When people think of ’70s muscle cars, they usually imagine massive big-block V8s roaring down the street. But not all muscle cars relied on huge engines to make their mark. Some of the rarest and most impressive machines of the era packed small-block V8s that delivered big power in lighter, more agile bodies. These cars were often built in low numbers, making them hard to find and highly collectible today.
From track-ready Mustangs to overlooked Mopars, these 10 rare small-block muscle cars proved that you don’t need a big engine to make a big impact. Let’s take a look at these forgotten legends of the ’70s!
1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 LT1 – A Small-Block Built for Speed
The 1970 Camaro Z/28 LT1 came with a high-revving 350 V8, designed for fast acceleration and tight handling. With 360 horsepower and a 4-speed manual, it was made for the track and the street. This rare muscle car proved that big power didn’t always need a big-block engine.
1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula SD-455 – A Hidden Trans Am Powerhouse
The 1973 Firebird Formula SD-455 looked like a regular Firebird, but under the hood was a high-performance V8 meant for racing. It had 290 horsepower, but many believed it made more. With its rare production numbers, this Firebird became one of the most collectible muscle cars of the ’70s.
1970 Plymouth Duster 340 – A Mopar Muscle Car That Surprised Everyone
The Plymouth Duster 340 was small, lightweight, and very fast. With a high-performance 340 V8, it had 275 horsepower but could outrun bigger cars. It was also affordable, making it a favorite for young muscle car fans. Today, finding a real Duster 340 in great shape is rare.
1971 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – The Last of the Trans Am Legends
The 1971 Boss 302 Mustang was the final version of Ford’s high-revving muscle car, built to compete in Trans Am racing. With a 302 V8, sharp handling, and aggressive styling, it was a track-ready machine. Only a few were built, making it one of the rarest Mustangs of the era.
1975 Chevrolet Nova SS 350 – A Sleeper Muscle Car with Hidden Power
The 1975 Nova SS 350 looked like a simple car, but it came with a strong 350 V8 and performance upgrades. With 155 horsepower, it wasn’t the fastest, but it had big potential with a few modifications. Today, the Nova SS 350 is a rare find among collectors.
1974 AMC Javelin AMX 401 – A Forgotten Small-Block Muscle Car
The AMC Javelin AMX 401 had a small-block engine with big power. The 401 V8 made 330 horsepower, giving this car impressive speed. With its bold styling and rare production numbers, the Javelin AMX 401 is a unique piece of muscle car history that many have overlooked.
1977 Dodge Aspen R/T 360 – A Late-’70s Mopar Surprise
The Dodge Aspen R/T 360 was a last attempt at a muscle car in a time of strict regulations. The 360 V8 gave it some power, but it was limited by emissions rules. Still, not many were made, and today, a real Aspen R/T 360 is a rare Mopar to find.
1978 Chevrolet Corvette L82 – A Small-Block That Brought Back Power
The 1978 Corvette L82 was one of the best performance options of the late ’70s. The small-block 350 V8 made 220 horsepower, which was strong for the time. While the Corvette was always popular, the L82 model was rare, making it a valuable piece of muscle car history today.
1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass W-31 – A Rare Small-Block with Big Speed
The 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass W-31 came with a 350 V8 engine making 325 horsepower, which was very strong for a small-block at the time. Since only a few were made, it became a hidden muscle car that could keep up with bigger engines. Today, it is rare and highly valued by collectors.
1972 Mercury Cougar XR-7 351 Cobra Jet – A Luxury Muscle Car with Power
The 1972 Mercury Cougar XR-7 351 Cobra Jet was a mix of power and comfort. It came with a strong 351 Cobra Jet V8, giving it good speed, but it was also smooth and stylish. Since only a few were built, this rare Cougar is now a hard-to-find muscle car.