Hold onto your hubcaps, folks! The Chevy Camaro’s fifth generation roared onto the scene in 2009, initially track-bound, but ready for retail in 2010. Built in Canada, this beastly beauty started under $25k in 2013—unless you wanted the ZL1, packing 580 horsepower and possibly costing more than your first house! The Camaro briefly vanished from showrooms but returned with a bang, flaunting concept cars and prototypes from auto shows to NASCAR, even dabbling in E85 fuel. It’s a muscle car lover’s dream!
Posts Tagged: Canada
Get ready to rev your engines as we zoom into the world of the 1965 Plymouth Barracuda V-8! This compact beast rides on the Valiant “A” platform, boasting a rear window so massive it could double as a sunroof for giants. While American models flaunt a 225 cu in slant-6 engine, our northern neighbors cruise with a 170 cu in version. And if you crave more power, the 273 cu in V8 with a two or four-barrel option has you covered. It’s like choosing between a double cheeseburger and a quadruple stack!
The 1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal is a luxury sports car that, despite its Canadian moniker, never hit the North American market due to pesky emission and safety regulations. Only 3,917 were made, with just a handful in the Americas. Appearing first at Montreal’s 1967 world’s fair, it delighted crowds with its futuristic design by Lamborghini Miura’s creator. Its aluminum V8 engine, unique design quirks, and airplane-like cockpit make it a joy for speed enthusiasts, even if getting one is like finding a unicorn.
The Acadian 1962-1971: When the Pontiac Tempest went AWOL in Canada, GM Canada whipped up the Acadian to fill the void. A Chevy II in disguise, it had more personalities than a soap opera character, with trim levels like Invader, Canso, and the swanky Beaumont. It shipped out from Oshawa to places as far-flung as Chile and South Africa, proving it’s not just a car, but a global ambassador. Canada kept it all under wraps until 1971, when it was replaced by the Pontiac Ventura II, ending its quirky run.
Meet the Oldsmobile 442 from 1969, a muscle car so rare it makes unicorns look like common house pets. With the W-30 Outside Air Induction setup, this beast doesn’t just roar—it practically sings a rock opera! And get this: only a handful were originally sold in Canada, which means finding one is like searching for a maple leaf in a forest of pines. So, buckle up and prepare for a ride that’s more exhilarating than a moose on a motorcycle!
While putting together the Icons of Design category for the 2016 Eyes on Design car show, I stumbled upon a Mopar gem hidden in Canada—quite literally preserved like a muscle car time capsule. Nestled within the Manny Collection in Ontario, this Hemi-powered 1969 Dodge Charger 500 remains in astonishing unrestored condition. It’s a testament to the owner’s dedication to hoarding vintage horsepower, proving that not all treasures are buried; some are just parked in a really nice garage.
I bought a 1947 Chevrolet StyleMaster for $500 with an engine that wouldn’t budge and seized wheels. After a quick fix, it roared to life, and I drove it for 20 years before a full restoration. I even snagged a parts car for a steal! My garage was a tight squeeze, but who needs space? Pro tip: keep service records and find manuals—trust me, you’ll need them. And always remember, bead blasting your wiring harness is like cutting your own hair: bad idea!
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.
