Latest Posts Under: History
Who is the ultimate drag racing legend? NHRA’s list of 50 greatest drivers has sparked debates, with Don Garlits grabbing the top spot. From the fearless Shirley Muldowney at #5 to the dynamic John Force at #2, the rankings are a rollercoaster of speed and skill. Do you feel the need for speed or a need to disagree? Share your thoughts and see if your favorite racer made the cut—or if they left burnout marks in your heart!
The AMC Rebel’s 1969-70 saga is a tale of transformation. Gone are the convertibles, but hello, simulated louvers and a dash that plays hard to get. By 1970, the Rebel’s restyled rear and looped bumper are turning heads, while safety features ensure it’s not just a pretty face. Under the hood, engine options rev up, climaxing with “The Machine” – a muscle car masquerading as a family ride. With its raked look and patriotic paint, it’s ready to conquer roads and raise eyebrows alike!
Before Mustangs and Chargers, there was the Oldsmobile Rocket 88, the world’s first muscle car. Born in 1949, this speedster sported a Rocket V8 engine in a compact body, making it NASCAR’s darling. Its fame sparked a hit song and the catchy slogan, ‘Make a date with a Rocket 88.’ With a quirky dual ignition and options for both automatic and manual transmissions, it was the car to beat. By 1950, it became Oldsmobile’s star, racing into the hearts of speed lovers everywhere.
The Ford Mustang Boss 429, a real heavyweight of its time, was Ford’s bold attempt to challenge the Chrysler 426 Hemi on the NASCAR tracks. With an engine so big, it needed a trunk relocation for the battery—because who needs trunk space anyway? Kar Kraft had to re-engineer the Mustang just to fit this beast under the hood. The result? A 375 hp engine that laughs at its own rating, easily roaring past 600 hp with tweaks. The Boss 429 is a muscle car icon, proving that size does matter!
In the early ’50s, Chevrolet embarked on a mission to create a two-seat sports car, birthing the Corvette prototype in 1951. From its fiberglass beginnings with a “blur flame” engine that couldn’t quite keep up with its sporty looks, the Corvette evolved. By 1955, it boasted a V8 engine, and by ’62, it roared with a 327 cubic-inch heart, marking the end of its first generation. It didn’t just keep up with the Joneses—it left them in the dust, albeit with a laughably slow start.
