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What Are The Best Vintage Muscle Cars?
While the debate about the best classic muscle cars could go on forever, the following vehicles rank on the best of lists consistently.
1968 Shelby Mustang GT500
After an illustrious racing career that included a win at the 1959 LeMans, Carroll Shelby began using his vast racing knowledge to build a performance car to blow away the competition. The result of his efforts was the Ford Mustang GT500KR with a 428 cu engine (Cobra Jet). The cast iron FE (7.0 L) V8 was the same motor Ford used in its police Interceptor vehicles and produced a staggering 435 HP (although initially reported in the 335 range) and 440 lb/ft of torque. With a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds and a quarter mile clock of 13.9 seconds, the car gained its status as the King of the Road. A distinction that it didn’t mind flaunting a bit when Shelby tagged the muscle car with the initials KR onto the name.
The original MSRP of the car was a tiny 5k, depending on the options. With only 1571 KR units made in 1968 (only 4,451 GT500s were produced that year), this beautiful beast quickly became the delight of classic car enthusiasts everywhere.
Hagerty values the 1968 Ford GT500KR in good condition at $122,000, although many tend to sell for closer to $150 - 175k. Although the prices have slipped slightly in the past year, many Mustang owners would give much more than that just for the pleasure of owning one.
1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
When Pontiac debuted the GTO in 1964, it set the world of muscle cars in motion, so it is only suitable to pay homage to the most valuable GOAT ever made. Initially offered as an upgrade to the Pontiac Lemans, it soon morphed into its own identity. Other automakers were forced to scramble, but by the time 1969 rolled around, Ford and GM had fast, high-performance sports cars of their own. The competition forced Pontiac to exert its muscle car chops once again, resulting in the GTO Judge.
Pontiac made the Judge an affordable muscle car, stripped of all but the bare essentials with its distinctive body line, dual hood scoops, and chrome grille with hidden headlights. With a 370 HP RAM Air Jet engine as an option and five-speed manual transmission, this Judge ruled the courtroom and took no prisoners.
Only 6,682 units were produced, and due to its low MSRP of $4,154, the GTO Judge attracted many young car enthusiasts who dreamed of owning a piece of American muscle. Hagerty lists the value of a 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge at $43,000, but their scarcity means that the price will likely only continue to increase.
1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28
By the late sixties, muscle car mania was sweeping the nation with more powerful engines, excessive horsepower ratings, and faster and faster lap times. The Camaro Z-28 was equipped with an upgraded suspension, disc brakes, and amenities not found in average muscle cars. While the standard 290 engine didn’t offer much power, the car was light enough to barrel down the track. (Many owners opted for the heftier 427 with 425 HP, a top speed of 150 mph, and a 6.7 track time of 0 - 60 mph).
Chevrolet dubbed the Camaro the closest thing to a Corvette, which might have been a bold claim. As far as iconic muscle cars go, the Camaro Z-28 quickly established itself as a household name and etched its place in the American automotive industry.
The value of a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 is $67,500 in good condition. With only 602 Z-28s manufactured (100 of which were Indianapolis Pace Car replicas). It is easy to see why this powerful muscle car has become a rare find among vintage car fans everywhere.
1971 Plymouth Barracuda
Even though the Barracuda debuted around the same time as Ford’s Mustang, the early years of this classic were tepid at best. But all that changed in 1971 when Plymouth put a Hemi V8 under the hood. The new Hemi ‘Cuda featured a 7.0 L V8 (428 ci) that produced a glorious 425 HP, and boy, was it fast. Track times for 0 - 60 (a blistering 5.6 seconds), with a top speed of 155 mph.
The wide, aggressive stance of the ‘Cuda gave it a powerful look. Large hood scoops, a sectioned front grill with round recessed headlights, and dual exhaust instantly made an impression on the muscle car scene. The interior was filled with vinyl bucket seats, wood-grain trims and accents (along with a wood-grained steering wheel), air-conditioning, power windows, and a six-way powered driver’s seat.
The lure of this car is the rarity (there were only 115 made) because Plymouth didn’t want to modify the Hemi engine to meet stringent emission standards that the government was pushing. Of the limited production, about a dozen convertibles were manufactured, which are rare collectibles that sell for millions of dollars. (As of this writing, a
71 Hemi Cuda convertible has popped up for sale. Starting bid is a cool $2.5 million).
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
In the early sixties, Chevrolet knew that every other competitor was jumping into the muscle car world, and they couldn’t take a chance on losing the race. Chevy introduced the Chevelle SS as their first offering, but due to governmental restrictions, their options were limited as to what engine they could place in a mid-sized car. Pontiac’s new ‘64 GTO and the new Mustang seemed to be winning the race for the affection of the American public.
But all that changed in 1970, when the racing ban was lifted, and Chevrolet dropped the LS6 v8 powerplant into an enhanced frame with upgraded suspension to handle the load. The 7.5 Big Block V8 (454 ci) made 450 HP and over 500 lb/ft of torque, and suddenly, the inner beast was set free. With a 0-60 mph track time of right at 5 seconds, this car would zip down the interstate leaving flaming tire tracks in its wake (almost).
Chevrolet abandoned the square boxy look of the previous years for a more coke-bottle, flowing shape with a long nose and sloping tail. (The design would be copied by the Olds 442, Chevy Malibu, and Buick Skylark, among others). Many owners opted for racing stripes down the Interiors were nicely equipped with vinyl seats with an option for bucket seats with a center console, power windows, power door locks, and an AM/FM stereo. Many owners opted for the racing stripe down the center of the hood to give the car a quick, intimidating look.
Of the 4,475 LS6 units produced, a few are still on the road or in classic car enthusiasts' collections. Most ‘70 Chevelles in good condition with the 454 engine are valued at around $75k, with some reaching over a million dollars.
1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
The’69 Charger Daytona has its roots in the racing circuit and the distinction of being the first car to top 200 mph in a NASCAR event. The car was built for speed with a large rear spoiler, sleek body lines, and wide tires. Since NASCAR rules insisted that a certain number of racers had to be offered to the general public, the Daytona Charger (along with its sister car, the Plymouth Road Runner Superbird) took its wins from the track to the street, causing a frenzy among muscle car lovers everywhere.
The most valuable Daytonas were powered by the 426 Hemi, which made 425 horsepower. (A 440 engine was also an option, but it had a more subdued output of only 375 HP). Either way, the car could motor down the track at 0 - 60 mph in a red-hot 5.2 seconds (426) and a second slower (6.2) with the 440.
Dodge never intended for the Daytona to be a mass-produced car (owners could purchase a standard 1969 Charger with a more boxy silhouette if desired). Of the 505 Daytona units produced, only 70 were 426 Hemis, and the scarcity of the cars makes them quite sought after by collectors. Considering the original MSRP of $3,860, the value of 440s often tops six figures, and the rare 426 models fetch close to a million dollars each, which is not a bad return in anyone’s book.
1969 Pontiac Firebird
Pontiac got into the muscle car world in a big way with the launch of the 1969 Firebird. Over 92k units were produced for the model year, with various engines, but the 400 ci (6.6 V8) was the most desirable. The engine produced 345 HP and over 500 lb/ft of torque and had a top speed of 153 mph and a 0-60 track time under five seconds. It could easily blow the doors off any competitor's car at the time. (Years later, the Smokey and the Bandit movie would strengthen its grip on the American conscience).
The car was so popular that Pontiac extended the production run of the 1969 model well into the following model year. Of course, years later, the Smokey and the Bandit movies would cement the Firebird (with a changed body style) into movie legend history. While the quantity of these cars tends to drive down the prices paid for at auction, there is no question that it deserves a place among vintage muscle cars. A recent 1969 Firebird was offered for $76K (convertibles tend to bring more money).
1967 Mercury Cougar GT
Mercury was not to be outdone in the muscle car market, and it made its presence felt with the Cougar GT. The car caused a stir by winning ‘67 MotorTrends Car of the Year, and put its competitors on notice by amassing almost 40% of Mercury sales for the year.
Mercury borrowed the 390 Marauder V8 from its Mustang cousin, producing 320 HP. While that might seem tepid compared to other more powerful V8s, it was fast enough for the average boomer who loved to put the pedal to the floor. (Most 390s topped out at 125 mph, but some could be pushed further).
The distinctive look of the front grille with hidden flip-up headlights, low stance, and long nose gave the car an intimidating appearance. Many owners bought the Cougar GT (over 150k units were manufactured) for the reasonable price of $2,851, making it almost as popular as its Mustang cousin. Current values may be low as compared to other classic muscle cars, but there is no question that Mercury would never have enjoyed the success it did with the Cougar’s presence.
