The Unforgettable Power: A Look at Iconic 1967 Muscle Cars and Their Kin

While mid-century Britain and Europe produced automotive beauties like the Jaguar E-Type and Mercedes-Benz 300SL, America was forging its own legends on the asphalt. Icons like the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and Chevrolet Camaro defined the era of the muscle car, blending raw power with undeniably bold design. The year 1967 stands out as a particularly potent time in this high-octane history. Let’s revisit some of the most revered American muscle machines from this golden age, focusing on the power and style that defined the 1967 Muscle Car landscape and its influential successors.

1968 Shelby GT350 Fastback

A high-performance variant of the legendary Ford Mustang, the Shelby GT350, whose production run began in 1967, was crafted by Shelby American Inc. This machine featured aggressive styling with a fibreglass hood, a unique front fascia, and distinctive taillights. Inside, exclusive parts like a custom console, specialized gauges, and unique badging were often tailored to customer orders, enhancing its bespoke appeal.

Side view of a vibrant blue 1968 Shelby GT350 Fastback parked outdoors.

Close-up interior view showing the steering wheel and dashboard of a classic Shelby GT350.

Produced: 1967 to 1968
Engine: 302ci OHV V8 Holley with a 4-Barrel Carburettor
Power: 250 horsepower at 5,000rpm
Price when new: $4,117

1969 Dodge Charger R/T 426 Hemi

Representing the peak performance model for Dodge during its era, the Charger R/T gained cultural immortality. Much like the Ford Mustang GT in Bullitt, a 1969 Dodge Charger, famously painted orange as the ‘General Lee’, became a star in The Dukes of Hazzard. The R/T (Road/Track) variant offered sportier trim, exclusive paint options, and the availability of racing stripes, signalling its potent capabilities.

Front three-quarter view of a black 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 426 Hemi, a classic American muscle car.

Close-up of the iconic hidden headlights and grille design of the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T.

Produced: 1968 to 1970
Engine: 7-litre, naturally-aspirated ‘426’ V8
Power: 425 horsepower at 5,000rpm
Price when new: $3,575

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Coupé

Launched as part of Chevrolet’s powerful 1964 lineup, the Chevelle occupied a space between the compact ‘Chevy II’ and the larger ‘Impala’. A significant redesign arrived four years later. The Malibu ‘Super Sport’ (SS) variant featured here, particularly with the LS6 engine option in 1970, stood as one of the most formidable muscle cars of its time, revered for its immense torque and acceleration.

Front three-quarter view of a red 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Coupe with black racing stripes.

Close-up on the rear quarter panel showing the 'SS' badge and taillight of a 1970 Chevelle.

Produced: 1968–1972 (Second Generation)
Engine: 6.6-litre 402ci with a 4-Barrel Carburettor (SS 396) / 7.4L 454ci V8 (SS 454)
Power: Up to 450 horsepower at 5,600rpm (LS6 454)
Price when new: $2,809 (Base V8 Malibu)

1967 Plymouth Barracuda Coupé

Marking the second generation of this model, the 1967 Plymouth Barracuda offered distinct fastback, convertible, and notchback hardtop styles. It featured fashionable ‘Coke bottle’ side contours, curved side glass, and flowing S-curved roof pillars on the fastback. Designed to challenge Ford’s Mustang, the Barracuda carved its own niche within the burgeoning pony car market, especially representative of the 1967 Muscle Car scene.

Side profile of a gold 1967 Plymouth Barracuda Coupe, showcasing its classic 'Coke bottle' shape.

Close-up of the distinctive grille and headlight design of the 1967 Plymouth Barracuda.

Produced: 1967 to 1969
Engine: 273ci V8 with a Single 2-Barrel Carburettor (standard V8)
Power: 180 horsepower at 4,400rpm (standard V8)
Price when new: $2,530

1969 Pontiac Firebird Coupé

The first generation Pontiac Firebird, launched in 1967, remains a highlight of the model’s long history. Developed as a direct competitor to the Ford Mustang and sharing the ‘F-Body’ platform with the Chevrolet Camaro, it hit the market just months after its GM sibling. The ‘Firebird’ nameplate was adopted from a series of GM concept cars from the 1950s, hinting at its performance aspirations from the start.

Front view of a white 1969 Pontiac Firebird Coupe with its distinctive split grille design.

Close-up of the rear fender and taillight detail on the 1969 Pontiac Firebird.

Produced: 1967 to 1969
Engine: 5.7-litre 350ci two-barrel V8 (standard V8)
Power: 265 horsepower (standard V8)
Price when new: $2,831

1967 Chevrolet Camaro

A cornerstone of the American muscle car pantheon, the Chevrolet Camaro debuted for the 1967 model year. This first-generation icon is characterized by its long hood, short deck proportions, low stance, and a wide array of trim and performance options. It perfectly embodied the spirit of the 1967 muscle car. Interestingly, its semi-unibody structure was shared with the more utilitarian 1968 Chevy II Nova.

Front three-quarter view of a red 1967 Chevrolet Camaro convertible, a classic American muscle car.

Close-up of the iconic front grille and hidden headlight option on a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS.

Produced: 1966–1969 (Sold as 1967-1969 models)
Engine: Available from inline-6 up to Big Block V8s like the 396ci (A customer could fit a 454ci V8 later)
Power: Up to 295 horsepower at 4,800rpm (L48 350 V8) / 375 hp (L78 396 V8)
Price when new: $2,572 (Base V8)

1970 Dodge R/T 426 Hemi Challenger

While its sibling, the Charger, starred in The Dukes of Hazzard, the Dodge Challenger made its cinematic mark in the 1971 film Vanishing Point. Launched in 1970, the Challenger was Dodge’s answer to the pony car craze, offering impressive power, larger dimensions, and more luxury features than competitors. The R/T 426 Hemi variant was exceedingly rare and powerful, with only 137 examples reportedly produced for the 1970 model year.

Front three-quarter view of a bright purple 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 426 Hemi.

Close-up of the distinctive taillight panel spanning the rear of the 1970 Dodge Challenger.

Produced: 1970 (First year of model)
Engine: 7-litre, naturally-aspirated ‘426’ V8 Hemi
Power: 425 horsepower at 5,000rpm
Price when new: Approx. $4,500 (Hemi option added significantly to base price)

1974 Ford Gran Torino

The final car on our list also achieved pop culture fame as the ride of choice in the TV series Starsky and Hutch. This 1974 model represents the third iteration of the third-generation Ford Torino line. Key styling features include a smaller, more pronounced central grille compared to earlier years, chrome bezels framing the headlights, and a steeply raked windscreen contributing to its sleek profile.

Front three-quarter view of a classic red 1974 Ford Gran Torino with a white vector stripe.

Close-up detail of the front grille and headlight assembly on a 1974 Ford Gran Torino.

Produced: 1974 (Specific year styling)
Engine: 351ci ‘Cobra Jet’ Engine (Optional performance V8)
Power: Approx. 255 horsepower at 5,600rpm (351 CJ)
Price when new: $3,411 (Base Gran Torino V8 Hardtop)

These machines represent just a fraction of the incredible output from American automakers during the muscle car’s zenith. Whether it’s a true 1967 muscle car or one of its close relatives from the era, these vehicles combined earth-shaking power with unforgettable style, securing their legendary status among automotive enthusiasts worldwide.