The 1965-66 Shelby Mustang GT350, affectionately known as the Cobra, was a beast on wheels with only 562 units in ’65 and 1,378 in ’66. Its 289 cu in engine roared with 306 hp, making it more “zoom-zoom” than “comfort-cruise.” With quirks like a trunk-mounted battery that caused fume complaints and a spare tire cozily sitting where the back seat should be, these models were the epitome of “race first, comfort later.” And let’s not forget Hertz’s “rent-a-racer” GT350-H models—return them with fewer parts, anyone?
Posts Tagged: 1965
The 1967 Plymouth Satellite, riding high on the Chrysler “B” platform, was the Belvedere’s snazzy cousin, sporting a new grill and flashy taillights to boot. Not content with just good looks, this mid-priced charmer offered a choice between a 2-barrel or 4-barrel carburetor for its standard 383 engine. Available only as a 2-door hardtop or convertible, it’s like the Satellite was saying, “Who needs doors when you’ve got style?” A hearty thanks to Gateway Classic Cars for the snazzy pics—they’re out of this world!
The Dodge Charger burst onto the scene in 1966, a sleek, fastback beauty that made its Coronet cousin look like the introverted sibling at a car family reunion. Luxuriously priced at $3,100, it was like a Marlin with a snazzier hat. Boasting hidden headlights and a taillight grin, it packed options from a 318-cubic-inch engine to the roaring 426 Hemi. In 1967, the Charger donned fender signals and a vinyl roof, but sales took a nosedive—guess not everyone wanted a car that could double as a disco.
The Ferrari 250 California Special was the supercar of its time, offering a cockpit-like driver’s seat and a V12 engine that could make you feel airborne. With its handmade body and streamlined design, this car didn’t just turn heads; it spun them like a record. Sure, the heater was the only luxury, but who needs creature comforts when you’re zooming at 140 mph? Even James Coburn couldn’t resist its charm, once driving off with one that later sold for a cool $11 million!
The 1962 Chevrolet Impala was a hit back then and still revs up excitement among collectors today. Known for its stylish looks and engine options, the Impala offered the modest turbo-thrift 230 cu in engine for the budget-conscious, while those with a need for speed could opt for the Turbo Thrust 409 cu in—enough power to make you feel like you’re the fastest thing on four wheels! With images so stunning, even your grandma might want to take it for a spin, these Impalas are the real deal in classic cool.
The MGB, a British classic from 1962 to 1980, is like the cooler, faster cousin of the MGA, hitting 60 mph in just over eleven seconds—perfect for those high-speed chases to the grocery store. Sporting a unibody design with crumple zones, it’s practically the superhero of cars, ready to save you in a 30 mph collision. Special thanks to Gateway Classic Cars for the images, proving that even cars love a good photoshoot!
The Dodge Custom 880 of 1964 strutted onto the scene with a complete body makeover, leaving its predecessors feeling like outdated fashion. This model revved up Dodge’s success with 31,800 units, yet convertible versions were as elusive as a unicorn in a parking lot. A quirky gem, unique to Mopar, was the dash-mounted push-button shift mechanism—perfect for those who love their gear changes with a side of novelty. Thanks to Gateway Classic Cars, we have images to prove this beauty wasn’t just a myth!
In the Ford Motors V8 saga, the Mercury’s 410 FE engine flexed its muscles from ’66 to ’67, merging the 390’s bore with the 428’s stroke for a mechanical love child. Meanwhile, the 427 FE engine roared onto racetracks, its power only outshone by its confusing math: 425 cubes? Seems like someone rounded up! Ford’s 427 Cammer, a NASCAR contender with a timing chain longer than a politician’s promise, boasted up to 657 hp. That’s enough power to make even the most stubborn valve nod in agreement!
The 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 is a true classic, offering a variety of body styles, from the rugged Rancharo to the breezy convertible. If you’re feeling fancy, go for the pillar-less two-door hardtop, a doppelgänger of the convertible. Under the hood, choose from the standard K code 289, a modest six-cylinder, or unleash the beast with the 390 CID FE V8. Mid-year thrill-seekers could even opt for the R-code 427 with a four-speed manual. Check out these beauties, courtesy of Gateway Classic Cars!
The Dodge Charger from 1968-1970 zoomed into the muscle car scene with a style that could make even a Mustang blush. With engines so powerful they’d make your grandma’s knitting needles vibrate, the Charger R/T came with options like the 426 Hemi that could blast you into the next county. And let’s not forget the General Lee from *The Dukes of Hazzard*, making every jump a leap of faith! Around 89,199 Chargers were built in 1969, each one a piece of automotive charisma.
Rev up your engines for a ride through the iconic Pontiac GTO era, 1965-1967! This muscle car’s journey starts with a sleek redesign in ’65, adding a functional hood scoop for that extra “vroom” and an optional tachometer for those who like to live on the edge. In ’66, the GTO strutted its stuff as a standalone model, offering pillared and pillarless options, plus a convertible for those who like wind in their hair. By ’67, it boasted a 400 CID engine and new safety features, making it both a beast and a beauty on the road!
The Chevrolet Corvair, America’s quirky answer to the VW Beetle, wowed with its rear-mounted, air-cooled engine from 1960 to 1969. It was a hit with budget-conscious buyers, offering style in various body types, including a convertible and even a pick-up truck! The Corvair revved up the sports car scene with the turbocharged Monza Spyder. Yet, Ralph Nader’s “Unsafe at Any Speed” in 1965 pulled the brakes on its popularity, proving that sometimes bad press trumps good engineering.
Chevrolet’s first big-block V8, the “W” series, roared to life in 1958, stepping in like a heavyweight champ to lift increasingly hefty cars. With its unique scalloped rocker covers and offset valves, this wasn’t your grandma’s engine—unless she liked her Sunday drives with a side of 350 hp thrills. The “W” series went from a modest 348 cubic inches to a hulking 427, proving that in the engine world, size does matter. It’s like the Hulk of engines, but with less smashing and more horsepower.
In the whimsical world of car collecting, one intrepid enthusiast is on a quirky quest for an AMC AMX to enhance their cherished collection. If you have a gem of a car that’s ready for a new home, reach out at 810.252.9194. Condition is no barrier—whether it’s a sprightly showstopper or a project needing some TLC, our collector is interested. Remember, calls only; their phone’s allergic to texts! Price? It’ll depend if your AMX is more of a Cinderella or a Sleeping Beauty.
