Posts Tagged: V8
In the spotlight of Chevrolet’s muscle car legacy are the iconic Bel-Air, Camaro, Chevelle, Corvair, Corvette, and Nova. The ’57 Bel-Air is a collector’s dream, while the Camaro battles the Mustang in a stylish showdown. The Chevelle flaunts NASCAR cred, and the Corvair offers quirky fun with a rear-mounted engine. The Corvette, a showstopper since ’54, dazzles with horsepower, while the Nova proves you don’t need a big engine to blow away the competition. A muscle car for every mood, Chevy’s got you covered!
In Part 4a of our muscle car series, we dive into Buick’s glory days with the Riviera, proving luxury and performance can coexist without a hint of Cadillac’s snobbery. From ’63 to ’65, the Riviera was the suave underdog, sporting a “Nailhead” V8 engine that could make a cheetah blush. With a smooth ride and power features like no other, it was the James Bond of cars—classy, fast, and always leaving a lasting impression. Plus, owning one now is like having a golden ticket in the muscle car Willy Wonka factory!
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.
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.
Fuel delivery systems have evolved, leaving carburetors reminiscing about their heyday. Fuel injection, the cool kid on the block since the ’60s, has taken over, offering precise power with fewer emissions. Carburetors, with their simple charm, can’t quite compete with injectors’ pressurized vapor party. Meanwhile, turbochargers and superchargers argue over who gives more oomph, while fuel injectors stand smugly, knowing they’ve got the muscle (car) edge.
Ever dreamt of owning a piece of muscle car history without breaking the bank? Enter the AMC Javelin AMX, a bargain hunter’s dream, blending futuristic flair with old-school power. This underdog outpaced the big three with its advanced features and affordable pricing. Whether you’re cruising with a 290 cu in V8 or the coveted “Go Pack” 390, you’ll be grinning as wide as the Javelin’s grill. Plus, with AMC’s vintage “Buyer Protection Program,” even your wallet gets a joyride!
