You've probably seen movies with car chases. You may dream of driving one of those high-speed automobiles that can go from 0 to 60 mph in no time at all. If so, you have dreamt of a muscle car. Most of us don't need a GTO, but its image would compel to customers to buy another vehicle with the same style. This is how muscle cars had a big market impact, even though they didn't sell in big numbers. The GTO was a marketing vehicle designed to get people talking about the company and lure buyers into showrooms.
Muscle cars became popular in the mid-60s. They were powerful, sleek, and attractive. What's more important, they could be driven on the street, as well as used for drag racing. The earliest muscle cars weren't necessarily fuel-efficient or environmentally friendly. These are the rarest special edition muscle cars you'll never see in real life.
15 Dodge Coronet R/T Convertible
In 1967, Dodge produced only two Coronet R/T Convertibles with a Hemi engine. In 1970, the company updated the exterior design of the Coronet and once again produced only two units. In fact, this was the only Dodge car with a convertible Hemi version until 1970, when the Challenger was introduced.
14 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible
In 1971, Pontiac produced 17 GTO Judge Convertibles. This was due to changes in emissions regulations happening at that time. Between 1969 and 1970, the company produced another Judge Convertible, which is sought-after by collectors. The car featured a YE block 455-cu.in. V8 engine that delivered 335 horsepower and 480 lb. ft. of torque.
13 Chevrolet Corvette L88
In the 60s, Chevrolet loved introducing new packages as options in its muscle cars. The L88 package featured an updated 427 engine. The car was originally marketed for racing, but Chevy sold models to customers. In 1967, only 20 units were built. Two years later the package was dropped.
12 Plymouth R023 GTX
In 1967, Plymouth produced 55 Plymouth R023 GTXs. This was due to the car being sold and marketed for racing enthusiasts. Nowadays, the car is a valuable collectible, mainly because it is much lighter than other muscle cars of that time and has an upgraded Hemi 426 cubic inch engine.
11 Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1
In 1969, the ZL-1 engine was used in Camaros. It was made of aluminum and delivered 560 horsepower. While initially the car was built for racing purposes, only 20 units were used on race tracks. The other 49 models were sold to customers. Out of those 49 units, 12 were sent back by the dealers.
10 1970 Ford Torino 429 Cobra Jet
Almost 500,000 Ford intermediates (Torinos, Fairlanes, and Falcons) were built in 1970. Of half a million cars, only 7,675 Torino 429 Cobra Jets were made. This was the Motor Trend's car of the year and it featured a V8 engine and 15-inch Magnum wheels. The 429 Cobra Jet put out 370 hp.
9 1987 Buick GNX
Introduced in 1987, the 1987 Buick GNX was an offspring of Buick and McLaren Performance Technologies/ASC collaboration. Only 547 units were made, and dealers could sell them for $75,000 at dealer-only auctions. Lucky customers got 276 hp and 360 lb. ft. of torque. As a matter of fact, the engine could deliver 300 hp.
8 Ford Mustang Boss 429
Less than 1,500 produced units isn't the only reason the Ford Mustang Boss 429 is a rare sight. The main reason is a hefty price tag among collectors. Its natural habitat is a six digit territory. Lucky few got the Boss 429 for $200,000 as some other models change hands for half a million.
7 1967 Pontiac Catalina 2+2
In 1967, the Pontiac Catalina 2+2 got a new 428 cu in V8 engine topped with "Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carb which produced 360 ponies in conventional and 376 horsepower in HO form." This was the last year for the 2+2 nameplate. A total of 19,762 units were produced, but only 1,786 got a new engine.
6 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Between 1968 and 1969, Pontiac produced only 30,000 Firebirds. Only eight Firebird Trans Am convertibles were bought, and they got a Ram Air III V8 engine. Back then, this was the second strongest power unit, with the 345-hp Ram Air IV engine being the most powerful. The Firebird featured shiny wheels and a sleek bonnet.
5 Plymouth Hemi Superbird
In 1970, Plymouth produced 135 Hemi Superbirds. The design was inspired by popular Roadrunner models. The car was meant for racing purposes only. What made the Hemi Superbird unique was the wing spoiler, a horn, and a curved front bumper. The horn made a recognizable sound made by the Roadrunner in Looney Tunes cartoons.
4 Ford Fairlane 500 R-Code
In 1967, Ford produced 57 Fairlane 500 R-Codes. The number "500" in the name meant that the car got a racing package. The R-Code referred to the VIN number and meant the Fairlane had dual quad carburetors. Ford improved the styling, added a slick roofline, in-vogue Coke-bottle shape and stacked quad headlamps.
3 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible
The Barracuda was an especially popular Plymouth muscle car. In 1970, the company updated the look and changed its name to Cuda. They offered 5 engine options, along with a convertible version. Among the engines was a Hemi. Hardtop Hemi Cudas are rare – only 21 units were produced between 1970 and 1971.
2 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6
In 1970, Chevrolet introduced the LS6 package that included a 454 cubic engine, which increased the hp from 460 to 560. The company produced 20 units. To introduce the car, Hot Rod Magazine wrote "It is one of the brutes, and all it needs is a way of staying in contact with terra firma."
1 Chevrolet Corvette ZL-1
The Chevrolet Corvette ZL-1 was produced in 1969 to showcase the new engine block made of aluminum. Only three units were produced, and each car was special ordered by employees. The car spotted radical lines, a blue-fading-to-gray paint scheme, a front-hinged clip and hood, a retractable rear spoiler, and a push-button-activated retracting roof.