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The “Leader of the Dodge Rebellion” was introduced at the 1966 Rose Bowl, and although the Dodge brothers didn’t know it at the time, the 1966 Charger would impact muscle car history forever.
The Charger was built off of the Dodge Coronet chassis, but utilized its own body. This introduction was Dodge’s first fastback, high-speed street racer. The 1966 Charger was the first U.S. production vehicle to boast a spoiler, which was implemented to solve the lift that its body created. David Pearson drove a #6 Cotton Owens-prepared Charger, and won the NASCAR Grand National championship in 1966 (in addition to 14 other first-place finishes).
As a member of the muscle car category, the Olds 442 proved its worth the hard way: Originally, the Olds 442 was an optional package for the F-85 and Cutlass models, beginning in 1964. After the Pontiac division of General Motors experienced an unexpected success with the release of the The Tempest GTO the same year, Oldsmobile quickly compiled the package to keep buyers interested. The 442 did not become an actual car model independent of others, until 1968.
1969 Nova SS 396
Emerging from Chevy’s classic compact, the 1969 Nova SS 396 proved to be a potent muscle car without a flashy package. It may not have looked like much, but this classic from GM is one of the fastest cars from the classic muscle car era, thanks to clever engineering, a perfect weight ratio, and a powerful engine.
1970 Olds 442 W-30
Considered by many to be the best that Oldsmobile put out, the 1970 Olds 442 W-30 is truly a classic muscle car. Not many think of Oldsmobile in terms of muscle cars; the high-end brand from General Motors was always more known for its large, luxury-oriented vehicles. The 442, however, was one of the finest muscle cars of the era.
Code Name “Panther”
The Ford Mustang had an extraordinary impact on the automotive industry after its release in April of 1964.
As you might expect, the other major automobile manufacturers immediately got to work on their versions of a pony car so that they could garner their share of this burgeoning new market.
In 1965 rumors began to circulate about the Chevrolet division of General Motors developing a competitor under the code name “Panther”.
Defining the Gentleman’s Muscle Car
If you have ever looked for information about the Plymouth GTX, odds are that you have seen the car named as the “Gentleman’s Muscle Car.” This left me wondering what a gentleman’s muscle car is and what type of men should be driving the other muscle cars.
According to my research, a gentleman’s muscle car is a refined muscle car with sleek design. This is in contrast to the rugged muscle cars that were for the drivers who did not need to go to work in their business attire. The original Plymouth GTX was created in 1967 under the Belvedere brand. A belvedere is an architectural feature that is designed to look upon a pleasant view, which seems fitting for the original name of the muscle car designed for gentlemen.
One of the better stories to come out of the American automobile industry during the latter portion of the 1960s is that of the Plymouth Road Runner. What’s not to like about a real muscle car that could get the quarter mile in under 14 seconds while setting you back less than three grand? Plus, as a bonus, you get a car that is named after one of your favorite cartoon characters. How can you beat that?
Metro Cruise Draws Big Crowds
Car guys and gals know all about the Woodward Dream Cruise that occurs each summer during the third weekend of August in Detroit, Michigan. However, the east side of the state is not the only place to show off your hotrod, muscle car, sportscar, or tin lizzie. Every summer for the past nine years, Grand Rapids holds the 28th Street Metro Cruise the weekend following the Dream Cruise on the fourth weekend of August. This classic car show draws huge crowds up and down the 10 miles of this business-lined five-lane road as everyone wants to see classic cars like the Ford Fairlane, Chevy Bel Air, as well as exotics like the Ferrari Testarossa and the Lotus Esprit.
Dropping the Ford Mustang for the Ford Probe: Say It Isn’t So!
The late 1970s were not good for the auto industry. As gas became more expensive and fuel needed to be rationed, automakers had to make major changes. One car that had serious trouble in the 1970s was the Ford Mustang. Many manufacturers had to turn their hotrods into front wheel drive gas sippers, and Ford turned to the unfortunate Mustang II. But, for fans of the Ford Mustang, the worst was still on its way.