The Evolution & History of the Muscle Car – Arnage neoclassic cars

What Does “Muscle Car” Mean?

The precise definition of what qualifies a vehicle as a muscle car is the subject of some debate, but they usually follow some general criteria. Muscle cars are American-made, intermediately sized and featuring a coupe body. Muscle cars also typically have a powerful V8 engine. Their design provides high performance at an affordable price. 

Muscle Car Wars

The muscle car wars started in the 1960s and lasted until the early 1970s, ending when the oil embargo and federal regulations changed automakers’ approach to making muscle cars. Some of the primary competitors were the Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac GTO, Shelby Cobra, Oldsmobile 442 and Buick Gran Sport. Muscle car manufacturers were all trying to get the fastest speeds, most powerful engines and the lowest price to reach a wide swath of buyers.

The muscle car wars started with the Pontiac GTO and the Oldsmobile 442. After other manufacturers saw the success of both these cars, many clamored to get into the game. In this war, the “weapons” were primarily engines, with every manufacturer striving to increase cubic inches. The more cubic inches an engine has, the larger and higher-powered it is.

The most notable players in the muscle car wars were the Shelby Cobra, Dodge Charger and the Plymouth Road Runner.

In 1974, the oil embargo and federal regulations effectively ended the muscle car wars. Manufacturers had more trouble to contend with than competing against each other. Given the available technology, they couldn’t produce the big-block engines they were used to and still meet federal emissions regulations. As a result, the muscle car wars fizzled out.

Muscle Cars Through the Years 

Muscle cars have a rich history spanning many decades and providing drivers with incredible power and speed. While the golden age of muscle cars lasted from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s, manufacturers still made many other muscle cars before and after these dates.

Check out the top four muscle cars of this era.

• Rocket 88: In 1949, the first muscle car, the Rocket 88, came with a 303-cubic-inch, 5.0-liter V8 engine. Compared to future muscle cars, it wasn’t all that powerful, as it only hit 135 horsepower. it was extremely successful in the 1950 NASCAR season, winning 10 out of 19 races.