Latest Posts Under: History
Dive into the world of Chevy’s small-block saga from 1962 to 1998, spotlighting the mighty L46 and LT-1 engines of the late ’60s and ’70s. These beasts, with their sky-high compression and gutsy horsepower, made Corvettes and Camaros the stars of the road. As emissions tightened, power figures wobbled but never wavered in spirit. The L81 of ’81 even had a “smart” carburetor, proving that even muscle cars need a brain sometimes! Stay tuned for more engine antics in this revved-up history.
Named for its four-barrel, four-speed, and dual exhausts, the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 was the muscle car equivalent of a bodybuilder in a tuxedo. With a 455-cubic inch V8 engine cranking out 365 hp, it was the automotive version of a caffeine-fueled sprint. The W30 variant added extra oomph with 370 hp and a hood with more scoops than an ice cream shop. Even James Garner raced one, proving that this car could handle the NORRA Mexico 1000 and still look good doing it.
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, a supercar lovechild born from the union of Mercedes and McLaren, revved into existence in 2003. Sporting a V8 engine capable of launching it to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, this speed demon is as quick as a cheetah on espresso. With brakes that could stop a freight train and a spoiler that does a little dance when you hit the brakes, this car is all about the drama. And if you fancy a breeze, the 722 S roadster lets you chat at 120 mph with the top down—hairdos be warned!