Muscle Cars from 1964 – 1975

The term muscle car covers certain car models that were renowned for their racing capabilities. Such types gained popularity in mid-1960s and continued being a top favorite all the way into the mid-1970s. Today it is considered to be a worthy collectible and thus can fetch a hefty price at car shows.
Certain features must be present before any given automobile is classified as a muscle car. The size of the engine is very important since the prime purpose of the owner is racing. After all, bigger engines will generate greater horse power.

Of course, such cars should also be able to drive faster than your everyday automobile, making speed a vital factor in muscle car definition. Finally, the look of the car also determined its membership in the genre, the overall shape of the car, from its contours to bonnet style, were key traits that established the muscle car look and feel. Many claim that the Pontiac GTO was one of the first muscle cars created for its niche market. It was immensely popular thus in greater demand which prompted the car manufacturers to create seven times more cars than the initial 5000.

Other muscle cars flooded the market. Some of the models that gained popularity in this period included the 1955 Chrysler C-300, the Rambler Rebel, the Plymouth Road Runner and AMC's The Machine. The Chrysler C-300 pushed the limits in its time when it was introduced with an engine capable of 300hp. AMC's Rambler Rebel was also a trend-setter in its time. It was one of the first to boast a lightweight, powerful engine in a smaller, sleeker car.