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Step right up, folks! The 2017 Annual 65th Meguiar’s Detroit Autorama is revving up at Cobo Hall, and we’ve got a sneak peek behind the closed garage doors. Detroit, the Motor City itself, is flexing its muscle with a horsepower showdown featuring the Big Three: Chrysler, GM, and Ford. Expect to see some serious underhood power and maybe even an engine that could double as a rocket booster. If you’re a gearhead, this is better than a candy store for a kid!
Buckle up, gearheads! Join us for a wild ride through a jaw-dropping collection of Mopar, Ford, and GM’s finest muscle cars—a veritable automotive zoo where horsepower reigns supreme. Picture this: rows of gleaming beauties that could make even the staunchest eco-warrior swoon. From the roar of a Hemi to the sweet purr of a Mustang, it’s like a symphony of engines, minus the tuxedos. So, grab your virtual wrench and get ready to drool over this turbocharged treasure trove!
Rev up your nostalgia engines and meet the 1987 Buick Grand National turbo intercooled sunroof coupe—a sleek, black beauty that proves the ’80s knew a thing or two about going fast. This GM masterpiece is so clean it puts a new car to shame, and as it ages, its value is climbing faster than you can say “turbocharged.” If you’re looking for a ride that combines the thrill of speed with an investment opportunity, buckle up, because this collector’s gem is the stock market’s cooler cousin.
In a surprising twist of automotive fate, the Chevrolet Camaro has outpaced its long-time rival, the Ford Mustang, in sales for the first time in nearly two years in the USA. This unexpected victory comes amid Ford’s decision to halt Mustang production following a sharp decline in sales. In September, Camaro revved past the competition, selling 6,577 units compared to the Mustang’s 6,429. It seems the Camaro is back to remind everyone that it’s not just a flash in the pan but a full-on V8-powered comeback.
In 1964, the Chevy II hit the showrooms with the kind of determination only a compact car can muster when it dreams big. Competing with the likes of the Falcon and the Valiant, it was the budget-friendly dream for anyone with a taste for practicality. But alas, along came the Chevelle, the new kid on the block, and stole the show like a flashy new toy on Christmas morning. With larger engines and more gears than you can shake a stick at, the Chevy II was a classic tale of the little engine that could—just maybe not as fast as its rivals. Thanks to Gateway Classic Cars for preserving this slice of automotive history, one image at a time!
In the world of engines, the Vortec 5700 L31 stands out like a rock star at a classical concert, being the final act of the Chevy small block 350 engines. This V8 truck engine, which powers everything from the Cadillac Escalade to the GMC Yukon, is the engine equivalent of a Swiss army knife—versatile and reliable. Despite its lack of reverse flow cooling, it compensates with a robust performance, delivering up to 350 hp. Meanwhile, the 400 cu in engine is the quirky uncle of the family, prone to hot spots but beloved for its torque and racing appeal.
The third-generation Chevy Nova, introduced in 1968, was a makeover marvel with a longer wheelbase and a facelift that officially dropped the Chevy II name. It offered 15 powertrain options, including a 350-cubic-inch V8 for the SS model, which could turn heads and tires. By 1969, Chevy slipped in a Torque-drive for clutchless thrills, and by 1970, the Nova was all about subtle changes, like larger side marker lights. Meanwhile, the four-cylinder engine quietly exited, much like a party guest who realizes they’re at the wrong event.
Step back into the late 60s when the Pontiac Firebird 1967 was the epitome of cool—think James Dean with a V8 engine. Built on the GM F-body platform, this pony car was all about style and power. The ’67 model flaunts slit tail lights reminiscent of its cousin, the GTO, and offers a choice between a convertible or hard-top. Whether you opt for the base model’s OHC inline 6 or go full throttle with the 400 CID V8, one thing’s for sure, this car screams “I’m faster than your dad’s station wagon!”
Unveiling the 1932 Ford restomod roadster, where vintage charm meets modern muscle! Under the hood lies a GM 355CID engine, paired with not one, but two Edelbrock carburetors—because why settle for one when you can double the fun? This beast is backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission, ensuring you glide down the street with the grace of a gazelle on wheels. Inside, genuine leather seats and Dolphin gauges add a touch of luxury, while ceramic-coated headers and side pipes provide the symphony every muscle car deserves.
The third-gen Chevrolet El Camino, 1968-1972, truly revved up the muscle car game with its Malibu-inspired style and Chevelle platform. In ’68, it flaunted options like posi-traction and a power disk brake for those who wanted to stop as impressively as they could go. The high-performance SS debuted, with engines roaring up to 375 bhp. By 1970, it could house a monstrous LS6 454 engine, racing through the quarter-mile in 13 seconds! Alas, emissions rules in ’71 took a bit of the vroom out of its zoom.
Named for its four-barrel, four-speed, and dual exhausts, the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 was the muscle car equivalent of a bodybuilder in a tuxedo. With a 455-cubic inch V8 engine cranking out 365 hp, it was the automotive version of a caffeine-fueled sprint. The W30 variant added extra oomph with 370 hp and a hood with more scoops than an ice cream shop. Even James Garner raced one, proving that this car could handle the NORRA Mexico 1000 and still look good doing it.
The Chevrolet Bel-Air G2 (1955-57), dubbed “The Hot One,” stirred the pot with its slick style and a V8 that guzzled oil like a thirsty cowboy. While Motor Trend praised its handling, the horn ring’s speedometer peekaboo was a conundrum. The 265 V8 was a first for Chevy since 1917, evolving into a 283 beast by ’57. With chrome galore, optional A/C, and “idiot lights,” it was a head-turner. Who knew evaluating gauges was so 1954? Enthusiasts still drool over these TriFives, the crowning jewel being the ’57 model.