The '60s and '70s of America are known for producing some of the most excellent muscle cars of all time. A few of the rarest muscle cars came into being during this time, packing giant torque-rich V8s. Regulations regarding emissions and other issues ended up taming the cars in the 1980s and onwards. This is why there was an immense amount of horsepower in cars only up to the 1970s.
An admiration for fast muscle cars has created a niche market of car collectors. The classic “muscle car” in the United States was a sports coupe with a “super-sized” engine and two doors, which would deliver high-performance driving. These vintage vehicles began to show up in the 1940s, and most of them possessed V8 engines. If you are interested in learning about the fastest muscle cars to have ever existed, this is a list you are sure to appreciate.
15. 1971 Plymouth Road Runner (Top Speed: 150 mph)
wsupercars.com
The body of this car was known as the ‘fuselage’ style and showcased much smoother and more dramatic edges in comparison to previous editions of the classic Plymouth. The flow-rate of this car was more than 1,000 CFM and would blur the vision of anyone in the car while it would accelerate.
14. 1969 Dodge Dart 440 (Top Speed: 146 mph)
streetmusclemag.com
The 440-powered car was a homologation special. A total of 640 cars were made, and it ticked every single box: Colors, speed, wheel trims, and even an optional rear-axle ratio. It is known for its “super-stealth,” and was one of the rarest muscle cars to be found during those days.
13. 1969 GTX (Top Speed: 121 mph)
en.wheelsage.org
The GTX has a lot going for it – the 440 Super Commando coupled with an H.D. 4 speed transmission. It was renowned as the “Gentleman’s” muscle car, and one look at this car is enough to understand why. The interior of the car is just as impressive as the exterior.
12. 1964 Dodge Polara 500 (Top Speed: 122 mph)
mecum.com
The Polara 500 was designed with a unique side trim. With it, you gain some extra mojo due to the front and rear sway bars, and big dual exhaust pipes for the enhancement of performance and handling. As the car manual says, “Lots of comfort. Lots snap...All together, an exciting sports package.”
11. 1968 Biscayne (Top Speed: 99 mph)
via Pinterest
The 1968 Biscayne was part of Chevrolet’s lineup of full-sized cars and was their low-end model. Power brakes and power steering were a part of the model, and also came with a high-powered, high-revving 425 hp (317 kW) version with solid lifters. It also came with a 250-ci incline six.
10. 1968 Corvette (Top Speed: 139 mph)
mecum.com
The Corvette was redesigned by Chevrolet in 1968. This version of the new vehicle was meant to be a racing car and came with a 430 hp L88 engine. It consisted of a novel air induction system alongside a contoured aerodynamic design. The car was available in either a convertible or coupe design.
9. 1966 Shelby AC Cobra 427 “Super Snake” (Top Speed: 200 mph)
art.branipick.com
Manufactured in both the UK and the US, this car used a V8 engine produced by Ford. A total of just 23 cars from this model were created as “competition roadsters” for U.S. and European racetracks. These cars showcased extremely high performance, but they required skilled drivers to do them justice.
8. 1966 Plymouth Satellite (Top Speed: 109 mph)
stevenscreektoyota.com
Various models of the Plymouth Satellite ensured that the vehicle could achieve horsepower ranging from the high number of 425 hp with the “Street Hemi” V8 engine and a 426 cubic inch powertrain, to smaller V8 engines with the potential of achieving all the way from 180 to 325 hp.
7. 1969 Dodge Charger 500 (Top Speed: 172 mph)
mecum.com
This vehicle was supremely rare, and only 15 of it were produced. They came with both a 426 Hemi V8 engine and four-speed transmission. Dodge had commissioned the production of these muscle cars in order for them to be participants in professional racing and could be some of the best found on the track.
6. 1968 Dodge Charger R/T (Top Speed: 150 mph)
hemmings.com
This is one of those muscle cars that have managed to withstand the test of time. This is the kind of car that can create an impression of both fear and awe within an individual. Coming with a curvy body and use of chrome, this car was the definition of classy.
5. 1968 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi (Top Speed: 150 mph)
mecum.com
This car was known for being very business-like. It came with a power train featuring a four-barrel V8, a 383-CID engine with 335 horsepower, or even a more powerful 426-CID with 425 horsepower. This was a popular choice back in the day as offered a basic package with everything a muscle car should consist of.
4. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (Top Speed: 150 mph)
mecum.com
This car holds distinct honor of being one of the most powerful and fast American muscle cars during the '70s. It was conceived by Dick Harrel specifically for drag racing and consisted of a 427 cu in big-block V8 engine called the ZL1. It was capable of hitting between 0-60 mph in only 5.3 seconds.
3. 1969 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet (Top Speed: 128 mph)
mycarboard.com
This car was a more powerful version of the Mustang and came with horsepower worthy of its reputation and stature. It consisted of a 28-CID V8 engine, a functional hood scoop, and could hit around close to 400 - 410 in terms of horsepower. This car turned the tables for the legendary Mustang by renewing interest.
2. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS (Top Speed: 162 mph)
webeautos.com
The Chevelle SS broke out at last with the release of this model, particularly as it consisted of a 454 cu. It came with a big-block engine producing 450 horsepower along with 500lb/ft of torque, with it taking six seconds to reach 62 mph. This model was once known as Chevrolet’s official muscle car.
1. 1964 Pontiac GTO (Top Speed: 122 mph)
mecum.com
This car was famously regarded as one of the pioneer muscle cars during the '60s and the '70s. The concept behind it was to adapt the largest engine to the lightest body that can be built. Road tests done on this car showcased a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds.
