Five Iconic 1960s American Muscle Cars
The Pontiac GTO's performance option package retailed for $295.90 in 1964. It launched an era of muscle cars, selling 32,450 units that first year. The muscle car that started it all isn't the rarest of the five.
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The Pontiac GTO debuted in 1964 as a performance option package for the Pontiac LeMans. This model is widely credited with initiating the muscle car era. Its standard engine was a 389 cubic inch V8, generating 325 horsepower. An optional Tri-Power carburetion system increased output to 348 horsepower. The GTO option package retailed for $295.90 in its first year. Pontiac successfully sold 32,450 GTO units during the 1964 model year, exceeding initial sales projections.
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The Ford Mustang, first released in April 1964, received a high-performance variant with the 1965 Shelby GT350. Built by Carroll Shelby, this model featured a modified 289 cubic inch K-Code V8 engine. It was officially rated at 306 horsepower, making it suitable for SCCA B Production racing. The GT350 included specific chassis modifications and a functional hood scoop. Production of the 1965 Shelby GT350 was limited to 562 units. These cars were factory-built at Shelby American's facility in Venice, California.
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Chevrolet introduced the Camaro in 1967 as a direct competitor to the Ford Mustang. The Z/28 option package, also launched in 1967, was specifically engineered for Trans-Am racing homologation. It featured a unique 302 cubic inch small-block V8 engine, officially rated at 290 horsepower. This engine was paired with a 4-speed manual transmission and power front disc brakes. Only 602 units of the 1967 Camaro Z/28 were produced, making it a rare and distinct performance model from its debut year.
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The Plymouth Barracuda, first introduced in 1964, saw its second generation arrive in 1967 with more potent engine options. For 1968, Plymouth offered the potent 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 in a limited-production Barracuda, known as the Hemi 'Cuda. This engine was conservatively rated at 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. These specific models were designed primarily for drag racing. Only 50 Hemi 'Cuda fastbacks and 50 Hemi 'Cuda notchbacks were produced in 1968, making them highly exclusive.
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The Dodge Charger was redesigned for its second generation in 1968, featuring a distinctive "Coke bottle" body style. The R/T (Road/Track) performance package became a popular option that year, signifying a high-performance trim. Standard for the 1968 Charger R/T was the 440 cubic inch Magnum V8 engine, which produced 375 horsepower. An optional 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 was also available, rated at 425 horsepower. Dodge sold approximately 17,000 Charger R/T models in 1968.
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