Home Cars The Auto World’s Top Obscure & Coveted Muscle Cars
Cars

The Auto World’s Top Obscure & Coveted Muscle Cars

Vukasin Herbez June 2, 2019

Most permanent muscle car addicts can’t stop thinking, writing, and lusting after the various muscle cars. And luckily, there are numerous popular models as well as the super-rare cars they produced in single digits. However, there are many more classic machines from the ‘60s and early ‘70s that deserve some attention. And, not just for their share beauty, power, and performance, but also for their limited production runs.

Those machines are also highly sought-after by collectors worldwide since much of their appeal comes from the fact they are so rare. In contrast to the cars they produced in less than 10 examples, these muscle cars are more common. So if you are lucky enough, you might just find one in a barn or at your local car show.

Photo Credit: Mecum

40. Plymouth Hemi Cuda

Two of the biggest Chrysler legends from the classic days of the muscle car culture are the Barracuda and the 426 Hemi engine. All through the ‘60s, those icons of the industry didn’t mix. In 1970, Plymouth offered this legendary engine in the Barracuda body style, immediately creating one of the fastest, most desirable muscle cars they ever made.

Photo Credit: Mecum

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. So, they installed it in just about 600 coupes and only 17 convertibles during the 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.

Photo Credit: 1 Cars Org

39. Oldsmobile Rally 350

In an attempt to fight the tight regulations destroying the muscle car class, Oldsmobile introduced the bright yellow Rally 350 model. It was a clever way to avoid high insurance premiums with the smaller yet still powerful 350 V8 engine delivering 310 HP.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Other manufacturers introduced similar models, but Oldsmobile is best known due to its unmistakable appearance and eye-catching yellow paint. However, the Rally 350 wasn’t a big success on the market despite the clever engineering, so they only built 3,547 of them in 1970.

Photo Credit: Mecum

38. Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT

They built the Mercury Cougar on the Mustang platform but stretched it a couple of inches to add comfort and achieve a better ride quality. Also, the Mercury Cougar was available with V8 engines only, while they reserved the small six-cylinder units for entry-level Mustangs. Some say the Cougar was just a luxury Mustang. But in reality, it was an independent model and a successful car in its own right. Until 1969 they only offered coupes and not convertibles.

Photo Credit: Classic Cars

However, it was the ultimate version that perfectly combined muscle car power and luxury in the mighty Cougar XR-7. This model had the 390 V8 engine with 320 HP. Also, buyers could opt for the GT package with a beefed-up suspension, stronger brakes, and updated steering. The XR-7 was quite a popular model, so they built over 27,000 in 1967. But only a little over 2,600 came with the GT package, making it a rare and desirable model.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

37. Shelby GT500KR

In 1968, Ford introduced the 428 Cobra Jet engine and Shelby wanted to use it in his line of Mustangs. He wanted to do something special, so the result was the GT500 KR for “King of the Road.” They rated the 428 Cobra Jet at 335 HP, but everybody knew the engine delivered more than 400 HP and 400 lb-ft of torque.

Photo Credit: Wallpaper Up

Ford limited the production at 1,053 and they loaded the GT500KR was with interior trimmings and luxuries. Unfortunately, they only produced the GT500KR for the 1968 model year only, dropping the version for 1969.

Photo Credit: W Super Cars

36. Dodge Charger Super Bee Hemi

The original Charger Super Bee was a one-year-only model for 1971, which was kind of an entry-level muscle car. Selling at lower prices but packing good equipment, wild graphics, and a 440 engine as standard, the Super Bee was popular with people looking for a classic performance machine in vivid colors with tire-shredding performance.

Photo Credit: Alpha Coders

The base 440 delivered 370 HP, but the Six Pack option was capable of 385 HP. The Hemi was the only engine option but rare since just 22 cars received that engine.

Photo Credit: eBay

35. Pontiac Can-AM

Back in the late ‘70s, the American performance car segment was just a pale shadow of its former glory. But, in 1977, Pontiac introduced the Can-Am. It was a one-year-only model that was the last true muscle car. They packed it with big block power and as much power it could produce in a unique body style and white color.

Photo Credit: Mecum

Under the hood scoop from the Firebird Trans Am, there was a big 455 engine with 200 HP, more than any other muscle car on the market at the moment. The Can-Am package consisted of special rear window louvers, a rear spoiler, and a long list of special optional extras. They presented the car early in 1977 and the market responded well. In fact, Pontiac received between 5,000 and 10,000 reservations, but in the end, they only sold 1,377 Can-Ams.

Photo Credit: Mecum

34. Chevrolet Chevelle Z/16

What exactly is the Chevelle Z16? Basically, it’s a fully loaded regular Chevelle with all the go-fast options. It comes with a 396 V8 engine with a Muncie four-speed gearbox as well as a heavy-duty suspension and equipment.

Photo Credit: Mecum

Even some dealers weren’t aware that this option even existed since Chevrolet refused to market the Z16 for some reason. And that makes this Chevelle kind of a secret model. The Z16 was fast, but it was also expensive for a Chevrolet. And that is why they made only 200 of them.

Photo Credit: Namaste Car

33. Buick GSX

Backed by steady sales and the great reception of their muscle models, Buick decided to introduce the ultimate muscle car in the form of the legendary and scarce Buick GSX. The GSX stood for Gran Sports Experimental and was, in fact, a visually upgraded Gran Sport with Stage 1 performance package.

Photo Credit: Mecum

The GSX debuted in 1970 with an aggressive graphics package not typical for Buick products. It was available in two bright colors, Saturn Yellow and Apollo White. Also, it came with a front and rear spoiler, functioning hood scoops, side stripes, and Rally wheels. Sadly, Buick produced only 678 examples that year.

Photo Credit: Mecum

32. Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda

The AAR ‘Cuda was a limited production model to commemorate Dan Gurney’s All American Racing team, which used ‘Cudas in the Trans-Am championship. It came with a 340 V8 small block and a special plastic hood in matte black paint with a hood scoop.

Photo Credit: 3d Jake

They topped it off with a rear spoiler and interesting side graphics that included a big AAR logo. This version was somewhat more expensive than the regular 340 ‘Cuda and that is why they only built 2,724 of them.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

31. Ford Mustang Boss 351

In 1971, Mustang received another thorough restyle which would be the final one for the first generation. And once again, the car grew in size and weight. Also, it featured a new, sharper look with a much wider track. Unfortunately, the Boss 302 and Boss 429 versions were gone but the Grande and Mach I stayed, albeit with lower power ratings. However, there was one interesting model they introduced in 1971 and that was the Boss 351.

Photo Credit: Muscle Cars For Sale Inc

Offered for one year only, the ’71 Mustang Boss 351 was one of the rarest Mustangs they produced, making just 1,800. It was powered by a highly tuned version of the 351 V8 engine delivering around 330 HP. It was fast, attractive, and more expensive than the Mach 1 version of the same model year. So today, it is a true collector’s item.

Photo Credit: Playstation Store

30. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

In 1969, Pontiac wanted to present a model they could homologate for Trans Am racing. As a part of GM, the factory was still under the racing ban. So, to mask its intentions, Pontiac introduced the Firebird Trans Am as a loaded version that featured big-block power from the famous 400 V8 engine equipped with Ram Air III or IV intake system.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

However, this special version with signature white paint, blue stripes, Rally II wheels, and other equipment proved to be a tough seller. Unfortunately, they only sold 634 Firebird Trans Ams. And among those, only eight were convertibles.

Photo Credit: Mecum

29. Mercury Cougar Eliminator Boss 302

Despite being a twin brother to the Mustang, the Mercury Cougar gained a cult following, managing to create a name of its own in the late ‘60s. But for the 1969 muscle car wars, the Mercury had something special: the Cougar Eliminator.

Photo Credit: Car Scoops

The Cougar Eliminator was the top-of-the-line model with several interesting engine choices. You could get the Boss 302 engine, a high revving 5.0-liter V8 in a slightly bigger body with more luxury features. However, more buyers optioned for the bigger 351 or 428 Cobra Jet engine, making the Eliminator Boss 302 quite rare. However, in two years, 1969 and 1970, Mercury made only 638 of those great machines.

Photo Credit: Mecum

28. Ford Torino Talladega

In contrast to some models from this list, which they produced for 12 months or so, they only built the Torino Talladega for a couple of weeks in early 1969. This car was Ford’s answer to the Dodge Daytona and Mopar’s efforts to win in the NASCAR races.

Photo Credit: Mecum

The idea behind the Talladega, which they named after the NASCAR track, was to take a standard Torino and give it a unique front end and a few slippery details to homologate it for the superspeedways. They built a total of 754 Talladegas in a short time, using many of them for racing.

Photo Credit: Mecum

27. Chrysler 300 Hurst

Debuting in 1970, the limited edition 300 Hurst was a special model they based on the new full-size Chrysler platform. Also, they built it in limited numbers at around 500 with the help of the famous transmission company, Hurst.

Photo Credit: Mecum

It featured a special white and gold paint job, a similarly styled interior, and a rear spoiler they integrated into the rear deck lid. Under the hood, there was a mighty 440 V8 engine producing 395 HP that could propel the two-ton beast to respectful acceleration times.

Photo Credit: Muscle Car Definition

26. Mercury Cyclone Cobra Jet

Mercury presented the Cyclone in 1964 and it stayed on the market until 1971. But the best version, which is the most interesting to collectors is the Cyclone CJ. Those two letters marked the presence of the famed 428 Cobra Jet engine, which was the first street-muscle engine built by Ford. With 7.0-liters displacement and advertised 335 HP, the Cobra Jet made over 400 horses in real life.

Photo Credit: Cruis In Classics Inc

The Cyclone CJ was a serious street racing contender and this new engine significantly upped the performance. Along with Ford, Mercury was active in NASCAR racing during the late ‘60s, and Cyclone CJ played its part in racing efforts. However, they produced less than 3,500 Cyclones CJ in 1969, while the regular Cyclones without the Cobra Jet option were much more popular.

Photo Credit: Wallpaper Cave

25. Plymouth Superbird

As one of the craziest muscle cars they ever produced, the Plymouth Superbird was available in 1970 only. In order to homologate the car for NASCAR racing, Plymouth built just under 2000 road going Superbirds, selling them all over America. They based the car on the Roadrunner, giving it the 440 V8 as standard and the 426 Hemi as the only engine option.

Photo Credit: Auto Week

However, to make it as aerodynamically efficient as they could, Plymouth installed a nose cone, hideaway headlights, and an enormous spoiler on the back. Also, it transformed the rear glass from the standard concave-shaped one to regular since it proved more slippery in wind tunnel testing.

Photo Credit: Hot Rod

24. Dodge Charger 500

Most muscle cars fans know the Dodge Charger lineup well, including the wild Charger Daytona from 1969. But, the Daytona’s predecessor, the Charger 500 was far less known and not as successful. The standard Charger with the deep grille and concave rear glass wasn’t aerodynamic, despite its powerful engines. Even with the most talented drivers, it just couldn’t achieve the speeds required for winning.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Dodge decided to introduce the limited edition Charger 500 they named the 500 because they produced it in that many examples. It came with a flushed grille, fixed headlights, and regular rear glass to improve the aerodynamics of the car. Also, they offered the Charger 500 with two engines, the standard 440 and the optional 426 Hemi.

Photo Credit: Mecum

23. Pontiac GT-37

One of the rarest and forgotten muscle cars is Pontiac’s GT-37 which was not a model of its own but an option package on the 1970 and 1971 Tempest. Behind this strange name was a regular Tempest with a few performance options and the engine choice from the much more popular GTO model. This meant that buyers who had $3,000 to spend could get a car from 255 hp all the way up to 345 hp.

Photo Credit: Mecum

Pontiac advertised the GT-37 as a “GTO lite” but the car lacked exterior features like the famous Endura bumper and rear spoiler. For 1971, the famous 455 V8 was offered but it went in only a handful of cars. Simply, the GT-37 had the performance and the hardware but it didn’t have GTO`s appeal and image which resulted in very bad sales. In two years, Pontiac made only around 2000 of these misunderstood muscle cars.

Photo Credit: W Super Cars

22. Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Convertible

Ford`s best-selling pony car Mustang got its third restyling for 1969 and grew in size. The new body was bigger and wider, but the wheelbase stayed the same. All three body styles were present and buyers could choose between the elegant convertible, standard coupe, and sporty-looking Sportsroof fastback. The Cobra Jet 428 was available in all three body styles and with the GT package.

Photo Credit: W Super Cars

As expected, most were installed in coupes of Sportsroofs, but 122 people ordered the mighty Cobra Jets and Super Cobra Jets in convertible body style. Out of that number, the rarest is Q-code Super Cobra Jet without the GT package with a manual transmission. Sadly, they only produced five of these cool-looking and great performing machines.

Photo Credit: The Amc Forum

21. AMC Matador Machine

They discontinued the famous AMC Rebel Machine for 1971, but the package lived on in the Matador coupe. However, there was no signature red-white-and-blue color scheme. The Machine package included steel wheels with performance rubber, a heavy-duty suspension, dual exhaust, and either the 360 or 401 V8 engine delivering up to 330 HP.

Photo Credit: The Amc Forum

Technically, you could order the Machine package for a station wagon, but there are no records that somebody did that. The Matador Machine was a rare car since they only built approximately 50 examples.

Photo Credit: Bring A Trailer

20. Mercury Marauder X-100

Imagined as a luxury coupe, the Marauder had a fresh design with features like concealed headlights, a massive front end, and a sloping rear end with curved rear glass. It was a big, heavy car Mercury built for cruising rather than street racing. However, Mercury needed something to fight the Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Riviera GS.

Photo Credit: Reddit

They knew they needed to upgrade the Marauder to higher specs if they wanted a piece of the action. So Mercury presented the Marauder X100. Behind the strange name was a regular 1969 Marauder, but with a 429 V8 engine that pumped out 360 HP. On top of all that, they added bucket seats, a heavy-duty suspension, blackout rear trim, and fender skirts. The performance was respectable, but it was still a large, heavy car, so compared to some smaller muscle models, it was significantly slower. The Marauder line was relatively popular, but the X100 didn’t become a bestseller. In its two years of production, Mercury only built slightly over 8,000 of them.

Photo Credit: Hemmings

19. Rambler Rebel V8

This car is an interesting early muscle car that was born by chance. Squeezing a 327 V8 engine from the Nash Ambassador into the compact, light Rambler body created one seriously fast yet unassuming muscle machine. The 327 V8 delivered 255 HP, which wasn’t that much. However, in the compact Rambler body, it produced a 0 to 60 mph times of just seven seconds.

Photo Credit: Influx

To make things even more interesting, only the expensive fuel-injected Chevrolet Corvette could beat this small Rambler in 1957. But, this powerful engine option raised the price of this affordable Rambler. As a result, few buyers were willing to pay extra for the privilege of outrunning anything else on the road. Rambler only produced 1,500 of them.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

18. AMC Marlin 343

Back in the mid-1960s, AMC was famous for its lineup of economy cars and small sedans. This was before the AMC Javelin and AMX entered the mainstream muscle car class. However, AMC company management wanted an exciting, sporty car, so they turned to their Marlin model. As a result, the Marlin was a mid-size fastback with a design suggesting it was fast and powerful.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

The truth was the car only delivered a mediocre performance. But for the 1967 model year, AMC decided to introduce a 343 V8 version of the Marlin with 280 HP on tap. Despite the fact it wasn’t a lot, it was still enough to provide the Marlin with decent performance and driving dynamics. Today, 343 V8-powered Marlins are rare, but there are even rarer versions. Some had a factory-tuned 343 V8 engine that produced 320 HP, giving the Marlin real power. While it’s unclear how many of those special order cars they made, today, they are nearly impossible to find.

Photo Credit: Mecum

17. Studebaker Avanti R2

In the early ’60s, Studebaker management decided to invest in a luxury coupe to fight their poor sales. They thought a new, fancy upscale model would attract more customers to Studebaker. In 1962, they presented the sleek, modern-looking Avanti. The innovative design, construction, and technology were impressive, and the car received praise from the motoring press. But the base version wasn’t powerful, so Studebaker introduced its supercharged R2 option delivering 289 HP. The R2 version didn’t come with an automatic transmission or air conditioning. In fact, the Avanti R2 only came with a close-ratio manual gearbox. However, they included some performance upgrades, turning the Avanti into a fast machine.

Photo Credit: Mecum

Interestingly, the R2 broke 28 world speed records by achieving top speeds of 170 mph, which was a big deal in 1963. The R2 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds. Unfortunately, Studebaker had problems with production, so the Avanti was limited in availability, which affected its popularity. Sadly, by 1964 they had discontinued this model. Today, most car enthusiasts recognize the Avanti R2 as one of the coolest ’60s cars, as well as an early luxury muscle car. During its short production run, Studebaker produced just over 4,600 Avantis and only a handful were R2s.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

16. 1969 Plymouth Barracuda 440

The biggest news for 1969 was the introduction of the Barracuda 440 V8. It was a monster pony car with the biggest engine ever installed under the hood of a car in that segment. The Barracuda 440 produced 375 HP and a massive 480 lb-ft of torque. This made it fast, but also hard to launch due to loads of wheel spin.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

Due to the tight fit of the engine, there wasn’t enough space for a power steering pump. That meant Barracuda 440 owners had to use their muscles to turn this compact but overly powerful car. Plymouth only made a handful of these models, which makes them rare today.

Photo Credit: Mecum

15. Chevrolet Impala ZL-11

In 1963, Chevrolet introduced the limited but highly influential Z-11 option on the two-door Impala. The idea behind the Z-11 was to introduce the best street/strip technology in one model. The first order was to shed some weight by using aluminum panels, grilles, hoods, and fenders.

Photo Credit: Mecum

The radio and heater were gone, and they stripped the interior of all unnecessary luxuries. Chevrolet built only 50 to 57 Impala Z-11s in 1963, and less than 10 survive today. This was another example of keeping the package secret, so the public didn’t know this model existed.

Photo Credit: Hemmings

14. Oldsmobile Toronado GT

The GT was a special package for Oldsmobile’s personal luxury cruiser. It was available for a few short years ending in 1970. From the outside, the Toronado GT looked like an ordinary Oldsmobile. Even though the same 455 engine powered it, the devil is in the details.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

The GT package upped the power to a magical 400 HP and included various suspension bits. It also got bigger, stronger front disc brakes, and upgraded interior equipment. The GT was a rare option because most people seldom decided to order their Oldsmobiles with this package. That’s precisely why it’s so obscure today.

Photo Credit: Bring A Trailer

13. 1967 Ford Country Squire Wagon 428 4-Speed

Ford’s luxury 1966 Country Squire station wagon was the perfect example of a muscle car they disguised as a family long roof. To the average person, this car looked like a big old station wagon that could haul nine people and carry a lot of cargo. But to experienced enthusiasts, just one glance under the hood revealed the true nature of this car.

Photo Credit: Motor Illustrated

For 1966 and 1967, Ford offered the 428 V8 engine as an option on its station wagon model lineup. However, this 428 V8 was not the famed Cobra Jet, but an engine from the Thunderbird, which they underrated at 345 HP. With over 460 lb-ft of torque, the Country Squire could go fast, despite its size and weight. But, they only built one of them with the four-speed manual.

Photo Credit: Vista Pointe

12. 1969 Hurst Oldsmobile 442 Convertible

One of the most successful collaborations between a major car company and a small aftermarket outfit was the deal between Hurst and Oldsmobile. At the time, Oldsmobile was under the GM ban, which forbade the company from putting engines larger than 400 CID in their intermediate cars. However, since Hurst was an independent company, the GM rules didn’t apply. So, Oldsmobile shipped some partially disassembled 442s to Hurst where they installed the biggest engine Oldsmobile had, which was the mighty 455 V8 that delivered 390 HP.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Of course, the Hurst Olds package also got numerous other performance upgrades, like a ram air induction system, heavy-duty suspension and brakes. Since the Hurst Olds was a limited production factory hot rod, it was quite expensive and the convertible wasn’t available. But, in 1969, Hurst did produce three convertibles for promotional purposes only.

Photo Credit: Mecum

11. 1966 Dodge Coronet Hemi Sedan

The Chrysler Corporation introduced its legendary 426 Hemi engine for 1966 as an option on selected Plymouth and Dodge models. But they also provide the iconic power plant on the Dodge Coronet as well, and technically, it could be ordered with any body style. However, buyers associated Hemi power with two-door coupes and convertibles, so most people didn’t realize they could have a Hemi in a sedan, or even in wagon form.

Photo Credit: Mecum

That is why only a few people bought the Coronet De Luxe Hemi four-door in 1966, getting the ultimate muscle car sedan. With an advertised 425 HP under your right foot, the Coronet Hemi four-door was arguably the fastest production sedan in America and the ultimate muscle car four-door.

Photo Credit: Mecum

10. 1966 Shelby GT 350 Convertible

Most muscle car enthusiasts will say the first model year for the Shelby Mustang convertible was 1968, but this is only partially true. In 1968, Shelby offered convertible versions for sale to the public as a regular production option, but Carroll built the first convertibles himself in 1966 as a secret project. They introduced the Shelby GT 350 in 1965 as a race-ready version of the Ford Mustang. It soon proved itself on the race tracks all over the world. By 1966, the GT350 was a global success and Ford praised Shelby for giving them a race car that could beat both the Chevy Corvette and Europe`s finest sports cars of the era. In 1966, Ford offered the GT350 with street-friendly equipment, an automatic gearbox and new color choices. This move affected its popularity and helped sell more cars. However, there was still no regular convertible option.

Photo Credit: Mecum

But at the end of the 1966 model year, Carroll Shelby decided to produce a limited and secret run of six GT350 convertibles to give to his family and friends. This was a sort of commemorative edition to celebrate the success of the GT350, as well as a prototype for the potential production of convertibles. Each car received full options, like air conditioning and a roll bar. They also painted each car in a different color with its signature white racing stripes. For years, mainstream muscle car enthusiasts were unaware of the 1966 GT350 convertibles simply since the owners kept them in private collections, rarely showing them in public. Today, four are known to exist and two are among the missing.

Photo Credit: Mecum

9. 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner Hemi Convertible

When it first appeared in 1968, the Plymouth Roadrunner proved to be an influential and important muscle car. Not only did it introduce a new trend of wallet-friendly, yet fun cars, it was also a strong seller that affected the entire market. The whole idea behind the Roadrunner was simple: present an inexpensive yet powerful model and add a crazy name and graphics to attract people on a limited budget mixed with a strong need for performance.

Photo Credit: Mecum

The Roadrunner had a bench seat and manual steering and didn’t have any luxury options, but it came with a powerful 383 V8 as the base engine. Buyers could also opt for a 440 or the mythical Hemi 426. In 1969, Roadrunner got a convertible option for those buyers who wanted an open-air driving feel, but most Roadrunners were two-door hardtops. In 1970, Roadrunner got a mild restyling with a new front and rear end, but the convertible option remained. For just above $3,000, you could be the proud owner of an open-top Roadrunner in 1970. However, if you wanted a few options and a Hemi engine, the price would quickly rise to over $4,000. This was one of the main reasons Plymouth built only four Roadrunner Hemi convertibles in 1970, making it one of the rarest muscle cars and a valuable part of Mopar muscle history.

Photo Credit: Mecum

8. 1970 Buick Grand Sport 455 Convertible

The Buick GS 455 is a special and interesting car in muscle car mythology. As most people know, Buick was a luxury car brand and as such wasn`t interested in the muscle car hype of the mid-’60s. However, despite its restrained image and older clientele, Buick produced a couple of memorable machines with high horsepower ratings and unmistakable style. Cars like the Riviera GS, Wildcat, and Skylark GS were true muscle cars that offered uncompromised performance, as well as a high level of luxury and quality. But in 1970 when GM lifted its ban on engine displacement, Buick decided to introduce one strong model they named the Grand Sport 455. This car featured the famous 455 V8 rated at 360 HP, which could launch the big, heavy car to 60 mph in just around 6.5 seconds.

Photo Credit: Mecum

This was lightning fast in 1970 and its speed is still respectable today. Since it was a Buick, they equipped the GS 455 with updated standard equipment and it had a long list of optional extras. Every GS 455 came with heavy-duty suspension, beefed-up steering and brakes, and much more. The price was close to $4,000, which was a hefty sum for the day, but the GS 455 coupe proved popular with over 8,000 built. However, they offered GS 455 as a convertible as well, and just over 1,000 were built. In comparison to some other models on our list, 1,000 cars may seem like a fairly big number. However, those GS 455 convertibles are rare due to the fact that the market forgot about them, making them treasured finds.

Photo Credit: Mecum

7. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS-6 Convertible

The Chevrolet Chevelle was always a popular muscle car, combining an affordable price, contemporary design, and powerful engine. In the 1960’s, customers could order the Chevelle with a 396 big-block V8 engine. It was the biggest, most powerful unit rated at 325 or 375 HP, which was more than enough to be a significant player in the muscle car segment. But in 1970, GM’s ban on displacement for intermediate models was lifted, which meant that the Chevelle could get the biggest and the most powerful engine GM had to offer. With the new design, improved mechanics, and one new big-block unit, the Chevelle was set to conquer the drag strips in 1970.

Photo Credit: Mecum

The mighty new option was the legendary 454 V8 engine. In standard trim, it was rated at 360 HP, which was much lower than the real number. However, there was an even more powerful version called LS-6. The LS-6 had borderline racing compression of 11.25:1. It used a bigger carburetor and had much stronger engine internals. It was rated at 450 HP; however, it could produce around 500 HP. Even though the SS option was quite popular in 1970, only around 3,700 cars received the mighty 454 V8 engine. The LS-6 equipped cars were even rarer and Chevy only produced 20 convertibles, making this Chevelle one of the rarest muscle car ragtops in the world.

Photo Credit: Mecum

6. 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 Convertible

In the mid-1960s, 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, and in 1965, there was another pure muscle car icon in form of the Catalina 2+2. Behind this strange name hides a full-size Catalina model, available as a coupe or a convertible, but with a performance twist. The regular Catalina was a handsome, decent selling model, but in 2+2 form, it transformed into a true Gran Turismo with a luxury interior and fire-breathing engine. Since the Catalina was a full-size model, it was eligible for engines over 400 CID, according to GM rules of the time.

Photo Credit: Mecum

The Catalina 2+2 came with the famous 421 V8, and drivers could get the Tri-Power intake system. This power intake system was the same as on the GTO, and it could boost the car’s power to 376 HP. Car buyers could also order limited-slip differentials, heavy-duty steering, brakes and a whole lot more, making the Catalina 2+2 well-appointed but unfortunately, expensive, too. The top of line 2+2 cost over $4,000 which was a hefty sum and much more than the similarly equipped GTO, for example. Pontiac produced around 11,000 of these fine machines in 1965, but only made around 200 convertibles, making the Catalina 2+2 rag top a rare find, indeed.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

5. 1969 AMC AMX SS 390

The American Motors Company eventually folded in the mid-’80s. But AMC was always known for its selection of compact, affordable cars, interesting concepts, and dependable mechanics. In the late ’60s, AMC decided to enter the muscle car market, hoping a muscle model would excite their lineup. This was a good decision because today, people remember AMC mostly for its muscle cars. In fact, most people forget their basic, low-optioned family sedans, which were the majority of their production line. AMC presented two models, a four-seat coupe called the Javelin and a two-seat coupe called AMX. The AMX was the only American two-seater model besides the Corvette during that day. They built the AMX on a shortened Javelin chassis featuring better equipment, more powerful engines, and lots of options.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Although the Javelin and AMX enjoyed considerable success, one rare, special version was the AMX SS 390. AMC built this car in cooperation with Hurst, a famous company from the era. It featured lots of modifications and AMC’s biggest engine, the 390 V8 with 340 HP. This may not sound as powerful as some other muscle cars of the period, but the AMX SS 390 was light, compact, and brutally fast. Interestingly, they only made 52 of them. Most of those were in red, white, and blue. These speed machines went to drag strips where they beat much more powerful cars with ease.

Photo Credit: Mecum

4. 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible 455

By 1971, the end of the muscle car segment was in sight. Tightening of government regulations regarding safety and environmental issues were killing the cars’ power. It was destroying the market since power was the main selling point of muscle cars. Also, the muscle car market was full by 1970 and 1971. Never before or since that time have there been so many models to offer. The GTO Judge is one of the rarest muscle cars Pontiac ever made. The Pontiac GTO was always a popular and strong seller, but with so many competitors in the early ’70s, sales were down. So they introduced the popular Judge in 1969 and continued it for 1971.

Photo Credit: Wallup Net

The Judge featured a big-block 455 V8 engine, wild graphics, and a big spoiler for the 1971 model year. Since the displacement limit was raised, intermediate cars from GM could have the biggest engines available. So they gave the GTO a 455-big block V8 they rated at 335 HP. That was a modest number compared to the earlier GTOs. In 1971, Detroit moved from DIN to SAE horsepower ratings, which lowered the numbers. Because the Judge version was relatively expensive, it didn’t sell as well as before. The convertible was $4,000 over the base price, a lot of money back then. As a result, they made only 17 GTO Judge 455 convertibles that year. And that made it one of the rarest GTOs and muscle cars they ever created.

Photo Credit: Hagerty

3. COPO Camaro

In the late ’60s, Can-Am was a popular racing series featuring prototype class cars with V8 engines. Chevrolet wanted to purpose-build a power plant for this championship, so they produced an all-aluminum 427 big block called ZL-1 in 1969. It was a high revving, 7.0-liter V8 with around 550 HP in mild tune. Chevrolet produced around 200 of those engines. While most of them went to Can-Am racing teams, they installed 69 of those ZL-1 in C.O.P.O Camaros, selling them to drag racing teams.

Photo Credit: Mecum

And even though the Camaro ZL-1 looked the same as the regular 1969 Camaro on the outside, it was so fast; it was barely street legal. Interestingly, the official 1969 Chevrolet literature doesn’t mention the ZL-1 option for the Camaro. But if you were a successful drag racer or a dealer, you knew about this expensive option. That’s why Chevy built only 69 Camaro ZL-1s.

Photo Credit: Mecum

2. 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T Convertible Hemi 426

Dodge introduced the Coronet nameplate in 1955 as their highest trim level for their full-size cars. In the mid-’60s, it moved to the mid-size segment and became Dodge’s most successful product. Coronets were attractive, intermediate cars for family buyers with a good selection of engines and trim levels. Dodge offered the famous R/T trim package on two-door coupes and convertibles.

Photo Credit: Mecum

That meant more ambitious buyers could get a 440 V8 or the famous 426 Hemi engine in their Coronets. The Coronet R/T was Dodge’s answer to the Pontiac GTO, the Chevelle, and other intermediate performance cars. However, they only built two super-rare ’67 Coronet R/T Convertibles with Hemi engines and that makes this Coronet a collector’s item. Interestingly, Coronet R/T buyers in those days opted for the reliable and almost equally fast 440 Magnum engine, as well as the closed body styles. Whoever bought that plush Hemi convertible must have been looking for a powerful cruiser with many options. But they never intended for buyers to use this car as a stoplight terror, yet rather as a summer night express.

Photo Credit: W Super Cars

1. 1968 Ford Mustang 428 Super Cobra Jet

The Mustang exploded onto the car scene in 1964, introducing a new concept to the market in the pony car. It was a compact, sporty, and good-looking coupe with enough power for a lively performance. The concept was successful; Ford built the millionth example just a year-and-a-half after the introduction. Despite the Shelby GT350, the Mustang didn’t have a proper muscle car engine to offer to the general public. They knew they needed one that could compare to those mighty Hemis or Chevy 427s. In other words, Ford and its Mustang didn’t have much street cred. But all of that changed in 1968 when Ford introduced the new 428 Cobra Jet V8 engine. With a conservative rating of 335 HP, it was clear that the new engine could easily deliver around 400 HP. But Ford wasn’t satisfied, so they presented an even more extreme version named the Super Cobra Jet.

Photo Credit: W Super Cars

It was an upgraded 428 with around 450 HP with conquering a drag strip in mind. Ford planned to win the Super Stock championship in 1968, and eventually, they did as Mustangs with this engine were unstoppable that year. To homologate the Super Cobra Jet engine for track use, Ford had to build some streetcars. They built only 57 cars with these upgraded engines and approximately 2,000 with the regular Cobra Jet engine. Those 57 SCJ Mustangs were not exclusively Fastbacks. Today, all those Cobra Jets are valuable, and the Super Cobra Jets are extremely pricey. These are 40 of the most obscure muscle cars ever. Although they came in limited numbers, they left a mark on automotive history. So, consider yourself lucky if you ever get to see any of these cars.

Advertisement
Please wait 5 sec.