The Best US Classic Muscle Cars: Shock Naue Picks

Looking back over six decades, automotive historians generally agree that the 1964 Pontiac GTO was the first true muscle car. While earlier contenders like the 1957 Rambler Rebel and Chevy Bel Air “Fuelie” existed, to many enthusiasts of the era, and later generations who have experienced them, a “real” muscle car was exclusively American-made and built primarily from 1964 until—at the most charitable extension—1973. Ultimately, 1970 stands out as the most exuberant model year for this breed of automobiles, whose raw power and straight-line performance would not be truly revived by American manufacturers for more than four decades. This era defined what we now celebrate as Us Classic Muscle Cars, vehicles built for speed and style, leaving an indelible mark on automotive history and pop culture. For a comprehensive look at some top contenders, explore our picks for the best classic American muscle cars.

The year 1970 offered an incredible array of choices, including icons like the Chevy Camaro SS 396 L78, the AMC AMX 390 Go-Pack, the Dodge Challenger 440 Six Pack, the Oldsmobile 442 W-30, the Shelby GT500, the Pontiac GTO Ram Air, the Mercury Cougar 428 Super Cobra Jet, the Buick GSX, and the Ford Mustang Boss 429, among many others. Muscle cars were so prevalent then that many models initially sat on dealership lots for extended periods. Ironically, many of those same cars, such as the legendary Plymouth Superbird, now regularly command prices far exceeding their original sticker values in the collector market.

Following 1973, the focus on performance began to wane significantly, hitting a major roadblock with the 1974 oil crisis and increasing DOT and EPA regulations. This shift was a global phenomenon impacting vehicles from mass-market Fords to exotic Ferraris. The fact that only three cars on our list were produced after 1973 underscores the sheer volume of high-performance muscle cars American automakers were producing at the peak of the era. Here, we present our selection of the 33 best muscle cars ever made, listed in reverse chronological order. Many of these vehicles offered seemingly marginal or stylistic differences from competitors, yet to their devoted fans, these distinctions made all the difference in the world.

Dodge Challenger Hellcat

Image Credit: Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Mopar’s legendary 426 Hemi V8 engine fueled the biggest, baddest muscle cars during America’s golden age of high-performance machines. The Middle East oil crisis brought that initial party to an end in the early 1970s. However, a smoldering ember kept the Dodge performance flame alive, eventually igniting into a towering inferno with the Dodge Challenger SRT models, offered in various forms from 2015 to 2024. The 2023 Dodge Demon 170 pushed boundaries with an absurd 1,025 hp on E85 fuel, achieving a staggering 0-60 mph time of just 1.66 seconds. While representing the most powerful muscle car ever made in terms of factory output, it also marked Chrysler Corporation’s ultimate, gas-guzzling hurrah, preceding the eventual extinction of the internal combustion engine in this lineage and the introduction of the current all-electric Challenger.

Dodge Viper

1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 first generation in redImage Credit: Mecum Auto Auctions
Before Chrysler unveiled its radical Viper concept in 1989, Chevy’s Corvette largely reigned supreme as America’s sole dedicated sports car. The Dodge Viper fundamentally changed that landscape. The first generation (1991-2002) gradually became more refined over its initial decade, but the earliest models were essentially raw, open-top roadsters, notably lacking airbags, air conditioning, and featuring only flimsy plastic side windows. The striking GTS coupé, introduced in 1996, is often considered the design peak of the Viper lineage. Second-generation Vipers, produced from 2003 to 2010, incorporated more modern features like ABS brakes, long after their widespread adoption by other manufacturers. In 2013, Dodge placed the Viper under its SRT (Street and Racing Technology) division. That third generation (2013-2017) felt positively civilized compared to its predecessors, although drivers still enjoyed the engaging experience of a 6-speed manual gearbox. When production ended in 2017, approximately 32,000 examples had been built over a 26-year production run, solidifying its place among modern American performance icons.

1987 Buick GNX

Image Credit: Courtesy of TXW480/bringatrailer.com
The 1980s are often viewed as a somewhat bleak period for American performance cars, many of which suffered from emission regulations that significantly reduced the power output of once-mighty engines. A notable exception to this trend was Buick’s unique, one-year-only GNX, an acronym for “Grand National Experimental.” This high-performance variant drew inspiration from the Grand National Regal, a popular and sporty model in Buick’s lineup. GNX production was strictly limited to a mere 547 units, a result of a collaboration between ASC (American Specialty Cars) and McLaren Performance Technologies. Instead of the expected V8, it was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine featuring an intercooled turbocharger—a relatively novel approach for the time. This setup produced a significantly underrated 276 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque (believed to be closer to 300 hp and 420 lb-ft in reality). With a price tag of nearly $30,000, the GNX was not inexpensive at the time and remains a highly sought-after collectible among enthusiasts of Us Classic Muscle Cars.

1972 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Super Duty

Front quarter view of a white 1972 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Super DutyImage Credit: Pontiac
The second-generation F-Body Firebird and Camaro introduced a distinctly European-inspired flair that was widely acclaimed by the public and continues to look striking decades later. This new design featured smooth, flowing curves, a body-colored front end, and a prominent rear spoiler. The interior felt like a cockpit, equipped with front and rear bucket seats and an expansive dashboard reminiscent of exclusive European sports cars. The powerful Ram Air IV 400 ci (6.6-liter) V8 engine was exclusive to the top Trans Am model and, when paired with an automatic or manual transmission, delivered 345 hp and 370 hp, respectively. Distinctive design accents unique to the Trans Am included fender flares, a ‘shaker’ hood scoop, and heat extractors in the front fenders. Out of nearly 49,000 Firebirds produced in 1970, fewer than 3,200 were the highly desirable Trans Am model, making the ’72 Super Duty particularly rare and coveted.

1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30

Image Credit: Oldsmobile
Oldsmobile, a marque sadly discontinued since 2004, was once a brilliant highlight in the General Motors portfolio, boasting iconic models like the Rocket 88, Toronado, and Vista Cruiser Wagon, reflecting a higher design vision. In the realm of muscle cars, the 442, designated as its own model from 1968 to 1971, gained fame. Its name, 4-4-2, initially referred to its four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission, and dual exhausts—a marketing spin by GM, but the car’s performance was undeniably real. The pinnacle performance variant, the W-30 package, was powered by Oldsmobile’s formidable 455 ci V8 engine, conservatively rated at 370 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, making it exceptionally fast for its era. It deservedly served as the official Indy 500 pace car for 1970 and stands as Oldsmobile’s ultimate performance statement among us classic muscle cars.

1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler 429 SCJ

Image Credit: Mecum
The Mercury Cyclone had a relatively short tenure on the market. Over its eight years, it underwent a name change (starting as the Comet Cyclone), received a significant redesign, and saw four different generations released. While it never achieved the widespread recognition of some competitors, the final iteration, which debuted in 1970, has a devoted following. A look at its high-performance variant reveals why. The Cyclone Spoiler model came equipped with front and rear spoilers, racing stripes, and featured an available 429-cubic-inch Super Cobra Jet V-8 engine. This powerful engine was factory-rated at 375 hp, but many enthusiasts remain convinced its actual output was even greater. Its rarity also contributes to its desirability, with only 341 examples of this specific configuration rolling off the assembly line, making it a unique entry among us classic muscle cars.

1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator 428 Super Cobra Jet

Image Credit: Mercury
Ford didn’t reserve all the muscle car excitement solely for its main brand. Mercury also contributed a few significant models to the lineup at the dawn of the 1970s. Chief among these was the Cougar, which was Mercury’s best-selling model during that period. Reflecting the height of the “Horsepower Wars,” the Cougar was available in numerous configurations. The most potent and desirable was the high-performance Eliminator variant, powered by a 428 Super Cobra Jet V-8. This formidable engine, which made multiple appearances across Ford’s performance roster, generated an exhilarating 400 hp in the Cougar Eliminator. While the Cougar Eliminator might not be as universally celebrated as the Barracuda, Camaro, or Mustang, it certainly possessed the performance to hold its own against the era’s giants among us classic muscle cars.

1970 Ford Torino Cobra 429 SCJ

Red 1970 Ford Torino Cobra 429 SCJ with black hood scoopImage Credit: John Vincent
The Ford Mustang Mach 1 wasn’t the only “Drag Pack” variant offered by the automaker in 1970. The Torino, another of Ford’s muscle cars from that era, also came in this high-performance specification. The Torino’s distinctive Coke-bottle-style body wasn’t the only feature setting it apart from the more famous Mach 1. Its Super Cobra Jet engine, a 429-cubic-inch big-block V-8, boasted slightly more displacement. Consequently, this engine was claimed to produce 375 horses, though enthusiasts often believe Ford conservatively underrated the model, suggesting the true figure was closer to 400 hp. Regardless of its exact output, the most potent Torino was an undeniable beast, capable of covering the quarter mile in under 14 seconds at a top speed of 101 mph, solidifying its place among powerful us classic muscle cars.

1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429

Image Credit: Ford
At the time, it seemed only Ford’s short-sighted management, focusing on less inspiring models like Pintos and Mavericks, was hindering their potential for dominance in motorsport. The 1969-1970 Mustang Boss 429 was conceived primarily as a single-purpose weapon for NASCAR competition, built in limited quantities by Kar Kraft for Ford. Kar Kraft heavily modified standard Mustang body shells to accommodate the gargantuan big-block engine, involving new engine compartment sheet metal and necessary suspension modifications. Designed by Larry Shinoda and inspired by his “Boss” Bunkie Knudsen (both recently arrived from GM), the Boss 429 was intended to challenge formidable rivals like Chrysler’s 426 Hemi V8s and GM’s big-block competitors. The 429 ci V8 was an elaborate design, and Ford likely incurred a loss on each Boss 429 produced, with 857 units made in 1969 and 499 in 1970. The 1970 model year saw further improvements, including solid lifters and a better exhaust system, making it a standout among high-performance us classic muscle cars.

1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Super Cobra Jet

Side view of a red 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Super Cobra JetImage Credit: Ford
While the Ford Mustang Mach 1 made its debut in 1969, it arguably reached its zenith in its second year. The high-performance Mach 1 featured a sculpted body kit that complemented the bulkier mid-generation redesign launched around the same time. However, as with many cars on this list of us classic muscle cars, the true highlight was found under the hood. This was especially true for the range-topping “Drag Pack” trim package, which included a modified 428-cubic-inch Super Cobra Jet V-8. This massive mill, available with or without Ram Air, produced an impressive 335 hp and 440 ft-lbs of torque. Despite Ford offering five other high-performance Mustangs when the Mach 1 launched—the GT, Boss 302, Boss 428, Shelby GT350, and Shelby GT500—the Mach 1 with the 428 SCJ quickly established itself near the top of the performance pyramid.

1970 Dodge Charger R/T 426 Street Hemi

Image Credit: Dodge
Dodge may have introduced a new muscle car, the Challenger, in 1970, but that didn’t mean they had forgotten their original champion. That year saw the release of what is widely considered one of the best B-bodied Chargers ever to leave the factory: the R/T equipped with the legendary 426 Street Hemi. This model was easily identifiable by its new grille, wraparound chrome bumper, and sculpted hood. But what truly set it apart was its dominant big-block V-8 engine. The 426-cubic-inch Hemi generated a ferocious 425 hp and 490 ft-lbs of torque, power sufficient to vanquish almost any competitor foolish enough to challenge it to a race. An array of vibrant “High Impact” colors, such as Top Banana and Panther Pink, only enhanced its undeniable appeal among us classic muscle cars.

1970 Dodge Challenger 440 Six Pack

Green 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 Six PackImage Credit: BUTTON74
Like its contemporaries among us classic muscle cars, the Dodge Challenger was available with a diverse range of engines, from inline-sixes to formidable big-block V-8s. However, for enthusiasts seeking the most hardcore, street-focused version, the R/T 440 Six Pack was the definitive choice. This high-performance variant featured the 440-cubic-inch Six Pack V-8, which was the largest displacement engine available in a Challenger. While it might not have quite matched the raw power reputation of the legendary 426 Hemi, with an output of 390 hp and 490 ft-lbs of torque, it was still incredibly potent. Achieving a sub-14-second quarter-mile time is certainly not a performance figure to overlook.

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 426

Image Credit: Dodge
Arriving on the scene four years after the Dodge Charger, the Challenger, which debuted in 1970, represented Dodge’s ambitious push to claim dominance in the burgeoning muscle car market. Unlike its predecessor, which had been positioned as a somewhat more upscale alternative to the Camaros and Mustangs, the Challenger, built on the new E-body platform, was a genuine brute explicitly designed to outmuscle competitors off the line. All versions of the Challenger were capable, but none more so than the high-performance Road/Track, or R/T, model. The most powerful iteration of this two-door machine, available as both a convertible and a hard-top, was equipped with a 426 cubic-inch Hemi V-8 that produced a commanding 425 hp and 490 ft-lbs of torque. With such immense power under the hood, this vehicle could sprint from zero to 60 mph in roughly six seconds, marking it as a serious contender among us classic muscle cars.

1970 Buick GSX

Yellow 1970 Buick GSX with black racing stripesImage Credit: Bring a Trailer
Introduced in 1970, the Buick GSX was essentially the Skylark Grand Sport elevated to an extreme level. This high-performance range-topper significantly upgraded the already athletic coupe with enhanced design, performance, and handling packages. Of these, the performance aspect is what secured the GSX’s legendary status among us classic muscle cars. The most potent version of the model’s 455-cubic-inch V-8 engine delivered a heart-stopping 350 hp and an impressive 510 ft-lbs of torque. That torque figure stood as the record for an American production vehicle until the Dodge Viper burst onto the scene in the early 1990s. The fact that the car was offered in only two distinctive colorways—Saturn Yellow or Apollo White, both accented with black racing stripes—also added to its unique allure and collectibility.

1970 Chevrolet Nova SS 396 L78/L89

Image Credit: Chevy
With a length of less than 16 feet, the 1970 Nova SS stands as one of the physically smallest muscle cars ever produced by Detroit automakers. However, its size was misleading; it certainly didn’t lack power. Despite its relatively compact stature, this two-door packed plenty of punch under the hood, especially if the owner opted for Chevy’s celebrated 396-cubic-inch big-block V-8. There were two versions of this engine available: the L78, which produced 375 hp, and the L89, which boasted the same power rating but featured lightweight aluminum cylinder heads. The L89 version is now the more highly sought-after Nova SS variant among collectors of us classic muscle cars, but either version represents a potent and desirable classic.

1970 Chevy Camaro SS 396 L78

Side view of a black 1970 Chevy Camaro SS 396Image Credit: Bring A Trailer
The 1978 Camaro Z/28 was a high-performance model, but it wasn’t the most powerful variant available when the nameplate’s second generation launched in 1970. That distinction belonged to the Super Sport, or SS, model. Aside from specific badging, these low-slung coupes might have appeared nearly identical. However, lifting the hood revealed the significant difference. The more potent SS model housed an L78 V-8 engine. Despite the “396” branding, this big block actually had a displacement of 402 cubic inches and produced 375 hp and 415 ft-lbs of torque. With such power, it could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a rapid 5.5 seconds and reach a top speed around 138 mph. Its rarity also adds to its appeal, with only about 600 believed to have been produced that year, making it a highly desirable example of us classic muscle cars.

1970 Chevy Camaro Z/28

Image Credit: Chevy
The second-generation Camaro Z/28, which debuted in 1970, is often regarded as the best iteration of this iconic model. Not only did this version of Chevrolet’s renowned muscle car feature a sleek, elongated fastback design, but it also introduced a new high-performance 350-cubic-inch LT1 V-8 engine. This engine was a ground-up redesign based on the contemporary Corvette mill. While not the largest displacement engine offered in the Camaro lineup for that year, it was potent enough to generate 360 hp and 380 ft-lbs of torque. This performance enabled the car to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and achieve a top speed in the vicinity of 135 mph, solidifying its reputation as a formidable Z/28 among us classic muscle cars.

1970 Chevy Chevelle LS34/LS6

Profile view of a red 1970 Chevy ChevelleChevrolet’s first muscle car was the 1964 Chevelle SS, but the Chevelle nameplate didn’t truly hit its stride until its second generation launched in 1968. This iteration, characterized by a more sculpted body with a semi-fastback roofline, arguably peaked in 1970 with the release of the potent LS6 version. The range-topping two-door LS6 featured a massive 454-cubic-inch V-8 engine fed by a single four-barrel 800 CFM Holley carburetor, producing an outrageous 450 horses and 500 ft-lbs of torque. Thanks to this immense power, this brawny coupe could complete the quarter mile in just over 13 seconds, cementing its place as one of the most powerful us classic muscle cars of the era.

1970 AMC AMX 390 Go-Pack

Image Credit: CZmarlin
If there’s a muscle car that remains somewhat of a best-kept secret, it’s American Motors Corporation’s (AMC) first-generation AMX. Fewer than 20,000 were produced between 1968 and 1970 across all engine sizes. The most sought-after variant is also the most common, with almost 7,400 examples equipped with the 390 ci V8 and 4-speed manual transmission. This configuration produced upward of 315 hp with 425 lb-ft of torque, but the AMX was particularly renowned for its handling prowess. It was the only American two-seat sports car available at the time, apart from the Chevrolet Corvette, and was notable for its exceptionally short wheelbase. At just 97 inches, it was one inch shorter than the ‘Vette and, at around $3,500, about $1,000 less expensive. The AMX moniker was later applied to subsequent four-seat Javelin models from 1971-1974 and other later cars, none of which truly matched the unique stature of the original two-seat version among us classic muscle cars. For an overview of great examples, check out this list of 71 muscle cars that left their mark.

1970 AMC Trans Am Special Javelin

Side view of a 1970 AMC Trans Am Special Javelin race car liveryImage Credit: AMC
The Trans-Am racing series saw American Motors emerge strongly in late 1969 with the Javelin, challenging Ford’s Mustangs and trailing only behind Chevrolet’s Camaros. To commemorate this racing effort, AMC built a special series of about 100 tri-colored street cars. These began as Javelin SST models with Matador Red bodies, masked off to add white centers and blue rear sections, emulating the livery of the successful Ronnie Kaplan Javelin team car driven by George Follmer. The street versions were powered by AMC’s 390 ci (6.4-liter) V8 engine which, with ram air, produced a healthy 325 hp. A heavy-duty build included a Borg Warner 4-speed transmission with the iconic Hurst shifter, yet it didn’t sacrifice comfort features like power brakes, power steering, and a fully optioned interior, making it a unique and desirable piece of AMC racing history among us classic muscle cars.

1970 AMC Rebel Machine

Image Credit: AMC
While the AMX served as American Motors Corporation’s unique and aggressively styled performance flagship, the cars upon which the Rebel Machine was based were considerably more understated. The intermediate-sized Rebel series, including two-door coupes, four-door sedans, and station wagons, are largely forgettable today. However, the Rebel Machine, a two-door variant featuring a rakish fastback profile and a distinctive tri-colored white paint job accented with red and blue stripes (a recurring AMC theme by 1970), stands out. Although most were ordered in more conventional colors, all were powered by AMC’s largest engine, the 390 ci V8. This engine produced 340 hp but an impressive 430 lb-ft of torque, grunt more typically associated with true big-block motors, which the 390 technically wasn’t. With only 2,326 examples produced, these Rebel Machines are worthy outliers in both the AMC lineup and the broader pantheon of us classic muscle cars.

1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird

Side profile of a yellow 1970 Plymouth Road Runner SuperbirdImage Credit: Plymouth
If ever there was a car that resembled a cartoon character brought to life, it would be the Plymouth Road Runner Superbird with its giant rear wing. This striking aerodynamic aid was functional, helping the car reach speeds near 200 mph on the NASCAR circuit, while simultaneously serving as a fierce marketing and advertising tool mirroring the battle on the track. In 1969, Chrysler, with the Dodge Charger Daytona 500, took the driver’s championship (David Pearson), while Ford secured the manufacturer’s title. But the Plymouth Superbird came on strong in 1970. Although similar to the Daytona, it featured many distinct details. Just 1935 were built, the majority with 440 ci V8 engines, and a mere 135 with the highly coveted 426 ci Hemi. With its radical nose cone and two-foot-tall tail, the Superbird was challenging to sell in dealerships, especially at a base price of nearly $4,300. Many languished and required heavy discounts, but today, these cars are multi-six-figure collectibles, representing the pinnacle of aerodynamic us classic muscle cars.

1970 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda 426

Image Credit: RM Auctions
The Plymouth Barracuda, first introduced in 1964 as a warmed-over Valiant—an initial attempt to counter the wildly popular Ford Mustang—evolved dramatically over six years to become, arguably, the prototypical American performance car. Some experts would contend that the Plymouth ‘Cuda sits at the very apex of the muscle-car pyramid. Most were equipped with a 340 ci small-block or a de-stroked 305 ci V8 for the AAR (Trans-Am) racing series variants. Higher-performance models featured a 440 ci V8 engine, while only a scant handful were powered by Chrysler’s legendary 426 ci Hemi V8 engine. The ‘Cuda’s proportions and shape remain remarkably perfect over five decades later. This near-perfect design, combined with the mystique and extreme rarity of the Hemi engine (only about 652 coupes were made, and just 14 convertibles, five of which had the 4-speed manual), has catapulted these specific examples into the collector stratosphere. A matching-numbers Hemi ‘Cuda convertible with a 4-speed sold for $3.5 million at a Mecum auction in 2023, illustrating their legendary status among us classic muscle cars. For more great options, explore our picks for the best classic muscle cars.

1970 Pontiac GTO Ram Air ‘The Judge’

Image Credit: Pontiac
‘The Judge’, offered for three model years starting in 1969, was arguably the most famous GTO variant, taking its name from a popular comedy skit “Here Come de Judge” on the Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In TV show. The second-generation GTO represented a significantly streamlined revision of the classic original, featuring fastback styling and a body-colored front bumper that gave the new car a cutting-edge look for its time. A rear spoiler, wild psychedelic graphics, and bold color options complemented a facelift for the 1970 model year. Powerful engine options included the 400 ci Ram Air IV and the rare 455 ci HO V8 engines. The latter was notoriously underrated at 360 hp but produced a massive 500 lb-ft of torque. Approximately 40,000 GTOs were produced for 1970, of which 3,797 were ordered with The Judge package. Of those, only 168 were convertibles, making them highly collectible examples of us classic muscle cars.

1970 Shelby GT500

Image Credit: Theo Civitello
The 1970 model year marked the end of the line for the first generation Shelby Mustangs. This coincided with Carroll Shelby’s increasing disinterest in the program as its original focus shifted from race-bred sports cars to essentially gussied-up Mustangs adorned with snake badges. Nevertheless, the 428 ci Cobra Jet V8 engine powering the G.T. 500 coupe and convertible was a formidable powerplant. It was officially rated at 355 hp, though its actual output was closer to 400 hp, along with 440 lb-ft of torque. Even though the cars shared underpinnings largely identical to the Mustang Mach I, what the GT500 excelled at was aesthetics, featuring distinct front and rear fascias and a functional NACA-ducted hood. Only 1,537 coupes and 304 convertibles were made bearing the 1970 VIN. All were originally built for the 1969 model year and subsequently updated with 1970 VIN tags, adding an interesting historical note to these sought-after us classic muscle cars.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

Front view of a black 1969 Chevy Camaro Z/28Image Credit: Chevy
Introduced in 1967, the Chevy Camaro instantly established itself as a major rival to the Ford Mustang, both on the street and in motorsport, launching a lineage that continued until 2024. Among all Camaro variants, the original Z/28 holds a unique and special place. Purpose-built for Trans-Am competition, it featured a new engine based on Chevy’s ubiquitous 327 ci small-block V8, reduced in displacement to 302 ci to meet racing homologation requirements. Despite the smaller size, this engine was a marvel, delivering approximately 350 hp—an impressive 1.15 horsepower per cubic inch! Just over 28,000 were built between 1967 and 1969. Priced about $400 more than a base Camaro, the Z/28 was specifically engineered for speed and handling, equipped standard with a 4-speed manual transmission and front power disc brakes, while common comfort options like power steering and air conditioning were typically omitted at the factory, highlighting its pure performance focus among us classic muscle cars. You might also be interested in our list of the top 10 classic American muscle cars which often features the Z/28.

1969 Dodge Charger Daytona

Image Credit: Dodge
Dodge’s winged warrior was a remarkable, single-year phenomenon created purely to dominate NASCAR races. It achieved significant success in NASCAR competition during its brief 1969 model run, winning twice that year, and adding four more wins in 1970, the year its successor and close relative, the Plymouth Superbird, secured eight victories. Only 503 Daytonas were produced—just enough to satisfy the homologation rules required for racing. While 433 examples were powered by the 440ci engine, hard-core racers and discerning buyers could order the legendary 426ci Hemi V8, a $648 option conservatively rated with an “official” output of 425 hp. Only 70 examples were built with the Hemi engine. One such car set a new auction record for the model in 2022, selling for $1,200,000. While that sale was exceptional, there is no doubt that any Dodge Charger Daytona resides near the very top of the American muscle car pyramid, representing the extreme end of us classic muscle cars designed for speed.

1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440

Side view of a teal green Dodge Dart GTS 440Image Credit: Dodge
The Dodge Dart may not be the first vehicle that comes to mind for many enthusiasts when thinking about us classic muscle cars, but the 1969 GTS 440 has earned a deserving cult classic status in the decades since its introduction. Unlike the Charger and Challenger, both of which were relatively large cars, the Dart was a mid-size model. This smaller stature didn’t deter parent company Chrysler from fitting a massive 440-cubic-inch V-8 engine under its hood. Thanks to this potent mill, which produced 375 horses, the Dart could more than hold its own at the drag strip, capable of covering the quarter-mile in approximately 14 seconds, showcasing that impressive power wasn’t exclusive to the largest platforms.

1968 Shelby GT500 KR

Image Credit: Mecum Auctions
The GT500KR (King of the Road) was the most powerful Shelby variant built in 1968, a year that saw Ford transition engineering and production from Carroll Shelby’s Los Angeles facility to corporate headquarters in Livonia, Michigan. By this time, the Mustang had grown larger and more luxurious than Shelby initially envisioned, leading him to focus on other challenging projects. However, the performance spark remained. In April 1968, the formidable 428 ci Cobra Jet Ram-Air V8 engine was fitted to the GT500KR model. Despite the car’s increased weight compared to earlier Shelbys, the big-block V8 was a powerhouse, conservatively underrated by Ford at 355 hp and developing a robust 440 lb-ft of torque. Out of the 4,451 Shelbys produced for 1968, only 1,452 were the desirable KR model (933 fastbacks and 318 convertibles), making them highly collectible examples of high-performance us classic muscle cars.

1967 Shelby GT500

An unrestored blue 1967 Shelby GT500 parked outside.Image Credit: Photo: Courtesy of DreamCars.com.
While the Shelby GT350 and GT500 nameplates continued until 1970, the first three model years are generally regarded as the “true” Shelbys most closely associated with Carroll Shelby himself. In 1967, the Shelby GT500 became the preferred choice for aficionados of American iron who firmly believed “there’s no substitute for cubic inches.” Nothing pushed the Mustang concept closer to its performance limits like Shelby’s inaugural big-block model. Just 3,225 Shelbys were made for 1967, and 2,048 of those were the potent big-block cars. While more luxurious than its spartan predecessors, the GT500 was a genuine sports car powered by Ford’s Police Interceptor big-block engine that officially developed 355 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, figures widely acknowledged as conservative. A cornerstone in any serious Shelby collection, this car rewards enthusiasts with its stunning looks, formidable performance, and a unique, unrepeatable history among us classic muscle cars.

1966 Ford Galaxie 500

Image Credit: Ford
Ford’s Galaxie was a long-running nameplate produced from 1959 to 1974, offered as full-sized two- and four-door models. It received a significant redesign in 1965, featuring a new body distinguished by vertically stacked dual headlamps and, importantly for performance, a new three-link rear suspension with coil springs that replaced the older leaf-spring setup still used in the Mustang. The top-performing variant was a two-door coupe or convertible powered by a 428 ci (7.0 liter) V8 engine—similar to the one used in that year’s Thunderbird—that developed 360 hp in the potent “Police Interceptor” version. Transmission choices included a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. The Galaxie was a large, sporty car designed for luxury cruising, featuring front bucket seats and numerous optional creature comforts, representing the blend of size and power found in some early us classic muscle cars.

1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt

Side view of a white 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt drag carImage Credit: Barrett Jackson
Among the most exclusive rarities from Ford’s high-performance era was the Fairlane Thunderbolt, a car built with one singular purpose: to win drag races. Only 100 examples were constructed, largely as a solution to overcome the weight disadvantage of the full-sized Galaxie drag models. Despite being equipped with a 427 ci V8 engine and lightweight components, the Galaxie was still too heavy to be truly competitive in the Super Stock class. The intermediate-sized Fairlane provided the ideal platform. Its big-block 427 engine produced an impressive 425 hp, and 51 of the 100 cars were equipped with 3-speed automatic transmissions to achieve the quickest possible straight-line acceleration. Weight was aggressively reduced to just 3,200 lbs through the extensive use of fiberglass for the doors, front fenders, hood, and even the front bumper. This formula proved highly successful, leading Ford to win the 1964 NHRA Super Stock championship with the Thunderbolt, a purpose-built icon among us classic muscle cars.

1964 Pontiac GTO

Image Credit: Pontiac
The Pontiac GTO is widely credited as the brainchild of John Z. DeLorean, long before his later, well-documented venture with the DMC-12. Automotive history largely supports his creation—the 1964 GTO—as being the first purpose-built muscle car ever made, effectively kickstarting the entire segment. Any perceived similarity to Ferrari’s Gran Turismo Omologato was purely coincidental and likely a savvy Detroit marketing move at its 1960s finest. In fact, Pontiac’s groundbreaking performer quickly earned an affectionate nickname: “Goat,” used by admirers and detractors alike. It’s challenging to surpass the earliest GTOs, produced from 1964 to 1967, for their rugged good looks and uninhibited, good-natured, tire-shredding fun, establishing the foundational blueprint for all subsequent us classic muscle cars.

These vehicles represent the peak of an era focused on power, style, and accessibility, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.