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Muscle cars are the crown jewels of American automotive history, fetching jaw-dropping prices at auctions. The 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88, sans radio and heater for serious buyers only, revved up to a whopping $3.85 million. Meanwhile, a 1966 Shelby Cobra Roadster strutted its stuff to a cool $1 million. And let’s not forget the $3.5 million 1971 Plymouth Barracuda convertible, the Hemi-powered showstopper that leaves other cars in the dust. Who knew inflation hedges could be so fast?
Chrysler’s “Elephant” Hemi made a heavy comeback in 1964, boasting a whopping 426 cubic inches and enough size to need its own zip code. Known for its robust power, this engine was a hit in NASCAR until it got benched in 1965 for being too exclusive. Revamped for the streets in 1966, the Hemi roared into drag racing fame, proving itself the heavyweight champ. Despite its hefty price tag and appetite for parts, the 426 Hemi remains a legend that left competitors in the dust, or at least eating plenty of it!
Rev up your engines, because we’re diving into the Chevy Big Block’s 427 variations! Picture this: the 1969 ZL1 Mark IV, a powerhouse that shed 110 lbs thanks to its aluminum build, making it as light as your grandma’s cast iron skillet. This beast demands 103 octane fuel, so forget about a Sunday drive unless you’re packing the good stuff. With a roaring 524 gross hp, it can zip through a quarter mile in just 11.62 seconds. But, hold onto your wallets—this speedster doubled the Corvette’s price in ’69!
In the early days of muscle madness, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird was the king of the asphalt jungle, flaunting a wing so big it could double as a dining table. Born in the era when carmakers decided that subtlety was overrated, the Superbird zoomed into the spotlight with a 426 Hemi under its hood. It was a time when horsepower was measured in smiles per gallon, and the Superbird delivered with a side of high-speed hilarity, leaving its competition eating dust and questioning their life choices.
Rory Carroll, the editor of Autoweek, shares his lifelong obsession with cars, from racing a Lahta Signet in the 24 Hrs of Lemonds to driving the Porsche 918 and La Ferrari at the Circuit of the Americas. He credits his journey in automotive journalism to a chance opportunity with the New York Times and now enjoys a dream job at Autoweek. Rory believes that car enthusiasm is thriving among the younger generation, thanks to social media and accessible resources, and he’s excited about Autoweek’s future.
The Corvette C6 (2004-2013) ditched the hidden headlights for a more exposed look, a nod to its 1962 ancestors. With engines like the LS2 and later the LS3, it packed a punch, and the Z06 model was so light it probably floated when parked. The ZR1, aka “Blue Devil,” went 205 mph, proving it was more devil than angel. And with carbon fiber everything, it was basically a superhero in disguise. Who knew speed could have such a sense of style?
