The Mopar brand has been part of Chrysler since the 1930s, eventually becoming the official name for the Chrysler parts division. Since Mopar made all the motor parts, every vehicle produced by Chrysler was also popularly referred to as a Mopar.
The Mopar brand grew to incorporate more brands such as DeSoto, Imperial, Fargo, Jeep, and Valiant. However, Dodge, Chrysler, and Plymouth highlighted the '50s, '60s, and '70s with unique muscle cars that featured some of the most robust and powerful motors of that era. These Hemi-powered vehicles were so dominant in the muscle car era that they still inspire today's motor industry.
10 1955 Chrysler C-300 Hardtop
The 300 is often declared the first muscle car, but it was undoubtedly one of the fastest and most powerful Mopars in the 1950s. This early Chrysler model offered enhanced comfort and luxury on top of its iconic sports car-like performance.
With twin four-barrel carburetors and a race-spec camshaft, the 300 had a 5.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that generated 300 hp and 345 lb-ft torque. This 331 ci Hemi powered the 300 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 10 seconds, on its way to a then-mind-blowing 140 mph. With these speeds, this Chrysler muscle car performed exceptionally well in NASCAR for a luxury model.
9 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
The Daytona is one of the most memorable Mopar muscle cars you need to see. Dodge unveiled the Charger Daytona when significant changes in racing rules allowed modifications of standard car bodies to allow for more aerodynamic performance. In this 1960s phase, Dodge added a massive wing on the deck lid and a nose at the front fascia.
The Daytona has a 7.0-liter 426 ciHemi V8 engine that churned out 425 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque and a 7.2-liter 440ci Magnum V8 variant option. With this big engine, the Daytona sprints from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds. This badass Dodge set the closed-course record for a stock-bodied car at 200 mph.
8 1971 Dodge Challenger
Dodge built this first generation Challenger using the Chrysler “E” platform, providing them in three models: a two-door hardtop, a Special Edition two-door hardtop, or a convertible. Like most Mopars in its era, the Challenger had a 7.0-liter 426ci Hemi V8 with a larger 7.2-liter 440ci Magnum V8 variant and a smaller 6.3-liter 383ci Magnum V8 variant.
The 426 Street Hemi engine generated 425 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque to thrust the Challenger from 0-60 mph in barely 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph. With this performance, this Dodge competed strongly against the Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Firebird at the pony car market's top tier.
7 1962 Dodge Dart 413 Max Wedge
The 1962 Maximum Performance Wedge 413 put Mopar in the big leagues of the muscle car industry. Initially utilized in big Chrysler models since 1959, all the 413s had wedge-shaped combustion chambers for maximum performance in the smaller Dodge models.
With a massive 6.8-liter Hemi V8, the Dart 413 produced 420 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque at a high compression ratio. This Max Wedge model sprinted from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds and achieved a top speed of 145 mph. In the '60s, the 413 was ideal for drag racing since it featured a heavy-duty suspension kit, limited-slip differential, and a lightweight body.
6 1966 Dodge Charger
Chrysler Corporation developed the luxurious 1966 Charger as a fastback coupe based on the B-body platform. This first-generation Charger is iconic for its rectangular 'electric shaver' front grille and the four hidden headlights that rotate into view when switched on.
The Charger has a 6.3-liter SOHC FirePower V8 that develops 325 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Buyers were provided with a choice of either a 3-speed manual or 4-speed manual transmission. Initially unveiled to tackle the Plymouth Barracuda, the Charger successfully won the 1966 NASCAR Grand National Championship.
5 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat 6.2
Rated as the Dodge model with the most powerful Hemi ever offered to the public, the 6.2 Hellcat outperformed the Shelby Mustang GT500 and the Camaro ZL1
The 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 packs 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque with the option of either a manual 6-speed transmission or an automatic 8-speed transmission. The unique V8 engine in this Hellcat features an integrated supercharger system, a rapid fuel injection system, and a shorter-stroke crankshaft.
4 2016 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak
The Drag Pak Challenger is designed to be a drag racing monster using only Mopar stock equipment straight from the factory. This unique Challenger features a massive scoop atop the engine and drag-specific wheels. Buyers can choose between a 426-cubic inch aluminum naturally-aspirated Gen III Hemi or the 354-cubic-inch supercharged Gen III Hemi unit.
The naturally-aspirated 7.0-liter V8 features a Mopar aluminum block with aluminum cylinder heads and pressed-in steel liners. The supercharged 2.9-liter V8 features a cast-iron block, a bespoke Mopar camshaft, and a forged steel crankshaft.
3 2016 Dodge Challenger 6.4L – 392 ScatPack Shaker
This unique two-door Challenger trim blends features from the Shaker and the Scat Pack bundle for a classic 21st century look. The Shaker Package adds a Shaker hood and scoop, a Shaker under-hood badge, and Satin Black stripes. A 392 badge on the Shaker scoop and a Bumble Bee badge on the fenders come with the Scat Pack.
The Scat Pack Shaker has a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, the largest engine in a Dodge model by 2015. The robust Hemi V8 peaks at 484 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, enabling the Challenger to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
2 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner
Built to focus on performance and affordability, the mid-size Road Runner is based on the Chrysler B platform and considered a sister to the Dodge Charger Daytona. Plymouth aerodynamically modified the Road Runner to elevate their race credentials through dominating NASCAR racing.
The Road Runner has a naturally aspirated Hemi V8 engine with 4-barrel carburetors that generates 425 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque. Plymouth upgraded the Hemi V8 in the 1970 model from solid to the more durable hydraulic lifters. Also, the sturdy 3-speed manual transmission became standard as the previous manual 4-speed became optional.
1 1970 Plymouth Cuda AAR
In the late '60s and early '70s, small-block muscle cars became a trend among automakers due to the high insurance rates issued on big-block muscle cars. The Cuda AAR had a 290 hp 6-barrel aluminum 340 Hemi V8 engine that accelerated it from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
Plymouth built the Cuda AAR as a street rod to homologate its track cars. The AAR model features a lightweight fiberglass hood, a front eyebrow spoiler, a rear ducktail spoiler, a unique strobe stripe, and an exhaust that exits out the sides near the back wheels.