The American Muscle Car is considered the flagship of fine American engineering. Sure the foreign exotics are nice, but here in the states we prefer the loud, aggressive tones of our engines roaring down the fine constructed highways that run east, west, north, south (in no particular order). There are plenty of debates about the top 10 American Muscle cars ever made, so it’s only right Revved Up Shirts gets in on the action. We’ll run down the list starting at number 10.
- 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 Coupe
The Pontiac Firebird was first introduced in February 1967. With the first generation being manufactured in Lordstown, Ohio, it made a statement by being equipped with a 3.8L V6 engine. However, the evolution took place a few months after with the new production line including a 5.3L V8 engine, making it the most desired model amongst buyers. An amazing 330hp and 430 ft-lb of torque, truly makes this coupe/convertible a fun drive throughout the landscape of America. If you’d love to have this bad boy in your collection, click here.
- 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500-KR
The Ford Mustang GT500 began production in April 1968 with Ford installing their version of the 428 engine, also known as the Cobra Jet. These limited production machines were left completely stock from the factory, and added aluminum valve-covers with Cobra Lemans to officially declare victory over Ferrari. Roaring down a highway near you at 360hp and 440 ft-lb of torque, the KR (King of the Road) is a treasured gem in the American Muscle car community. Almost 50 years later, you can still claim yours by clicking here.
8. 1970 Plymouth Road Runner
The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner brought new front and rear ends to the 1968 base model. Its unique aesthetics catered to the hood scoop that also set the standard for the future designs of American Muscle cars. Even though sales of this beast dropped tremendously, it still makes the top 10 off of looks and color combos alone. Anytime you have a collection of colors from In-Violent, Moulin Rouge, and Vitamin C, you better believe the car will have the looks to back it up. Performance cracks the top 10 with 335hp and 425 ft-lb of torque. There are still some available, check them out here.
- 1969 Dodge Charger R/T-SE
The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T-SE was a combination of muscle and luxury. A cousin of the Plymouth Road Runner, the R/T-SE came with exclusive leather and vinyl bucket seats, sport steering wheel, pedal dress up, light package, deep dish wheel covers, woodgrain instrument panel, hood-mounted turn signals and C-pillar SE emblem, and the V8X tail stripe. At 425hp and 490 ft-lb of torque, this RWD machine is sure to kill on the track, while looking good at the same damn time. Add one to your collection here.
- 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
The Z28 was a true performance package. With the intention for this beast to compete in the SCCA Trans-Am Series, the credentials certainly backed it up. A solid 302 V8, 4-speed transmission, power disc brakes, and two wide racing stripes down the hood, this Chevy Camaro was a true fire breathing machine! Pushing 300 ft-lb of torque and a solid aggressive race tone straight from the factory, any driver of this car will surely keep their windows down while in motion. Tame this beast in your garage here.
- 1971 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda
The 1971 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda is the third generation coupe/convertible of the Barracuda family. With two choices available for the V6 engines and three for the V8s, performance was definitely a factor to start our top 5. Aesthetics are another reason why this car cracks the top 5. Options including decal sets, hood modifications, and high profile colors notorious in the Plymouth family, are just a few of the reasons for this beast to be added into any collection. Coming in at 425hp and 490 ft-lb of torque, the 1971 Barracuda is another track stud to take out on the ¼ mile. Add this stud here.
- 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 is a real treat. Everyone loves this car, and for good reason. It is an icon in the street/hot rod scene, and a true symbol of American engineering beauty. Coming in at 350hp and 500 ft-lb of torque, this classic American muscle car is just perfect all around. A quick track fact, in the ¼ mile this car registers 12 seconds from the factory along with trap speeds of 112+ mph. I’m sure you’re now intrigued to get your hands on one, which is why you can do so here.
- 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
The 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 was designed by Larry Shinoda. With a featured c-stripe, wider grille, redesigned dual exhaust system, race suspension, and Hurst shifter, the Boss was everything Ford knew it’d be. Being the first very muscle car to have both a front and rear spoiler, Shinoda gave it the nickname “The Boss” to pay homage to then new Ford President, Semon “Bunkie” Knudson. A sold-lifter Boss 320 V8 engine, this legend can accelerate from 0-60 in 6.9 seconds. At 300hp and 290 ft-lb of torque, the ¼ mile time comes in at 14.6 seconds with a 98mph cruise. Click here to fire up this bad boy in your garage.
2. 1971 Buick GSX Stage-1 Performance Pack
The Buick Grand Sport Stage 1 Performance Pack was Buick’s introduction into the American Muscle era. A $1,100 option, Buick took the initiative to display their prize at the Chicago Motor Show in February 1970. With a very lightweight frame, Buick was the first manufacturer to ever include high performance and handling satisfaction for daily driving and track racing. At a limited production number of 455 units, the Stage 1 is highly touted in modern America for its 400hp/510 ft-lb of torque combo, and the beauty of it’s handling around tight corners. This is definitely a must have for any car enthusiast’s collection. Click here to own 1 of 455.
- 1964 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power
The 1964 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power is #1 on our list. This is the first GTO ever produced and the best hands down. Containing a single AFB four-barrel carburetor, dual exhaust, chrome valve covers, seven-blade clutch fan, floor-shifted three speed manual transmission, stiffer springs, wider wheels, large diameter front sway bar, redline tires, and GTO badges, this beast is more than what any American enthusiast could ask for. A monster 6.3L V8 engine rests under the hood and is ready to spit fire on any import that crosses its path. With 350hp and 428 ft-lb of torque, the GTO Tri-power might have slow handling, but the true feeling of American muscle lies behind the steering wheel. Find out for yourself by clicking here.
It’s important to remember that everyone has a different top 10. These are completely up for debate but to us here at Revved Up Shirts, this suits us just right. Comment your top 10 below to chime in. Let’s see what America thinks!
