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50 Classic Muscle Cars Drivers Forgot About Long Ago

Cameron Eittreim July 28, 2020

The muscle car business was one of the most profitable eras of the automotive industry. Muscle cars created excitement about driving that wasn’t there before. Whether you were a Mustang or Camaro fan, there was sure to be a car for you. Then there were other prominent cars such as the Pontiac GTO and the Chevrolet Chevelle. But sadly, a good portion of the Muscle car industry was neglected and forgotten about.

After the fuel crisis of the ’70s, cars begins to shrink in size and the muscle car just wasn’t efficient. As a result, a situation the opposite of the booming era of muscle cars was created. So we took a look back at 50 muscle cars that have been long forgotten about via BuzzDrives.

50: 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning

Ford F150 Lightning — Photo Credit: Motor Trend

While it might not be the first vehicle that comes to mind when you think “muscle car” the SVT Lightning is one of the most influential trucks on the road. This was the blue oval’s answer to the Chevy 454 SS, and it was a valiant try, to say the least. The rationale behind the 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning was simple, build a Mustang SVT Cobra with a truck bed. Thus, you had the original Lightning and it was an amazing truck to drive. The original Lightning could rival even the best sports cars on any race track and provide just as respectable of a driving experience.

Finding an original SVT Lightning can be a difficult task, as most have been driven into the ground by now. You can find a low mileage example but you are going to be spending a pretty penny on this thing. Trucks nowadays have become a sort of a luxury vehicle and while the Ford Raptor is a tremendously popular truck the Lightning is the forgotten original. Few pickup trucks have ever been as powerful and notable as the original Lightning was.

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49: 1995 Camaro Z28 Pace Car

GM has always had a presence in the NASCAR racing scene and the Camaro was long the official pace car of the sport. This doesn’t mean that the Camaro is the fastest car on the track, but it did have the reputation for performance. The 1995 Camaro Z28 Pace Car was unique in offering a white and orange paint job complete with a white leather interior. The overall design of the car was beautiful and took full advantage of the sleek design that the fourth generation F-Body offered.

Although the pace cars were produced in limited numbers you can still find them from time to time. The fourth-generation Camaro has been largely forgotten because the vast majority of these cars have been beaten up and raced. But you can still find clean condition pace cars from time to time that has a low mileage and has been babied. The 1995 Camaro Z28 Pace Car is worth taking a look into if you are a diehard Chevy collector.

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48: 1995 Indy 500 Corvette Pace Car

While the Camaro brand was iconic with the NASCAR scene the Corvette was a popular choice over on the Indy 500 circuit. There have been many unique versions of the Corvette to come out but the 1995 Indy 500 Corvette Pace Car was among the most iconic. These cars were produced in very limited numbers and were usually positioned as eye candy for the dealership sales floor. Nevertheless, you get the prestige of owning an official pace car.

The vast majority of these pace car models have low mileage on them and you can expect to fork over a chunk of money. You’ll notice that the pace car came in a couple of different exterior colors, and there were no options other than a stick shift or an automatic. Either way, you are going to have a notable classic car that most people have forgotten existed. GM pace car run is one of the most interesting parts of the nineties automotive industry.

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47: 1969 Chevrolet AstroVette

If you are a diehard GM enthusiast then you’ve probably seen just about every Corvette model produced. But you probably haven’t seen the 1969 Chevrolet AstroVette, a rare version of the Corvette that only yielded three models. What made the AstroVette unique was the unique model that was specifically produced for astronaut Alan Bean. GM promised that he would have a Corvette model every year for the rest of his life at the cost of $1. There were only three of these models ever produced which is one of the reasons that it has been forgotten.

With the 390-hp, 427 Turbo-Jet V-8 the AstroVette could perform with the best of them. The unique two-tone paint job was among one of the most unique features of the car. Finding one of these AstroVette models is not going to be an easy task. You might not ever see one in person in your lifetime, but the unique design makes it an appealing Corvette model. The AstroVette will go down in history as one of the most unique Corvette models on the road.

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46: Chevrolet SS

GM hasn’t introduced another performance car other than the Camaro and the Corvette since the Monte Carlo SS in 2006, but the Chevrolet SS was an exception. Released after the Pontiac brand went belly up in 2008, the SS was the spiritual successor to the Pontiac G8. Both cars were carbon copies of each other and offered exceptional performance via a 6.2 L V8. The SS is one of the few sedans that shared all of its drivetrain and engine with the Corvette. Where else can you get that kind of performance in a four-door body style?

Unfortunately, GM didn’t advertise the SS at all and the model was discontinued in 2017. Most people don’t even realize that this car ever existed, but if you want a potent performance sedan you can’t go wrong with the SS. The thing offered an exceptional amount of performance and comfort for a fraction of the price that you’d pay for a comparable Camaro or Mustang model.

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45: Pontiac G8

Toward the end of the Pontiac brand’s lifecycle, GM was looking to inject a last-minute bit of excitement. The compact G5 failed, the G6 was outdated and the Solstice didn’t sell as the company had hoped for. There was also the 2008 recession which slowed things down, and thus the G8 never really got a good showing. But the car is among one of the best performance bargains that you can get on the market today. Powered by a Corvette 6.2 L V8 the G8 has all the power that you’ll ever need in a sports car.

Although the G8 was produced for a single year it was advertised quite heavily by GM. Nevertheless, most mainstream enthusiasts have forgotten that this car was in existence. The G8 is hard to come by but the few examples that you can find are generally low mileage. For the right price with a few modifications, the G8 can be a family sedan that performs better than most of the expensive sports cars that are on the market.

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44: 2004 Pontiac GTO

After the Firebird was discontinued for the 2002 model year Pontiac was without a solid sports car for several years. GM needed something to compete against the Mustang and thus the 2004 GTO was brought into existence. The unique rear-wheel-drive model shared its powerful LS series engine with the Corvette. Although the styling was universally panned by critics the performance of the car cannot be matched to this day. Finding a used one will cost a fair amount of money but you’ll have one of the last beneficial Pontiacs on the road.

Few cars are as iconic as the original GTO nameplate is, and although the new generation is not remembered too well it does stand out. From a performance standpoint, the GTO is a car that will keep a smile on your face the entire time. The 2004 Pontiac GTO is one of the most forgotten and appealing muscle cars that you can get. Even at almost twenty years old this is still an exciting car to own with a lot of potentials.

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43: 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was perhaps a turning point for GM in terms of design and performance. It was the first FWD V8 powered Chevrolet on the market and it managed to make a name on the NASCAR circuit as well. Unfortunately with the 2008 recession, this generation of the Monte Carlo didn’t live on very long. Finding a two-door with a V8 engine that isn’t a Mustang or a Camaro isn’t easy, but the Monte Carlo offers a unique choice. Though the Monte Carlo wasn’t a rear-wheel-drive sports car it did offer a comfortable ride and interior.

This particular Monte Carlo model had the venerable cylinder deactivation, which helped to achieve a higher level of fuel economy. With a few modifications, you can turn the Monte Carlo into a comfortable muscle car that offers a lot of power. The fact that you have a modern V8 engine makes for a stellar amount of performance, without the high price of the modern sports cars that you come across now.

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42: 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS

When GM announced that the Impala SS was returning for the 2006 model year there was much jubilation in the automotive press. While the Impala SS did stand out from the crowd for its unique styling the car got marks against it for being bland in comparison to the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300C. Even with all of that the Impala SS still pulled decent numbers on the track thanks to the same powerful V8 engine that is shared with the Monte Carlo. The Impala SS was always a comfortable driving family sedan that offered a great amount of performance.

The 2006 model was bland in the eyes of consumers and thus it didn’t sell as well. But that bolds well for an affordable resale value, and you can find these cars for a bit of nothing. With the right modifications and upgrades, you can turn the 2006 Impala SS into a serious performance sedan that will have a signature bark to it.

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41: 2008 Grand Prix GXP

The final year for the Grand Prix was one of the most influential in the brand’s history. GM incorporated a new 5.3L V8 engine and it took the car to a whole new level. Coupled with the lightweight W-Body platform the Grand Prix GXP was an exciting car to drive and own. Production numbers were very low for this model and thus it is extremely rare, nevertheless a stellar addition to any collection. With the sleek styling and the luxurious interior, the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP performed well and looked the part.

Sadly the sales were not what GM had hoped for in addition to the GXP being slowly phased out for the G8. The next year the Pontiac brand was eventually phased out altogether and the Grand Prix is now a thing of the past. Nevertheless, this is one of the most notable muscle cars that people have forgotten was

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40: 1970 Pontiac GTO

You probably think we’re crazy by including the legendary GTO, but here’s why. The GTO is the most influential muscle car of all time. But the base models have long been forgotten in favor of the most well-known renditions of the car. The Judge is just one of many that take the limelight when you look back on the GTO. The lower-rung GTO variations were also very exciting cars to drive from the factory.

Although these cars didn’t come with all of the special decals or features, they were still performance powerhouses. The 1970 Pontiac GTO was perhaps the end of an era for the Pontiac line, as the cars progressively lost their unique appeal. The 1970 Pontiac GTO in its average configurations was still a notable muscle car, but has since been forgotten.

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39: 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442

There was a time when the automotive industry was filled with different brands all vying for your consumer dollars. The 2008 recession killed off most of these other brands and thus you have the automotive makes that you see today. But Oldsmobile was an influential carmaker with a lot of say in the automotive world. Oldsmobile pioneered the first consumer airbag system in addition to other firsts. The 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 is often forgotten in the fray of Chevelle SS’s and Buick GNX models.

But if you wanted a real no-frills muscle car at the time, the 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 was the one to pick. The iconic no-frills look of the car and the masterful performance made the 442 stands out from just about every other car. The performance was notable and the shared platform with the Chevelle made parts dirt cheap.

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38: 1972 Ford Mustang

The early seventies Mustang is often the most forgotten of all of the models. Right on the cusp of the fuel crisis, the car just didn’t farewell. The design was sort of an in-between from the iconic initial model and then the pinto based model that came later on. The exterior styling was polarizing and it didn’t always connect with consumers. Although the car still sold fairly well, base models were often forgotten about.

1972 Ford Mustang Sprint edition fastback — Photo Credit: Car And Driver

A lot of reliability and build quality issues started to creep up during this period as Ford was attempting to cut costs. Lee Iacocca was also absent from this generation of the Mustang as he had moved on to saving Chrysler corporation. The 1972 Mustang is probably one of the most forgotten renditions of the storied car line.

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37: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante

The Aston Martin Vantage is not an American muscle car, but a muscle car from one of the most important eras. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante was a piece of British engineering at its finest. The Vantage had a stellar V8 powerplant which propelled the car with authority.

On top of that, the Vantage also had one of the most luxurious interiors at the time. The car was featured in many automotive publications for its groundbreaking design. From a practical standpoint, the Vantage didn’t hit with consumers. This is why the car was quickly forgotten about, but you can still find these in excellent condition from time to time.

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36: 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

The eighties isn’t a decade that’s often showcased for muscle cars, but there were a few exceptions. The 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS is one such exception of a car that you could pretty much drive on the track and in town. The powerband was higher then most of the cars from this era and GM had introduced fuel injection into the mix.

The GM G-Body cars are some of the most iconic from the end of this era. The 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS was also a major contender on the NASCAR circuit for GM. Winning many championships in the process and cementing the hold that GM has in NASCAR to this day. There aren’t a lot of iconic eighties muscle cars, but the GM G-Body Monte Carlo is one of them.

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35: Jaguar XJS

The Jaguar XJS is not to be confused with other British cars from this era, this was indeed a muscle car. The powerful V-12 engine helped the XJS to drive with a bit of authority, coupled with the beautiful design. Few cars were built with as much precision as the XJS was, and this is a good thing. The Jaguar XJS had a unique design to it that still resonates with buyers to this day.

The reliability issues caused the car to have a lot of heartache with potential drivers. But if you are willing to put up with the constant maintenance of the XJS, the car is worth driving. The high-class British design of the car coupled with the intriguing V-12 engine will leave a smile on your face with every drive.

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34: Alfa Romeo Montreal

Even if you’ve never been a fan of Alfa, Montreal is a real treat. Take one look at the GT profile of the car and you’ll know that it’s something special. The Alfa Romeo Montreal wasn’t like anything else that was on the market. Unfortunately, the polarizing design and price have made Montreal a forgotten member of the ’70s muscle car era. It’s not the muscle car that you’d expect, but it stands out from the crowd.

The things about the Alfa Romeo Montreal that stood out have made it an instant classic. Values have remained steady in this car and you can find one for a great deal. Whether you are a first-time classic car buyer or an expert, the Alfa Romeo Montreal is worth taking a look at.

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33: Dodge Challenger

Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi Convertible — Photo Credit: Chrysler

The Dodge Challenger was one of the most popular muscle cars of all time. But the car was also overshadowed by an array of other muscle cars such as the Chevelle SS and the Oldsmobile 442. What made the Dodge Challenger unique was its wide bodystyle and the powerful Hemi V8 that was under the hood. Few cars have come close to rivaling the Challenger in terms of sheer power.

Nevertheless, the car was constantly overshadowed and is just recently coming back into popularity. Prices for the Challenger on the used car market have begun to explode, and that’s a good thing. The Dodge Challenger has stood the test of time with an iconic design and a platform that can be built on.

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32: Chevrolet Camaro 2nd Generation

The second-generation Camaro was built at a bad time in the automotive industry. New EPA regulations were causing automakers to have to cut horsepower ratings dramatically. The newer Camaro was a mere shadow of its former self, and the automotive community responded. The car was much slower and it didn’t have that quality feeling of the original cars. Some cool options could be had, but for the most part, this Camaro was a dud in terms of sales.

Popularity in the Split Bumper has been starting to rise if you are lucky enough to find one in clean condition. Overall the second-generation Camaro is a piece of muscle car history, but one that often gets overlooked for the other more well-known models.

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31: Chevrolet Corvette (C3)

Even the Corvette suffered during this generation for muscle cars, with new regulations the design was less than innovative. The car suffered from the same problem as most muscle cars from this era, unimaginative design, and low power. The regulations from the EPA on these types of cars were beginning to choke the performance out. The C3 did have some memorable moments but when you compare it to Corvettes prior, the excitement just wasn’t there.

There were some special editions of the C3 such as the Stingray, but for the most part, this is a forgettable member of the Corvette family. The thing just doesn’t perform like you’d expect it to in terms of an elite sports car.

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30: Maserati Bora

If you’ve never laid eyes on the Maserati Bora then you are missing out. The Bora had a polarizing design, which was both a blessing and a curse. The car could dish out some of the best performance you’ve ever seen. But at the same time, it also caused a lot of shake ups in the automotive industry due to its design. Buyers never seemed to warm up to the Bora in what seemed like the right sports car at the wrong period.

Maserati is not the first automaker that comes to mind when you think about muscle cars. But the Bora was every bit the muscle car that many other models were. With a powerful V8 engine and enough horsepower to make serious dents at the track, the Bora is a classic car that was forgotten too soon.

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29: De Tomaso Pantera

Want a Ford GT40 for thousands less? Well, the De Tomaso Pantera was knocked for being a redneck GT40, but the car is the same thing. The Ford derived V8 engine and suspension are both the same as what you’d find in the GT40. The car has a lot of potential behind it and even today you can find one for a reasonable price. The De Tomaso Pantera was disregarded by the automotive community and it was quickly forgotten, but that benefits potential buyers of the car.

With a polarizing design and fun to drive demeanor, the De Tomaso Pantera is a pretty unique piece of automotive history. The car has everything that you’d expect in a vehicle of this price range, all wrapped up in a budget-friendly Ford GT40 clone.

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28: Pontiac Trans Am

The Pontiac brand in general is a relic of a better time in the automotive industry. There was a lot to offer from the high-performance cars of this period, and the Trans Am was at the forefront. The Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am is of course the most well-known in the lineup, but the base Firebird models from this era are quickly forgotten. A lack of horsepower and EPA interference made these cars a nightmare to own.

GM was not as innovative with this generation of the F-Body and as such most classic car collectors try to steer clear of this gen. Nevertheless, if you can find one of the special-edition Trans Am models you’ll be in for a car that offers some serious fun.

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27: Ferrari 512 BB

Few Ferrari models from this era managed to leave an impression on the minds of automotive enthusiasts. The 512 BB was one such car, offering a dizzying array of features and an odd-ball engine setup. Because of the fuel crisis around this time, the Ferrari 512 BB was not the most practical vehicle on most buyers’ shopping lists.

The car was horrible on gas and it had a polarizing design that was tough for a lot of buyers to accept. Ferrari made several odd-ball cars during this period and the Ferrari 512 BB was one of them. Even with the semi-innovative design and the 512 BB just never caught on like many of the other Ferrari models before and after it.

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26: BMW M1

The M1 was meant to be the German muscle car with spirit, but a lackluster advertising campaign and questionable reliability made the car a lackluster choice. There are few cars from this era that had the mid-engined design of the M1. But the performance of the straight-six wasn’t what the company had hoped for and the buying public didn’t warm up to it. The M1 was not the most unique BMW of the decade, but the designers certainly tried to make it stand out from the crowd.

The muscle car era was a time chalked full of unique cars that attempted to capture the free spirit of America. The designers behind the BMW M1 were ambitious at the time, but the novelty of the car has since faded.

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25: AMC Rebel Machine

There was a time when American automakers ruled the roost. The gas-guzzling AMC Rebel Machine was the last of an era. Parts were hard to come by and reliability was scarce, yet performance was decent. The Rebel Machine was a special trim package on the base Rebel. Unfortunately, enthusiasts aren’t too interested in old AMC models these days.

The Rebel Machine was an interesting concept from a company on the verge of collapse. AMC tried everything they could to incite interest in the new product lines. Sadly, the Rebel Machine was a failed attempt to captivate an already satisfied muscle car market.

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24: AMC Hornet SC/360

At one point in time the automotive market was almost completely dominated by domestic companies. AMC was one of the originals, but got lost in a decline of technology and resources. V8 coupes were one of the company’s focal points while the muscle car era was ripe. The Hornet SC/360 was another two-door positioned to be a serious contender in the muscle car world.

Some features of the Hornet were well designed. The interior was spacious for its small outward appearance. AMC could have done a lot with the Hornet, but the company was in a bad spot. However, the Hornet is a relatively inexpensive and rare muscle car.

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23: Buick Wildcat

Buick is often overlooked when discussing the muscle car era. The brand had a few cars on the market during this time that shared a lot of components with Pontiac and Chevy models. The Wildcat is one such example and a car that you don’t hear about. The rarity was based on the Chevrolet Impala of the time, and featured a powerful Nailhead 425 c.i. V8 engine.

Buick Wildcat — Photo Credit: Car Domain

There’s a good chance that you haven’t heard about the Wildcat. The car didn’t sell as well as other muscle cars on the market around this time. Yet the Wildcat offers a stellar choice for a rare muscle car with an attractive exterior style. Buick muscle cars were often underrated during this period.

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22: Chevrolet Monte Carlo

After a mediocre production time during the 1990s and early 2000s, the Monte Car is often overlooked as a muscle car. But there was a time when the Monte Carlo offered a good deal of horsepower. Luxury features were appointed throughout the interior and the Monte Carlo was pushed as a luxury coupe. The overall exterior style of the car was similar in shape to the Chevelle SS.

The Monte Carlo is worth considering if you’re in the market for a muscle car. There is a lot of potential with the car for upgrades. A common choice for the Monte Carlo is to upgrade the engine to a modern LS motor. Whether you keep the car factory or upgrade it, the Monte Carlo is a winning combination.

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21: Chrysler 300 Hurst

Chrysler is a brand that is constantly overlooked in the muscle car race. But the company had quite a few stellar muscle cars you might not know about. The 300 Hurst had long, flowing lines and an aggressive stance. The roots of the Hurst can be seen in the other muscle cars of the era. A nice set of factory Rallye rims gave the car a mean look on the race track. Sadly Chrysler didn’t build up as much of a reputation as other brands on the market.

While the modern 300C is a popular car, the classic model is often unknown. A new generation of drivers is unaware this car existed because it never gets publicity. There were a lot of attributes of the 300 Hurst that could have used improvement, such as its heavy curb weight. Overall, the 300 Hurst had a lot of potential as a muscle car that you can get for next to nothing.

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20: Dodge Coronet

The Coronet was everything from a police car to a performance car. Dodge didn’t exactly go all out with it, but it got the job done. The Coronet was in its prime as a California Highway Patrol vehicle in 1976. The lightweight design was a surprise considering just how big the car was. Performance was a strong suit for the Coronet and the car was incredibly nimble. There was a lot the Coronet brought to the table, but the car just didn’t have the notoriety.

Still, the Coronet is worth taking a look at if you want a powerful muscle car on a budget. The overall design of the car has a lot of potential and there are a lot of aftermarket mods. With a modern Hemi swap and a few additions, the Coronet can be a powerful track car or weekend hot rod.

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19: Dodge Dart

The classic Dodge Dart was a far cry from the modern Dart compact we saw a few years ago. The Dart never gained much notoriety as a muscle car because of its small size. From the onset, the Dart looked to be an underpowered car with a lot of quality issues. However, when you compare the Dart to the current price of other classics there is a lot of potential. It’s not hard to cram a modern Hemi into one.

Interior-wise, the Dart wasn’t anything special. The usual Chrysler flair from this period is evident throughout the car. If you can find one in the clean condition you’ll see a lot of vinyl and upholstery that was usual for this period. Overall, the Dart is a forgotten classic worth looking into.

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18: Ford Fairlane

You rarely hear about Ford during the muscle car era aside from the Mustang. But there were quite a few Ford models that offered performance. The Fairlane was one of the most underrated muscle cars of the era. Engine choices for the Fairlane were the 289 and the 390. Both of them were a great choice at the time and gave the car a great rivalry with the GTO.

There was a lot of potential with the Fairlane. But at the time, Ford was focused on selling the Mustang. Had the Fairlane received a bigger push from the company, the car might be more recognizable today. Still, if you can get your hands on one of these, you’ll have a great muscle car.

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17: Ford 7-Litre

This is a car you truly don’t see very often. The Ford 7-Litre was based on the Galaxy 2-door. This special-edition car had an elongated body style that looked much bigger than any other muscle car on the road. But the power delivery at the time was top notch and you still got the interior volume of a family car. The car was a lot more nimble then you’d expect a vehicle with a curb weight like this to have.

Overall, if you can get your hands on one, the Ford 7-Litre just might be one of the most understated muscle cars on the road due to its design and performance you get from the stock motor. Sure, it’s as big as a land yacht, but it’s still fun to drive.

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16: Mercury Comet

Throughout its life cycle, Mercury was often a dropping point for cloned Ford models. The brand worked to have an indentity of its own, but many of their cars were just questionable Fords. The Comet started life out as a Ford Falcon clone, but later on in the production cycle, it got an upgrade. The performance was a key point in differentiating the Comet from its corporate cousin. The car came with a more than capable 390 V8 that packed a whopping 335HP.

Upgrading the factory engine is a great way to increase performance. The Comet is a capable street machine fairly unknown to the general public. If you can get your hands on one, there is a lot of potential. Ford did a great job of designing a big car that could either go fast or cruise down the boulevard right from the factory.

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15: Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser

The Vista Cruiser was a Chevelle built for the family. You’ve probably seen this car on ‘That ’70s Show,’ but did you know the Vista Cruiser was a muscle car? This wagon had power right out of the factory combined with family comfort and three-row seating. Oldsmobile put special detail into the design of the Vista Cruiser to separate it from the Chevelle wagon. The 442 engine was the top-of-the-line powerplant at the time.

Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser — Photo Credit: Car Domain

There was a special edition of the Vista Cruiser that came with the 442 engine. With its performance and suspension, the Vista Cruiser was solid. You don’t find these very often anymore, but if you can get your hands on one, the car is a stellar choice.

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14: Oldsmobile Toronado

If you were at all familiar with the muscle car era, the Toronado was a beast on the track. The imposing size of the car and aggressive stance made it stand out. Oldsmobile was quick to equip the car with several interesting features. The later models of the Toronado were the first vehicles on the road to have a supplemental restraint system (airbag). It was innovations like these that gave the Toronado a head start.

When it comes to muscle cars, the Toronado is one of the most underrated. Performance was second to none at the time. To this day, the Toronado is still a great car that delivers high performance at a reasonable price. Plus, the Oldsmobile brand is a defunct piece of American automotive history.

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13: Ford Ranchero GT

GM had the El Camino SS, so Ford had something up the company sleeve to compete. The Ranchero GT is a very rare and unique offering you don’t see often. With the GT package, you got a car that could handle business on the street or the track. The truck bed was longer than the El Camino by quite a few inches.

Horsepower was comparable to the El Camino although the liters were less than the big block 454. If you want a unique hot rod, the Ranchero GT is it. The rarity makes the Ranchero GT a cool ride. Plus, you could always swap the motor out with a Coyote V8 and have a modern-day muscle car.

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12: Pontiac Catalina 2+2

The Pontiac GTO gets all the glory as ae historic muscle car, but the Catalina was along for the ride as well. The Pontiac Catalina 2+2 was a lesser-known model than the iconic GTO, but the car had a similar style. Although the Catalina was quite large in terms of curb weight, the car had a lot of performance behind it. The Catalina had a lot of potential for upgrades.

Without the notoriety of the GTO badge, the car is much more affordable. Pontiac were some of the most influential vehicles of the muscle car era. The Catalina can still be a great ride for colectors with a little bit of effort. The car is known as a performance powerhouse and drivers can find a lot of accessories for it.

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11: Chevrolet Laguna 454

Not to be confused with the Monte Carlo it resembles, the Chevrolet Laguna 454 was the ultimate sleeper. Not much is known about this car because you rarely ever seen one anymore. However, the Laguna was a performance powerhouse disguised as a modest two-door coupe. Its 454 V8 engine coupled with a manual transmission made the Laguna a strong entry in the muscle car race.

Rarity was one of the factors with the Laguna as it wasn’t as popular as other models. If you can find a Laguna 454, you’re in for a performance treat. The rear-wheel-drive design and powerful engine make for an exciting experience. Very few cars can match the excitement the Laguna can bring to the table.

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10: Studebaker Avanti R2

The Studebaker Avanti R2 is a car that packs a punch. Studebaker was near the end of the road during this period, but that doesn’t mean that Avanti was a bad choice. The car was lightweight and had rear-wheel drive, which gave it a ton of power to work with. The R2 was the last-ditch effort to generate hype. The 300 HP engine was blazingly fast, but the car’s awkward styling didn’t catch on with consumers.

Although Studebaker went the way of the wind, you can still find these from time to time. With a little bit of work and love, you can make one of these a pretty piece of automotive history. The Avanti R2 still manages to garner attention when you take it out on the road.

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9: Plymouth Fury GT

Plymouth fell on hard times at the start of the new millennium and today’s group of new drivers doesn’t even know it existed. The Fury GT was a muscle car that deserves more love than it gets. There were a lot of good things about the Fury that made it stand out. The powerful Hemi V8 engine was coupled with the rear-wheel-drive design. There was nothing about the Fury that made it worth ignoring, but you just don’t see these anymore.

Resale prices on the Fury have continued to rise in recent years as this is a piece of Mopar history. The Fury doesn’t have the notoriety of a Dodge Charger, but the car is still a blast to drive. With a little bit of work, the Fury can tango with some of the best classic muscle cars on the road.

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8: Dodge Lil’ Red Express Truck

Dodge was tuning up fast farm trucks long ago, and the Dodge Lil’ Red Express Truck is an example. The bright red truck with tall stacks is a prime example of innovation at its best. The powerful engine gave the truck a lot of torque to work with and off-the-line performance was excellent. This isn’t your average rock crusher or lifted 4X4, but an early example of what a street truck could be.

The Dodge Lil’ Red Express Truck is a very rare vehicle and to see one is a surprise. If you can get your hands on an original, you’ll be driving a piece of Mopar history. There are very few pickup trucks still on the road today that are as iconic as the Dodge Lil’ Red Express Truck.

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7: Chevrolet Kingswood 427

The Chevrolet Kingswood 427 was a wagon with attitude. The Kingswood was often overshadowed by the Impala and the Caprice, but this was one heck of a station wagon. The 427 V8 was a powerful way to go grocery shopping, and the roomy interior meant long trips were a breeze. Its 398 HP from the factory rivaled some of the most powerful cars of today.

Performance is something that the muscle car world was big on. The roomy trunk was the focal point of the wagon and the three rows of seats were comfortable. The Chevrolet Kingswood 427 is perhaps one of the most underrated station wagons on the road.

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6: Mercury Marauder X-100

Mercury is a brand that was often overrated. But there were quite a few iconic cars that came out of the brand. The Marauder was a muscle car with a lot of attitudes. Mercury marketed the car as a police package and a standard consumer package. The 429 CID V8 engine gave the car a good deal of performance to work with.

You don’t see very many of these around, but its power rivaled anything that you could get on the market. The Mercury Marauder X-100 is among one of the most underrated performance vehicles on the market. The resale value of the car is reasonable enough that you can build it up easily.

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5: Ford Mustang II

King Cobra Mustang II — Photo Credit: Ford

As the muscle car era was coming to an end and the fuel crisis was happening, Ford had to act fast. The pony car was fun to drive, but Ford had to increase fuel efficiency. The Mustang II was based on one of the worst cars ever, the Pinto. Still, the underrated Mustang II had some pretty special features such as a King Cobra option. The lightweight design with a V8 helped things out.

Whichever way that you look at it, the Ford Mustang II was an underrated pony car. There was a lot of potential, but the Pinto design deterred a lot of buyers. The Mustang II is one of the rarest examples of the Mustang and a clean example is still a classic ride.

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4: Ford Torino Cobra

There are many different variations of the Torino lineup, and one that stands out particularly is the Torino Cobra. This was a large muscle car that was dominant on the track. Unfortunately, around this time period, there were a lot of other cars taking up the spotlight. Ford’s own Mustang commanded a lot of attention compared to the Torino.

Naturally, Ford had to up the ante with the Torino Cobra, which boasted a 429 Cobra Jet engine. If you feel like you’ve seen the Torino Cobra before, it’s because this is the car that went toe-to-toe with the Plymouth Superbird in the early Nascar days. The Torino Cobra is a well-built example of an underrated muscle car, one that has a great deal of potential even to this day thanks to its stellar design.

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3: Chevrolet Biscayne 427

There are many unique Chevrolet models that have made their way onto the market. The Biscayne 427 has a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. The big Biscayne was comfortable and performance was also satisfactory. GM managed to pack one of the most iconic engines into the Biscayne. These days there are a number of aftermarket parts that can give the Biscayne a significant boost. GM also sells crate engines of the current LS series that can turn the Biscayne into a modern-day hot rod.

The Chevrolet sedans from this time period were performance machines. The base of the Biscayne 427 has a lot of potential. You can build one of these cars into something great and spend a lot less than you would on a comparable Bel Air. These forgotten Chevrolet sedans are worth checking out.

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2: 1969 Ford Torino Talladega

Although the Mustang is probably the best-known Ford sports car on the market, the Torino Talladega is a forgotten piece of history. The first thing that makes the Talladega a historic muscle car is the fact that it was part of the Ford NASCAR platform. The Talladega was quite heavy in terms of curb weight but its powerful engine made up for it. The interior was well-appointed for the time and offered a great blend of comfort.

1969 Ford Torino Talladega — Photo Credit: Car Domain

Finding a Ford Torino Talladega is not as easy as the more common Mustang. But the potential of this car was astounding. Performance was more than satisfactory for the price you can find one of these for. The Ford Torino is one of the most iconic muscle cars drivers have forgotten about.

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1: 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ

There is no denying the Pontiac brand was a prominent part of early automotive industry. When you thought about a performance car, the Pontiac Grand Prix was one of the most iconic. The Grand Prix SJ was based on the same platform as the Monte Carlo. Aside from the awful-looking front clip, the Grand Prix SJ was a solid car. You can find these from time to time for a reasonable price.

Upgrading one of these can be done for close to nothing and the car can perform with the best. There are other muscle cars from this era that look a lot better. But the Grand Prix SJ is a well-appointed muscle car designed to offer an alternative to the Monte Carlo. Pontiac is now defunct and this car is a historic piece of the automotive industry.

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50 Classic Muscle Cars Drivers Forgot About Long Ago

50: 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning

49: 1995 Camaro Z28 Pace Car

48: 1995 Indy 500 Corvette Pace Car

47: 1969 Chevrolet AstroVette

46: Chevrolet SS

45: Pontiac G8

44: 2004 Pontiac GTO

43: 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

42: 2006 Chevrolet Impala SS

41: 2008 Grand Prix GXP

40: 1970 Pontiac GTO

39: 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442

38: 1972 Ford Mustang

37: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante

36: 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

35: Jaguar XJS

34: Alfa Romeo Montreal

33: Dodge Challenger

32: Chevrolet Camaro 2nd Generation

31: Chevrolet Corvette (C3)

30: Maserati Bora

29: De Tomaso Pantera

28: Pontiac Trans Am

27: Ferrari 512 BB

26: BMW M1

25: AMC Rebel Machine

24: AMC Hornet SC/360

23: Buick Wildcat

22: Chevrolet Monte Carlo

21: Chrysler 300 Hurst

20: Dodge Coronet

19: Dodge Dart

18: Ford Fairlane

17: Ford 7-Litre

16: Mercury Comet

15: Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser

14: Oldsmobile Toronado

13: Ford Ranchero GT

12: Pontiac Catalina 2+2

11: Chevrolet Laguna 454

10: Studebaker Avanti R2

9: Plymouth Fury GT

8: Dodge Lil’ Red Express Truck

7: Chevrolet Kingswood 427

6: Mercury Marauder X-100

5: Ford Mustang II

4: Ford Torino Cobra

3: Chevrolet Biscayne 427

2: 1969 Ford Torino Talladega

1: 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ

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