Top 10 Best Muscle Cars of All Time

Categories: Reviews

Muscle cars are more than just strong V8-powered machines, they are also emblems of the best of American engineering. Muscle cars are in the DNA of the American car. The formula hasn't altered much throughout the years, from timeless vintage muscle cars to cutting-edge modern vehicles. Characteristics of muscle cars are front-mounted large displacement engine, tall and wide bonnet, two doors, rear-wheel drive, and low rear. Although American muscle cars are few and far between these days, we may look back at some of the outstanding muscle cars produced by America.

With CarCover, let's have a look at the Top 10 Best Muscle Cars of All Time!

the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-1the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-1
Muscle cars are more than just strong V8-powered machines, they are also emblems of the best of American engineering.

(Source: Internet)

See also American Muscle Cars Through the Years.

10. 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona

the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-2the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-2
The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona was an unquestionable classic from the age of American muscle cars, and it dominated the NASCAR circuit.

(Source: Internet)

The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona was an unquestionable classic from the age of American muscle cars, and it dominated the NASCAR circuit. Dodge engineers put a Charger coupe through a wind tunnel with the primary purpose of competing on the NASCAR circuit. This exercise led to a unique new front bodywork and a whacking terrific nearly two-foot tall rear spoiler, resulting in a drag coefficient of 0.28cd, which is amazing even by today's standards. Combine that with a 426-inch Hemi V8 engine producing 425 horsepower. The peak speed was the true highlight. The sleek front end and massive engine meant that the tempting Dodge Charger Daytona cover could reach speeds of above 200mph. That was significant in 1969.

You may like our product Dodge Charger Car Covers.

9. 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-3the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-3
The golden age of American muscle may be coming to an end, but the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 will make us miss its tire-shredding thunder.

(Source: Internet)

The golden age of American muscle may be coming to an end, but the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 will make us miss its tire-shredding thunder. The Demon 170 is the quickest factory muscle vehicle ever, with 1,025 horsepower and 945 pound-feet of torque. With an NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of 8.91 seconds, it will demolish the drag strip. It will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 1.66 seconds. The Demon 170 follows a long line of muscle vehicles from Dodge that delivers pure, unwavering power from a HEMI engine.

This vehicle has a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine. The supercharger alone has a capacity of 3.0 liters, which is the same as the engine in a 2023 BMW M2 Competition. The last call from Dodge appears to have served its objective of leaving a mark in history before the arrival of the new fully-electric Dodge Charger Daytona SRT.

Maybe you like our product Dodge Challenger Car Covers.

8. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback

the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-4the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-4
Another muscle car from 1969 has been added to this top 10.

(Source: Internet)

Another muscle car from 1969 has been added to this top 10. The 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback was a limited-production Mustang designed to compete in NASCAR against the MOPAR HEMI. Legally, the 429 cubic inch V8 engine produced 375 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, with the potential to produce 500 horsepower with minor modifications. The famous BOSS appearance is the result of the necessity to alter the bodywork to accommodate the race-prepared engine, which led to the hood scoop. The chin spoiler was created to improve how the vehicle slices through the air.

The Boss 429 Fastback made NASCAR history by being a dominating contender despite its weight on the track. With just 1359 units made over two years, its status as an icon was secured despite its prowess on the track.

You may need this product Ford Mustang Car Covers.

7. 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-5the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-5
This is an undiscovered gem from the 1970s muscle car period.

(Source: Internet)

This is an undiscovered gem from the 1970s muscle car period. The famed 426 Hemi engine, which provided 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels in a true American muscle manner, was one of the outstanding characteristics of the 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda. Because of the engine, the Cuda competed with famous brands like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Charger. The Plymouth muscle vehicle, in particular, followed the rules. It boasts a broad sweeping hood leading the charge up front, a swooping coupe style, and colorful hues like Tor Red and Lemon Twist. The Plymouth Hemi Cuda, often referred to be a street racer's vehicle rather than a track car, swiftly became a collector's item and cult icon.

The product could be of interest to you Plymouth Cuda Car Covers.

6. 1967 Pontiac GTO

the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-6the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-6
he 1967 Pontiac GTO, an emblem of American muscle car culture, enters the top 10 best muscle cars of all time.

(Source: Internet)

Muscle vehicles were not just for adrenaline seekers searching for a lot of power. They were also for people who wished to look nice while cruising in style. The 1967 Pontiac GTO, an emblem of American muscle car culture, enters the top 10 best muscle cars of all time. The Pontiac GTO, widely regarded as the first American muscle vehicle, started the trend in 1964. In 1967, the GTO was released with a 400 cubic-inch V8 engine.

The powerful V8 produced 335 horsepower, but dealers could offer aftermarket upgrades that increased that amount to 360 hp and 438 lb-ft. Nonetheless, many argue that such estimates were substantially understated. While other muscle car makers released more powerful models, Pontiac released the 1969 GTO Ram Air IV Convertible, solidifying its image as not only a muscle vehicle but also a grand tourer.

You may find our product appealing 1967 Pontiac GTO Car Covers.

5. 2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R

the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-7the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-7
The 2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R changed things up.

(Source: Internet)

Let us return to the twenty-first century for a while. Up until the 2000s, American muscle cars had a bad reputation when it came to handling. Some of the icons on this list were terrific muscle cars but handled horribly, especially when compared to their European equivalents. The 2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R changed things up. This is a pure muscle automobile blended with track performance engineering.

The GT350R would be powered by a 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 engine with 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. It had a track-oriented suspension, Recaro seats, and a tight six-speed manual transmission. Its most proud achievement? A lap time of 7 minutes and 32 seconds around the Nurburgring, more than 5 seconds quicker than the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. The 2015 model therefore lives up to the legendary 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R.

Maybe you like our product 2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT Car Covers.

4. 1969 Dodge Charger R/T

the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-8the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-8
The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T was supposed to be a Mustang killer.

(Source: Internet)

The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T was supposed to be a Mustang killer and was easily recognizable as "that muscle car from Dukes of Hazzard." Dodge had developed a worthy adversary by placing the 440 Magnum V8 engine under the hood and modifying the springs and brakes for greater handling. However, it has unintentionally created a fashion icon. Its Coke bottle side profile became so popular that many muscle vehicles that followed followed in its footsteps. The R/T, which stands for Rush and Track, immediately became a sought-after model for not just gearheads but also movie stars. The Dodge Charger is responsible for the success of today's muscle vehicles.

Our product might align with your interests Dodge Charger Car Covers.

3. 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE

the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-9the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-9
The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine placed behind Chevrolet's carbon fiber hood.

(Source: Internet)

The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine placed behind Chevrolet's carbon fiber hood. This engine can achieve 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. The muscle car's name includes a lot of numbers, which could be a hint at the amount of information and data Chevy put into the process of building its most track-focused muscle car.

Although its power statistics are lower than those of the Ford Shelby GT500 and Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, it will easily surpass them on the track. To get the edge, the Camaro ZL1 1LE borrows from the Europeans and incorporates technology like magnetorheological dampers and functional aerodynamics.

This product may be just what you're looking for Chevrolet Camaro Car Covers.

2. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6

the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-10the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-10
The 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS was a fair candidate for the finest muscle vehicle of the period.

(Source: Internet)

The Ford Mustang's direct competitor. The 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS was a fair candidate for the finest muscle vehicle of the period, thanks to its powerful LS6 engine. Its 7.4-liter V7 engine produced 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful cars of its day and quite a handful. Its unique design increased its status even further.

Round headlamps finish each end of the long horizontal grille, flanked by expanded buttresses that continue to the back and vertical taillights. These design aspects gave it a European appearance, giving consumers many reasons to like the Chevrolet Chevelle SS. With the broad double stripes, it quickly became a fan favorite. Unlike the Mustang, which adopted a more "everyday muscle car" idea, the Chevy Chevelle SS was designed for drag racing fans and speed junkies. It gained the moniker "King of the Streets" as a result. It's the coolest moniker an automobile could have.

You may like this product 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Car Covers.

1. 1987 Buick Grand National GNX

the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-11the-10-best-muscle-cars-of-all-time-11
Nobody predicted the Buick Grand National GNX.

(Source: Internet)

Nobody predicted the Buick Grand National GNX. The GNX may have launched the "sleeper car" mentality because it lacked the typical hardware of a muscle vehicle to begin with. Despite being powered by a "only" 3.8-liter TwinTurbo V6 and not a V8, it was a street weapon. With 276 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque, it could compete with muscle vehicles nearly twice its size without breaking a sweat.

The GNX stood apart with its sleek yet aggressive styling and was identified only by the subtle boost gauge that sat on the dash. If you spotted the gauge, it would be wise to not gaude it into a race. The GNX is a rare find and special to gearheads because just 547 were ever produced. The 1987 Buick Grand National GNX was a beast.