1977 Chevrolet Camaro
Like all muscle cars in the ’70s, the Camaro faced tightening emission and safety regulations and lost power and performance. The early second-generation models looked promising, but just a few years after, the Z/28 was discontinued, and the most potent V8 model had around 165 hp – a pale shadow of its former glory (via Hemmings).
However, the 1977 model is essential for two reasons. First, it marked the return of the Z/28 option after a few years of absence. The ’77 Z/28 had just 185 horsepower but it looked wild with a unique body kit, rugged graphics package, and spoiler. However, the second reason is much more enjoyable. In 1977, Chevrolet Camaro outsold the Ford Mustang for the first time since 1967. The mid-’70s Mustang was a slow and ugly car, while the Camaro looked much better with proper muscle car styling and stance. That is why the Camaro sold over 200,000 examples in that year alone while the Mustang managed to sell 153,000 copies.