History | Muscle Car Fan

Sunbeam Tiger Roadster V8 1964 to 1967

The Sunbeam Tiger roared into existence between 1964 and 1967, thanks to a wild plot involving Carroll Shelby, a Ford V8, and some sneaky engineering. Originally inspired by a 1925 land speed record holder, the Tiger ditched the Alpine’s old engine for a brawny V8. Shelby, fresh off his AC Cobra triumph, found a way to squeeze the Ford beast under the hood, stirring quite the fuss. Even Lord Rootes was charmed after demanding a test drive. They even used sledgehammers to fit the engine—talk about a smashing success!

A bright red 1970 Plymouth HEMI 'Cuda convertible.

1970 Plymouth 426 Hemi ‘Cuda #1

by Wes

Chrysler built only fourteen 1970 Hemi ‘Cuda convertibles, and this Rallye Red example was the very first one off the assembly line. Under its shaker hood scoop sits the 425-horsepower 426 Hemi, feeding through dual four-barrel carburetors built for straight-line violence rather than comfort. Now part of The Brothers Collection, it remains one of the rarest and most significant muscle cars Chrysler ever produced. See what makes car number one worth chasing more than fifty years later.

Three old, rusty cars parked outdoors on dry grass under a metal roof.

Yard Find Mustangs ! 1969 Mach 1 428 SCJ, 1968 S Fastback, 1965 A Fastback, 1969 Convertible

by Wes

Behind a fence in Northern California sits a lineup most Mustang collectors only dream about — four fastbacks and convertibles that have spent years in a storage yard instead of a showroom. One of them is a numbers-matching 1969 Mach 1 built with the 428 Super Cobra Jet, a 4-speed, and the factory Drag Pack, a combination serious enough to turn heads at any major auction. MustangConnection1 tracked down the owner to talk about what comes next: full restoration, or leaving history exactly as it is. See the full lineup and decide for yourself.

Two men discussing a classic 1970s car with its hood open.

Garage/Barn Find: 1970 Camaro With 1130 Actual Miles!

by Wes

Charley Lillard’s 1970 Chevrolet Camaro has just 1,130 original miles, parked in a heated garage for nearly 40 years after the original owner dinged it and simply never drove it again. V8TV caught up with Lillard at the Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals in Rosemont, Illinois, to hear the full story — right down to the original air still in the tires. This is as close to a time capsule as muscle cars get. Watch to hear how it survived four decades untouched.

Caterham Seven—Inception to 2004

by Ross Mills

The Caterham Seven zoomed onto the scene in 1972, taking a page from the Lotus Seven’s book. These British kit cars evolved into sleek roadsters, blending classic style with modern zing. Caterham’s history is a gearhead’s dream—live axles, de Dion suspensions, and even a chassis diet plan for the “larger” driver. By 2004, the CSR model flexed its muscles with a Cosworth engine and independent suspension, proving that the Seven doesn’t just age; it ages like fine wine—faster and smoother!

A vintage white car driving on a scenic country road.

the LAST Vanishing Point Challenger – 1970 Dodge Challenger RT HEMI

by Wes

Every Dodge Challenger used in the original 1971 Vanishing Point film was destroyed decades ago, but Ted Stephens managed to preserve all five Challengers built for the 1996 TV movie remake — the only surviving screen-used Vanishing Point cars anywhere. His white 1970 Challenger even carries a real HEMI, a rarity for any movie car. theAFICIONAUTO gets up close with Stephens and his collection. Watch to see the last Vanishing Point Challengers still standing.

AMC Rebel 1967 to 1970

by Ross Mills

The AMC Rebel, a true rebel without a pause, rolled out from 1967 to 1970, reinventing itself every year. From the sleek 1967 model with its reclining front seats and engine options ready to make your granny squeal, to the 1968 version that switched names faster than a fugitive in a bad disguise, the Rebel kept car enthusiasts on their toes. By 1970, “The Machine” roared in, boasting muscle and a paint job so bold it could make a rainbow jealous. This Rebel was more than a car; it was an experience.

1966 Pontiac GTO with 389 Tri-Power engine and 4-speed transmission.

1966 PONTIAC GTO 389 4-speed TRI-POWER musclecar 4K review

by Wes

This 1966 Pontiac GTO hardtop still runs its factory Tri-Power setup — three two-barrel carburetors feeding a 389 cubic-inch V8 — paired with a 4-speed manual, power steering, and power brakes. Samspace81 takes it out for a road cruise from Garrett Classics in Lewisville, Texas, showing off period-correct Rally wheels and an original AM radio along the way. This is 60s Detroit muscle in its purest factory form. Watch to hear that Tri-Power come alive.

A vintage 1968 Buick Riviera in vibrant yellow cruising on a road.

1966 Buick Riviera – Jay Leno’s Garage

by Wes

Randy Clark of Hot Rods and Custom Stuff brought his customized 1966 Buick Riviera to Jay Leno’s Garage, showing off a gold paint job that took his team 1,500 hours to finish. The car blends the Riviera’s original personal-luxury styling with a level of custom detail most builds never attempt. Jay walks through exactly what went into that finish and why it stands out. Watch to see 1,500 hours of work up close.

Ferrari 250 GTO

by Ross Mills

Muscle cars generally hail from the USA, but the Ferrari 250 GTO, with its zippy speed and feather-light body, makes a compelling case for an exception. Born between 1962 and 1964, only 36 of these Italian stallions were made. Designed for GT racing, it flaunted a 3.0L V12 engine and minimalist interior—forget about a speedometer. Despite rocky beginnings, it zoomed to fame, winning races and collectors’ hearts, skyrocketing from a modest $18,000 to a jaw-dropping $13 million.

Chevrolet Chevy II Origins to 1965 – the First Generation

by Ross Mills

The Chevy II, born to rival Ford’s Falcon, sprinted from design to dealership with the agility of a caffeinated squirrel. This compact car, showcasing semi-unibody flair, rolled out in various styles, from sedans to convertibles. Initially powered by engines as thrilling as a lukewarm latte, it eventually embraced V8 power, revving up to 300 hp by 1965. With six engine options, a facelift featuring a snazzy grille and dazzling tail lights, the Chevy II was a hit among families and speed enthusiasts alike.

Plymouth Barracuda 1970 and 1971 Big Muscle

by Ross Mills

The 1970 and 1971 Plymouth Barracuda shed its economy car roots in favor of pure muscle, ditching the Valiant ties and embracing its new ‘cuda persona. With a platform shared with the Challenger, the ‘cuda packed a punch with its V8 options, including the beastly 426 Hemi. However, the 1971 model faced horsepower cuts due to stricter regulations. Despite this, the ‘cuda flaunted vibrant colors like “Sassy Grass Green” and luxurious interiors, proving it’s not just about brawn—it’s about style, too.

Vintage black-and-white footage of an old race car on a track.

Chevrolet 100 Years timeline

by Wes

Chevrolet was founded on November 3, 1911, by Swiss race car driver Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant, the recently ousted founder of General Motors. What neither man could have predicted was how far the partnership would travel, or how quickly Louis Chevrolet himself would part ways with the company bearing his name. This centennial timeline traces that whole arc. Watch to see how a scrappy 1911 startup became a muscle car legend.

1969 Pontiac Firebird Ram Air IV in a showroom with classic cars.

Breakdown/Review: 1969 Pontiac Firebird Ram Air IV 4-Speed

by Wes

This freshly restored 1969 Pontiac Firebird hides one of Pontiac’s most serious factory performance packages, the Ram Air IV, under deceptively clean, understated styling. Paired with a correct Muncie four-speed and pulled from The Brothers Collection for the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, it proves basic looks and big performance are not mutually exclusive. Watch the full breakdown to see what makes this Firebird more than meets the eye.

AMC Javelin 1971-1974 G2

by Ross Mills

The AMC Javelin G2, unleashed from 1971-1974, was the muscle car that made even your grandma want to race. With its futuristic design, this two-door hard-top was lower, wider, and sported a roof spoiler as if ready to take on a wind tunnel. The Javelin’s engines ranged from a humble six to a roaring 401-cubic-inch V8 that could turn heads and tires. It even snagged the Trans-Am race series prize a few times, proving that this beast wasn’t just for show; it was for full-throttle, tire-screeching action!

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