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30 Muscle Cars That Belong In Any Auto Fan’s Dream Garage

Vukasin Herbez May 7, 2019

The world is full of big muscle car fans and enthusiasts. Although most Americans love all kinds of cars, the domestic car industry and muscle cars are their absolute favorites. But one of the questions people have trouble answering is what their favorite muscle car is. And to be honest, the answer is extremely hard since they have produced so many great machines in the last 50 or more years.

And because of that, there is usually no way to pick only one of them. That is why this list of the top 30 classic and modern muscle cars will help you create your own “dream garage.” This is a unique perspective of muscle car history from the early ’50s to the present day. This list is a handpicked selection of the finest muscle cars Detroit has ever built and a selection of legendary machines most drivers like the best.

Of course, if money is no object, there are some extremely expensive muscle cars here, including some million dollar gems. So read right to the end to experience the perfect muscle car dream collection.

30. Hudson Hornet

In 1951, Hudson introduced the Hornet. It was a full-size sedan with an affordable price and a few interesting features. The first was the sleek design with a sloping roofline, which made Hornets look longer, wider and sportier. The second was the all-new “step down” construction that merged the chassis and body in one structure. Also, step down construction helped the Hornet achieve a lower center of gravity for better handling.

The third important feature was the improved straight eight-cylinder engine with 308 CID and up to 170 HP on tap. All of this gave the Hornet a big advantage on the race track. In fact, Hudson dominated the NASCAR races from 1951 to 1954, becoming one of the biggest legends of the sport. In comparison to other models, the Hornet handled better. And best of all, the big straight-eight provided a lot of torque, which helped with the performance.

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29. Chrysler C-300

The fastest, most powerful American production model for 1955 and the car that shook the car scene was the mighty Chrysler C-300. This was the start of a 10-year production run of Chrysler’s famous “Letter cars.” It was a series of exclusive, fast and expensive coupes and convertibles with maximum power, comfort and luxury. The first car in that glorious lineup was the ‘55 C-300. The car got its name thanks to the 331 V8 Hemi engine, which they equipped with 8.5:1 compression. Also, they gave it a race camshaft and twin four-barrel carburetors to produce 300 HP, which was a magical figure for the mid-50s.

The performance was outstanding with a nine-second 0 to 60 mph time and 130 mph top speed. The car was expensive and full of luxury items, but it proved successful in racing, winning 37 stock car events. Today, the Chrysler C-300 is a valuable early muscle machine and an extremely rare one, too. Unfortunately, Chrysler built just over 1,700 of those Hemi-powered cruisers.

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28. Chevrolet Impala SS

The legendary SS or Super Sport package has its place in muscle car history as an important model that promoted performance to the public. This was one of the first high-performance automobiles that were relatively affordable and fast. But everything started when Chevrolet decided to transform their 409 truck engine to use in passenger cars. They discovered that the unit was powerful and could outrun all the other cars on the road. Just by making some mild modifications to the engine, it could produce up to 409 HP, which was enough to propel the Impala from a standstill to 60 mph in six seconds flat. At the moment, that was Corvette territory. So, as a mid-year introduction, Chevrolet presented the SS package which featured bucket seats, sports trim, and other details. And better yet, it came with the 348 V8 engine pumping out a whopping 350 HP.

However, the most interesting option was the 409 V8 delivering up to 409 HP if you optioned for the dual-quad intake system. Despite the fact that Chevrolet sold over a million of its full-size models, they only made 456 Impalas SS that year. But, out of those, only 142 Impalas came with the 409 engine. While the exact number of Impala SS 409 Convertibles is unknown, Chevrolet historians speculate they made around 45 of these cool-looking, immensely powerful open-top cruisers. Interestingly, the 409 option was available for all Chevrolet full-size models in 1961. So although it was possible to find this engine in some plain-looking sedans and wagons, those cars have yet to surface. Today, as expected, the 1961 Impala SS 409 is one of the most valuable cars in Chevrolet muscle car history.

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27. Pontiac Tempest GTO

In the early ‘60s, Pontiac had much success on the drag strips all across America. Little by little, the performance aspect became a powerful marketing tool since the new generation of buyers wanted powerful, fast cars. And even though Pontiac wanted to capitalize on its success, they were reluctant to invest in a sports car they would build from scratch. And also, all their production models were big, heavy vehicles. However, a young engineer named John Z. DeLorean thought of a genius idea. He wanted to install a big, powerful 396 V8 in a light, intermediate Tempest two-door body to easily and affordably a true performance machine. The result was the Tempest GTO, as they called it, an option on the Tempest intermediate model. For just $295, buyers could get a high-performance 396 V8 with 325 HP in standard or 348 HP in the famous Tri-Power form.

A manual transmission, unique trim, GTO decals, and dual exhaust were all part of the package. Since the car was light, the Tempest GTO produced a convincing performance. In fact, in 1964, it was one of the quickest American cars on the market. Even Corvette owners weren’t safe from the Tempest GTOs lurking at the stoplights across the country. Ironically, the Pontiac sales manager wasn’t particularly fond of the model. He thought the GTO package didn’t have any perspective. However, his estimate of building a maximum of 5,000 examples per year was drastically surpassed by the official sales figures of over 32,000 copies. It was clear the GTO was a hit among younger buyers and a star was born.

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26. Chevrolet Chevelle Z16

Everybody knows about the Chevrolet Chevelle. For decades, it was Chevrolet’s main mid-size offering they produced in the millions. And it was available in many markets, not just the domestic ones. However, not a lot of people know about the Chevelle Z16. It was a high-performance model they produced for one year only in just 200 examples. And that makes it an extremely rare and valuable piece of Chevrolet history. So, what exactly is the Chevelle Z16? Basically, it’s a fully loaded regular Chevelle with all the go-fast options.

It has a 396 V8 engine with a Muncie four-speed gearbox, as well as a heavy-duty suspension and equipment. Even some dealers weren’t aware this option existed. For some reason, Chevrolet refused to market the Z16. And that makes this Chevelle a sort of a secret model. Even though the Z16 was fast, it was also expensive for a Chevrolet. And that is why they made only 200 of them.

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25. Shelby GT 500

The Mustang had some performance versions like the GT with the 289 HiPo V8 engine or the Shelby GT 350 in 1965. But the first true performance Mustang with a big block engine and respectable 0 to 60 mph times was the 1967 Shelby GT 500. Bigger and more powerful than before, the 1967 GT 500 featured a new design. Also, it came with a modified front and rear end as well as a big 427 V8 engine with 335 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque.

In those days, Ford was notorious for underrating the power output of their engines and 335 HP sounded too bland for the big 427. Most Mustang enthusiasts claim that the real power was closer to the 400 HP range and the performance figures back that claim. The 0 to 60 mph time was 6.5 seconds, which was good for the day. Also, thanks to the suspension modifications, the GT 500 could handle the curves well, too.

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24. Plymouth Roadrunner 426 Hemi

When it first appeared in 1968, the Plymouth Roadrunner was an influential and important muscle car. Not only did it introduce the new trend of inexpensive yet fun cars, but it was also a strong seller that affected the whole segment. But the idea behind the Roadrunner was simple. Plymouth wanted to present a low-priced but powerful model with a crazy name and graphics. The goal was to attract people with a limited budget, but a strong need for performance. The Roadrunner had a bench seat, no luxury options, and manual steering. But it came with the powerful 383 V8 as the base engine, and buyers could also opt for 440 or mythical Hemi 426.

In 1969, the Roadrunner got a convertible option for those buyers who wanted an open-air driving feel, but most Roadrunners they produced were two-door hardtops. So for just above $3,000, you could be the proud owner of a Roadrunner in 1970. However, if you wanted a few options and the Hemi engine, the price would quickly rise to over $4,000. Today, Hemi Road Runners are the most sought-after versions with examples in perfect condition cost over $100,000.

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Photo Credit: American Muscle Car Museum

23. Ford Mustang Boss 302

The third redesign of the Mustang appeared for the 1969 model year and the car grew in size once again. They changed the engine choices as well as the equipment list and the Mustang lineup went in two main directions. One was the luxury segment with the new Grande notchback model. And the other was the muscle segment with three new models, the Mach I, Boss 429, and Boss 302. Also, Ford introduced the legendary 428 Cobra Jet engine as a regular production option, which put the Mustang among the fastest muscle cars of the era. But for most Mustang fans, the Boss 302 is the most important model. Produced for only two years, 1969 and 1970, the Boss 302 featured a 302 V8 engine they conservatively rated at 290 HP. However, the real output was closer to the 350 HP mark.

The Boss 302 was a model Ford intended for racing in the Trans-Am championship. Ford gave it a blackout hood, spoiler on the trunk, and other details. Also, it featured a stiff, track-tuned suspension, close-ratio gearbox, and high revving engine. The car was light because it came without any unnecessary luxuries. But best of all, the Boss 302 was a perfectly balanced car with great performance and driving dynamics. Even though it was a muscle car, its handling characteristics, high revving engine, and overall feel made it a sports car with racing success. Basically, it’s the best of both worlds and a unique model in the Mustang’s long history.

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22. Pontiac GTO Judge

Muscle cars started as affordable performance machines with lots of power and reasonable prices. However, due to the high demand, some models started to get more expensive. Soon there was a need for a budget-friendly muscle car for young buyers who wanted a fast car but couldn’t pay much. The Plymouth Roadrunner was a perfect example of such a model. It was cheap, fun and fast. Pontiac wanted a similar car and in 1969, the company presented the GTO Judge.

The Judge became a legend in its own right. First, because it took the name from the popular TV show, and second, because it was a bright red muscle car with a big spoiler and funky “The Judge” graphics. The GTO Judge wasn’t slow either, producing 366 HP with a four-speed transmission. Available from 1969 to 1971, the Judge always represented a top-of-the-line model, which makes it desirable today.

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21. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

In 1969, Pontiac wanted to present a model they could homologate for Trans Am racing. As a part of GM, the factory was still under the racing ban. But their fans and private teams used many Pontiac products. So, the factory wanted to introduce a version they could easily modify for racing. And that is how the Firebird Trans Am came to be. However, to mask its intentions, Pontiac introduced the Firebird Trans Am as a loaded version. It featured big-block power from the famous 400 V8 engine with the Ram Air III or IV intake system.

The difference between those engines was significant since the Ram Air IV featured a lot of improved engine internals and components. Yet, they rated both at 366 HP, which was underrated. Sadly, this special version with its signature white paint, blue stripes, Rally II wheels, and other equipment proved to be a tough seller. In fact, Pontiac only sold 634 Firebird Trans Ams and among those, only eight were convertibles. The significance of the 1969 Trans Am is this limited production model influenced Pontiac to produce Trans Am models for almost all the model years after that. And it was the top-of-the-line version of the regular Firebird.

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20. Chevrolet Corvette ZL1

Chevy presented the new, third generation of the Corvette in 1968. It brought a new, sleeker design they called the “Coke bottle” look. The mechanics, chassis, and drivetrain were the same and it was still great value for the money. The C3 generation included some of the most powerful Corvettes, but none was more powerful than the ultra-rare and legendary ZL1. The heart of the ZL1 was the racing-spec aluminum 427 V8 delivering with up to 550 HP in mild tune. This monster of an engine was far more powerful than anything Mopar or Ford had in production at the moment. Chevrolet produced around 200 of those engines. While most of them went to Can-Am racing teams, Chevrolet made around 12 test Corvettes with that engine in late 1968.

The performance potential was unbelievable, so Chevrolet didn’t want to offer this wild racing engine to the public. So they never mentioned the ZL-1 option to the press or in their official brochures. However, wealthy individuals close to the factory knew about its existence and could purchase the ZL-1. And that is why only two Corvette ZL-1s are known to exist, a yellow and a white one. One of them is manual and the other is automatic. Chevrolet destroyed the rest as pre-production prototypes, so only two found a way to private hands. Those owners have cherished and preserved them as the most valuable and interesting pieces of Corvette history. The cost of the ZL-1 option was over $4,000 on the base price of a big block Corvette C3, but today, the estimated value is over $1 million.

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19. Dodge Challenger R/T

Despite the fact that Plymouth introduced the Barracuda two weeks before the Ford Mustang, its stablemate, Dodge didn’t enter the pony car segment until 1970. Some muscle car historians say that Dodge was almost too late for the party, but the Challenger left its mark, reserving a place in history. Mopar’s E-Body models Barracuda and Challenger were new for 1970. They featured a new design and better construction, as well as a wider, longer body. There was no significant mechanical difference between the Barracuda and the Challenger, only the design. In fact, these two cars had some interchangeable bodywork parts, as well. They presented the Challenger with the full firepower of Mopar engines.

The buyers could get the powerful 383 V8, as well as a big 440 and the famous 426 Hemi. Of course, the best performers were the 440 and the Hemi, and depending on the specifications, differential ratio, and gearboxes. Challengers with those engines could accelerate to 60 mph in the 5.5 to 5.7-second range, which was quick for 1970. However, the Challengers with 440 engines were more expensive than the regular models and that is why Dodge produced less than 4,000 for the 1970 model year. Today, Hemi Challengers cost a few hundred thousand dollars, but you can get the next best thing in the form of a Challenger with the 440 engine in R/T package for around $90,000.

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18. Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird

As one of the craziest muscle cars they ever produced, Plymouth has one of the most recognizable graphics packages they ever presented to the public. The Superbird was an attempt to win the famous Aero Wars in the late ’60s to early ’70s NASCAR championship. To homologate the car for racing, Plymouth built just under 2,000 road-goingSuperbirds, selling them all over America. They based the car on the Roadrunner and it came with a 440 V8 as standard and 426 Hemi as the only engine option.

However, to make it as aerodynamically efficient as they could, Plymouth installed a nose cone, hideaway headlights, and an enormous spoiler on the back. Also, they transformed the rear glass from the standard concave shape to the regular shape, which proved more slippery in wind tunnel testing. The Superbird came with a wild graphics package along with a choice of bright colors. All cars had a vinyl roof to hide the rear glass conversion scars. They had big “Plymouth” lettering on the rear fender and roadrunner bird logo holding a racing helmet. And this was true muscle car art in its prime.

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17. Oldsmobile 442

Although the Pontiac GTO takes the credit for being the first modern muscle car, not many people know the Oldsmobile 442 started the same year as the GTO. However, Oldsmobile was much more discrete about advertising the new model as an option on the Cutlass line. From the beginning, they marketed the 442 was marketed as a “gentleman`s hot rod.” It was an elegant, well-equipped muscle car with luxury appointments, reserved styling, and brutal performance.

The name 442 caused a lot of controversies back in the day, but the meaning was simple. It had a 400 CID engine, four-barrel carburetor, and dual exhaust. The buyers could order it with an automatic but if they wanted to get the most from their 442, they would go for the manual. In 1970, Oldsmobile introduced the biggest engine in the muscle car class, the 455 V8. When they installed it in the 442, they created one of the fastest cars of the era, especially with the performance-oriented W30 optional package. Today, the 442 is highly-desirable for its style, limited availability, and performance.

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16. Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda

Two of the biggest Chrysler legends from the classic days of the muscle car culture are the Barracuda and the 426 Hemi engine. All through the ‘60s, those icons of the industry didn’t mix, at least not in street-legal cars. But in 1970, Plymouth offered this legendary engine in the Barracuda body style, creating one of the fastest, most desirable muscle cars ever.

The mighty Hemi engine was an expensive top-of-the-line option for 1970 and 1971 available in coupe or convertible form. It cost around $900 over the price of the standard Barracuda and they installed it in just about 600 coupes and only 17 convertibles during its two-year production period. They rated the power at 425 HP, but everybody knew the orange monster delivered more than 500 HP straight from the box.

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15. Buick GNX

The story of this model is interesting. Back in 1982, Buick started experimenting with turbocharging its line of standard V6 engines. The results were satisfying, so the Buick engineers got permission to develop a performance version to deliver better acceleration figures. Soon, there was the Buick Grand National with 175 HP which wasn’t impressive, but it was a start. In the next couple of years, the Grand National got a bigger engine and more power, jumping from 175 HP to 200 HP, and finally to 235 HP. With those numbers came acceleration times of less than six seconds, making those black Grand Nationals seriously quick cars. But in 1987 came the ultimate version Buick named the GNX or Grand National Experimental. It featured the same 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 but with 275 HP and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.7 seconds.

Nobody expected such a bold move from Buick. After all, Buick was a company for old people that produced boring cars. Suddenly, there was a turbocharged V6 coupe that broke every classic muscle car mold. In fact, it was faster than a Ferrari. At that moment, the Buick GNX was the fastest accelerating production model in the world. At $29,000 it was expensive, but there was a widespread legend that the owners paid the lease on these cars by street racing them for money. Unfortunately, the Buick GNX was a one-year-only model, so the company made just 547 of them. Today, those cars are as equally praised as they were in the late ’80s.

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14. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The Chevrolet engineers knew the C4 chassis had enormous potential, so they constantly looked for ways to improve its power and performance. Finally, they got the green light from the management to introduce the best Corvette model in years. Their goal was to show the sports car world what the Corvette was capable of. So in 1990, they revealed the mighty ZR-1 was with 400 HP and a performance that could beat any Ferrari at the time. Chevy called the car the “King of the Hill” and the Corvette ZR1 was exactly that. It was the king of all Corvettes in 1990 when they presented the ZR1. Immediately it was obvious that Chevrolet hit a home run.

Under the hood, there was the LT4, a Lotus-engineered V8 engine producing 375 HP and later 400 HP. It had quad-cam heads and a total of 32 valves. The engine was an engineering marvel that performed exceptionally well. With the beefed-up suspension, gearbox, and a pair of extra-wide rear tires, the Corvette ZR1 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. And all that made it one of the fastest cars of the era and a true modern classic today.

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13. Dodge Viper RT/10

The original ’90s Viper was what happens when talented individuals with a clear goal want to make the car of their dreams. They were Bob Lutz, then president of Chrysler Corporation, chief engineer Francois Castaing, and chief designer Tom Gale. The trio was joined by the legendary Carroll Shelby who was heavily involved with Chrysler’s performance program in the late ‘80s. Chrysler wanted a model to celebrate their success and to connect it with their muscle car roots. Castaing, Lutz, and Gale were all big fans of the original Shelby Cobra, which is the most exciting American muscle cars ever built. The team wanted to build a modern-day Cobra with more power, refinement, and performance. Thanks to their influence in the industry, the team soon gathered over 80 engineers and designers, starting project Viper officially.

In 1989, they revealed the Dodge Viper concept at the Detroit Motor Show. The reaction of the public was so overwhelming that Lee Iacocca, Chrysler chairman, ordered the start of production. The team rushed the car into production so it would be ready for its 1992 release and pace car duty for the legendary Indianapolis 500 race. Under the hood was an 8.0-liter fully aluminum V10 delivering 400 HP and 465 lb-ft of torque which secured the Viper’s place as one of the most powerful new models on the market. The design wasn’t much different from the prototype with a roll bar, long hood, and short rear end. With a price tag of just over $50,000 and 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, the Viper beat many European exotic machines. Best of all, the Viper established itself as one of the best looking, fastest cars of the early ‘90s. The legend of America’s deadliest snake had officially begun.

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12. Shelby GT500

The swan song of the SVT supercharged Mustangs is the 2013 Shelby GT 500. This glorious muscle car has a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 that pumps out 662 HP and produces 631 lb-ft of torque. At the time Ford presented the GT500, it came with the most powerful American-made V8 engine. Ford installed it with RWD and a live axle platform, making it famous as a tire smoke generator. But besides its burnout and show potential, it was also a serious performance machine.

The 0 to 60 mph sprint took only 3.5 seconds and the $50,000 Mustang could embarrass a $250,000 Ferrari at stoplight drag races. Buyers loved this overpowered Mustang. Even though Ford discontinued it, the Shelby GT500 is still is the king of the hill among Mustang fans.

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11. Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE

The base Camaro SS is one of the best muscle cars around with its 6.2-liter, 450 HP V8 engine. It produces loads of torque and with its perfectly balanced chassis, the 1LE is even better. The engine is the same as you would get in a Corvette, which means it delivers 460 HP. The suspension is even more focused and slightly revised to give drivers a better driving feel and sharper response.

Imagine driving this perfectly tuned machine on a long road trip with every mile bringing you more driving pleasure. Also, they slightly improved the aero package, making the 1LE the best car if you want an all-around sports machine. It is a capable road car, comfortable enough to use every day and for long drives. Also, it is sharp enough to be a track car that will provide tons of fun on the race track.

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10. Buick GSX

The 1970 model year was a watershed year for American muscle and performance models. Never have there been so many great models available. And thanks to steady sales and the great reception of their muscle models, Buick unveiled the ultimate muscle car. It was in the form of the legendary and scarce Buick GSX. The GSX stood for Gran Sport Experimental. And it was the visually upgraded Gran Sport with a Stage 1 performance package. The GSX debuted in 1970 with an aggressive graphics package not typical for Buick products. It was available in two bright colors, Saturn Yellow and Apollo White. Also, it came with a front and rear spoiler and functioning hood scoops. It also had side stripes and Rally wheels.

The power output was the same at 345 HP/510 lb-ft. But because the Buick 455 was significantly lighter than the Chevelle 454 or Plymouth Hemi 426, the GSX was a sure winner in street races all across America. However, despite all the qualities of the GSX and numerous accolades by the motoring press, Buick built less than 700. Unfortunately, the GSX package added $1,100 over the price of a regular GS 455. So, this price boost proved to be too expensive for most buyers. So although the GSX option was available in 1971 and 1972, Buick produced them in even smaller numbers.

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9. 2014 to Present Dodge Charger Hellcat

Ever since they released the four-door Charger it became a popular model, even with law-enforcement agencies. So in 2011, they introduced the second generation with a fresh design and more options. However, the platform and engine choices remained the same. Dodge kept the SRT model in the lineup and several interesting performance versions, too. But everybody knew the Charger was capable of much more.

So, finally, in 2014, the car community went crazy when Dodge released the Hellcat Charger and Challenger models. After all, they expected such a reaction. The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 707 HP is a proper monster of a muscle car. But, Dodge did just that, allowing the public to buy one of the fastest, most powerful muscle cars they ever built. Despite being overpowered in every aspect, Dodge Charger Hellcats are surprisingly easy to drive. Surprisingly, they can be docile at low speeds. When you press the throttle to unleash the fury of those supercharged horses, you’ll feel the brutality of the Hellcat package. The 0 to 60 mph times are in the high three-second range and the car can top 200 mph. This is proof that the Dodge Charger will keep the muscle car segment interesting in the 21st century.

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8. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach I

Even though 2020 wasn’t the best year in the car industry, Ford was still able to introduce new designs, further expanding the Mustang range. One such product was the brand-new 2021 Mustang Mach I. This model marked the return of the legendary Mustang’s nameplate. This Mach I is better than ever and has more power and performance than its predecessors. The 2021 Mach I is envisioned as a step up from the regular S550 Mustang GT and GT Performance Pack II but a step below the Shelby GT350 and GT500. For 2021, Ford will discontinue the Shelby GT350 since Mach I and Shelby are aimed for the same market and have somewhat similar price tags.

Under the hood is the same 5.0-liter Coyote V8 but with few Shelby and Bullitt parts, which results in a 480 hp rating (same as Bullitt). The customers hoped for a 500 hp rating, but Ford decided to keep it 480 hp using already existing components. The 2021 Mach I will come with special body parts, a handling package, special paint, decal trim, and a host of unique details. Since Ford is getting ready to introduce the next-gen Mustang in two years, you can expect that Mach I will be a limited production model.

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7. Ram TRX

Although the car industry is inevitably going in the direction of electric energy and other renewable energy sources, it’s good to know that the people from Dodge are still neck-deep into good-old gasoline. How else we can explain the newest and greatest addition to the extreme truck class, the 2021 Ram TRX. If you don’t know what the TRX is, let us put it this way. It’s a cross between the Ram Rebel and Dodge Challenger Hellcat. In other words, an all-terrain beast with a supercharged Hemi under the hood and a bad attitude.

With a starting price of $69,000, it is not cheap. Yet it is an extremely capable, fast, and durable vehicle whose sole aim is to beat Ford’s Raptor in every aspect. That’s why it has a 702 hp engine under the hood, a specially tuned chassis, suspension, and gearbox. This Ram is designed to be the new king of the hill when it comes to extreme off-road trucks you can get from a local dealer.

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6. Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack 2

The current 5.0 GT Mustang is one of the best Mustangs in history. However, Ford waited until 2018 to unveil the new GT Performance Pack 2 properly. And this car is one of the coolest modern Mustangs, a true performance model for muscle car fans. So what exactly is the Mustang GT Performance Pack 2? First, it is a GT, which means it has a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 with 460 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque. Ford mated it with a six-speed manual transmission in the best tradition of classic muscle cars. With the 0 to 60 mph times in the low four-second range, the Performance Pack 2 is fast. But the numbers are just half of the story. The essence of the Performance Pack is in handling and braking.

For $6,500 above the price of a regular GT, you will get both chassis and aerodynamic improvements, stiffer springs, and beefier anti-roll bars. You’ll also get performance tires, bigger brakes, and racing seats. Some think Ford should’ve named this the Performance Pack 2 Boss 302 since it captures the same idea for the same type of customers. If you can’t afford the Shelby GT350, the Performance Pack 2 is the perfect alternative as it offers almost the same level of performance and handling for a significantly lower price.

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5. Studebaker Avanti R2

In the early ’60s, Studebaker management decided to invest in a luxury coupe to fight their poor sales. They thought a new, fancy upscale model would attract more customers to Studebaker. In 1962, they presented the sleek, modern-looking Avanti. The innovative design, construction, and technology were impressive, and the car received praise from the motoring press. But the base version wasn’t powerful, so Studebaker introduced its supercharged R2 option delivering 289 HP. The R2 version didn’t come with an automatic transmission or air conditioning. In fact, the Avanti R2 only came with a close-ratio manual gearbox. However, they included some performance upgrades, turning the Avanti into a fast machine.

Interestingly, the R2 broke 28 world speed records by achieving top speeds of 170 mph, which was a big deal in 1963. The R2 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds. Unfortunately, Studebaker had problems with production, so the Avanti was limited in availability, which affected its popularity. Sadly, by 1964 they had discontinued this model. Today, most car enthusiasts recognize the Avanti R2 as one of the coolest ’60s cars, as well as an early luxury muscle car. During its short production run, Studebaker produced just over 4,600 Avantis and only a handful were R2s.

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4. Ford Mustang GT 5.0

The rise in power of domestic cars during the ‘80s brought the first real performance vehicle to the Mustang range in almost 20 years. The Fox-body Mustang grew more powerful with each model year starting from 175 HP in the 1983 model. By the late 80s, the venerable 5.0-liter V8 engine was pumping 225 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque. This increase in power translated to very competent 0 to 60 mph times.

This car marked the return to its roots with a strong V8 engine and an exciting performance. Also, late 80s fox-body GT was so popular that they are somewhat plentiful today. That makes them a great choice for entry-level collectors. The best part of all is that the aftermarket for these cars is enormous, so you can affordably modify your fox-body GT to go even faster.

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3. Shelby Cobra 289

The story of the Shelby Cobra 289 is widely known, but it’s interesting enough to tell it again. In 1962, Shelby heard that AC Cars from England was planning to shut down the production of their Ace sports roadster because Bristol engines weren’t available anymore. In just a couple of days, he managed to get several engineless bodies on a transport ship to his Venice Beach shop. He went to work installing a Ford 260 V8 engine in the new bodies. A small but powerful American V8 in a light and nimble body proved to be a match made in heaven. Soon, Shelby installed the 289 V8 with 271 HP, which brought some serious performance to this little roadster. But Shelby’s main goal was racing and it was obvious the Cobra was a race track terror.

After all, it dominated all the domestic championships, beating all the Corvettes, Ferraris, and Jaguars. But Shelby wanted to go to Europe and prove his concept. So, in 1963/64, with some help from Ford, Shelby campaigned his Cobras all over Europe’s finest racing tracks, repeating his success. His small V8 roadster proved extremely capable, dominating the GT class. The Ford V8 was a durable, reliable unit. but Shelby’s knowledge and racing know-how were crucial in setting the car right for different tracks. Because Shelby sold factory-prepared “competition” Cobras to private teams, many amateur races enjoyed success with this fierce car.

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2. Pontiac Trans Am SE

The late ’70s were sad times for muscle cars. All the available models had diminutive horsepower ratings and heavy bodies that made their performance embarrassingly slow. The Firebird/Trans Am range could not escape this as well. However, Pontiac still managed to produce some memorable cars through its Special Edition models that dressed up the Trans Am and turned it into a street icon.

The main model was the Trans Am, which came with either the 4.9-liter turbo engine or 400 NA V8. However, neither of those powerplants delivered more than 220 HP during its 1977 to 1981 production run. However, the main aspect was the design with signature graphics and appearance package. Affectionately called the “Screaming Chicken,” this was a highly stylized flaming bird logo on the hood of the car. And that was extraordinarily modern and hip by the standards of the day.

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1. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1

As you may already know, back in the late ’60s, Chevrolet was under the General Motors racing ban. This ban meant that no official Chevrolet products could race and Chevrolet as a manufacturer couldn’t participate in any racing activity. But nobody stopped Chevrolet from helping racing teams through its backdoor programs developing special engines and components. In the late ’60s, the Can-Am was a popular racing series featuring prototype class cars with V8 engines. Chevrolet wanted to purpose-build a power plant for this championship. So, in 1969, they produced the ZL-1, an all-aluminum 427 big block. It was a high revving, 7.0-liter V8 with around 550 HP in mild tune. Chevrolet produced around 200 of those engines.

While most of them went to Can-Am racing teams, they installed 69 of them in C.O.P.O Camaros they sold to drag racing teams. The Camaro ZL-1 was the same as the regular 1969 Camaro on the outside, but it was so fast, it was barely street legal. The official 1969 Chevrolet literature doesn’t mention the ZL-1 option for the Camaro. However, if you were a successful drag racer or a dealer, you knew about this expensive option. That is why they only made 69 Camaros ZL-1. Have you planned your muscle car dream garage? These are 30 of the coolest cars to grace any collection, so be sure to add a few of these – if you can afford it, that is.

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30 Muscle Cars That Belong In Any Auto Fan’s Dream Garage

30. Hudson Hornet

29. Chrysler C-300

28. Chevrolet Impala SS

27. Pontiac Tempest GTO

26. Chevrolet Chevelle Z16

25. Shelby GT 500

24. Plymouth Roadrunner 426 Hemi

23. Ford Mustang Boss 302

22. Pontiac GTO Judge

21. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

20. Chevrolet Corvette ZL1

19. Dodge Challenger R/T

18. Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird

17. Oldsmobile 442

16. Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda

15. Buick GNX

14. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

13. Dodge Viper RT/10

12. Shelby GT500

11. Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE

10. Buick GSX

9. 2014 to Present Dodge Charger Hellcat

8. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach I

7. Ram TRX

6. Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack 2

5. Studebaker Avanti R2

4. Ford Mustang GT 5.0

3. Shelby Cobra 289

2. Pontiac Trans Am SE

1. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1

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