By definition, a muscle car is a lightweight, compact or mid-size two-door coupe with a powerful V8 engine and lively performance. Over the years, however, many cars didn't exactly fit into this description but still proved to be an integral part of the muscle culture.
Today, we will address the "compact, mid-size and lightweight" part of the definition and talk about full-size, enormous, and heavyweight Detroit hitters. Yes, although muscle cars like Mustangs or Camaros enjoyed immense popularity throughout the latter half of the 20th century, customers also wanted more power in full-size cars. Hence, manufacturers complied and introduced full-size luxury models with big cube engines. Here's what happens when massive American classic cars get some additional muscle under the hood.
10 Plymouth Fury GT
A lesser-known member of the Plymouth muscle squad was 1970 Fury GT. Based on a full-size Fury two-door hardtop, this 214-inch land yacht was powered by 440 V8 producing 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. It had a famous "fuselage" styling, an interior that could accommodate six persons and a big trunk. Of course, it was heavy, but thanks to big-block power, it was also pretty quick.
9 Pontiac Grand Prix SSJ
The late '60s Grand Prix could be called the "Luxury GTO" since it had the same amount of performance but in the more upscale package. With a long hood and short deck, it possessed classic muscle car proportions but was 213 inches long. Although the Grand Prix was big and bulky (213 inches in length), it was powered by a 428 V8 with 390 hp, so quick acceleration was guaranteed.
8 Chevrolet Impala SS
The biggest muscle car Chevrolet ever produced was the Impala SS. During its 1961 to 1969 run, it was s full-size two-door, but in the '90s and 2000s, it returned as a full-size four-door sedan measured at 200 inches. Either way, it was big and heavy, but during the '60s, it was powered by a monstrous 425-hp 427 V8 engine, and boy was it fast. Of course, the lighter and nimbler Camaros were faster, but the Impala SS was a serious contender.
7 Ford 7 Liter
Produced for just a couple of years, the Ford 7 Liter was a special full-size car based on a two-door Galaxie. Powered by the legendary 427 V8 producing a stampede of 345 horses. And filled with all kinds of luxury features, the 7 Liter was a very cool and fast coupe. As you expect, it was big and heavy but nonetheless exciting to drive.
6 Mercury Marauder X100
Wanting to compete with top-notch luxury muscle coupes, Mercury decided to introduce an attractive model called the Marauder X100 in 1969. With hid away headlights, two-tone exterior, and luxury interior, the X100 was well sorted upscale coupe. It also came with an optional 360-hp 429 V8, which could really get things moving in the performance department.
5 Buick Riviera GS
The gorgeous Buick Riviera GS is one of the biggest and coolest full-size cars ever built. The idea was to offer bespoke elegance and a unique look but put the biggest engine Buick has to offer. With a 425 V8 and a 375-hp rating, the Riviera GS was no slouch, not to forget its cool clam-shell headlights.
4 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 454 SS
Built on a stretched Chevelle platform, the Monte Carlo SS was working man's luxury coupe. Spacious and big, it offered lots of cool features, and for those who wanted a bit of punch, an optional 454 V8 engine. The biggest and most powerful Chevrolet engine of the period produced a ridiculous 445 horsepower and propelled the Monte Carlo to pretty respectable 0 to 60 mph times.
3 Dodge Charger
Although the Charger was technically built on a mid-size platform, the 1968 to 1970 model was one of the biggest two-door cars ever made. The overall length was 208 inches, which is almost 5.3 meters. This means that Charger was longer than the modern Mercedes S-Class super-luxury sedan. But this doesn't mean it was slow, powered by top-of-the-line 440 Hemi, this monster could move.
2 Pontiac Catalina 2+2
For people who found the Grand Prix too expensive and the GTO too immature, there was the Catalina 2+2. It was a special package offered in the mid-'60s for guys who wanted a big, full-size car but still wanted to keep a low profile. With all performance goodies, a 428 V8 engine, and up to 390 hp, the 2+2 was a really competent car despite the size and bulk.
1 Chrysler 300 Hurst
In 1970, Chrysler teamed up with Hurst to produce a limited run, full-size luxury car called the 300 Hurst. It was enormous (225 inches long) and filled with all kinds of luxury features, painted in special white/gold livery and powered by a 380-hp 440 Magnum V8. It wasn't as fast as the 1970 Hemi Cuda, but it was surpassingly quick for such a large car.