Definition of "Modern Muscle"

[cheatek]

Alright, so this should strike up some good debates (just remember we're all on the same side here, the side of cars).

Question ... what constitutes a "muscle car"? Past, present or future. What do you guys think?? Is it soley deteremined by being a big tank with a big ass V-8 up front like a 70s Chevelle 454 (keep in mind a Porsche Cayenne GTS SUV satisfies that requirement too)? Or is it determined by sheer brute force and performance numbers, something like a Nissan GTR or even Subie STI or Evo can put up with V-6s and turbo 4s?

And here's something for ya guys to noodle on ... is an 80s Buick GNX with a Turbo V-6 a true muscle car?? (one of my all time fav cars btw)

Debate away ...

[paxton]

Alright...I start this thread off. To me, a muscle car has always been a factory built US made car with a badass V8 engine under the hood. These cars usually also had performance oriented options and special wheels/bigger tires,hoods and other goodies that seperated them from Grandma's car with the low-end V8 under the hood. The good ol days of the 60's and 70's(when I was a young kid) was really the defining time of the muscle cars for me. I've had a couple of old school muscle cars(69 Camaro SS and 70 GTO and my brother had a 70 Cuda and 69 Camaro Z28) and to this day this is usually what I think of when I hear the words Muscle Car. I believe my SRT8 fits into this category quite nicely and has all the right hardware to make it a true Muscle car in my opinion.

Do I think that a 1987 GN is a muscle car...yes I do even though it doesn't have the V8. It was and still is a badass car(I almost bought one years ago) and has all the requisites of a muscle car except for the V8. But damn...that Turbo V6 with some mods is fuckin' fast!!!! Ok...I'm done!

[CHARGERTREV]

. The good ol days of the 60's and 70's(when I was a young kid)

EEEEK!

thats old...thats like my dads age :ROTFLMAO:

But I agree....but no love for the nova?

[paxton]

EEEEK!

thats old...thats like my dads age :ROTFLMAO:

But I agree....but no love for the nova?

What nova? Trev...I am your DAD!!!!!!!! Now bend over, you BAD little boy and take your spanking like a man!!!:spank2:

[uGOTmale2day]

True muscle is my cock down yer throat!

[CHARGERTREV]

I re read it I though you meant those were the cars you liked ye back when gas was invented. But they were ones you owned.

And na I dont get down like that................lololololololol

[HEMISFEAR]

I think the term muscle car has expanded. For me, it is most aptly represented by the cars whose roots lie in Detroit and are powered a V8 and are rear-wheel drive. However, it may not be the case any longer...at least not in modern day. We now have 400+hp SUVs, and Scott raises a valid point with the GN and GNX. I've always loved that car myself. Then there's the BMW Ms and MB AMG's. Die hard Muscle Car guys bitched that a late model muscle car shouldn't have 4 doors. Others will say the GNX, SUVS, BMW's and MB's don't qualify either. Although powerful V8's more suitable for straight line acceleration seem to fit the traditional views of what a muscle car is...in my opinion, todays "modern muscle" also encompass traits more characteristics of ferrari's and porsches of days gone by. They're all good questions and I suppose our notion of Modern Muscle will never reach a consensus...it is what it is. I think the term muscle car when referring to late model vehicles has been redefined somehow and definitely carries ambiguity to it. Hell, I don't even know what is the 'best' definition is, so perhaps someone else could shed some light in it. The new Nissan is no slouch, and neither are the Evo's and WRX STi's. AWD? Are they modern muscle? And what about the high horse FWD cars out there? That's blasphemous in most circles.

[Derwood98]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_car

Muscle car is a term used to refer to a variety of high performance automobiles.[1][2] The term principally refers to American, Australian and to a lesser extent South African models. It generally describes a 2-door rear wheel drive mid-size car with a large, powerful V8 engine, and at an affordable price. Although opinions vary, it is generally accepted that classic muscle cars were produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s.[3][4][5][6] Muscle cars were built for street use and in some cases racing. They are distinct from sports cars and also from GTs, which are two-seat or 2+2 cars intended for high-speed touring/road racing. These are not generally considered muscle cars owing to their small size, relatively high cost and specialty nature. (The two-seater AMC AMX may or may not be an exception: one source queries whether it qualifies as a true muscle car or pony car,[7] but also lists it among vehicles that fit the general interpretation of both categories.[8] AMC was "never shy" about describing the car as "a genuine sports car"[9] as it was relatively inexpensive).[3]

For a definition from the muscle car era, Peter Henshaw's 2004 book Muscle Cars refers the reader to an extract from Road Test magazine’s June 1967 issue: "Just what is a Muscle Car? Exactly what the name implies. It is a product of the American car industry adhering to the hot rodder's philosophy of taking a small car and putting a BIG engine in it [...] The Muscle Car is Charles Atlas kicking sand in the face of the 98 hp (73 kW) weakling." Henshaw adds that the muscle car was designed for straight-line speed, and did not have the "sophisticated chassis", "engineering integrity" or "lithe appearance" of European high-performance cars[10]

Opinions vary as to whether high-performance full-size cars, compacts, and pony cars qualify as muscle cars.[11]

Classic muscle cars are also defined by age and country of origin. The term "muscle car" did not enter common usage until after production of the vehicles had essentially ended,[3] and American print media of the era commonly referred to them as "supercars".[12][13]

Contents [hide]
1 Development
1.1 Early muscle
1.2 Growth of the trend
1.3 Turn-key drag racers
1.4 Youth market and "budget muscle"
1.5 Related pickup trucks
2 Politics
3 Australia
4 South Africa
5 United Kingdom
6 Modern muscle cars
6.1 America and Australia
7 Collectibility
8 Models
8.1 United States
8.2 Australia
9 See also
10 References
11 External links



[edit] Development

[edit] Early muscle

1949 Rocket 88 engineOpinions on the origin of the muscle car vary, but the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88, created in response to growing public interest in speed and power, is often cited as the first of the breed. It featured an innovative and powerful new engine—America's first high- compression overhead valve V-8—in the lighter Oldsmobile body.[14]

Musclecars magazine wrote: "[t]he idea of putting a full-size V8 under the hood of an intermediate body and making it run like Jesse Owens in Berlin belongs to none other than Oldsmobile... [The] all-new ohv V8...Rocket engine quickly found its way into the lighter 76 series body, and in February 1949, the new 88 series was born."[15]

The article continued: "Walt Woron of Motor Trend enjoyed the 'quick-flowing power...that pins you to your seat and keeps you there until you release your foot from the throttle [...] Olds dominated the performance landscape in 1950, including wins in the NASCAR Grand National division, Daytona Speed Weeks, and the 2100-plus-mile Carrera Panamericana. In France, an 88 won a production car race at Spa-Francorchamps... A husky V8 in a cleanly styled, lightweight coupe body, the original musclecar truly was the '49 Olds 88."[15]


Hudson Hornet: Rocket 88's only competitorJack Nerad wrote in Driving Today: "the Rocket V-8 set the standard for every American V-8 engine that would follow it for at least three decades [...] With a displacement of 303 cubic inches and topped by a two-barrel carburetor, the first Rocket V-8 churned out 135 horsepower (101 kW) at 3,600 rpm and 263 pound-feet of torque at a lazy 1800 rpm [and] no mid-range car in the world, save the Hudson Hornet, came close to the Rocket Olds performance potential..."

Nerad added that the Rocket 88 was "the hit of NASCAR’s 1950 season, winning eight of the 10 races. Given its lightning-like success, one could clearly make the case that the Olds 88 with its 135 horsepower (101 kW) V-8 was the first 'musclecar'..."[16]

Steve Dulcich, writing in Popular Hot Rodding, also cites Oldsmobile, concurrently with Cadillac, as having "launched the modern era of the high-performance V-8 with the introduction of the "Rocket 88" overhead-valve V-8 in 1949."[17]


[edit] Growth of the trend

1955 Chrysler C-300, "America's most powerful car", had 300 horsepower (220 kW).Other manufacturers "showcased performance hardware in flashy limited-edition models. Chrysler led the way with its 1955 C-300, an inspired blend of Hemi power and luxury-car trappings that fast became the new star of NASCAR. With 300 horsepower (224 kW), it was rightly advertised as 'America's Most Powerful Car.'"[14]

Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.8 seconds and reaching 130 miles per hour (209 km/h), the 1955 Chrysler 300 is also recognized as one of the best-handling cars of its era.[18]


America's fastest 1957 sedan: Rambler Rebel had lightweight unibody construction and V8 engine.Two years later the Rambler Rebel was the fastest stock American sedan, according to Motor Trend.[19]

The popularity and performance of muscle cars grew in the early 1960s, while Mopar (Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler) and Ford battled for supremacy in drag racing—the 1962 Dodge Dart 413 cu in (6.8 L) Max Wedge, for example, could run a 13-second 1/4-mile dragstrip at over 100 miles per hour (161 km/h). By 1964, there were Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, and Pontiac muscle cars in GM's lineup, and Buick joined them a year later. For 1964 and 1965, Ford had its 427 cu in (7 L) Thunderbolts, and Mopar unveiled the 426 cu in (7 L) Hemi engine. The Pontiac GTO was an option package that included Pontiac's 389 cu in (6.4 L) V8 engine, floor-shifted transmission with Hurst shift linkage, and special trim. In 1966 the GTO became a model in its own right. The project, spearheaded by Pontiac division president John DeLorean, technically violated GM's policy limiting its smaller cars to 330 cu in (5.4 L) displacement, but the new model proved more popular than expected and inspired GM and its competitors to produce numerous imitators. The GTO itself was a response to the Dodge Polara 500 and the Plymouth Sport Fury, which in 1962 had been shrunk to intermediates—at a time when bigger was considered better.

AMC, though late entering the muscle car market, produced "an impressive array of performance cars in a relatively short time," said Motor Trend. "The first stirrings of AMC performance came in 1965, when the dramatic if ungainly Rambler Marlin fastback was introduced to battle the Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda."[20] Although the Marlin was a flop in terms of sales and initial performance, AMC gained some muscle-car credibility in 1967, when it made both the Marlin and the "more pedestrian" Rebel available with its new 280 horsepower (209 kW), 343 cu in (5.6 L) "Typhoon" V8. And in 1968 the company offered two legitimate muscle car contenders: the Javelin and its truncated variant, the AMX.[20]

Although the sales of true muscle cars were relatively modest by total Detroit production standards, they had value in publicity and bragging rights. Competition between manufacturers meant that buyers had the choice of ever-more powerful engines—a horsepower war that peaked in 1970, with some models offering as much as 450 hp (336 kW) (with this and others likely producing as much or more actual power, whatever their rating).


[edit] Turn-key drag racers
Muscle cars attracted young customers (and their parents) into showrooms, and they bought the standard editions of these mid-size cars. To enhance the "halo" effect of these models, the manufacturers modified some of them into turn-key drag racers.

For example, Ford built 200 lightweight Ford Galaxies for drag racing in 1963. All non-essential equipment was omitted. Modifications included fiberglass panels, aluminum bumpers, traction bars, and a competition-specification 427 cu in (7 L) engine factory-rated at a conservative 425 bhp (317 kW). This full-size car could run the quarter mile in a little over 12 seconds.[21] Also built in 1963 were 5,000 road-legal versions that could be used every day. (Ford claimed 0-60 in less than 6 seconds for the similarly-powered 1966 Galaxie 500XL 427.)[10]


Road-legal drag racer: with 427 V8 in lightened midsize Ford Fairlane body, stock 1964 Ford Thunderbolt ran 11.76-second quarter mile.Another Ford lightweight was the 1964 Ford Thunderbolt that utilized the mid-size Fairlane body. A stock Thunderbolt could run a quarter-mile (402 m) at a drag strip in 11.76 seconds at 122.7 mph (197.5 km/h),[22] and Gas Ronda dominated the NHRA World Championship with a best time of 11.6 seconds at 124 mph (200 km/h).[10] The Thunderbolt included competition-specification 427 cu in (7 L) engine and special exhausts (though technically legal for street use, the car was too raucous for the public roads—"not suitable", according to a Hot Rod magazine quote, "for driving to and from the strip, let alone on the street in everyday use";[22] also massive traction bars, asymmetrical rear springs, and a trunk-mounted 95-pound (43 kg) bus battery to maximize traction from what was realistically 500 bhp (373 kW).[22] Sun visors, exterior mirror, sound-deadener, armrests, jack, and lug wrench were omitted to save weight. The car was given lightweight Plexiglass windows, and early versions had fiberglass front body panels and bumpers, later changed to aluminum to meet NHRA regulations.[23] Base price was US$3,780.[22] 111 Thunderbolts were built, and Ford contracted Dearborn Steel Tubing to help with assembly. Factory records show that the first 11 cars were maroon and the subsequent 100 were white.[24]

The 1964 Dodge 426 Hemi Lightweight produced over 500 bhp (370 kW). This "top drag racer" had an aluminium hood, lightweight front bumpers, fenders, doors and lower valance, magnesium front wheels, lightweight Dodge van seat, Lexan side windows, one windshield wiper and no sun visors or sound deadening. Like other lightweights of the era it came with a factory disclaimer: Designed for supervised acceleration trials. Not recommended for general everyday driving because of the compromises in the all-round characteristics which must be made for this type of vehicle.[23]

Also too "high-strung" for the street was Chrysler’s small-volume-production 1965 drag racer, the 550 bhp (410 kW) Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi. Although the detuned 1966 version (the factory rating underestimated it at 425 bhp (317 kW) ) has been criticized for poor brakes and cornering, Car and Driver described it as "the best combination of brute performance and tractable street manners we've ever driven." The car's understated appearance belied its "ultra-supercar" performance: it could run a 13.8-second quarter mile at 104 mph (167 km/h). Base price was $3,850.[25]

Chevrolet likewise eschewed flamboyant stripes and badges for their 1969 Chevelle COPO 427 and kept its appearance low-key. The car could run a 13.3 sec. quarter-mile at 108 mph (174 km/h). Chevrolet rated the engine at 425 hp (317 kW), but the NHRA claimed a truer 450 hp (340 kW).[26] It has been said that the 1969 COPO Chevelles were "among the most feared muscle cars of any day. And they didn't need any badges."[26] Base price was US$3,800.[26]

For 1970 Chevrolet offered the Chevelle SS 454, also at a base price of US$3,800. The "muscle car summit", its 454 cu in (7.4 L) engine was rated at 450 hp (336 kW), the highest-ever factory rating at that time. Car Life magazine wrote: "It's fair to say that the Supercar as we know it may have gone as far as it's going."[27]


[edit] Youth market and "budget muscle"
The general trend towards higher performance in factory-stock cars reflected the importance of the youth market. A key appeal of muscle cars was that they offered the burgeoning American car culture relatively affordable and powerful street performance in models that could also be used for drag racing. But as size, optional equipment and luxury appointments increased, engines had to be more powerful to maintain performance levels, and the cars became more expensive.


1970 Plymouth GTX 440: base price US$3,355 and "more performance per dollar" than most other cars of its time.In response to rising cost and weight, a secondary trend towards more basic "budget" muscle cars emerged in 1967 and 1968—e.g. the "original budget Supercar"[28] Plymouth Road Runner; also the Plymouth GTX, which offered "as much performance-per-dollar as anything on the market, and more than most",[29] the Dodge Super Bee and other variants. Manufacturers also offered bigger engines in their compact models, sometimes making them lighter, roomier, and faster than their own pony-car lines.

The 340 cu in (5.6 L)-powered 1970 Plymouth Duster was one of these smaller, more affordable cars. Based on the compact-sized Plymouth Valiant and priced at US$2,547, the 340 Duster posted a 6.0-second 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time and ran the quarter mile in 14.7 seconds at 94.3 mph (151.8 km/h).[30] This "reasonably fast" compact muscle car had a stiff, slightly lowered suspension which, in the view of Hot Rod magazine at the time, let the car "ride in an acceptable fashion".[31] However an anonymous 2007 article on the Consumer Guide website refers to "a punishing ride" and trim that was "obviously low-budget."[30] The 1970 model came with front disc brakes and without hood scoops. The only high-performance cues were dual exhausts and modest decals.[30] Tom Gale, former Chrysler vice president of design, describes the car as "a phenomenal success. It had a bulletproof chassis, was relatively lightweight, and had a good power train. These were 200,000-mile (320,000 km) cars."[32] Hot Rod rated the Duster "one of the best, if not the best, dollar buy in a performance car" in 1970.[31]


"The Machine": factory-modified 1970 AMC Rebel ran 14.4-second quarter mile in stock trim.American Motors' mid-sized 1970 Rebel Machine, developed in consultation with Hurst Performance, was also built for normal street use. It had a 390 cu in (6.4 L) engine developing 340 hp (254 kW) — a "moderate performer"[33] that gave a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.8 seconds and a quarter mile in 14.4 seconds at 99 mph (159 km/h).[34] Early examples came in "patriotic" red, white and blue.[35] Jack Nerad wrote in Driving Today that it was "a straight-up competitor to the GTO, et al. ... [T]he engine was upgraded to 340 horsepower (250 kW) [with] a four-barrel Motorcraft carburetor and other hot rod trickery. The torque figure was equally prodigious—430 pound-feet at a lazy 3600 rpm. In this car the engine was practically the entire story." With four-speed manual transmission, the car "could spring from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 6.4 seconds..." In Nerad's view the car "somehow, someway deserves to be considered among the Greatest Cars of All Time."[36]

A post-2005 Mopar Muscle magazine article said, "But by far the most stunning thing for a car with this level of performance and standard equipment was the sticker of just US$3,475."[37] In 1970, Hot Rod magazine wrote: "Here's a car that lists for $3500 at the starting point, but lacks an appealing interior, feels way too big (and is) to be a handler, and is marked with more identity than Peter Fonda's two wheeler,[38] with about the same taste. Not many of the folks we talked with while we had the car could think of any reason they'd want this car, with 36 months to pay and all the bright paint." The author said, "[I]f there is an attempt here to chase down the well-known middle-class supercar market nobody but American Motors need worry."[39]

For comparison, the "plain wrapper"[40] 1969 Plymouth Road Runner, Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year, ran a 14.7 quarter at 100.6 mph (161.9 km/h) with the standard 383 cu in (6.3 L) engine after the addition of a high-performance factory camshaft plus non-standard, high-performance induction and exhaust manifolds, carburetor and slick tires. In this form the car cost US$3,893.[28] In 1968 Dodge's US$3,027 Super Bee ran a 15-second quarter at 100 mph (160 km/h) on street tires with the same engine, only stock.[41]

Furthermore, the 340 cu in (5.6 L)-powered 1968 Plymouth Barracuda 4-seater, which Hot Rod magazine categorized as "a supercar, without any doubt attached...also a 'pony car', a compact and a workhorse" with enough rear seat leg and head room for "passengers to ride back there without distress" and "a flip-up door to the trunk area for ferrying some pretty sizeable loads of cargo", was a "sizeable threat on the drag strip": 13.33 seconds at 106.50 mph (171.40 km/h). Base price was $2796.00. Price as tested by Hot Rod: $3652.[42]


[edit] Related pickup trucks
Another related type of vehicle is the car-based pickup (known colloquially in Australia as a "ute" (short for "utility"). Holden makes such a vehicle under the model name "Ute""). Examples of these are the Ford Ranchero, GMC Sprint, GMC Caballero, and one of the most famous examples, the Chevrolet El Camino.


[edit] Politics
The automotive safety lobby led by Ralph Nader decried offering powerful cars for public sale, particularly when targeted at young buyers: the power of many muscle cars underlined their marginal brakes, handling, and tire adhesion. In response, the automobile insurance industry levied surcharges on all high-powered models, an added cost that put many muscle cars out of reach of their intended buyers. Simultaneously, efforts to combat air pollution—a problem that grew more complicated in 1973 when the OPEC oil embargo led to price controls and gasoline rationing—focused Detroit's attention on emissions control.

A majority of musclecars came optioned with high-compression powerplants - some as high as 11:1. Prior to the oil embargo, 100-octane fuel was common (e.g. Shell's Hi-Test) until the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970 where octane ratings were lowered to 91 - due in part of the removal of tetraethyl lead as a valve lubricant. Unleaded gasoline was phased in.

With all these forces against it, the market for muscle cars rapidly evaporated. Horsepower began to drop in 1971 as engine compression ratios were reduced. High-performance engines like Chrysler's 426 Hemi were discontinued, and all but a handful of other performance models were discontinued or transformed into soft personal luxury cars. Some nameplates e.g. Chevrolet's SS or Oldsmobile's 442 would become sport appearance packages (known in the mid to late 1970s as the vinyl and decal option - Plymouth's Road Runner was an upscale decor package for their Volare coupes). One of the last to succumb, a car that Car and Driver dubbed "The Last of the Fast Ones", was Pontiac's Trans Am SD455 model of 1973–1974. In 1975 its performance was reduced, although it remained in production through 2002.

American performance cars began to make a return in the 1980s. Owing to increases in production costs and tighter regulations governing pollution and safety, these vehicles were not designed to the formula of the traditional low-cost muscle cars. The introduction of electronic fuel injection and overdrive transmission for the remaining 1960s muscle-car survivors—the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird—helped sustain a market share for them alongside personal luxury coupes with performance packages, i.e. the Buick Regal T-Type or Grand National, Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS circa 1983-88.


[edit] Australia

Australian muscle: 1970 Holden HG Monaro GTS 350 V8Australia developed its own muscle car tradition around the same period, with the big three manufacturers Ford Australia, Holden or Holden Dealer Team (by then part of General Motors), and Chrysler Australia. The cars were specifically developed to run in the Armstrong 500 (miles) race and later the Hardie Ferodo 500 (the race's current 1,000 kilometre format was adopted in 1973). The demise of these cars was brought about by a change in racing rules requiring that 200 examples had to be sold to the general public before the car could qualify (homologation). In 1972, the government stepped in to ban supercars from the streets after two notable cases. The first instance was a Wheels magazine journalist driving at 150 mph (240 km/h) in a 1971 Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III XY 351.[43] Whilst the car was getting exposure in the press, the second incident occurred in George Street, Sydney, when a young male was caught driving at an estimated 150 mph (240 km/h) through the busy street, in a 1971 Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III, drag racing a Holden Monaro GTS 350. This was known in Australia as "The Supercar Scare".[citation needed]

Ford produced what is considered to be the first Australian muscle car in 1967, the 287 cu in (4.7 L) Windsor–powered XR Falcon. Ford continued to release faster models, culminating in the Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III of 1971, which was powered by a factory modified 351 Cleveland. Along with its GT and GTHO models, Ford, staring with the XW model in 1969, introduced a 'sporty' GS model, available across the Falcon range. The basic GS only came with a 250 cu in (4.1 L) six cylinder engine, but the 302 cu in (4.9 L) and 351 cu in (5.8 L) Windsor (replaced by the Cleveland engines for the XY), were optional. Ford's larger, more luxurious Fairlane was also available with these engines and could also be optioned with the 300 bhp (224 kW) 351 cu in (6 L) "Cleveland" engine.


Ford Falcon Cobra 351 V8Holden produced the famous Holden Monaro with 307 cu in (5 L), 327 cu in (5.4 L), and 350 cu in (5.7 L) Chevrolet smallblocks or 253 cu in (4.1 L) and 308 cu in (5 L) Holden V8s, followed by the release of four high-performance Toranas, the GTR-XU1 (1970–1973), SL/R 5000 (1974–1977), L34 (1974) and the A9X (1977).

The XU1 Torana was originally fitted with a 186 cu in (3 L) triple carbureted 6-cylinder engine, later increased to 202 cu in (3.3 L), as opposed to the 308 cu in (5 L) single quad-barrel carbureted V8 in the SL/R 5000, L34, and A9X.

Chrysler produced the R/T Valiant Charger from 1971 to 1973 when the R/Ts were discontinued; the dominant R/T models were the E38 and E49 with high performance 265 cu in (4.3 L) Hemi engines featuring triple Weber carburetors.

Chrysler apparently considered a high-performance V8 program importing 338 340 cu in (5.6 L) V8 engines from the U.S.

That high-performance project never went ahead, and the engines were subsequently fitted to the upmarket 770 model Charger. Initially this model was designated "SE" E55 340 (V8) and only available with automatic transmission; with a model change to the VJ in 1973 the engine became an option, and the performance was lessened.

All Chrysler performance Chargers were discontinued in 1974 with the exhausting of high performance 265ci Hemi and 340 V8s.


1972 Valiant Charger SE E55 340 V8The Australian muscle car era is considered to have ended with the release of the Australian Design Rule regarding emissions in ADR27a in 1976. An exception to this rule was the small number of factory-built Bathurst 1000 homologation specials that were constructed after 1976: they are considered to be musclecars. Examples of these homologation specials include the Torana A9X and the Bathurst Cobras.

Later homologation cars were built outside of the factory, many by the Holden Dealer Team (HDT) for track and road use. Although not regarded as true muscle cars, they quickly gained an enthusiastic following. The HDT program was under Peter Brock's direction and had approval from Holden.

Several highly modified high-performance road-going Commodores were produced through the early and mid 1980s. These "homologation specials" were produced to meet the Group A racing regulations. Models included the VC Group C, the VH SS Group III with a 0-100 km/h of 6.7 seconds,[44] the Blue VK SS Group A and the burgundy VL SS Group A. These vehicles are all individually numbered with only 4246 Brock HDT's made and are considered to be collectors' items.

The HDT Commodores are highly collectible muscle cars. Holden Dealer Team vehicles' became more collectible than ever in the wake of Brock's 2006 death.

Showroom-condition HDT cars are generating prices as high as $200,000 AU.[45]


[edit] South Africa
In South Africa, Chevrolet placed the Z28 302 Chevrolet smallblock into a Vauxhall Viva coupe bodyshell and called it the Firenza CanAm. Basil Green produced the 302 Windsor–powered Capri Perana. In addition Australian HT and HG GTS Monaros (1969-71) were exported in CKD form and were given a new fascia and rebadged as a Chevrolet SS, which were sold until about 1973. Falcon GTs were also exported to South Africa and rebadged as Fairmont GTs. The Australian XW Falcon GT was called the 1970 Fairmont GT, and the XY Falcon GT was called the Fairmont GT. The Falcons were re-badged as Fairmonts because of to the bad reputation of the American Falcons at the time. The Fairmonts were almost the same as their Australian cousins apart from a few cosmetic differences.


[edit] United Kingdom

450 bhp Cosworth V6-powered Ford Capri race carIn the United Kingdom, the muscle car never gained a significant market, but it certainly influenced British manufacturers, with models such as the Ford Capri and Vauxhall Firenza directly inspired by American designs.[citation needed] Later, both Ford and Vauxhall continued the tradition of producing high performance variants of its family cars, though often these had more subtle styling than the traditional muscle car, but with some notable exceptions. The more European influenced hot hatch has largely occupied this segment of the market since the early 1980s.


[edit] Modern muscle cars
This section does not cite any references or sources.
Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. (June 2008)


[edit] America and Australia

1994-1996 Chevrolet Impala SSIn the U.S., the full-size, 4-door Chevrolet Impala SS had a short but popular production run from 1994–1996 as a high-performance limited-edition version of the Caprice equipped with a Corvette-derived 5.7 L V8 LT1 engine and other specific performance features and body styling using the options found on the Caprice 9C1 police package. The revived Impala SS was no match for the rising sport utility market; some analysts would consider GM's phasing out rear-wheel drive luxury sedans as a fatal mistake.

The Impala SS nameplate was resurrected again in 2003 as a high-performance version of the standard Impala with larger and/or supercharged engines (whether the 21st century Impalas, which are front-wheel drive and have had variously V6s and V8s, can be considered muscle cars in the same vein as their earlier namesakes is debatable). General Motors discontinued its F-body pony-car models, the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird after 2002 but brought back the GTO in 2004 as a rebadged Holden Monaro imported from Australia.

Sales were poor and the "new" GTO was discontinued after three years. In its first sales year it achieved only 14,000 of its 18,000 per-annum sales target. The styling was unpopular—Car and Driver described the GTO as "[l]usty performance disguised in a phone-company fleet car"—and the already sluggish sales fell to 11,600 in 2006, its last model year.[46] However, according to an April 2008 article in Car and Driver, GM remained "undaunted" in its plan to "pull Pontiac’s performance bona fides out of mothballs using the next generation of Australian-engineered-and-built rear-drivers. The agenda includes the G8 sedan..." [47] and also a Camaro, "to be built in Canada at the plant that builds the Buick LaCrosse and Pontiac Grand Prix."[48]


2003-2004 Mercury MarauderFor 2003 and 2004 Mercury revived its old Marauder nameplate, as a modified 300 hp (220 kW) Mercury Grand Marquis (based on the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor). The Marauder failed to attract a market share unlike GM's Impala SS revival. In 2005 a "retro-inspired" version of the pony car Ford Mustang went on sale, which drew various design cues from Mustangs of the mid to late 1960s and early-1970s. In 2007 Ford and Shelby also re-released a new and modern version of the G.T. 500, with Super Snake and King of the Road editions following closely behind in 2008. Saleen has introduced a special edition based on the classic BOSS Mustangs of 1970 called the "PJ" after a famous Trans-Am series driver from the 1960s and 1970s, Parnelli Jones.

In 2004 Chrysler introduced their LX platform, which serves as the base for a new line of rear-wheel drive, V8-powered cars (using the new Hemi engine), including a four-door version of the Dodge Charger. While purists would not consider a station wagon (the Dodge Magnum) or a four-door sedan a muscle car, the performance of the new models is the equal of many of the vintage muscle cars of legend. Dodge has also revived two "classic" model names with the Charger: Daytona and Super Bee. The first was featured in 2006 as a Dodge Charger Daytona R/T and the Super Bee joined in 2007 as the Dodge Charger Super Bee. In addition, Dodge has been developing a new performance vehicle under the Challenger badge, which borrows styling cues from its older namesake, the prototype for which made its debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. Chevrolet has recently unveiled their Camaro concept car as well, with plans to sell new Camaros beginning with the 2009 model year.

GM's Cadillac division, which has marketed luxury cars for decades, introduced its XLR roadster in 2004 currently produced alongside the Chevrolet Corvette in its Bowling Green, Kentucky manufacturing plant. This led to the creation of the Cadillac V-series for their luxury CTS sedan, sold as the CTS-V.

As with SUVs that have large-displacement engines, modern muscle cars are criticised for poor fuel efficiency. (The original muscle cars met with the same criticism in the 1960s.) However the muscle car is lighter at about 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) than the typical SUV, which weighs 4,200 lb (1,900 kg)-7,200 lb (3,300 kg).

Modern-day musclecars are subject to the gas-guzzler tax, and the MSRP for a 2008 Shelby Mustang costs $50,000 - the same pricing territory as a Chevrolet Corvette.

According to a 2006 press release, fuel economy standards forced GM to delay the Zeta platform when the Oshawa production facility had already been retooled for its production. The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is one of GM's Zeta platform vehicles.

Australian Ford and Holden are currently producing high performance vehicles. For instance, Holden has its SS and SSV Commodores and Utilities, and HSV has more powerful Holden based versions and currently producing a limited edition HSV W427 - a Commodore fitted with the 7 litre V8 from the C6 Corvette Z06. Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) turns out similarly uprated special versions of the Ford Falcon Sedan, the major difference being Ford offer a 360 hp (270 kW) turbocharged 4.0 litre I6 as well as their V8s. FPV are producing the GT 4-door Falcons—both Boss V8 and turbocharged sixes; the premier Fords are currently the BOSS V8 and F6 turbocharged inline 6.

Holden Special Vehicles currently produces high-performance versions of various rear-drive Holden Commodore sedans and, fitted with high performance (400 hp) V8 engines, and are perhaps one of the closest contemporary equivalents to the classic American muscle car (excluding the AWD of course)—-fast, exciting, but relatively crude automobiles (though with far more attention to handling, suspension, safety and exceptional brakes compared with the stock models).


[edit] Collectibility
The original "tire-burning" cars such as the AMC AMX, Buick Gran Sport, Dodge R/T, Ford Mustang, Oldsmobile 4-4-2, Plymouth GTX and Pontiac GTO, are "collector's items for classic car lovers."[49]

Surviving muscle models are now prized, and certain models carry prices to rival some of the more highly valued European sports cars. At auction the rarest vintage 1965–1972 muscle cars can be appraised at over US$500,000 depending on model, options, condition, demand and availability. Some rare models like the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro with the ZL1 option are considered the equivalent of real estate or museum relics.[citation needed]

Reproduction muscle-car sheet metal parts and even complete body shells are available.


[edit] Models

[edit] United States
Motor Trend identified the following models as "musclecars" in 1965:

1962–1965 Dodge Dart 413/426 Max Wedge/426 Hemi/Plymouth Fury 413/426 Max Wedge/426 Hemi
1964–1965 Ford Thunderbolt 427
1965–1969 Buick Skylark Gran Sport
1965–1970 Dodge Coronet/Plymouth Belvedere 426-S
1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS
1965–1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442
Road & Track identified the following models as "musclecars" in 1965:

1964–1965 Pontiac Tempest Le Mans/GTO
1965–1975 Buick Riviera Gran Sport
1965–1969 Buick Skylark Gran Sport
1965–1970 Dodge Coronet/Plymouth Belvedere 426-S
1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS
1965–1967 Oldsmobile 442|Oldsmobile Cutlass 442
Car and Driver also created a list of the 10 Best muscle cars for its January 1990 issue. The magazine focused on the engines and included:

1966–1967 Plymouth/Dodge intermediates with 426 Hemi
1968–1969 Plymouth/Dodge intermediates with 426 Hemi
1970–1971 Plymouth/Dodge intermediates with 426 Hemi
1966–1967 Chevy II SS327
1966–1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396
1968–1969 Chevy II Nova SS396
1969 Ford Torino Cobra 428
1969 Plymouth Road Runner/Dodge Super Bee 440 Six Pack
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS454
1969 Pontiac GTO
Other muscle cars include the following:

Mid-size muscle models

1970–1971 AMC Rebel and Matador The Machine
1970–1974 Buick GSX
1965–1973 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
1965-1979 Chevrolet El Camino
1966–1974 Dodge Charger
1968–1971 Dodge Super Bee
1969–1970 Dodge Charger Daytona with nose and goalpost wing
1966–1969 Ford Fairlane GT, GTA, and Cobra
1968–1974 Ford Torino (GT, Cobra, and Talladega)
1966-1972 Mercury Cyclone
1970-1971 Mercury Montego
1968–1971 Oldsmobile 442
1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass "Ram-Rod" 350
1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass W-31
1967–1971 Plymouth GTX
1968–1974 Plymouth Road Runner
1970 Plymouth Superbird with nose and goalpost wing
1964–1974 Pontiac GTO
Compact muscle models

1969 AMC SC/Rambler
1971 AMC Hornet SC 360
1963–1974 Chevrolet Nova SS
1968–1976 Dodge Dart GT, GTS, Swinger, and Demon
1970–1976 Plymouth Duster
Pony car muscle models

1968–1970 AMC AMX
1968-1974 AMC Javelin and AMX
1967-1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 & SS
1970–1974 Dodge Challenger
1965-1969 Shelby Mustang GT350 & GT500
1968-1971 Mustang Cobra Jet
1969-1973 Mustang Mach 1
1969-1970 Boss 302 Mustang
1969-1970 Mustang Boss 429
1971 Mustang Boss 351
1969-1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator
1964–1974 Plymouth Barracuda aka 'Cuda
1967-1979 Pontiac Firebird & Trans Am



[edit] Australia
Chrysler

VH model

1971-1972 Charger R/T E37 (101 built)
1971-1972 Charger R/T E38 - 280 bhp (210 kW) - 3 Speed Gearbox (Track pack and Big tank were options and a fully blueprinted engine) (316 built)
1972-1973 Charger R/T E48 (2 built)
1972-1973 Charger R/T E49 - 302 bhp (225 kW) - 4 Speed Gearbox (Track pack and Big tank were options and a fully blueprinted engine) (149 built)
1972-1973 Charger S/E E55 - 275 bhp (205 kW) - 727 Torqueflite Auto (340 cubic inch Chrysler LA engine) (124 built)
1969-1971 Valiant Hardtop (318 or 360ci V8s)
VJ model (R/T nomenclature dropped) were:

1973-1974 Charger E48 (169 built)
1973 Charger E49 (4 built)
1973-1974 Charger 770 E55 (212 built)
Ford

1967 XR Falcon GT (289)
1968 XT Falcon GT (302)
1969–1970 XW Falcon GT (351)
1969–1970 XW Falcon/Fairmont GS 302 and 351
1969 XW Falcon GTHO Phase I (351W)
1970 XW Falcon GTHO Phase II (351C)
1970-1971 XY Falcon/Fairmont GS 302 and 351
1970-1971 XY Falcon GT (351)
1971 XY Falcon Phase III GTHO (351)
1972 XA Falcon Phase IV GTHO 4 door (only four made: three prototypes, one production) (351)
1972–1973 XA Falcon GT hardtop coupe/4 Door Sedan (351)
1972–1973 XA Falcon GS Hardtop/Sedan/Ute (302, 351)
1973 XA Falcon Superbird (302)
1973–1976 XB Falcon GT hardtop coupe/4 Door Sedan (351)
1973–1976 XB Falcon/Fairmont GS Hardtop/Sedan/Ute (302, 351)
1974–1975 XB Falcon John Goss Special (302)
1978 XC Falcon Cobra 5.8, Bathurst Homologation
Holden

1968–1969 HK Monaro GTS (327)
1969–1970 HT Monaro GTS (350)
1970–1971 HG Monaro GTS (350)
1971–1974 HQ Monaro GTS (350)
1974–1976 HJ Monaro GTS (308)
1970–1971 LC Torana GTR XU-1 (186)
1972–1973 LJ Torana GTR XU-1 (202)
1974–1976 LH Torana SL/R 5000 (308)
1974 LH Torana SL/R 5000 L34 (308)
1976–1978 LX Torana SL/R 5000 (308)
1976–1978 LX Torana SS (308)
1977 LX Torana SL/R 5000 A9X (308)
1977 LX Torana SS A9X (308)
Leyland

P76 "Force Seven". This was a coupe version of the Leyland P76, and the company's answer to the Holden Monaro GTS, Ford Falcon GT and Chrysler Valiant Charger. The company ran into financial difficulties and ceased Australian production before the Force Seven could be released. The eight completed examples were sold at auction.

[edit] See also
Pony car
Personal luxury car

[edit] References
^ Koch, Jeff. "The First Muscle Car: Older Than You" Hemmings Muscle Machines - October 1, 2004, retrieved on 2008-06-16.
^ The Merriam-Webster definition is more limiting, "any of a group of American-made 2-door sports coupes with powerful engines designed for high-performance driving."car "muscle car." Merriam-Webster Online. Retrieved on 16 June 2008.
^ a b c "Muscle Car Definition" Muscle Car Club Muscle, undated, retrieved on 2008-06-16.
^ Sherman, Don. "Muscle Cars Now Worth Millions" The New York Times, June 4, 2006, retrieved on 2008-06-16.
^ Classic Muscle Cars Library, How Stuff Works, undated, retrieved on 2008-06-16.
^ "Muscle Car Definition" by Muscle Car Society, undated, retrieved on 2008-06-16.
^ "AMC AMC History", Muscle Car Club. Retrieved on June 17, 2008.
^ "Musclecars Definition", Muscle Car Club". Retrieved on June 17, 2008.
^ "1970 AMC AMX" by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide, not dated, retrieved on 2008-01-28.
^ a b c Henshaw, Peter (2004): Muscle Cars, Thunder Bay Press. ISBN 1-59223-303-1
^ Mueller, Mike (1997). Motor City Muscle: The High-Powered History of the American Muscle Car, MotorBooks/MBI Publishing Company. pp.page 13. ISBN 978-0760301968, http://books.google.com/books?id=ZLP8kKL4w2kC&pg=PA13&dq=muscle+car+definition&ei=p-VWSLmdGI2ujAHm7IyYDA&sig=1gfGWDPXRhwQ0Eje4wDa7Cs1Z2g#PPA13,M1.
^ Example of the "supercar" term is in the article "1957 Rambler Rebel" by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide, retrieved on February 6, 2008.
^ Mueller, Mike (2004). The Essential Muscle Car, MotorBooks/MBI Publishing Company. pp.introduction. ISBN 978-0760319666, http://books.google.com/books?id=k3ltirdN8_cC&pg=PT11&dq=Supercars+moniker+muscle+cars&ei=x-pWSI6hL6bQigG90fSLDA&sig=rSEsbpTa0ibTuwKZGiBM0s41HJw.
^ a b "The Birth of Muscle Cars" by the auto editors of Consumer Guide. Retrieved on June 03, 2008.
^ a b Musclecars magazine, 1994.
^ Nerad, Jack. "Oldsmobile Rocket 88", Driving Today.
^ Dulcich, Steve: "Rocket Man" article in Popular Hot Rodding. Retrieved on June 07, 2008.
^ Chrysler 300 article by the editors at Edmunds.com. Retrieved on June 05, 2008.
^ 1957-1960 "Rambler Rebel" by the auto editors of Consumer Guide. Retrieved on June 03, 2008.
^ a b "AMC Muscle Cars" by the auto editors of Consumer Guide. Retrieved on June 03, 2008.
^ Shaw, Tom: "Anatomy of a Lightweight", Legendary Ford magazine, December 2005.
^ a b c d "Ford Thunderbolt" article by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. Retrieved on June 05, 2008.
^ a b Holder, Bill, and Kunz, Phil (2006). Extreme Muscle Cars, Krause Publications. ISBN 0-89689-278-6.
^ Gunnell, John (2005). American Cars of the 1960s, KP Books. ISBN 0-89689-131-3.
^ "1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi" by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. Retrieved on June 12, 2008.
^ a b c "1969 Chevrolet Chevelle COPO" article by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. Retrieved on June 05, 2008.
^ "1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454" by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. Retrieved on June 11, 2008.
^ a b Car Life January 1969.
^ "1968 Plymouth GTX" by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. Retrieved on June 16, 2008.
^ a b c "1970 Plymouth Duster 340" by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. Retrieved on June 11, 2008.
^ a b Kelly, Steve: "A new entry: DUSTER", Hot Rod March 1970.
^ Genat, Robert (2006). Mopar Muscle, Motorbooks. ISBN 0-7603-2679-7.
^ Cheetham, Craig (ed.) (2007). Ultimate Muscle Cars, Motorbooks. ISBN 0-7603-2834-X.
^ 1970 "AMC Rebel Machine" article by the Auto editors of Consumer Guide. Retrieved on June 06, 2008.
^ Kunz, Bruce. "1970 AMC Rebel", St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 24, 2007. Retrieved on 2008-06-09.
^ Nerad, Jack. "American Motors Rebel Machine", Driving Today. Retrieved on July 01, 2008.
^ Stunkard, Geoff. "Welcome To The Machine", Mopar Muscle magazine, retrieved on December 17, 2007.
^ "Captain America: A Chopper Profile", by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. Retrieved on July 05, 2008.
^ Kelly, Steve. "Too Much of a Rebel", Hot Rod magazine, February 1970.
^ Sanders, Bill. Motor Trend, February 1969.
^ "1968 Dodge Super Bee" by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. Retrieved on June 11, 2008.
^ Kelly, Steve. "Barracuda on the Line", Hot Rod magazine December 1968.
^ Mel Nichols- HO down the Hume
^ quickest HDT according to Modern Motor Magazine, January 1983
^ According to the Australian 5/2007 Wheels Magazine.
^ “How Pontiac Works”, by the auto editors of Consumer Guide. Retrieved on July 23 2008.
^ Robinson, Aaron. "2008 Pontiac G8 GT – Road Test", Car and Driver, April 2008. Retrieved on July 24 2008.
^ Robinson, Peter. "2006 Holden Commodore VE – Car News", Car and Driver, November 2006. Retrieved on July 24 2008.
^ Zuehlke, Jeffrey (2007). Classic Cars, Lerner Publications. pp.18. ISBN 978-0822559269, http://books.google.com/books?id=XI5-lBJ4bFAC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_summary_r&cad=0#PPT19,M1.
[show]v • d • eAmerican Muscle Cars

Motor Trend (1965) 1962–1965 Dodge Dart 413/426 Max Wedge/426 Hemi/Plymouth Fury 413/426 Max Wedge/426 Hemi · 1964–1965 Ford Thunderbolt 427 · 1965–1969 Buick Skylark Gran Sport · 1965–1970 Dodge Coronet/Plymouth Belvedere 426-S · 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS · 1965–1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442

Road & Track (1965) 1964–1965 Pontiac Tempest Le Mans/GTO · 1965–1975 Buick Riviera Gran Sport · 1965–1969 Buick Skylark Gran Sport · 1965–1970 Dodge Coronet/Plymouth Belvedere 426-S · 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS · 1965–1967 Oldsmobile 442 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442

Car and Driver (1990) 1966–1967 Plymouth/Dodge intermediates with 426 Hemi · 1968–1969 Plymouth/Dodge intermediates with 426 Hemi · 1970–1971 Plymouth/Dodge intermediates with 426 Hemi · 1966–1967 Chevy II SS327 · 1966–1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 · 1968–1969 Chevy II Nova SS396 · 1969 Ford Torino Cobra 428 · 1969 Plymouth Road Runner/Dodge Super Bee 440 Six Pack · 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 · 1969 Pontiac GTO

Mid-Size 1970–1971 AMC Rebel and Matador The Machine · 1970–1974 Buick GSX · 1965–1973 Chevrolet Chevelle SS · 1966–1974 Dodge Charger · 1968–1971 Dodge Super Bee · 1969–1970 Dodge Charger Daytona · 1966–1969 Ford Fairlane GT, GTA, and Cobra · 1968–1974 Ford Torino (GT, Cobra, and Talladega) · 1966-1972 Mercury Cyclone · 1970-1971 Mercury Montego · 1968–1971 Oldsmobile 442 · 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass "Ram-Rod" 350 · 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass W-31 · 1967–1971 Plymouth GTX · 1968–1974 Plymouth Road Runner · 1970 Plymouth Superbird · 1964–1974 Pontiac GTO

Compact 1969 AMC SC/Rambler · 1971 AMC Hornet SC 360 · 1963–1974 Chevrolet Nova SS · 1968–1976 Dodge Dart GT, GTS, Swinger, and Demon · 1970–1976 Plymouth Duster

Pony Car 1968–1970 AMC AMX · 1968-1974 AMC Javelin and AMX · 1967-1974 Chevrolet Camaro SS, Z-28 · 1970–1974 Dodge Challenger · 1965-1969 Shelby Mustang GT350 & GT500 · 1968-1971 Mustang Cobra Jet · 1969-1973 Mustang Mach 1 · 1969-1970 Boss 302 Mustang · 1969-1970 Mustang Boss 429 · 1971 Mustang Boss 351 · 1969-1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator · 1964–1974 Plymouth Barracuda aka 'Cuda · 1967-1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

[show]v • d • eAustralian Muscle Cars

Chrysler VH Model(s) 1971-1972 Charger R/T E37 · 1971-1972 Charger R/T E38 · 1972-1973 Charger R/T E48 · 1972-1973 Charger R/T E49 · 1972-1973 Charger S/E E55 · 1969-1971 Valiant Hardtop (318 or 360ci V8s)

Chrysler VJ Model(s) 1973-1974 Charger E48 · 1973 Charger E49 · 1973-1974 Charger 770 E55

Ford 1967 XR Falcon GT · 1968 XT Falcon GT · 1969–1970 XW Falcon GT · 1969–1970 XW Falcon/Fairmont GS 302 and 351 · 1969 XW Falcon GTHO Phase I · 1970 XW Falcon GTHO Phase II · 1970-1971 XY Falcon/Fairmont GS 302 and 351 · 1970-1971 XY Falcon GT · 1971 XY Falcon Phase III GTHO · 1972 XA Falcon Phase IV GTHO 4 door · 1972–1973 XA Falcon GT hardtop coupe/4 Door Sedan · 1972–1973 XA Falcon GS Hardtop/Sedan/Ute · 1973 XA Falcon Superbird · 1973–1976 XB Falcon GT hardtop coupe/4 Door Sedan · 1973–1976 XB Falcon/Fairmont GS Hardtop/Sedan/Ute · 1974–1975 XB Falcon John Goss Special · 1978 XC Falcon Cobra 5.8, Bathurst Homologation

Holden 1968–1969 HK Monaro GTS · 1969–1970 HT Monaro GTS · 1970–1971 HG Monaro GTS · 1971–1974 HQ Monaro GTS · 1974–1976 HJ Monaro GTS · 1970–1971 LC Torana GTR XU-1 · 1972–1973 LJ Torana GTR XU-1 · 1974–1976 LH Torana SL/R 5000 · 1974 LH Torana SL/R 5000 L34 · 1976–1978 LX Torana SL/R 5000 · 1976–1978 LX Torana SS · 1977 LX Torana SL/R 5000 A9X · 1977 LX Torana SS A9X

Leyland P76 "Force Seven"






[edit] External links
Muscle Cars at the Open Directory Project

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_car"
Category: Muscle cars
Hidden categories: All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements since January 2008 | Articles with unsourced statements since June 2008 | Articles needing additional references from June 2008

[Retro]

Do me a favor someone else read all that and just give me the short version. :conf45:

[Derwood98]

Do me a favor someone else read all that and just give me the short version. :conf45:

LOL, sorry. Just had to do it.

[cheatek]

Just tryin to spark up some conversation buddy is all.

BTW Darrin, that was one hell of a post!!!

[Evilways]

I'm not sure of what to post as defination of a "modern muscle car" as some modern muscle comes in the form of four doors and suvs ( 300c, Charger, Jeep SRT8, etc.). I can say, that I belive the re-birth of the American Muscle engine was in 1997 with the advent of the LS1 (came in the Vette only that year, Camaro and TransAMs followed). That engine opened the door for the new horse power wars that still, despite horrible economy and a past summer of $4.00 plus gasoline, wages on. You could also argue that SLP ignited the early fires with the Firehawk , but I feel that "tuner" aftermarket conversions shouldn't be a basis upon which this modern era is derived. If you wanted to go back further into the '80's, then the Turbo TA and the Buick GN and GNX were the badasses of their times, despite the , what we'd call horrible, ETs and HP output. 14 seconds and 90-98mph in the quarter was substancial in those time for any production based street car, and those were the upper crust of what was availible. All that being said, the LS1 helped bring about the modern muscle that we all enjoy today, but maybe not for many more years. Thats why I have the toys I have and enjoy them while I can , before all thats left is a plug-in vibrator of a car that makes no sound, is sterile in every way and looks like some sort of alien insect.

Oh, FWIW, I'm sorry, but despite their capabilities, I would not include any cars like Evos, GTRs, NSXs, or their like ....the "muscle car" was an American thing( sorry, no offence to Canada, a few of my Firebirds were built there...), these guys are just wanna be's in ugly clothes.

[cheatek]

I'm not sure of what to post as defination of a "modern muscle car" as some modern muscle comes in the form of four doors and suvs ( 300c, Charger, Jeep SRT8, etc.). I can say, that I belive the re-birth of the American Muscle engine was in 1997 with the advent of the LS1 (came in the Vette only that year, Camaro and TransAMs followed). That engine opened the door for the new horse power wars that still, despite horrible economy and a past summer of $4.00 plus gasoline, wages on. You could also argue that SLP ignited the early fires with the Firehawk , but I feel that "tuner" aftermarket conversions shouldn't be a basis upon which this modern era is derived. If you wanted to go back further into the '80's, then the Turbo TA and the Buick GN and GNX were the badasses of their times, despite the , what we'd call horrible, ETs and HP output. 14 seconds and 90-98mph in the quarter was substancial in those time for any production based street car, and those were the upper crust of what was availible. All that being said, the LS1 helped bring about the modern muscle that we all enjoy today, but maybe not for many more years. Thats why I have the toys I have and enjoy them while I can , before all thats left is a plug-in vibrator of a car that makes no sound, is sterile in every way and looks like some sort of alien insect.

Oh, FWIW, I'm sorry, but despite their capabilities, I would not include any cars like Evos, GTRs, NSXs, or their like ....the "muscle car" was an American thing( sorry, no offence to Canada, a few of my Firebirds were built there...), these guys are just wanna be's in ugly clothes.

Now that's a great point, to be a muscle car must it be American? Good question. Big V-8 coupes and sedans are put out by not only Audi, Bmw and Merc but also by the Japs now so what about them?? Hmmmm ...

(and my :twocents: on this is imo the 5.0 Mustang from the late 80s really started the rebirth of the muscle car, only on a smaller scale)

[Derwood98]

Just tryin to spark up some conversation buddy is all.

BTW Darrin, that was one hell of a post!!!

Thanks.. :thumbsup: Little copy and paste action. :D

[HEMISFEAR]

I'm not sure of what to post as defination of a "modern muscle car" as some modern muscle comes in the form of four doors and suvs ( 300c, Charger, Jeep SRT8, etc.). I can say, that I belive the re-birth of the American Muscle engine was in 1997 with the advent of the LS1 (came in the Vette only that year, Camaro and TransAMs followed). That engine opened the door for the new horse power wars that still, despite horrible economy and a past summer of $4.00 plus gasoline, wages on. You could also argue that SLP ignited the early fires with the Firehawk , but I feel that "tuner" aftermarket conversions shouldn't be a basis upon which this modern era is derived. If you wanted to go back further into the '80's, then the Turbo TA and the Buick GN and GNX were the badasses of their times, despite the , what we'd call horrible, ETs and HP output. 14 seconds and 90-98mph in the quarter was substancial in those time for any production based street car, and those were the upper crust of what was availible. All that being said, the LS1 helped bring about the modern muscle that we all enjoy today, but maybe not for many more years. Thats why I have the toys I have and enjoy them while I can , before all thats left is a plug-in vibrator of a car that makes no sound, is sterile in every way and looks like some sort of alien insect.

Oh, FWIW, I'm sorry, but despite their capabilities, I would not include any cars like Evos, GTRs, NSXs, or their like ....the "muscle car" was an American thing( sorry, no offence to Canada, a few of my Firebirds were built there...), these guys are just wanna be's in ugly clothes.

Excellent Post Frankie!


Now that's a great point, to be a muscle car must it be American? Good question. Big V-8 coupes and sedans are put out by not only Audi, Bmw and Merc but also by the Japs now so what about them?? Hmmmm ...

(and my :twocents: on this is imo the 5.0 Mustang from the late 80s really started the rebirth of the muscle car, only on a smaller scale)

Good point Scott. 1987 was, on a smaller scale a time when muscle was making a comeback. Some may say, even as early as 84 with the Mustang GT. 85 brought the Camaros/Transams and such with the 305 and 350's. But really...they were all nothing to write home about when compared to today. So, the question remains, is horsepower and more specifically, how much horsepower would allow a car to become eligible for "muscle" status? Does the definition change with the times? 87 5.0's had what 225 hp? We all know what happened to those cars....some were made blisteringly quick. Would it be considered a muscle car? 85 and 86 GT's had even less horse. hmm

[Retro]

(and my :twocents: on this is imo the 5.0 Mustang from the late 80s really started the rebirth of the muscle car, only on a smaller scale)


Yea, it is know as the "Cagle Muscle" car!

:pounding table::pounding table::pounding table::pounding table::pounding table::pounding table::pounding table:

Wooo, shit, I kill me! (watery eyes)

[cheatek]

Excellent Post Frankie!



Good point Scott. 1987 was, on a smaller scale a time when muscle was making a comeback. Some may say, even as early as 84 with the Mustang GT. 85 brought the Camaros/Transams and such with the 305 and 350's. But really...they were all nothing to write home about when compared to today. So, the question remains, is horsepower and more specifically, how much horsepower would allow a car to become eligible for "muscle" status? Does the definition change with the times? 87 5.0's had what 225 hp? We all know what happened to those cars....some were made blisteringly quick. Would it be considered a muscle car? 85 and 86 GT's had even less horse. hmm

That's what I'm asking, if it's just "horsepower" that matters then cars like Evos, STis, the new Nissan GTR and Porsches and such make it in. Stevo is right too in that some of those cars I'd consider "sports cars", not muscle cars. Are big Audi, MB and BMW high horse V-8 sedans and coupes muscle cars then?? IDK.

[swexlin]

To me, muscle means TORQUE. Some cars are muscle cars, and some are sports cars, a few are both ('Vettes and Vipers, for instance).

To me, the engine must make good torque to qualify as muscle. This can mean V8, V10, straight-6, turbo-4, whatever. Hell, I consider a LT-1 Buick Roadmaster a musclecar. My Mercury Grand Marquis, with a 4.6 V8 rated at only 275 lb ft, is not. It can get out of its own way, but muscle it isn't.

An Acura NSX is a fast sports car, but not a muscle car, as that V6 is not very torquey (I've never driven one, so maybe I'm wrong).

By my definition, there are a lot of muscle cars on the market today, both foreign and domestic.

[06HEMIR/T]

Muscle cars are cars with muscle----American built, V-8 or V-10 powered. 2 or 4 doors. But gotta be American. Horsepower rules, v-6 turbo or not is not a muscle car. It is a fast car but Not muscle. Remember if you need an additive like turbo, supercharger, or NOS your not brute force. Just my .02 worth. Beemers are def not a muscle car, lol.

[Evilways]

Ok, sounds like we're reigning in a defining decription of what (we belive, anyways) to be a true muscle car, but there is still alot of varying opinions, which is always cool for a good discussion. In my opinion, and not to hurt anyones' feelings who owns one, but the 6cyl varient of any "muscle car" should NOT its self be catagorized as a muscle car(camaro,firebird,mustang,charger,challenger,etc ..all have a base V6), but, if the top of the line model, like the GN, has a 6cyl, then it should be considered , at least, as a contender for "muscle" moniker. Here's the kicker, I would not call the Grand Prix GTP or the Pontiac G8 a muscle car, the CTS-V is a close one, but you almost have to say yes, just due to the following it has. A true muscle car had a reputation that preceeds it, it has somethng about it that makes other car owners want own it and want to beat it if they can't own it. They are things of legend, things gear heads in the future will talk about years from now. I own a Vette, but I don't feel it was a true muscle car as it was when I purchased it...why? No sound, no lope, people didn't flock to it, asking questions and looking at it lovingly...My SRT8 Charger and now the SRT8 Jeep..they do, people come outta the wood work to ask about them, I can't go for a ride to the store without some ya-hoo wanting to race. That takes nothing away form my vette, mind you, but in my opinion, years from now, people won't be talking about the last few generations of vette like they will the SRT8 vehicles. I used to get the same reactions form my 2000 Trans Am WS6...people loved that car , and i have to admit, I'd love to get one again. I still stare at Ram Air cars (4th Gen TAs) . I think this post has made things even more confusing...lol.

[HEMISFEAR]

Truth, I'd tend to agree that any 6 or base level car such as the challenger, mustang etc do not fit the category. The GN and GNx were a different animal and at the top of the Buick brand.

[cheatek]

Great posts guys, I love it! This was my point for the thread, just having a good discussion, of course everyone is gonna have different opinions, that's what makes it good!

For me I have to say in all honesty that the term "muscle car" means a 60s or 70s American tank (or boat, lol) with a massive V-8 under the hood putting out all kinds of hp and torque. It can't corner worth beans tho cause that would make it a "sports car". I hear "muscle car" and the first image in my head is of a 70 Chevelle 454! I don't think you can get much more "muscle" than that.

[06HEMIR/T]

Hell yeah, thats a muscle car. Nova SS, Chevelle SS, Buick GS, Torino GT, Mach 1, Cutlass 442, The Judge, just to name a few.

[cheatek]

Hell yeah, thats a muscle car. Nova SS, Chevelle SS, Buick GS, Torino GT, Mach 1, Cutlass 442, The Judge, just to name a few.

Exxxxxxxxxactly! In my mind those cars will always be the ONLY true muscle cars ever.

[06HEMIR/T]

Yes indeed. The "modern" day muscle cars lack the grunt, grime, poor handling, uncomfortable interior and true sounds of a muscle car.

[cheatek]

Yes indeed. The "modern" day muscle cars lack the grunt, grime, poor handling, uncomfortable interior and true sounds of a muscle car.

No kidding, lol, they handle too well, ride too smooth, have too many creature comforts and are too quiet. Plus, they get too good gas mileage!!:grinyes:

[06HEMIR/T]

I know, I also own a 73 Nova SS. I love the car but dont enjoy driving it anymore. I'm passing it down to my son.

[Johnny--2k]

I think a muscle car should be termed only to something that is RAW power, no gadgetry to hold it back or tame it down, just pure, unadulterated, raw, rubber shredding power.

MODERN muscle on the other hand should be deemed any MODERN vehicle, be it 2 or 4 doors, car, truck, or SUV with an exhorbitant amount of unnecessary power, at minimum 400+, yet one that can still be a luxo-cruiser, and a daily driven vehicle. Now, this could even extend to the reaches of the Nissan GT-R and other similar cars, but that is going into the realm of EXOTICS, whereas a muscle car should be something that most people can still afford without taking 3 mortgages and cashing in their 401K to purchase, so that now excludes the GT-R, most AMG's and M's are out as well. Muscle cars were always priced to sell, not to be exclusive or elite.

[06HEMIR/T]

Exactly, basics, no pansy bullcrap.

[cheatek]

I think a muscle car should be termed only to something that is RAW power, no gadgetry to hold it back or tame it down, just pure, unadulterated, raw, rubber shredding power.

MODERN muscle on the other hand should be deemed any MODERN vehicle, be it 2 or 4 doors, car, truck, or SUV with an exhorbitant amount of unnecessary power, at minimum 400+, yet one that can still be a luxo-cruiser, and a daily driven vehicle. Now, this could even extend to the reaches of the Nissan GT-R and other similar cars, but that is going into the realm of EXOTICS, whereas a muscle car should be something that most people can still afford without taking 3 mortgages and cashing in their 401K to purchase, so that now excludes the GT-R, most AMG's and M's are out as well. Muscle cars were always priced to sell, not to be exclusive or elite.

Good point Johnny, I don't think anyone's mentioned price yet and that definitely has its place. Always has for muscle cars. Now in regards to "modern muscle" does that still apply, idk, hmmm ...

[06HEMIR/T]

I wouldn't consider , say a Viper as a muscle car. Know what I mean?

[cheatek]

I wouldn't consider , say a Viper as a muscle car. Know what I mean?

Agreed, in the "classic" sense it would be a sports car but what about in the "modern muscle" sense of today? Idk ...

[Johnny--2k]

it's on that border for Modern Muscle. They can be had fairly inexpensively as used, so there is another twist to the story.....

[cheatek]

And in general people make a lot more money nowadays then they did back in the day, not me, but a lot of people, so maybe "modern muscle" cars CAN be a bit more expensive??

[06HEMIR/T]

I'd say super car? IDK either. I like monster trucks as well, want to start that debate?

[Mopar2Ya]

Modern Muscle: A vehicle w/at least an 8cyl engine w/a crap load of wires, computers, & sensors attached to it. Oh & don't forget heated seats & NAV.

[Johnny--2k]

^ ?

[Evilways]

I know the "classic" defination of Muscle car will always invoke images of the BB Chevelles, Grand Torinos, GT500s, Camaro SSs, etc...but in truth, I'd rather have the ability to take a decent turn at a decent speed without wondering if I was gonna end up in the curb or grass and not have to worry about leaving 10-12 car lengths just to be able to stop without rear ending the guy up front, ya know. I've driven a 73 440 six pack Charger and owned a 77 Pontiac TA w/ 400 BB and for straight lines and car shows, they're cool as all, but if you want to get down and dirty at a track or partake in some spirited driving, there's nothing better than some of the modern muscle we have access to now. If I owned a classic muscle car again in the future, you better bet it's gonna have all the modern brakes , fuel injection, and handling parts I can throw at it.

[08srt8Calgary]

To me moder muscle envokes a feeling. If it has enough discplacement and barks loud enough its a muscle car. Everyone is including the GN/GNX as it envokes the feeling that a muscle car is supposed to. Simple breakdown for me, but I just spent forever reading the actual boring definition.