18 Sought-After Muscle Car Options

17. Buick GS 455 Stage 1

Buick was busy producing extremely powerful and capable muscle cars back in the day. But in 1970, they outdid themselves with the GS 455 model. This car featured the famous 455 V8 rated at 360 HP, which could launch the big and heavy car to 60 MPH in just around 5.5 seconds. This was lightning fast in 1970 and its speed is still respectable today.

For those who found that 360 HP and 510 lb-ft of torque wasn’t enough, Buick dealers offered the extremely rare and expensive Stage 1 and Stage 2 kits. They included different intake systems, high compression heads, beefed up engine internals and a sports exhaust. Those cars are extremely rare since many customers were unaware of the existence of such options. In fact, most of the buyers were professional drag racers.

18. Oldsmobile 442 W30

The 442 is one of the most legendary muscle car names ever. In true Oldsmobile fashion, they thoroughly engineered the 442, building a quality performance machine. This was a car that could stand up to any muscle car legend. However, in 1966, Olds presented the W30 option they marketed “for performance enthusiasts only.”

So, what was the secret of the W30 package? It included a blueprinted engine with more power than standard and a bigger carburetor. It had a hotter camshaft, an aluminum intake manifold and a ram air system. In later years, it got a fiberglass hood and inner wheel wells to lessen the weight of the heavy front end.

Also, they gave it beefier brakes. And then they topped off the W30 package with external insignia and a graphics package. Needless to say, if you are going to buy 442, look for the real W30 since they are a blast to drive.