a Chrysler 440ci V-8 Six-Pack, that was slightly detuned but still produced 350 horsepower. With a 6.0 second 0-60 mph time and a top speed of 144 mph, it’s the closest think to a muscle car ever built in Europe.
61968 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds 4-4-2
1969ho?Wikimedia Commons
Side view of 1968 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds 4-4-2
The Olds Motor Vehicle Company was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897 and was for a time the top-selling American car brand. By 1908, General Motors bought up the company, which became their mid-level Oldsmobile division. Known in later years for making “grandpa cars,” it was actually a hot brand in the 60s and 70s. As much as GM tried to shake the fuddy duddy image, sales continued on a steady decline, and it was axed in 2004.
During that period when it truly wasn’t “your father’s Oldsmobile” they managed to make one of the most ferocious muscle cars of the classic era. Introduced as an option package for the Cutlass in 1964, the Oldsmobile 4-4-2 became its own model in 1968. Also in 1968, a special performance package, known as the Hurst/Olds came with a beefed up 455ci V-8 that cranked out 390 horsepower. For those curious as to why it was called a 4-4-2, it’s because it came with a four-barrel carb, four-speed manual transmission, and had a dual (two) exhaust system.
51972 Holden HQ Monaro GTS 350
Sicnag/Wikimedia Commons
3/4 front view of 1972 Holden HQ Monaro GTS 350
Holden started out in 1905 as a car upholstery repair business and eventually grew into GM’s presence in Australia and New Zealand. Though many of their models were Aussie copies of GM cars, they also made their own market-specific vehicles. Despite selling over seven million sets of wheels in their storied history, GM announced it would no longer be in the business of making right-hand drive vehicles and shuttered Holden in 2020.
The Holden HQ was a series of Aussie exclusive vehicles made from 1971 to 1974 that ranged from four-door sedans to pannel vans. Within that range were some pretty awesome two-coupes like the 1972 HQ Monaro GTS 350. With a big-block Chevy 350ci V-8 and an optional four-speed transmission, it was one of the fastest muscle cars ever produced Down Under. It was such a cool and memorable ride that it got some love by being included in the Forza Horizon 3 video game.
Front and partial side view of a 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
In 1907, Edward Murphy founded The Oakland Motor Car Company in Pontiac, Michigan and a couple years later it was bought by GM. The division’s most popular car was the Pontiac Series 6-27 and by 1931, Oakland was canceled and replaced by Pontiac. For most of its run, Pontiac was GM’s second-tier brand, above Chevrolet, but below Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac. The great recession of 2008 hit all the American automakers hard and with GM, caused them to shed several divisions, including Pontiac in 2010.
That was certainly a sad end to a company with so much rich history, including inventing the muscle car. In 1964, then-head of Pontiac, John DeLoreon, had the genius idea of shoe-horning a 400ci V-8 into a La Mans. It was such a smashing success that by 1966, the GTO became its own model, instead of an option package. The most powerful of the bunch came in the second generation, and the 1969 GTO Judge is a perfect example. With the optional Ram Air IV 400ci V-8, it made 370 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque, making it the G.O.A.T. GTO.
31973 De Tomaso Pantera L
Classiccars.com
A front 3/4 view of a red 1972 De Tamaso Pantera
If French automaker Renault is the elevator music of vehicles, and it is, then Italian sports car manufacturer De Tomaso is hard-driving heavy metal. In fact, Texas groove-metallers, Pantera named themselves after the vaunted model, and it’s what Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil crashed in his infamous DUI arrest. De Tomaso Automobili ltd. was founded by Alejandro de Tomaso in 1959, became part of Ford in 1971, and then effectively ended with the founder’s death in 2003. The company has been bought several times since then with hopes of jump-starting it, but so far nothing substantial has happened.
During its time under Ford, De Tomaso introduced the Pantera in 1971, most of which were sold in America through Lincoln-Mercury dealers. The 1972 Pantera L (for luxury) came with a front bumper and integrated airfoil, but more importantly, a 5.8-liter V-8 that generated 330 horsepower and 344 pound-feet of torque. The Pantera continued to be manufactured until 1992 with only 7,260 ever produced. Though later models had bigger engines and were much faster, those first Panteras were iconically cool.
21970 AMC Rebel Machine
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Front three-quarters shot of a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine
The founding of the American Motors Corporation (AMC) is complicated, involving mergers between Nash, Kaiser Motors, Packard, Studebaker, Willys–Overland Motors and U.S. Senator Mitt Romney’s dad. Their demise is equally complex, involving a Renault buyout, the assassination of Renault chairman Georges Besse by leftist extremists, and an ultimate buyout by Chrysler, who only wanted the Jeep brand and let everything else fade away. What is easy, is the fact that AMC was the last great American car company to rival the Big Three, who made some pretty cool rides.
Yes, AMC gave the world the Pacer and the Gremlin, two of the ugliest vehicles ever made, but they also cranked out some sharp-looking muscle in the classic era like the Javelin and the AMX. Nothing however was cooler than the 1970 Rebel known as “The Machine.” This patriotic red, white, and blue muscle car had a 390ci V-8 under the hood that produced 340 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. With a 6.3 second 0-60 time and a 14.8 second quarter-mile, it was bit slower than it’s muscle car contemporaries, but man did it turn some heads.
Walter P. Chrysler took over the troubled Maxwell-Chalmers car company in the early 1920s and eventually turned it into the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation. Initially intended to be the budget Pentastar brand, it would go on to produce some of the greatest and most prestigious models under the Chrysler umbrella.
After some kick-ass decades in the 60s and 70s, by the new millennium, Plymouth was back to being an entry-level brand making cheap underpowered stuff the American public didn’t want. Even the Chip Foose-inspired Plymouth Prowler couldn’t save the division and in 2001, Chrysler pulled the plug.
Plymouth’s time in the spotlight came in the classic muscle car era when they made some of the baddest rides available, like the GTX, the Duster, the Road Runner, and of course the Super Bird. Nothing however compares to the sheer awesomeness of the Barracuda. Introduced in 1964 as an A-body fastback coupe pony car, it would become a muscular track menace by the second generation.
Before it became basically a Dodge Challenger in 1970, the 1969 Barracuda came optional with a 440ci Super Commando V-8 that blasted 390 horsepower, 490 pound-feet of torque, and was the fastest Plymouth of the time. Not only is the ’69 ‘Cuda one of the best muscle cars ever, it’s the single best car made by a defunct auto manufacturer.
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