A Look at American Muscle Cars

American Muscle Car Legacy

In the 60s and 70s, American muscle cars began to take shape and arrive on the market, featuring powerful V8 engines and recognizable design. Advanced engines that produced a throaty growl that came to epitomize American muscle cars, along with track performance features helped muscle cars take their shape is time went on. Notable models that paved the way for muscle cars of the present include:

  • 1968-1970 Dodge Charger
  • Ford Mustang Boss 302
  • Plymouth Road Runner
  • Pontiac GTO
  • Chevrolet Camaro Z28
  • Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Building off the legacy of the American muscle cars of yesteryear, the modern assortment of muscle cars have not strayed far from their roots, while also bringing new and exciting features to the world of American muscle cars.

Dodge Viper

In 1992, the first Dodge Viper models rolled out into select showrooms around the country. Although originally short on flair, the ‘92 Viper could reach speeds of 165 mph and go from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Through the ‘90s up to 2002, the first-generation Viper saw improvements on features, inside and out, as well as increased horsepower for both GTS and RT/10 models. The last models of the first-generation reached 185 mph and a 4 second 0-60 mph time. Through the mid- to-late 00s, Viper models saw improvements on exterior design and more powerful, V10 engines producing 500 hp. Though the Viper ended production in 2010, production resumed in 2013 and ended in 2017 with limited run GTS-R and GTC models.

dodge viper with sunset

Ford GT

Born from Henry Ford II’s desire to win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, the legendary Ford GT40 was created to fulfill that dream, which it fulfilled in 1967. That year, Ford was placing its three years of experience at Le Mans against the eighteen years of Ferrari experience. Leading up to that race, the Ferrari 330 P4 debuted at Daytona and took home a clean 1-2-3 finish. Ford dropped out of that race, but found success at Sebring with the GT40 Mk IV. Leading up Le Mans, Ferrari and Ford were tied 1-to-1 on the season. Despite the massive build up to this race, Ford managed to hold the lead for most of the race, placing first ahead of Ferrari. This was a massive moment for Ford, and the GT, that put them on the map for everyone to see.

After spending decades out of production, the GT was brought back to life in 2005. The models that came out in the following years kept the unique design of the original GT40 backed by modern power. The 5.7L V8 could top out at 205 mph. The newest iteration of the Ford GT, the 2018-19 model, has crafted a brand-new look for the car. Keeping with trademark GT looks like dual hood vents, the new GT exudes modern power at every corner. The 3.5L V6 EcoBoost® produces a whopping 647 hp.

Chevrolet Camaro

Seeing the popularity and success of the Ford Mustang, General Motors unleashed its answer in 1967 with the Chevrolet Camaro. Offered with a base six-cylinder engine along with upgradeable V8 options, the Camaro was poised to make a solid arrival on the muscle car scene. The Camaro quickly caught the attention of enthusiasts with its sharp design and powerful capabilities. There were performance options available such as the SS and Z/28 designations. The ‘68 Camaro saw vast improvements including multi-leaf rear springs, Astro Ventilation, a wider selection of available engines and performance options, and more identifiable Z/28 or SS badges on the vehicle. The Camaro SS showcased new striping design styles, giving unique trim levels their own feel. Notably, the ‘68 Camaro saw design changes with the grille, giving the Camaro its distinctive look that is so well known to this day. The top tier Camaro SS could hit 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds while outputting 375 hp. Modern Camaro models maintain distinctive grille designs, though different from classic models, as well as those signature Camaro SS badges.

Corvette C2

Hitting showrooms in 1962, the Corvette C2 featured an impressive small-block engine and surprisingly smooth handling. Eventually, through it’s rather short lifespan, the small-block engine was replaced with a more powerful 427 cubic inch Big-Block Tri-Power V8 engine. The exterior underwent changes as well, with the split rear window being replaced in favor on the single pane window. By 1967, when the C2 was ended and taken over by the C3, Big-Block Tri-Power V8 engine models were outputting upwards of 420 hp.

Current American Muscle Cars for Sale at Marshall Goldman Motor Sales

Marshall Goldman Motor Sales in Cleveland currently have the Dodge Viper, Ford Mustang, and Ford GT in stock. We are able to sell these American muscles cars both nationally and internationally for those who are interested, and we offer nationwide delivery. Our current inventory ranges in model years from 1994 to 2017. Contact us to learn more about about American muscle cars for sale, or visit our showroom if you’re local to take a look in person.