20 Top Coveted Muscle Car Specials in Automotive History

16. Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

The Z/28 has been the production option for numerous Camaro models since 1967. It was always a lighter, nimbler version compared to most SS models. The first Z/28 package included front disc brakes, a close ratio four-speed manual transmission and a revised suspension. Also, it had updated steering and exterior trim details like racing stripes, as well as a vinyl roof and headlight covers.

But the real treat was under the hood. The power came from a 5.0-liter V8 with 290 HP of a high revving nature. This engine proved to be ideal for the Z/28, giving the car a thrilling performance while retaining its low weight and nimble handling.

17. Plymouth Barracuda Hemi

Two of the biggest Chrysler legends from the classic days of 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. In 1970 Plymouth offered this legendary engine in the Barracuda body style, immediately creating one of the fastest, most desirable muscle cars Chrysler ever made.

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. 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.

18. Shelby GT500KR

In 1968, Ford introduced the 428 Cobra Jet engine and Shelby was about to use it in his line of Mustangs. He wanted to do something special, and the result was the GT500KR, or “King of the Road.” Although they rated the 428 Cobra Jet at 335 HP, everybody knew the engine delivered more than 400 HP and 400 lb-ft of torque.

They limited the production and loaded the GT500KR with interior trimmings and extra luxuries. Unfortunately, they only produced the GT500KR for the 1968 model year, dropping Shelby’s version for 1969.

19. Dodge Charger Super Bee Hemi

The Charger Super Bee was another one-year-only model that was an entry-level muscle car. Dodge sold it at lower prices but packed it with good equipment, wild graphics and a 440 engine as standard. The Super Bee was a relatively popular proposition for people looking for a classic performance machine.

However, the best features of the Super Bee were the vivid colors and tire-shredding performance. The base 440 engine delivered 370 HP, but in the Six Pack option, it was capable of 385 HP. The Hemi was the only engine option yet it was quite rare since they only used it in 22 cars.

20. Pontiac Catalina 2+2

In the mid-60s, the Pontiac GTO was the car to have since it was at the forefront of the exciting new muscle car movement. With its performance, powerful engine and great Pontiac styling, the GTO was the perfect car for the moment. But it wasn’t the only stellar performance machine coming from Pontiac. In 1965, there was another pure muscle car icon: the Catalina 2+2.

Since the Catalina was a full-size model, it was eligible for engines over 400 CID, according to the GM rules of the time. This meant that the Catalina 2+2 came with the famous 421 V8. And if you wanted, you could get the Tri-Power intake system, which was the same as in the GTO. It boosted the car’s power to 376 HP. Of course, buyers could order the limited-slip differentials, heavy-duty steering and brakes and a whole lot more.

All that made the Catalina 2+2 well-appointed, but unfortunately, it was expensive, too. The top of the line 2+2 cost over $4,000, which was a hefty sum and much more than the similarly equipped GTO. However, Pontiac produced approximately 11,000 of these fine machines in 1965, but only around 200 convertibles.

These are the 20 most desirable muscle car specials to order right now if you want to be sure you can get them. But you’d better hurry up because most of these highly-desirable beauties won’t be around much longer.