It’s not exaggerating to say that the ’60s were defining decade of the 20th century. Despite leaving a significant mark on society, it also marked major changes in the auto industry. The ‘60s were the birthplace of muscle cars, an automotive phenomenon that is still very much relevant nearly 60 years after they exploded onto the scene. Over the years, muscle car culture had its ups and downs but has remained popular. American muscle cars remain fresh and exciting even after all those years. They simply never get old, even in the dawn of electric cars.
As a car fan, you may wonder what among the hundreds of different muscle cars produced in America are the best? Which are the most sought-after, the most influential machines that shaped the way drivers feel about these cars? So we broke down the top classic American muscle machines that defined this automotive movement perfectly. Saddle up for the ride and enjoy.
70. AMC Hornet 360
AMC based the Hornet on a regular economy car but equipped it with a better suspension and sharper steering. They added a graphics package and a 360 V8 to transform this hot Hornet from an ordinary compact into a proper muscle car. The power was not huge at 245 HP. But in a lightweight body, those horses made the Hornet fly (via Hemmings).
The rest of the muscle car offerings in 1971 all had problems with size and weight, as well as engines that didn’t make power anymore. Unfortunately, buyers didn’t understand the forward-thinking of AMC, so they sold less than 800 Hornets in 1971.