JEGS Tech Specialist

Pete Mitchell

With their relatively compact size and mighty engines, muscle cars took over the automotive landscape in the ‘60s and ‘70s. While many different classic muscle cars were produced over the years, some have since become emblematic of the era. Check out the ten best muscle cars of all time and relive a unique era of power and style. 

Performance and Style

Muscle cars gained popularity due to their combination of style and performance. By fitting large V8 engines into smaller vehicles, these cars were able to balance speed and unique design. The bold choices made during this era with hood scoops, spoilers, stripes, and chrome accessories made these cars today's icons and cemented their place in automotive history. 

Iconic Muscle Cars

Many different automakers contributed to creating the best muscle cars ever. However, some immediately come to mind when the phrase is mentioned. The vehicles below are forever in the pantheon of American muscle and continue to be popular with drivers of all ages. 

Pontiac GTO 

The Pontiac GTO was first introduced in 1964 and came with a 389-cubic-inch V8 engine, putting out 325 horsepower. By the end of the ‘60s, though, the Ram Air IV engine was being offered with it, which delivered 370 horsepower and became the most iconic engine for this vehicle. The Pontiac GTO featured an aggressive exterior design with elements like hood scoops and hidden headlights, which created the look that is so recognizable today. 

Ford Mustang Boss 429 

When it comes to the best muscle cars that are still highly sought after today, the Ford Mustang Boss 429 tops the list. The car was created to carry Ford’s massive 429-cubic-inch 7.0-liter V8 engine, which could deliver up to 500 horsepower with the right tuning. It also featured a straightforward exterior design that set it apart from some of the wilder cars of the era. 

Dodge Charger Daytona 

NASCAR was a massive inspiration for bold car designs, and the Dodge Charger Daytona is an excellent example of how the sport came into play for automotive designers of this era. With high-performance engines like the 426 Hemi V8 and the 440 Magnum V8, there was plenty of power to go along with the attractive, aerodynamic body style. 

Plymouth Superbird 

Chances are, when you think about the best muscle cars of all time, you feel about the Plymouth Superbird. Designed to respond to the Charger Daytona, the Superbird had a 425-horsepower V8, making it one of the most powerful production cars ever. It was also incredibly rare, with only 2,000 units made, adding to its collectability. 

Shelby Cobra 

Carroll Shelby designed the Shelby Cobra in the early ‘60s to create an incredibly light, mighty vehicle inspired by British racing. The most famous model was delivered in 1965, featuring a 7.0-liter V8 engine with 425 horsepower. This set the standard for all the old muscle cars going forward. 

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Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

The ZL1 was a version of the first-generation Chevy Camaro designed to dominate on the racetrack. Its aluminum V8 engine was light and powerful, delivering 430 horsepower. Plus, it had all the hallmarks of the Camaro, with its aggressive stance and sporty style. in recent years, the ZL1 was revived in the late-model Chevy Camaro.

Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

The Chevy Chevelle was one of the larger muscle cars of this time period, and the SS 454 was produced in 1970 and 1971. It is often considered the peak of the muscle car era, with its enormous 454-cubic-inch 7.4-liter V8 generating up to 450 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The cowl induction hood, originally included for functional cold air intake purposes, became one of the most instantly recognizable features of the muscle car category. 

Oldsmobile 442

While the Oldsmobile Cutlass was known for comfort and style, the Olds 442 was the high-powered version that became one of the best muscle cars ever. With a 7.4-liter V8 engine putting out 370 horsepower, it had the performance specs to match the exterior with its bold grille and smooth, clean lines. 

Plymouth Road Runner

Most classic muscle cars weren’t originally built with affordability in mind, but the Plymouth Road Runner was a notable exception. The earliest and most economical version in the late ‘60s had a 6.3-liter V8 engine with 335 horsepower. It had an incredibly distinct exterior design and a specialized horn meant to sound like the Road Runner cartoon character. 

Dodge Challenger R/T

The Dodge Challenger R/T came with a wide range of powerful engines, the most performance-oriented one with 425 horsepower. It was also reintroduced in 2008 and continues to be a bold choice for people who want a little extra power and performance and some classic styling with their late-model vehicle. 

The Legacy of Classic Muscle Cars

To this day, classic muscle cars are among the most popular vehicles for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. By pushing what was possible in terms of performance and style at the time, the muscle cars of the ‘60s and ‘70s inspired today’s supercars and high-performance vehicles. Plus, their retro styling cues can still be seen in newer vehicles and have set the standard for what makes a car unique and exciting in its exterior design. 

The best muscle cars of all time have also generated a culture of car enthusiasts with an incredibly dedicated following. With car clubs, cruises, and shows dedicated to these vehicles, they have become icons of America. When you think about youth, freedom, the open road, and other unique values of the mid-century United States, muscle cars will almost always be in the picture.

Whether you need parts for your classic muscle car or your simple, economical commuter vehicle, JEGS has you covered no matter what. With a wide selection of parts, tools, and more, you can get everything you need to make your vehicle shine on the road.