Drag racing and muscle cars go hand in hand, no matter what generation of car enthusiast is behind the wheel. Classic muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s represent, to many, the epitome of muscle car heritage, with traditionally square bodies and large block engines under the hood. While they may not hold their own against modern engineering and supercars, they still produce impressive numbers on the track — even these completely stock 1970 Ford Torino Super Cobra Jet and 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS.
The 1970 Ford Torino Super Cobra Jet
The Ford Torino itself was a staple among fast American muscle cars — a fact that is only accentuated with the Super Cobra Jet edition. Under the hood sits a loud and proud V8 engine rated for 375 hp, completely stock and maintained and delivered from the factory. Paired with 450 lb-ft of torque, this beautiful example of muscle car history, and the Jet package came ready to race with a drag pack setting for dual gear ratios. Against muscle cars of its time, the Ford Torino Super Cobra Jet could hold its own on the pavement, but compared to modern-day supercars would fall short due to the vehicle's heavy curb weight and less-than-refined aerodynamics.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS also features a V8 — a staple of classic muscle cars — and compares directly with the Ford Torino Super Cobra Jet by providing an impressive (for the time) 375 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque with upgraded rear gearing designed for the drag strip. Although it is down in torque from the Super Cobra Jet, it does have the advantage of weight on its side, weighing nearly 600 lbs less and improving the car's power to weight ratio.
Nothing Beats A Classic Muscle Car Drag Race
Although it can be exciting to watch supercars drag race down the pavement hitting impressive speeds and barely believable quarter-mile times, there is just something nostalgic and satisfying about watching classic American muscle cars go head-to-head. Even more excitingly, these cars have remained stock from the factory, meaning they run and drive just as they were upon original delivery decades ago — a stark contrast to many heavily built V8 engines we see on the drag strip today. To accommodate for reaction times and other potential delays, these cars made three passes, each resulting in surprisingly different results, all caught on camera thanks to Cars and Zebras.