Pontiac Gto Judge Ram Air Iv
“Pontiac’s GTO started the official muscle car era in 1964,” Brauer said. “By 1970 the competition on the street, and in the showrooms, required every automaker to step up their efforts.”
Even Pontiac itself had to raise its game, which it did by introducing the GTO Judge. According to Brauer, it’s “powered by the Ram Air IV engine, a 400 cubic inch V-8 with special high-flow heads and unique exhaust manifolds.” Its current market value is $80,000.
The Top 10 Muscle Cars Of Today
- Elana Scherr is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.
- May 8th, 2020
The term muscle car came about to describe cars from the late 1960s and early 1970s. These American muscle cars were automakers’ sportiest midsize cars fitted with powerful V8 engines think Pontiac GTO, Dodge Hemi Charger or big-block Chevy Chevelle. There were also pony cars, which were the same formula but slightly smaller in size, such as the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro.
Some 50 years later, there are plenty of high-horsepower new cars available that certainly meet the spirit, although maybe not the rule, of the classic muscle car definition. We gave the job of compiling a list to special correspondent Elana Scherr, who studied muscle car science in college and did four years of continued research at Hot Rod magazine. Also she has strong opinions about doing burnouts. Here’s what she came up with
History Of Muscle Cars
The general consensus is that the first muscle car was the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88. This car was a first on many levels, not the least of which was its introduction of the first high-compression overhead valve V8. It had a 303-cubic inch engine displacement, a two-barrel carburetor, and an output of 135 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque split in a relatively wide power band of RPM . This gave it powerful low-end speed from its torque and high-end muscle with horsepower. This was a winning combination at the time, as evidenced by the cars near-sweep of the 1950 NASCAR season with eight wins out of ten races.
In 1951, Hudson introduced the ground-breaking Hornet, which even today holds legendary status as a renowned race car. Although its production period was limited thanks to the financial shakiness of Hudson, the car recently made a comeback on the big screen in the popular animated series Cars.
Chrysler C-300
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Find Your Dream Muscle Car At Volo Museum Auto Sales
If you’re interested in purchasing a vintage muscle car, turn to Volo Museum Auto Sales. We have a wide selection of classic vehicles for you to choose from. Our third-party inspections, financing options and shipping services make us a go-to choice for many antique car buyers. We have a full stock of muscle cars available for purchase, making it easy for you to find one that fits your unique needs.
Browse our extensive selection of classic muscle cars today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, and one of our expert sales representatives will be happy to help.
Ford Mustang Shelby Gt350r
For the 2020 model year, Ford may have revived the Shelby GT500 nameplate, but it is not the only variant from Mustang that will appeal to serious performance fans. The Shelby GT350 and GT350R are still on the line-up.THE 2020 GT350R works much better, with few modest suspension tweaks.The 526 hp and 429 lb-ft is exactly right for this car, which is neither underwhelming nor frightening in the handling department for drivers.The GT350 can get from 0 to 60 mph in approximately four seconds under the right conditions and good shifts with a lightweight R-version managing the sprint some 10% faster.The standard GT350 has a maximum drag speed of 170mph to 180 mph, while the beefed-up hardcore R version easily tops around 180 mph.This is because of the addition of downforce and increased corner capabilities.
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Dodge Charger 1968 To 1970
Overview: Can you hear the Dixie horn over the roar of the V8 and the Waylon Jennings opening theme song? Yep, the 70s silver-screen cult hit The Dukes of Hazzard launched Daisy Duke onto a million adolescent-bedroom walls, but it also catapulted the second-gen Dodge Charger into the stratosphere, too.
History: Although the first Dodge Charger came along in 1966, it took the next model in 1968 to deliver the aggressive lines that still rate among the best in the biz. And when it did arrive, it maintained all that was good about muscle cars including a range of optional V8 engines. Those included the mighty 426 Hemi and the improbable 440 Magnum with its Six-Pack . Lairy stripes and decals, vinyl roofs and tachometers were common fitments on this model Charger. And that was just from the factory. The fact that Dodge re-imagined the Charger for 2006 supports the original’s cult status, although why the new version is a four-door remains a mystery.
When it did arrive, it maintained all that was good about muscle cars including a range of optional V8 engines.
Fun fact: Although it looked primed for NASCAR racing, the second-gen Charger was an aerodynamic dud. The rear window buttresses created lift and the letter-box front end was a drag. Literally.
Production run: 175,000 including the 1969/1970 model
The Future Of Muscle Cars
For better or worse, future muscle cars will likely have electric variants to balance out their fuel-heavy V8 performance variants that remain sought after by customers. The first hints of this are the Mustang Lithium Concept, an potential Chevrolet Camaro EV teaser, and comments from FCA executives that electrification is coming to the space. For now, the most powerful muscle car variants on sale today are the 650 horsepower sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, 717 horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition, the 760 horsepower S550 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, and 797 horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye.
2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody. Photo copyright MuscleCarsandTrucks.com
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How Did The Muscle Car Change Or Influence The Car World
Muscle cars embody the American ideal of freedom. The cars came with exceptional speed and power, plus an affordable price compared to other high-performance models. A muscle car was perfect for the open road, allowing drivers to gun it. Muscle cars became a symbol of American culture and gave U.S. car manufacturers a new vision for what a performance vehicle could achieve.
Plymouth Hemi ‘cuda Convertible
The 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible is one of the rarest muscle cars of the 1970s and muscle car history. Plymouth only produced 13 units, making it rare at the time and even scarcer now. This car descended from the previous Plymouth Barracuda, serving as a response to the other muscle car giants like the Mustang and the Camaro.
This Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible arrived with a 426-cubic-inch V8 engine, with an output of 425 horsepower and 490-pound-foot of torque. It also had a 0-to-60 mile-per-hour time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph. Besides its power, it also came with an attractive body that was sure to turn heads out on the road.
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Eleva Tu Adrenalina Con Las Diferentes Versiones De Ford Mustang
Atrévete a vivir una experiencia inigualable, llena de velocidad, detrás del volante de Ford Mustang 2020, la leyenda de los Muscle Cars Americanos y disfruta de sus diferentes versiones capaces de elevar tu adrenalina al máximo:
Conducción al aire libre con Ford Mustang 2020 en su versión convertible
- Ford Mustang EcoBoost® TA
Will Muscle Cars Go Away
It was reported today by Motor Trend that Dodge plans to stop using gas-powered Charger and Challenger muscle cars by 2024 with the adoption of electric muscle cars. Company plans to introduce a concept EV and a plug-in hybrid car in the 2021, follow by a third unnamed new mode of transport by 2025.
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Everybody Knows That A Muscle Car Has To Be Built In America Right
Talk about a poisoned chalice. Find 25 muscle cars that arent American, and create a gallery, they said. Tough call, given that the muscle car is as American as Bruce Springsteen, corn dogs and a home run. If youre an American with even the slightest interest in cars, you might want to look away now.
Ford Fe Big Block 427
The legendary Ford FE big block predates the muscle car era by six years. Beginning as a 352 cubic inch engine, the displacement of the FE grew as consumers thirst for power increased. The Super Stock wars of 1961-1964 pushed the development and displacement to 427 cubic inches in 1964. The new 427 Ford went toe-to-toe with the equally impressive 426 cubic inch Max Wedge Chrysler big block that year and came out on top. So when the muscle car fad kicked off, Ford had a proven, albeit expensive big block ready to take on the rest of Detroit. Powering such icons as the Shelby Mustang GT500 and R-Code Galaxies, the 427 FE produced between 410 and 425 published horsepower depending on carburation.
The 427 was expensive to build as it took the FE engine architecture to its limit with its massive bore. Therefore, many blocks were discarded for thin walls from the factory, and ordering the 427 became a pricey option. One of the rarest engines on this list, it achieved legendary status not only on the dragstrip but also on road courses, being the engine that powered the Ford GT to its famous 1-2-3 finish at the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1966.
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The Modern Muscle Cars In The Uae
Muscle cars secure a significant position in the history of the automotive industry. To continue the legacy modern muscle cars are being introduced in the market. These cars fulfil the definition of a modern car with a muscle car touch. These cars are not limited to two-door and coupe styles. Many of them are sedans with four doors.
Following is a list of used muscle cars in the UAE that you can buy in modern times.
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Sd455
According to Brauer and to many fans, the muscle car’s golden age came to an end in 1971. However, a small but determined group of engineers at Pontiac remained undeterred, and created an evolved Ram Air IV engine, which turned up under the hood of the 1974 Firebird.
Despite its late vintage, Brauer called this Trans Am “a fully capable muscle car.” The current market value of the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SD455 is $75,000.
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Is A Mustang A Muscle Car Or A Pony Car
Mustang and Camaro cars today remain technically pony cars despite focusing on suspension, handling, and lap time requirements since Nurburgring lap times can have little impact on this. There is a pony car called the Mustang GT350 and a convertible called Camaro ZL1, that both are track monsters and bonafide action vehicles.
What Is The Most Sought
When you’re looking for the most sought-after muscle car in existence, you can narrow it down by price. A few muscle cars demand a multi-million-dollar price tag. The 1967 L88 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible and the 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible both cost over $3 million.
However, the most expensive and sought-after muscle car is a 1962 Shelby Cobra, which commands a $13.75 million price. This vehicle is the first 1962 Shelby Cobra ever made by Carroll Shelby and his team.
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What Is A Pony Car
A pony car doesnt fully align with the muscle car definition outlined above. While pony cars were built during the muscle car era, they werent built on a mid-sized platform.
Pony cars differ because they are shorter in length, lighter in weight, and have a shorter wheelbase. They typically feature long hoods with shorter decklids.
When it comes to muscle car facts, the first Pony Car is largely credited as the 1964 Ford Mustang, which was 182 inches long, 2,445 pounds at the curb, and had a 108-inch wheelbase. Because of their smaller stature, Pony Cars were often used in Trans-Am racing during the 60s and 70.
| Characteristic |
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Holden Monaro Gts 350
The race-bred GTS 350 was fast. Itd give you 55, 79, 99 and 130mph in the gears 0-60mph in 7.0 sec, 0-100 in 16, and 14.8 for the standing quarter mile. Among contemporaries, only Fords Falcon GT-HO another of the great Australian muscle cars of the early 70s could shade it . An excerpt from the aforementioned And The Revs Keep Rising. Its a must-read book.
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Pontiac Gto 1968 To 1969
Overview: While the Pontiac GTO of 1964 is widely regarded as the first factory muscle-car, by the time 1968 rolled around, the concept had lots of imitators. So, under John DeLorean Pontiac went for the doctor for the second-gen cars, finally coming up with the GTO we know as The Judge in 1969.
History: The wheelbase was shortened to give the aggressive, fastback lines that came to dominate late-60s muscle and the GTO featured a deformable, polymer nose panel and those fabulous graphics. The engine remained big with a 400 cubic-inch capacity and there was a factory package called Ram Air that brought freer-breathing cylinder heads and a more aggressive camshaft. Suffice to say the GTO could comfortably cover the standing quarter-mile in the 14-second bracket.
The GTO featured a deformable, polymer nose panel and those fabulous graphics.
Fun fact: Pontiac revived the GTO tag for a two-door muscle car sold in North America between 2004 and 2006. The car was, in fact, an Australian-made Holden Monaro V2 with Pontiac badges.
Production run: 157,000 including coupes and convertibles.
In pop culture: Although not the hero car, a 1970 GTO appeared in 1971’s Two Lane Blacktop road-movie starring Dennis Wilson and James Taylor.
Fall And Rise Of The Muscle Car
In the 70s muscle cars began to see a decline, insurance rates going up, the 1970 Clean Air Act, and the OPEC Oil Embargo of 1973. by 1974, the muscle car segment was a shell of itself, with vehicles such as the Dodge Challenger being discontinued, and engine output in available cars otherwise being drastically reduced. Collectively, the 1970s and 1980s are considered to be the darkest time for American muscle cars due to damage done by stricter government regulations, fuel shortages, and regrettable corporate planning. Nevertheless, vehicles like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro continued to soldier through the Malaise Era.
In the late 1980s, new technology such as electronic fuel injection systems, turbochargers and advanced engine management controls helped pull muscle cars out of the dark ages by allowing for more power to be extracted from each drop of gasoline. For instance, the G-Body 1987 Buick Regal GNX used a turbocharged V6 engine that rivaled the performance of V8 engines at the time, even leapfrogging the Chevrolet Corvette as the quickest car in the GM fleet. By the 1990s, the muscle car mojo was really starting to come back, with the introduction of engines such as the LT1, which helped the Camaro Z/28 at the time run a 14.2 second quarter mile from the factory. The pushrod small block V8 was also a highly tunable engine, and thus began to attract performance and aftermarket companies to the market shortly after.
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Characteristics Of What A Muscle Car Is
Our muscle car definition combines 14 characteristics including origin, pricing, target market, drivetrain, class of vehicle, body style, the purpose of the vehicle, passenger capacity, and performance options.
| Characteristic |
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- 1965 Royal Bobcat GTO
- 1969 Yenko SC Chevelle
Because there is a lot of confusion, several classic American vehicles are mistakenly called muscle cars. All of these vehicles have their own individual subcategory names.
Lets look at these muscle car subcategory names individually and share what makes them different, shall we?
Okay, here we go:
What Makes A Muscle Car
- Makes: At present, our top 20 best muscle cars for 2020 roster is dominated by Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge. Some German and British cars have been known to feature in other global considerations for the fastest muscle cars too.
- Specifications: Most come with eight cylinders in a V configuration, and these types rule our top 10 rankings. Nevertheless, some have smaller motors, and these days, forced induction through turbocharging or supercharging is becoming increasingly common.
- Power/Torque: The highest-performing animal in this cage is the Challenger Demon with up to 840 horsepower and 770 lb-ft of torque under its hood.
- 0-60: Grip, throttle response, lag, shift speed, and conditions play a large role in how quickly you get from point A to point B. Thanks to advances in engineering, there is no doubt that the best way is now with an automatic gearbox. The abovementioned monster from Dodge manages 0-60 in 2.3 seconds.
- Quarter Miles: A speed Demon in more than just its name, this best remains the best. Thanks to its huge power plant, a number of upgrades, and a brilliant launch control system, itll cross the quarter-mile in 9.54 seconds. If thats not cool, we dont know what is.
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