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25 Muscle Cars Only Sold Outside The United States

Cameron Eittreim January 30, 2020

Muscle cars are traditionally an American thing, but there have been muscle cars all over the world as well. Many of these muscle cars were impressive models that offered a good amount of power and features. Muscle cars are both fun to drive and collectible, and the fact that you can find muscle cars all around the world prove they’re a universally-respected type of vehicle.

All over the world, there are different tastes for the massive horsepower muscle cars boast. An exotic car doesn’t always mean that it comes from just the US. Muscle cars can also be an international type of vehicle as well. The Mustang was among one of the most notable muscle cars that have made its way across the world. Others were exclusive overseas.

Taking a look back at some of these interesting muscle cars gives us a look at some of the vehicles that we wish we had over here in the states. Read on as we take a look at 25 muscle cars American drivers would have liked to try out on the roads.

Holden HK Monaro GTS
via: Shannons

25. Holden HK Monaro GTS

Holden has long been a proponent of the muscle car world, offering many different unique models. The Holden HK Monaro GTS was around in the ’60s and offered an extreme looking driving profile. Coupled with big fat tires, the Holden HK Monaro GTS is a standout muscle car that would be right at home on American roads. You can only imagine this thing tearing it up a track near you.

Holden HK Monaro GTS
via: Shannons.AU

The Holden HK Monaro GTS was made for quite a long time. The car had a lot of positive attributes which made it pretty cool to look at. The Holden HK Monaro GTS also didn’t have very much competition, which made it fun to drive and offered a glimpse of muscle car glory.

Jensen Interceptor
via: Revivaler

24. Jensen Interceptor

Jensen is quite a company that’s known for more than just making radios. When you look at the Interceptor, you might think that you are staring at a Nissan 370ZX. But what you have is a V8-powered muscle car that can handle just about anything you throw at it. There have been quite a few Jensen muscle cars, but the Interceptor will go down as the one.

Jensen Interceptor
via: Revivaler

If the Jensen Interceptor had ever made it to America, the car would have been quite the popular attraction. The car had everything it needed to excel including a great interior and fashionable engine. The Jensen Interceptor will forever stand out as one of the most notable international muscle cars.

Ford Falcon Sprint V8
via: Fanpop

23. Ford Falcon Sprint V8

Back in the Land Down Under, they had the Ford Falcon Sprint V8. A lot like the American Falcon, the car had features you’d expect on a muscle car. The Falcon was always a great muscle car, but it was also a family sedan as well. This was part of the reason that the model managed to sell so well for the Ford brand. There were aspects of the Falcon we wished we had seen in America.

Ford Falcon Sprint V8
via: Shannons.AU

Smog regulations made the car more hampered instead of being a popular muscle car. The performance off the line of the Falcon was still a fun driving experience and the Australian market was quite lucky. The Ford Falcon Sprint V8 will stand out for some time as one of the most unique options.

The Bitter CD
via: Wiki

22. Bitter CD

The Bitter CD is perhaps another muscle car that we’ll never see on our soil unless people start importing these things. This rare little gem was able to achieve not only high top speed but also a high rate of speed off the line. When you wanted performance, this was the original way to get it. Australia was a fun place, and when it comes to muscle cars the area has quite a storied history. There have been a lot of fine cars that have come from the Land Down Under and became legends.

Bitter CD
via: Wiki

The elongated body gave the car an elegant look, and if that exhaust note sounds familiar, it’s because the car was packing a GM V8 underneath the hood. Nevertheless, the car had a lot of cool features that made it popular in the aftermarket community for its noteworthy performance.

300 SRT Mopar Edition
via: Chrysler

21. Chrysler 300 SRT Mopar Edition

You might not believe it, but the 300C is a worldly car of sorts. The vehicle has such a universal appeal that you see them just about everywhere. And overseas, the Chrysler 300 SRT Mopar Edition is an international edition that combines all of the flairs of what you’d find over here. The right-hand-drive car is still popular over here to this day, and that’s why the Mopar edition is such a surprise.

via: Force GT
Chrysler 300 SRT Mopar Edition

With its blacked-out aesthetic and unique features, this is a car we want to see once or twice. Even importing one could be a problem for most, which is why you just don’t see them on the road. But the Chrysler 300 SRT Mopar Edition is a very special edition model that makes driving a Chrysler 300C fun.

Toyota Celica GT4 ST205
via: Flickr

20. Toyota Celica GT4 ST205

Most of the world is into some sort of road rally racing, and to do this you need a fast all-wheel-drive car. The Toyota Celica GT4 ST205 would still appear to be that car even though it has never been sold here stateside. The Toyota Celica GT4 ST205 had a lot of redeeming qualities that made it a notable performance coupe. In the world of overseas muscle cars, the GT4 is probably one of the most well-known ones you’d never think of.

via: Ebay
Toyota Celica GT4 ST205

But in the performance world, Toyota is a highly-regarded brand. The Toyota Celica GT4 ST205 stands out for several reasons and the small production cycle of the car only makes it rarer. The Toyota Celica GT4 ST205 is not just another run-of-th- mill Toyota sports car you’d find driving around with a loud exhaust.

via: Wikipedia
Ford Landau

19. Ford Landau

Although you might think that you’re staring at a GTO, the Ford Landau is one of the most well-known muscle cars around. What makes this astonishingly big Ford such a fast muscle car? The V8 engine underneath the hood for one. Then you have other things such as a powerful rear-wheel-drive design and enough horsepower to pull a stump.

Ford Landau
via: Wheelcar

The Ford Landau is not your mama’s muscle car, to say the least. Sold around the world, people from all walks of life have seen one of these cars at one point in time. If you have been looking for an international muscle car, the Ford Landau is probably going to be it.

via: The Truth about cars
Holden HSV Maloo Ute

18. Holden HSV Maloo Ute

Holden is a company that has its fair share of GM-powered muscle cars. The Holden HSV Maloo Ute was pretty much a modern El Camino, but for the Australian market. If the thing looks familiar it’s because the Pontiac G8 was based on this. The Holden HSV Maloo Ute had a Corvette LS-powered engine and all of the horsepower that you could only imagine. If you wanted a fast, superpowered truck overseas with muscle car feeling, this was the way tto go.

via: Performance Drive
Holden HSV Maloo Ute

The Holden HSV Maloo Ute still holds its own on the track even after GM discontinued it for obvious reasons. There is no more Pontiac brand anymore, and the Holden HSV Maloo Ute was quite a rare car as it is. But for the price and the amount of power that you get with it, the Holden HSV Maloo Ute is a capable muscle car.

Ford Capri Perana
via: Piston heads

17. Ford Capri Perana

When you think of international nameplates, the Capri is one that probably comes to mind over and over again. The Ford Capri Perana was raced overseas in Africa and featured a lot of useful things that made it unique. The Ford Capri Perana had a one-of-a-kind look to it that made you think it was a Mustang, but it wasn’t. This is what Ford was going for because the Capri was supposed to be marketed as an entirely different car.

Ford Capri Perana
via: Piston Heads

The Ford Capri Perana was sold all around the world and managed to race in quite a few different races. The car had all of the attributes of a performance car but still carried on that American charm that Ford has managed to build into the Mustang brand. The Ford Capri Perana is perhaps one of the rarer Ford international muscle cars.

Chevrolet Firenza Can-Am
via: Classic car

16. Chevrolet Firenza Can-Am

What do you get when you mix a Camaro with a Can-Am Spyder? You get the Firenza Can-Am. This rare performance car was available in South Africa and only helped to bolster GM’s product portfolio over there. The car had a lot of things that made it stand out from the pack, the first of which its one-of-a-kind styling. The performance was what you’d expect from a GM-powered muscle car.

Chevrolet Firenza Can-Am
via: Classic car

The Chevrolet Firenza Can-Am will stand out as perhaps one of the most innovative little international muscle cars. This was made at a time when America was putting the domestic automakers through the wringer with smog regulations. The other countries were far more lenient when it came to V8-powered engines.

Bizzarini Strada
via: Classic Car

15. Bizzarini Strada

Powered by a Chevy small block V8 the Bizzarini Strada was far more than just another muscle car. From the outward appearance, you’d think that you were looking at a Ferrari or other exotic car. The Bizzarini Strada packed 387 HP and would take you to 60 MPH in a very fast period. The sportscar had that distinct Italian flair that you’d expect to see in a sports car of this caliber, which is why it managed to be a popular choice.

Bizzarini Strada
via: Car Type

The Bizzarini Strada was both fun to drive and intriguing to look at. The wonderful elements of design that went into it are what made it such a popular thing to drive. Sure, it’s not what you may expect out of a muscle car. But the Bizzarini Strada is certainly a standout vehicle to say the least.

Ford Falcon Cobra
via: Wiki

14. Ford Falcon Cobra

Many auto fans are jealous we never got the Ford Falcon Cobra over here in the States. The big, burly muscle car was sold over in Australia and featured one of the most distinctive-looking fronts and side profiles that you’d see. The performance was from the same 5.0L V8 that was later found in the fox-body Mustang. The engine propelled the Ford Falcon Cobra with authority and earned it responsible track times as well. These cars are still sold from time to time on the collector’s market.

via: Wiki
Ford Falcon Cobra

The Ford Falcon Cobra is perhaps one of the most reasonable Ford muscle cars to make its way across the ocean. It had a unique style that was all its own, and the car wasn’t trying too hard to be a Mustang knockoff like many others were.

via: Blogspot
Facel Vega

13. Facel Vega

When you think of rare French muscle cars the Facel Vega is perhaps one of the most pristine. It was powered by a big Chrysler Hemi V8 engine, way before the engine was something considered to be “hip” or “cool.” The Facel Vega had an elegant look to it that let you know exactly what you were going to be driving. There was nothing particularly standoffish about the Vega other than the fact it had a really expensive price tag.

via: Hemmings
Facel Vega

French performance cars are some of the rarest in the world, so naturally, the Facel Vega is a standout offering. The Facel Vega didn’t look like anything else on the market so the appetite for it has remained kind of flat. But if you want some classic Hemi V8 power, this is it.

Ford Sierra RS
via: Carscoops

12. Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Believe it or not, Ford has quite the Rally car following in other parts of the world. The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth was known as a winner in various rally car circuits around the world until the Ford Focus replaced it. The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth had a powerful engine and one of the most intuitive designs ever made. The car had a lot going for it, which is why it remained a hot seller for the company. These things never made it over to the States, and importing one is not an easy task.

Ford Sierra RS
via: Carscoops

The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth is a noteworthy exception to the rally car world and one that you can enjoy driving. If you are into driving off-road in your sedan, the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth is perhaps one car model that you won’t want to ignore because it has a little bit of everything.

Mercedes 500E
via: Automobile Mag

11. Mercedes 500E

Mercedes has always made some sort of high-powered sedan. During the nineties, there were enough of them to go around. The Mercedes 500E was a V8 powered beast of a car that was so light and so small that you’d never expect what was under its hood. This was one of the first modern AM- powered sedans and the car has remained a popular choice just about anywhere in the world.

Mercedes 500E
via: Dealer Accelerate

If you wanted the thrill of driving a Mercedes and the luxury that comes with it, you really can’t go wrong with the Mercedes 500E. This powerful and supercharged sedan will hang with just about any muscle car on the block. The sheer driving experience alone is something that you won’t end up forgetting.

Ford Falcon XR GT
via: Wikipedia

10. 1967 Ford Falcon XR GT

The first international Falcon that put the company on the muscle car map was this one right here. The 1967 Ford Falcon XR GT had a way of making the world recognize it and why wouldn’t you. With that menacing stare and that powerful V8 engine, the XR GT was one of the most enticing muscle cars buys around. The 1967 Ford Falcon XR GT came with a small block V8 engine, but it wasn’t small on power delivery.

Ford Falcon XR GT
via: Wikipedia

The 1967 Ford Falcon XR GT remains a popular fixture of the Australian muscle car scene. A loyal following can be found around the 1967 Ford Falcon XR GT. Offering everything from car clubs to ownership tips. You can even still find a nice reserve of parts online that will keep your 1967 Ford Falcon XR GT on the road.

Ford Falcon GTHO
via: Wikipedia

9. 1971 Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III

This car was the next-generation Falcon muscle car for the Australian market. It featured that big Cleveland V8 engine. The 1971 Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III had the look of a performance car from the factory. This is what a lot of gear heads were looking for around this period. The car had this intimidating glare to it which you just don’t see in today’s cars.

Ford Falcon Fastlane
via: Hemmings

The 1971 Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III will go down as one of the special Ford to come out of the factory and put the Falcon on the map. The muscle car era in Australia and abroad was hungry for a unique vehicle that was still a whole lot of fun to drive. The 1971 Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III was undoubtedly this car in every way.

Holden Monaro
via: Wikipedia

8. 1971 Holden Monaro 350 GTS Coupe

While the Ford Falcon was tearing up the race tracks Down Under. so was another car maker who specialized in muscle cars. Holden was trying things out with its own GM-derived muscle car, the 1971 Holden Monaro 350 GTS Coupe. When you think of something that screams muscle car, the 1971 Holden Monaro 350 GTS Coupe stood out from the crowd with a low suspension and a gleaming front clip.

Holden Monaro GTS
via: Wikipedia

The 350 GM V8 engine was pulled from its domestic counterparts. Thus starting the long-running partnership that Holden has with GM. The 1971 Holden Monaro 350 GTS Coupe was a wonderful addition to the Australian muscle car world for a lot of reasons. The 1971 Holden Monaro 350 GTS Coupe is still one of the most highly-coveted performance vehicles.

Ford Falcon XB GT
via: Hemmings

7. 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT

This car was Ford’s answer to the GTO and the Cutlass. You might have thought that the Mustang was the only pony car, but as time went on Ford continued to innovate. The 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT stood out for several reasons. The first was a unique way that it looked. It had a one-of-a-kind look that you just don’t see very often. Then you coupled it with the powerful V8 engine and you had something that you just couldn’t avoid.

Ford Falcon XB GT
via: Hemmings

The 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT stood out from the crowd for several reasons. First is always going to be the sheer horsepower that it has. Then you have the other factors that make it a great muscle car. The 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT is a standout muscle car in more ways than one.

Holden HZ Sandman
via: Hemmings

6. 1977 Holden Sandman

Is it a Hurst? Is it a station wagon? You don’t quite know what it was, but it was based on the El Camino. The 1977 Holden Sandman was perhaps one of the most unique-looking muscle cars that you’d ever see. If the looks made you laugh at it, the performance wouldn’t. You’d also be hard-pressed to find something that was as fun to drive. The unique shell made it easy to use this as a high-powered cargo vehicle in a time when vans were still dinosaurs.

Holden Sandman
via: Hemmings

The 1977 Holden Sandman is a very rare oddity in the muscle car world, even over across the sea where it was sold. You just don’t see these things very often, and when you do, it’s nice to see one in good condition. The 1977 Holden Sandman was a rare muscle car choice, to say the least.

Holden Torana A9X
via: Performance Drive

5. 1977 Holden Torana A9X

Smaller in size and very similar to the Chevy Vega from across the sea. The 1977 Holden Torana A9X was another noteworthy muscle car from the Australian down under. This one featured a short wheelbase design and a V8 engine which gave it some pep in its step no less. But the car did have several features that made it stand out from the crowd. When you look at it all together the 1977 Holden Torana A9X is a unique thing in the muscle car world. A car like the 1977 Holden Torana A9X still gets looks today.

Holden Torana A9X
via: Wikipedia

There is still a good portion of the 1977 Holden Torana A9X on the road today over in Australia. A good portion of these cars is owned by collectors who take them to various car shows and keep them in good condition. If you want a true muscle car from down under, the 1977 Holden Torana A9X is it.

Holden Commodore
via: Hemmings

4. 1988 Holden Commodore SS Group A SV

This powerful sports sedan was the Aussy’s answer to the Nissan Skyline GTR. This superpowered sedan is rare. The overall styling is very reminiscent of the rally days that you used to see in the Australian outback. What was once ruled by the likes of Subaru has since been invaded by companies like Holden with the Commodore SS. The overall design is one of the most memorable of any Aussie built muscle car. Even if the final design wasn’t that of a muscle car.

Holden Commodore
via: Hemmings

The 1988 Holden Commodore SS Group A SV is a car that would be right at home on American roads and just about anywhere else. While it’s not your quintessential muscle car, it is a performance vehicle that you could see in your garage. When it comes to these overseas powerhouses the 1988 Holden Commodore SS Group A SV is a standout car, to say the least, thanks to its powerful demeanor.

Mitsubishi Ralliart
via: Hemmings

3. Mitsubishi Ralliart Magna

Although Mitsubishi is not well known in America for many vehicles other than the Eclipse, overseas the brand is a major player in the rally scene and other aspects of world car racing. This means that there are quite a few special editions that have never made the trip to our shores. One such vehicle is the Mitsubishi Ralliart Magna. This bright red sport sedan is a full-size sedan with a whole lot of horsepower. It will get you from 0-60 in just a few seconds and keep on the track while it does it.

via: Supercars
via: Supercars

This car has that ’90s design going on, and you can tell what this car was made to do. The Mitsubishi Ralliart Magna is certainly one of the rarest Mitsubishis in the world because of its unique design. Keeping in mind that the car has a turbocharged engine and an all-wheel-drive design, you really can’t go wrong with it.

Holden VL Commodore
via: Hemmings

2. Holden VL Commodore

Even the earliest Holden models were intimidating on the track and this bolds for all of the ’80s models. The Holden VL Commodore is a full-size V8 powered sport sedan that featured an all-wheel-drive design. The Aussies have been having a blast in these big sedans for decades.

Yet it’s only recently that America has been learning about Holden. The Holden VL Commodore is beautiful even by today’s standards and if you are lucky enough to import one you have a great car. The Holden VL came in a few options. And the car was designed for rally racing.

Holden VL Commodore
via: Hemmings

The powerful Holden VL Commodore is a strong showing as to what a real muscle sedan could be. Back in the day, there were very few offerings like this one. We’d have to dig deep into it and see what made the Holden VL Commodore such a resounding success. But to this day in one form or another Holden has kept it around.

HSV GTS
via: Hemmings

1. 2013 HSV GTS

When it comes to the sheer beauty of owning a stand out muscle sedan, the 2013 HSV GTS is it. Just take one look at this intimidating piece of machinery and you’ll see what’s up. The 2013 HSV GTS is made for blasting through the outback without much care for anything else. But don’t just let that deter you either. The interior of the 2013 HSV GTS is also a high-quality makeup of different materials that give the car that sporty look.

HSV GTS
via: Hemmings

The GM-powered LS engine is a great addition to this car. You get the smooth lines of a sedan coupled with the upscale interior that you’d expect. Although these big sedans are falling out of favor over here in America, the 2013 HSV GTS is a popular choice abroad. If you want to experience real driving pleasure, the 2013 HSV GTS is a car that needs no introduction thanks to the one-of-a-kind styling.

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