These Are the Most Loved Muscle Cars in American History
The deep rumble of a classic muscle car turns heads every time. It also commands the road and feels like a piece of living history. These are the legends that still spark real passion among drivers and collectors alike.
Shelby Cobra 427 (1965–1967)
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British design with American muscle–the Shelby Cobra 427 featured a lightweight chassis with a powerful 7.0-liter V8 engine. It produces approximately 485 horsepower and could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.3 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds at 118 mph.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (1969)
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The 1969 Camaro ZL1 was a product of Chevrolet’s COPO program. It featured an all-aluminum 427 cubic-inch V8 engine. Though officially rated at 430 horsepower, actual output often exceeded 500 horsepower. This powerhouse enabled the ZL1 to achieve a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.3 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13.16 seconds at 110 mph.
Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 LS6 (1970)
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The 1970 Chevelle SS454 LS6 was a formidable presence on the road, equipped with a 454 cubic inch V8 engine producing 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.0 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 13.44 seconds at 108 mph.
Plymouth Road Runner Superbird (1970)
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Designed for NASCAR homologation, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird featured a 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 engine producing 425 horsepower. This allowed it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds at 105 mph. Its distinctive aerodynamic design and performance capabilities have made it a collector’s favorite.
Buick GNX (1987)
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Only 547 units of the 1987 Buick GNX were built, but its turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque, left a lasting impression. The 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13.5 seconds at 102 mph remains one of the fastest of its time.
Pontiac Turbo Trans Am (1989)
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Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Trans Am, the 1989 model utilized a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 250 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds at 101 mph.
Dodge Viper RT/10 (1992)
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After being stripped raw of unnecessary tech, the 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 came with an 8.0-liter V10 engine that delivered 400 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It reached 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 113 mph.
Saleen S351 (1997–1998)
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Considering that it packed a supercharged 5.8-liter V8 that cranked out 495 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, the Saleen S351 was far more than a modified Mustang. Its 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and quarter-mile sprint of 12.9 seconds at 116 mph made it a true standout among 1990s performance cars.
Ford Mustang Cobra R (2000)
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Born for the track, the 2000 Ford Mustang Cobra R was limited to just 300 units. It featured a 5.4-liter DOHC V8 producing 385 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. The car delivered a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds at 110 mph.
Shelby GT350R (2016)
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Ford gave modern muscle purists a gift with the 2016 Shelby GT350R. Its 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V8 produced 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. It rocketed from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and tackled the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds at 119 mph while maintaining track-ready agility.
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon (2018)
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Tuned specifically for the drag strip, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon had a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that pushed up to 840 horsepower on race gas. Its jaw-dropping 0-60 mph time of 2.3 seconds and quarter-mile time of 9.65 seconds set the benchmark for straight-line performance.
Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV (1970)
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The 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV proudly wore its bold stripes and massive rear wing. Its looks were backed up by a 400 cubic-inch V8 generating 370 horsepower. It hit 60 mph in just over 5 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in the low 13s.
Dodge Charger R/T 426 Hemi (1969)
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Few muscle cars carry the presence of the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T, especially when equipped with the legendary 426 Hemi V8. The 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque helped it surge to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds.
Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda (1971)
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One of the most collectible muscle cars today, the 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda packed a 426 Hemi under its aggressive hood. With 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, it rocketed to 60 mph in under 6 seconds and finished the quarter-mile in just over 13 seconds.
Pontiac Trans Am WS6 (2001–2002)
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A final roar before bowing out, the Pontiac Trans Am WS6 came with a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 rated at 325 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It could reach 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds at 108 mph. Its aggressive styling matched its impressive performance.