If you were to ask us, "what's the most important part of a muscle car?" we wouldn't really be able to give one definitive answer. Like many things, there is no singular aspect of a good sports car that makes it great. Rather, it's the combination of many different components working together in perfect harmony.
Well-informed car enthusiasts can tacitly pick up on small things that, most of the time, are replicated throughout that particular automotive category. As you'll see throughout this article, muscle cars often share similar design features; regardless of the brand/manufacturer.
To showcase what we're talking about, we've gathered up a list of the most iconic muscle car design features – both big and small!
8 Quarter-Scoops
Let's kick this off with a more subtle piece of many current and classic muscle cars. It's not something that most would think about, but a prevalent one, nonetheless. We're talking about 'quarter scoops'.
As is the case with far too many vents, air vents, and scoops, most don't actually help at all. In fact, it actually adds weight and drag to an otherwise normal vehicle. Though, that's assuming it's done without purpose.
If the quarter-scoops really are beneficial (either in terms of aerodynamics, downforce, or cooling), then you get the best of both worlds: a neat design queue from the past AND a useful tool!
7 Large Bodies
This one's fairly obvious to anybody who's been paying attention to the U.S. car market. Muscle cars, whether they be fifty years old or fifty days, are typically much larger than your average sports car, especially compared to European alternatives.
Although carmakers are learning how to make more compact, fuel-efficient versions of the classic muscle cars, you'll still see plenty that tower over the normal European town car. The latest Dodge Challengers are (probably) the biggest, yet, cars like the Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, and Cadillac CT5-V aren't far behind.
6 Hurst Shifters
One trend to have fallen by the wayside in recent years are the widespread use of special gear shifters. To be specific, Hurst shifters - Often found in classic muscle cars, but occasionally seen as aftermarket mods, nowadays.
For those who've never heard of these before, a Hurst shifter is a special short-shifter typically found in older muscle cars. As the name suggests, they began in a sports car with the 'Hurst' badge, but have since progressed to selling their shifters all over the world. However, they're not as exclusive to American sports cars anymore.
5 ‘Big-N-Little’ Suspension
Depending on the type of performance you're looking for out of a car, a particular suspension setup will make all the difference. Lowered ones to aid in grip, lifted suspension for off-roading, and a 'Big-n-Little' layout for dragsters.
Although the term "Big-n-little" has fallen out of use, the style itself still exists; known now as 'rake' after the excessive rake height on most American drag cars. By shifting the weight to the front-end and raising the rear, drivers can fit larger rear tires, thus allowing for more traction on launch. Of course, there's more than just that (including weight-distribution benefits), but we're primarily interested in the aesthetic.
You won't see this much on most new-age American cars. However, if you look back far enough, or see what tuners have to offer, you'll find plenty of badass examples.
4 Dragster Hood Scoops
Since we're already on the topic of drag racing and American dragsters, we might as well discuss yet another muscle car feature from that sect of motorsports. Of course, it's the timeless drag-racing hood scoop!
Like we mentioned with the quarter-scoops, not all vents/scoops actually do anything nowadays. Thankfully, though, an authentic dragster hood scoop has a real purpose (beyond just looking cool).
Depending on the type or vehicle setup, dragster hoods can be traditional scoops - Channeling air-flow into the engine bay - or angled ones. The latter is for aerodynamics more so than cooling.
3 Side Pipes
Speaking of the now-obscure features of once-great muscle cars, we have one of our favorites as the third entry: exhaust side-pipes!
The most famous vehicle with this addition is the original Shelby 427 Cobra. Of all the pieces of that beautiful antique, the side pipes, in particular, stand out when viewing the side. Just make sure to keep your wits about you when entering or exiting a car with these. If you forget about the burning exhaust pipe right underneath the door, you'll be in for a real third-degree 'surprise'.
2 Fastbacks
The term "fastback" was used for all types of automobiles throughout the early-to-mid-20th century. It wasn't until sports car manufacturers, particularly American ones, started to redefine the style.
A good benchmark for the fastback body style is the Ford Mustang; spanning from 1965 to the late-'70s, eventually returning in the '90s. Characterized by its swooping rear lines and large rear window, these fastbacks have been a cornerstone of American muscle cars. Even until now, the fastback aesthetic persists.
1 Blowers
Here's a challenge for you: name an automotive modification that's more American than a blower! Besides a red, white, and blue paint job filled with eagles and burgers, a huge blower is as patriotic and American as it gets.
From the release of the first Fast and Furious film, the blower has only grown in popularity. Sure, it has existed for much longer than the early-2000's, but it was mostly the hardcore enthusiasts who knew of their existence (or purpose, for that matter).