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The Dodge Challenger, revving into the scene in 1970, was Chrysler’s late entry into the pony car race, sporting a design inspired by the Charger. Despite muscle car sales tanking by ’71, the Challenger made a valiant effort with options ranging from a humble six-cylinder to a monstrous 426 Hemi. As the years rolled on, it shifted from R/T to Rallye, losing its shaker hood but keeping its cool. With 165,437 units cruising off the line by ’74, the Challenger’s first-gen was a wild ride!
The 2015 BMW i8 Hybrid sports car is a futuristic marvel that makes you wonder if it traveled back in time just to impress us. With a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, it handles like a dream—though you might still need to dodge those potholes. It boasts a 1.5-liter turbo engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a zippy 0-60 mph in 4 seconds, making it a speedy contender at the traffic light Olympics. And with a combined 94 mpg, it’s the perfect blend of speed and eco-friendliness, all wrapped up for a mere $137,450.
Born out of the need for speed and more horsepower, the iconic Chevy small block V8 roared into history starting with the 265, which gave the ’55 Corvette a much-needed boost from its inline stove bolt six. From there, the 283 took over, flexing its muscles with mechanical fuel injection that made it the first engine with one hp per cubic inch—take that, Chrysler! By 1973, the 307 wrapped up the family saga, proving that sometimes you just gotta stroke it to make it big.
The Ford Falcon 2014 GT, an Aussie legend, continues its journey with a turbocharged XR6 leading the pack. This beastly sedan, quicker than a kangaroo on espresso, boasts a 4-liter V6 engine with 361 hp. While the highway patrol might miss the discontinued V8 interceptor, the XR6 zips from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, leaving even some European rivals eating its dust. Inside, it offers leather seats and ample legroom, ensuring comfort whether you’re dodging emus or cruising to a barbecue.
Thinking of buying a classic muscle car? It’s not just about revving engines and nostalgic road trips. From pondering the existential “Why do I want to do this?” to dodging rusty lemons like a ninja, there are 58 questions you should ask before diving into this petrol-fueled adventure. Whether it’s finding the right club, avoiding costly mistakes, or figuring out if a plunger can fix dents (spoiler: sometimes!), this guide has the answers. Get ready to cruise down memory lane—safely and stylishly!
In the early ’70s, George Hurst took the wheel of the iconic Hurst/Olds muscle car, steering it into history by providing a pace car for the Indy 500—because who wouldn’t trust a guy named George with something like that? Oldsmobile whipped up a batch of Cutlass Supremes, marking a rare day when non-automakers got to show off at Indy. With engines that roared louder than a rock concert and paint jobs flashier than disco pants, the Hurst/Olds left its mark, even if California was stuck with just a 350 engine.
Dive into the groovy world of the first-gen Chevrolet Chevelle (1964-1967), where muscle met finesse on the mid-size “A” body platform. This Chevelle wasn’t just a pretty face; it was a muscle car contender with options galore. In ’64, the Malibu badge made its debut, along with the “SS” package for those who craved luxury and power. By ’66, the Chevelle SS 396 strutted its stuff as a standalone series, boasting up to 375 hp and a body that could turn heads faster than a cheetah on roller skates.