11. 1984 Chevy Corvette C4
Chevrolet’s Corvette C4 was a muscle car that attracted many enthusiasts due to its slick design and amazing performance. With the Corvette C4’s production spanning from 1984 to 1996, the muscle car greatly improved with each new upgrade.
The Corvette C4 can be considered one of Chevrolet’s most significant investments and contributions to the automobile industry. With every new production of the unit, the company implemented a new upgrade in design, in various other technical aspects, as well as in driver and passenger safety. Among the many variants of the Corvette C4 is the modified Callaway SledgeHammer, which featured twin-turbo engines that can reach up to 254 mph. The SledgeHammer and other twin-turbo Corvettes are considered collector’s items for enthusiasts – only 500 units were made.
12. 1968 Dodge Dart 426 Hemi
Most of the time, a car needs to be customized before its configuration can become optimal for a specific purpose, especially if it is supposed to be used for racing. However, little to no changes were needed for the Dodge Dart 426 Hemi because this beast was solely made to dominate in drag races.
The construction of the Hemi Dart was no measly endeavor. There wasn’t merely a need to swap between two engines. And since the vehicle was made solely for drag-racing, many Dart components that didn’t help boost its speed were either removed or replaced. Upon release, the Dodge Hemi could reach speeds of up to 130 mph in 11 seconds – though many racers managed to achieve better results when it was their turn to step on the gas. Only 80 units of this model were manufactured.
13. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
Ford’s Mustang is, perhaps, one of the most notable muscle cars ever made thanks to its iconic design and impressive features. However, the Mustang’s Boss 429 variant might be the most popular one in the series. Even the late Fast and Furious star Paul Walker once took credit for being an owner of a rare Boss 429 – he even spent a lot of money to keep it in tip-top shape!
Since the 429 cubic inch V8 was too big for the base Mustang’s engine bay, modifications were required to achieve the Boss 429’s now-impressive reputation. Besides its stylish design — on the inside and outside — the Boss 429 can also reach speeds of up to 100 mph in under 13.6 seconds. And since only 1,358 units were made, the rare Mustang is often auctioned for at least $500,000.
14. 1970 Oldsmobile 442
Upon its initial release, the Oldsmobile 442 was nothing compared to what it became when it reached its peak. Throughout its time in the market, the 442 came in three different variants: a sports coupe, hardtop coupe, and convertible. Though a significant part of its exterior design was changed, the three essentially shared the same features.
Thanks to the company’s investments and commitment to making their vehicles top-quality, the 442 became an icon among the many muscle cars that Oldsmobile had released. At peak condition, when the 442 finally had all of its upgrades installed, the vehicle was able to put out a horsepower of 360 and reach speeds of up to 60 mph under 6 seconds – a feat worthy of praise, especially among the other Oldsmobile vehicles.
15. 1969 COPO Camaro
The Central Office Production Order variant of the Camaro was an impressive machine to own, especially because it wasn’t initially made to be sold to regular buyers. The COPO Camaro was first intended to be used by police officers and taxi drivers. Eventually, regular buyers got the chance to purchase it but for a much higher price.
What is probably one of the most popular cars of all time, the COPO Camaro helped Chevrolet make a fortune since its initial release. However, many of the COPO Camaro units didn’t endure for long due to the fact that they were excessively used in drag races, to the degree that the remaining functional ones became rare, like pieces of treasure for car collectors – and the ones still in perfect shape are even more expensive.
16. 1987 Buick GNX
When the muscle car craze of the ‘60s and ‘70s started to wear off for many buyers in the general public, Buick’s GNX relit the flames for the ‘80s.
After creating their first set of prototypes, Buick didn’t immediately sell the car. Instead, as a promotion, they went and had some fun with it, allowing people to stomp on the gas and use it for a joy ride around cities. Eventually, one unit was used in a dirt race competition. After winning the race, many spectators who witnessed the Buick GNX became very interested in the unit and spread the news about its exceptional capabilities, eventually making it an international hit. But, since the GNX was initially made as a tribute to Buick’s previous Grand National cars, only 547 units were ever made – a valuable piece for an enthusiast’s collection.
17.1970 Chevy Chevelle LS6
After years of working under the strict condition that disallowed mid-sized cars from having engines larger than 400 cubic inches, General Motors decided to loosen it up for its many car manufacturers. As a result, the company’s division went all out and made investments towards creating newer and stronger muscle cars.
Among the many cars that were born amidst the muscle car trend’s rebirth was the Chevy Chevelle LS6. After topping their previous high-performance model, the Corvette, the Chevelle LS6 featured a horsepower of at least 450 that could reach 60 mph in only 5.4 seconds. Though it was initially tested with thin tires, the Chevelle LS6 can achieve faster records with modern-day, thicker tires. And out of all the muscle cars, the LS6’s factory horsepower rating stands higher than the rest.
18. 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
For many people who want to start a car collection, the Plymouth Road Runner is one of the few friendly candidates for starters. When it came out on the market, the Road Runner received credit for proving to other car manufacturers that high-performance cars can be both durable and affordable — indeed, this one was both.
With its name inspired by one of Looney Tunes‘ signature characters, the Road Runner, the Plymouth Road Runner also had a horn that made the character’s signature “beep-beep” sound from the show. With impressive features that came with an equally impressive price, the Plymouth Road Runner soon became the best of its era — and it is still being sold at auctions at around $236,000 apiece.
19. 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
For many car enthusiasts, Pontiac’s GTO was the beast that started the muscle car trend among car manufacturers. Eventually, more muscle cars arrived in the market, and to some degree, these new competitors sadly shadowed Pontiac’s GTO.
At the time, Pontiac continued work on a new, noteworthy contender that they thought could knock the gears off the competition. They introduced a new variant to their GTO, the Judge, which, compared to its predecessor, was an improvement in every aspect. The Judge can get from naught to 60 mph in only 5.7 seconds, eventually topping at 104 mph. But among the many units that were sold, the rarest one was the Ram Air IV convertibles, only five of which were manufactured. With the Judge posing as a good competitor to the other muscle cars of its time, Pontiac managed to sell around 72,287 units.
20. 1970 Ford Torino Cobra
With many of the muscle cars following the principle of having a small body but big engine, it comes with no surprise that Ford’s Torino Cobra followed suit – it even took credit for being one of the largest ones.
The muscle car is mostly based on one of its predecessors, the SportsRoof Torino GT. The Torino Cobra improved on many features, including aesthetics, performance, efficiency, and comfort. Although it wasn’t as strong as the competition, the Torino Cobra was still mighty in its own regard, reaching 60 mph from rest in, at most, six seconds, and boasting a horsepower of 370. Furthermore, the Cobra can also be handled easily and is very comfortable for its driver and passengers – two of the many factors that make a car attractive to buyers.