The decade from the mid-'60s to the mid-'70s was particularly famous for giving birth to the first generation of muscle cars. The rules they all shared were pretty simple: cars had to be large, packed with a massive V8, and release a brutal, raw, visceral amount of power.
Muscle cars were not actually brief parentheses in the automobile world—they became a long-lasting trend, and the astonishing number of units sold proves how pleased owners were by them. Among all the muscle cars available in the '60s and '70s, there were some models that came in very peculiar versions. They were the coolest muscle cars back then, and the most sought-after by collectors now. Let's check out some highly desirable classic cars.
10 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda
The Plymouth Cuda conquered Americans' hearts thanks to its mighty Hemi version. The legendary big-block allowed this muscle car to develop more than 400 hp of raw muscle. To all those who were seeking a brutal, masculine, and growling muscle car, the Cuda was the answer.
Cuda is the cuddly name for Barracuda, though we’re sure that is the only friendly trait it bears. The car was properly stiff, not so easy to handle, and considering the huge amount of power released, it surely wasn’t a car for inexperienced drivers.
9 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback
When a company is the author of a revolutionary piece of art, its challenge is keeping it up to date with modern trends without spoiling the original concept. That was the case with the Mustang. First introduced in 1964, the already beautiful, fresh, and charming Mustang confirmed its unquestioned stunning appeal even in its 429 Boss version.
Packing a huge 429 cubic-inch V8 engine, the Mustang Boss was able to offer the driver the loudest and most visceral experience when pressing down its gas pedal. Dressed in its Boss trim, characterized by a huge air scoop on the hood, everybody in the street could clearly identify when the Boss was back in town.
8 1970 Buick GS Stage 1 Convertible
This car introduced itself as GM’s rare pearl. Less blazoned than other mid and full-sized muscle cars, this particular Buick Gran Sport comes in the Stage 1 trim, and it features a huge Ram Air 455 cubic-inch big block engine, power steering, power front disc brakes, and a 4-speed manual transmission.
This car underwent a thorough professional restoration and now boasts an unbelievably clean condition. What adds even more prestige to the model are the Rallye rims and Rallye Ride suspension for a better driving experience.
7 1970 Dodge Charger R/T
Vintage Dodge Chargers fully embody all the features that made the ‘60s and ‘70s muscle cars great. Dimensions, linear and aggressive design, and exaggerated power.
This car could turn every driver into the coolest dad in the neighborhood. Don’t be fooled by the pink paint, fancy vinyl white top, and stripes, as this can easily turn into a wild burnout beast and a howling monster as the light turns green.
6 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL Convertible
The Ford Galaxie was huge, powerful, and yes, heavy. But this one was better equipped than other muscle cars, featuring more comforts, details, and options. As one of the best-selling cars, this very model also came with a convertible option, which is perfect for a more engaging drive.
The fact that it belongs to a higher-end category of muscle cars could be spotted at first glance by the numerous fancy details on the body. Chrome is not only for front and rear bumpers, but also used for profiles, details, and a fancy fake grille in the back that's styled like the front one.
5 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 Convertible
In 1970, the Oldsmobile 442 came equipped with its standard, yet huge 7.5-liter V8 with 365 hp. The already brutally powerful 442 was taken to a next level with the introduction of the W30 engine, which was limited in power outlet for safety reasons.
This 370 hp muscle car presents even some features that characterized the 1970 W30 model. To make it clear, this was the best-performing edition of the car, as it came with high-end fiberglass air-intakes, performance camshafts, carburetor, and head.
4 1963 Chevrolet Impala Z11
The Chevy Impala is that kind of car that will never run out of fashion. Full-size, cool, and powerful enough to be forever remembered as one of our favorite muscle cars. The 1963 Z11, though, is a rare pearl and definitely a one-of-a-kind Impala.
This car was basically prepared for drag racing. Although the regular Impala used to come equipped with fancy options, in this version amenities such as the sound deadening, radio, and heater were tossed out. Numerous aluminum parts replaced the stock ones, making the car 300 pounds lighter. The 427 cubic-inch big block in this lightweight Impala produces some 430 hp, which was brutal in 1963.
3 1973 Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty
The 1973 Pontiac Trans Am is more than just desirable. Considering that this model never had a real docile look, in the ‘70s, its lines turned even more geometrical and simple, making this model one of the most appealing muscle cars.
The Trans Am’s most powerful edition was the Super Duty, featuring a 455 cubic-inch big block that was rated at 310 hp in 1973, but it’s widely believed this rating is not that accurate. With exceptional torque, the SD-455 sits among the giants of the ‘70s muscle cars.
2 1971 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T
1970 was such an ideal year to release the Challenger. In 1969, some stunning models were released by several companies, but at the beginning of the new decade, Dodge introduced one of the most game-changing muscle cars ever.
With its Road and Track package, this Challenger was packing an optional 426 cubic-inch Hemi engine that produced 425 hp, replacing the standard Magnum block. The Challenger R/T came with a Rallye instrument cluster that included a 150 mph speedometer, an 8,000 rpm tachometer, and an oil pressure gauge.
1 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Convertible
Chevrolet squeezed into the Chevelle SS all their knowledge and experience they had. Their aim was to build a competitive, brutally powerful, and timelessly cool car. The Chevelle SS LS6 was equipped with the most powerful engine available at that time.
The 454 cubic inch big block engine made some 450 hp. The car was stiff, tough as nails, and very good-looking. This version also came with a fancy white soft-top, which is matching with the stripes along the body. Rare and collectible, this model was—and still is—one of the most desirable four-wheeled rockets we’ve ever seen.