Welcome to today’s episode of Motor Drive. In this Episode we’re ranking our top 5 Greatest
American muscle cars. The Term Muscle Car describes High performance American Coupes
fitted with a V8 Engine, built to prioritise power over handling. Lets get into the Top 5!
Number 5. The Pontiac GTO. The car widely credited for kick starting the
muscle car trend in the 1960s, known as the original muscle car. Built in 1964,
the GTO was an optional package on the Pontiac Tempest. The Top Spec pack included
triple carburettors which enabled the GTO’s 6.4 liter V8 a power output of 348 brake horsepower.
Aswell as a four speed manual gearbox, uprated suspension, wider bonnet and wheel scoops. All
upgrades combined resulted in a car that would reach 0-60 in just 5.7 seconds. All for the
cost of a mere 4,500 dollars. Performance and price that was unmatched at the time.
Number 4. The Hemmi Cooda. The Plymouth Barracuda was originally introduced in 1964,
weeks before the Ford Mustang, and unfortunately spent its initial years in the Mustang’s shadow.
The Cooda was completely redesigned in 1970 featuring a huge 7 liter V8 which produced
a massive 425 brake horsepower, reaching 0-60 in just 5.6 seconds. The platform was shared with the
newly launched Dodge Challenger with a slightly shorter wheelbase. The Model was withdrawn just
a year later with only 115 cars being sold as Plymouth did not want to tamper with its
iconic V8 which would have required work to meet the incoming emissions regulations. The Hemmi
Cooda is now regarded as a true collectable with many vehicles selling on for millions.
Number 3. The Chevrolet Camaro. Released in 1967, The Camaro was Chevrolets answer to
the growing success of the Ford Mustang. The Cars platform and many other major components
were shared with the Pontiac Firebird, which was released in the same year.
The Standard Camaro came with a 6.4 liter V8 which produced 375 Brake horsepower.
Chevrolet released cosmetic upgrades in the shape of RS and SS options but for the performance
enthusiasts there was the Z/28 package which included upgrades to the brakes, suspension and
transmission along with a lighter 5 Liter V8. A 6.5 Liter V8 was an additional optional upgrade.
Unlike the previous 2 on this list, the Camaro is still manufactured to this day.
Number 2. The Dodge Charger. Introduced first in 1966, however the first generation’s sales were
underwhelming to say the least. The Charger really took off in 1968 when the second gen was released
with Dodge producing 3 times as many vehicles as initially expected. The charger boasted a crazy
7.2 Liter V8 producing 380 Horsepower as standard, however option smaller engines were available
to suit affordability. We can’t talk about the Charger without mentioning the Charger Daytona.
A vehicle so dominant that Nascar Officials deemed the Charger to give drivers an unfair advantage
on the track. Nascar promptly enforced new regulations that would see the end of the Charger
in these events. The Charger Daytona easily fetches upwards of 150 thousand dollars nowadays.
Number 1. The Ford Mustang. Produced in 1964. The Mustang was a hit from the get go. Finally a car
that matched performance and looks. The Model received some enhancements when Ford
collaborated with Shelby in 1965 to produce the Shelby GT 350. The 4.7 Liter V8 was capable of
an output of 360 Brake horsepower. As time went by, Shelby tuned Mustangs become more outrageous.
The GT 500 was realeased in 1967 which sported a massive 7 Liter V8, Along with this crazy engine,
the GT 500 set its self apart with more of a comfortable naily driving feel.
A Couple years later the Mustang Boss 429 was introduced. This model was initially
solely intended for racing but Ford were forced into producing some models for the
public due to Nascars rules. The Boss could reach 0-60 in just 3.2 seconds. Performance
truly ahead of its time. With so many stunning models we had to give the Mustang the top spot.