Oldies and definitely goldies…
Mention the words ‘muscle cars’ around a group of auto fanatics, and everyone will have their opinions. Depending on personal experience and the knowledge base of each person, you’ll probably get a different answer on which is best.
Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, auto nuts were treated to a wide variety of incredible motors. Undoubtedly led by the American market, but also influenced by Britain, muscle cars exploded onto the scene.
Powerful Influence
Suddenly these V8-powered monsters were on the big screen, in commercials, and soon became a collector’s item. What made them so attractive? Raw power, and an already vintage feel upon release.
Something about lighting up deep dish alloys regardless of how much fuel it was cost drew huge obsession. Almost an exact opposite of today’s consumption-obsessed penny-pinchers, muscle cars waved a chrome-finished middle finger in the face convention.
Check out our list of five iconic muscle cars that changed motoring forever:
1969 Dodge Charger 500 426 Hemi
Built with a few years of influence behind it, the 69 Charger was a thing of beauty. The original Charger 500 prototype was a 1968 Charger R/T with a 426 Hemi and automatic transmission. The prototype was painted in B5 Blue with a white stripe, as well as a white interior. The Charger 500 was one of three models introduced in September 1968. Standard engine was the 440 Magnum, but factory literature claims the 426 Hemi was standard. The Charger 500 had the Torqueflite standard and the same equipment standard as the R/T.
Although the car failed to beat the Ford and Mercury equivalents on the track in 68, the Charger was and still is an iconic motor. TV show ‘Dukes of Hazard’ had an orange 69 Charger called ‘The General Lee.’
If you were fortunate enough to get your hands on one of just 67 Charger 500’s made, with the 426 Hemi lump, you will be sitting on a goldmine by now.