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The term muscle car generally describes a mid-size car with a large, powerful engine (typically, although not universally, a V8 engine) and special trim, intended for maximum acceleration on the street or in drag racing competition.
Muscle cars are high-performance automobiles, principally referring to American models produced between 1964 to 1971. During the period these vehicles were interchangeably and more commonly described as supercars. The term "Muscle Car" was spawned by the horsepower race. Most give credit to John Z. DeLorean and the Pontiac GTO. The 1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO ignited the muscle car boom by giving the small-car, big engine make an identity of its own.The project was technically a violation of GM’s policy limiting its smaller cars to 330 cu. in. (5.4L) displacement, but it proved far more popular than expected, and inspired a host of imitations, both at GM and its competitors well known 1960s muscle cars brands like Barracuda, Superbird, Cyclone, Camaro, Firebird, Super Sport, Road Runner, Mustang, Toronado
Also, as the national highway system grew and gasoline became plentiful, Americans wanted more power, more speed. And in 1964 Detroit bowed to consumer pressure by putting big block V-8's on mid-sized chassis.
The general trend towards factory performance was a reflection of the importance of the youth market. A key appeal of the 1960s muscle cars was that they offered the burgeoning American car culture a selection of vehicles which were priced just within reach of young people with strong street performance that could also be used for racing. The affordability aspect of these 1960’s muscle cars was quickly compromised by increases in size, optional equipment, and plushness, forcing the addition of more and more powerful engines just to keep pace with performance. A backlash against this cost and weight growth led in 1967 and 1968 to a secondary trend of "budget muscle" in the form of the Plymouth Road Runner, Dodge Super Bee, and other stripped, lower-cost variants of these 1960s muscle cars.
Even though the sales of true muscle cars were, compared to total Detroit production standards, modest they had considerable value in publicity and bragging rights. They also served to attract young customers into showrooms who would then buy the standard editions of these mid-size 1960s muscle cars. Models such as the AMC Rebel Machine, the COPO (Central Office Production Order) Chevrolet Chevelle, and Super Cobra Jet Ford Torino were factory upgraded to be turn-key drag racers. The fierce competition led to an escalation in horsepower that peaked in 1970, with some models of 1960s muscle cars offering as much as 450 gross horsepower.
Unfortunately, the muscle cars' performance soon became a liability during this period. The vehicle safety lobby, which had been led by Ralph Nader, policed the sale of such powerful 1960s muscle cars particularly to young buyers. At the same time, efforts to combat air pollution compelled Detroit to emphasize emission control, rather than power. The situation was exacerbated by the OPEC oil embargo in 1973 that led to gasoline rationing. Soon, With all these forces against it, the market 1960s muscle cars rapidly evaporated.
The Clean Air Act of 1970 called for pollution control devices that hampered performance. By the time congress passed the Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rule in 1978 the Muscle Car seemed doomed forever. While performance cars began to make a return in the 1980s, reminiscent of 1960s muscle cars, spiraling costs and complexity seem to have made the low-cost traditional muscle car a thing of the past. Surviving models of those 1960s muscle cars are now prized collectibles, some carrying prices to rival exotic European sports cars.
General Motors discontinued its Camaro and Trans Am models in 2002 (along with the short-lived 1994-1996 Chevrolet Impala SS), leaving the Ford Mustang as the last surviving semi-muscle car built in the states, Chrysler having discontinued its muscle cars after 1974.
Early and Late Developments of 1960's Muscle Cars
The era of 1960s performance cars seemed to have taken a turn with the 1960 chrysler 300F. In the formative years of factory performance, automakers reserved their hottest engines for their largest and usually most expensive models. Early chrysler 1960s muscle cars were best expressed by the stylish and exclusive "letter-series" machines. The first of these was the 1955 C-300 with its 300-bhp Hemi-head V-8. The 1960 Chrysler 300F continued the tradition of power with its special trim and a sporty interior that boasted four bucket-type leather seats and a full-length console.
In the 60's, Ford changed the direction of the Thunderbird from its two-seater origins, when it was launched as direct competition to the Corvette. But sales were good, an evidence of how much the public liked the 1960 T-bird. These 1960s muscle cars sold over twice as many cars as the 1958 model. Unitary construction was adopted in 1958 to make the car handle better, but it also featured a dropped floorpan to lower the ride height and, thus, the centre of gravity making the ride of these 1960s muscle cars more stable. Coil springs all around gave an excellent ride quality, and although the car wasn't as sporty as the original T-birds, it was quieter and more refined. However, it was one of the speediest 1960s muscle cars of its day, which was one reason it sold well in those horsepower-hungry times.
In 1960 Chevrolet introduced the XP700 Corvette experimental car. The 1962 Corvette was a high performance car, with an optional but powerful V8 engine. Some of them were further equipped with fuel injection and aluminum cylinder heads.This was a fast car by the standards of its time. The Corvette was an eye-opening American car for its time.
Classic Muscle Cars are like an asset you can enjoy. You drive this asset (car or truck) when it has been restored to at least street use.
To make the car ready you will need to restore it. There are many ways which car restoration is possible these days. Before you go out and buy a car to restore it is very important to make sure you get all the information you can so your restoration will go smooth.
It is important to find the vehicle you like and what vehicle will give you the least amount of trouble. It is also important to choose the vehicle with the least amount of rust as possible. Vintage rust free vehicles are hard to find these days. Carry a magnet covered with duck tape to prevent scratches to look for bondo.If the vehicle is steel this is a must do before you make a deal. Or you can buy expensive electronic devices to detect repairs.
These cars can represent history and when they run on the road people are usually overwhelmed. Today cars are created with new designs and with the help of new technologies. The automobile industry has always been strong and it kept launching new cars almost every year..
If you are really passionate about vintage cars and trucks and you want to add one to your collection then always make sure you buy them from authentic and honest sources. Most Classic cars are usually available second hand. Therefore you must be careful about the condition of the car before you pull your cash out. Make sure you check all vin number locations and make sure everything matches. It never hurts to step out of hearing distance of the seller and call the local police deptartment and ask them to check the vin number to see if it is a good or stolen vehicle. Most departments will run the vin for you. Remember if you buy a stolen vehicle most likely you will lose your money and the vehicle.
You will need to learn ways to keep your classic car in the best condition in your garage or wherever you keep it. If you plan to restore and sell your classic, you will need to keep it in great condition.
Muscle cars and trucks usually have powerful engines, front disc brakes, two doors, and 4 speed transmissions.
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