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Remembering the classic charm of the ’65 Plymouth Valiant, a Daytona Beach reader fondly recalls his two-door post with a bench seat that was built for adventure. Sporting a Hurst shifter four-speed transmission and a 273-cubic-inch V8, this beauty was a rare find that turned heads and probably a few corners too. It’s a car that defied the sands of time, much like Daytona Beach itself, and brought joy that was as smooth as its ride, making even the seagulls envious.
Get ready to rev your engines as we dive into the world of pure, unadulterated muscle with the 1970 Dodge Charger R/T. This beast boasts the legendary Hemi 426 engine, a powerhouse so mighty it could probably tow the moon. Add in the Hurst 4 Speed Pistol Grip Shifter, and you’ve got yourself a ride that’s smoother than a greased lightning bolt. Drenched in Burnt Orange, it’s a car that screams, “Catch me if you can!”—perfect for those who enjoy leaving others in the dust.
The 1973 Plymouth Barracuda rolled in with energy-absorbing bumpers to survive the urban jungle’s 5 mph love taps. Under the hood, the Barracuda offered the 318 and 340 engines initially, with a spicy 360 joining later, all adjusted to sip unleaded fuel and keep the EPA smiling. For those keen on doing the gear dance, a four-speed manual with a Hurst shifter was available for the 240 and 360, and, in a plot twist worthy of a detective novel, a few 318s snuck in with the same setup. Thanks to Gateway Classic Cars for the eye candy!
Reviving a legend, the 1964 Pontiac GTO restoration is a nostalgic trip down muscle car lane! Originally an optional powerhouse for the Tempest, this beast flaunts a four-barrel Carter AFB carburetor or the iconic “tri-power” setup. Add a four-speed Hurst-shifted transmission, and you’re ready to leave tire tracks in history. With dual exhausts and red line tires, this GTO is not just a car; it’s a statement. Dust off that wrench and let’s relive the glory days, one bolt at a time!
The ’74 Plymouth Road Runner marks the final chapter of the second generation, revving up nostalgia with engine choices from the modest 318 small block to the mighty 440 CID big block. No manual four-speed for the 440s, though—those lucky enough to snag a 400 CID could still shift their way to glory. Legend has it, one rare bird came with a 318 block and a manual transmission, flaunting a Hurst shifter. This year, the 440s were strictly automatic—guess they needed a breather after all that horsepower!
In 1970, the Oldsmobile Cutlass lineup was like a car buffet—offering everything from a two-door sedan to a convertible that probably had a better social life than you! The base model was the F-85, but if you wanted to show off, the “Cutlass Supreme” was your ticket to ride. Feeling sporty? The “Cutlass S” was as fast as your dad’s old running shoes. And let’s not forget the 4-4-2 with its roaring 455 Rocket 88 engine, perfect for those who think driving should come with a side of adrenaline!
The 1969 Dodge Super Bee, a no-frills speedster, is essentially a Dodge Coronet on rocket fuel. Built for those who prefer horsepower over cup holders, it boasts a Hurst Competition-Plus shift stick and a dashboard that thinks it’s a Charger. While the base 383 Magnum engine pumps out a respectable 335 hp, the optional 426 Hemi will make your wallet scream 30% louder. Limited to just 128 sales, the 1970 Hemi version is rarer than a polite New York taxi driver. Thanks to Gateway Classic Cars for the eye candy!
Get ready to feast your eyes on the legendary 1969 Dodge Super Bee! Born from the Chrysler “B” body platform, this mid-size marvel took a page from the Roadrunner and Charger playbook, cruising onto the scene with an irresistible swagger. In ’68, it strutted as a pillared hardtop, but by ’69, it went topless—pillarless, that is! Under the hood, you’ll find engines that roar louder than a rock concert: the 383 Magnum, 440 Six Pack, or the mighty 426 Hemi. Our thanks to Gateway Classic Cars for these drool-worthy images!
The 1966 Shelby GT 350 Mustang roars back into the spotlight, ditching trunk-mounted batteries and last year’s traction bars like unwanted karaoke partners. Carroll Shelby’s magic touch transformed 252 ’65 models into a whopping 2,378 units of pure American muscle. With optional Paxton Super-chargers and Selectshift automatics, this beauty is a symphony of power and choice. And, oh, those rear quarter panel windows replacing side vents—because who needs extra ventilation when you can have style?
