The Death and Rebirth of American Muscle Cars
Ever since their debut in the 1930’s, American muscle cars had been going strong, enticing youths and experienced drivers alike. However, this all changed in the mid-1970‘s. Government interference and industry regulations restricted the market, and many thought that beautiful, powerful muscle cars were a thing of the past. After a few final great vehicles, muscle cars faded away from the picture.
Pictured: 1974 AMC Javelin, one of the last successful high-performance cars of its era.
A new law made in the mid-1970‘s outlawed auto racing, and along with the rising gas prices caused by trade regulations, a new stage had been set — a stage that saw many buyers turning to smaller, more fuel-efficient street cars.
But muscle cars were not dead for good. Manufacturers changed their Ford and GM ushered in the new age, with competing pony cars made on the cutting-edge of tech to outsell each other. These first cars were the 1982 Mustang G2, and GM’s third-gen Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. The Mustang featured a new 302-cid V8 motor, which set the industry standard for acceleration and speed, while the Camaro was one of the most popular Indy 500 pace cars of its decade.
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Pictured: 1982 Mustang G2, 3rd Gen Camaro, 1984 Pontiac Firebird.
Regardless of whatever other inventions are coming to revolutionize the car industry, one thing is for certain: though they have had their rough patches, American muscle cars are here to stay.
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The second generation #Chevelle in 1968 was completely redone and on a three inch shorter 112 inch wheel base for the coupe and sedan models. The wagons and sedans are on a one inch longer 116 inch wheel base. The ’68 has a long hood with tapered fenders while the trunk lid is shorter with the rear fenders kicked up. The hard top coupes have a flowing roof line onto a long slopped rear window. The two door models are now either coupes, sport coupes, or pillared coupes while a sedan is equipped
Chevrolet Chevelle Second Generation part one 1968-1970 - Muscle Car Fan
The second generation Chevelle in 1968 was completely redone and on a three inch shorter 112 inch wheel base for the coupe and sedan models. The wagons and sedans are on a one inch longer 116 inch wheel base. The ’68 has a long hood with tapered fenders while the trunk lid is shorter withWhen Shelby American engineered their sports car (Carroll used to say “sport car” minus the “s”) racing tricks one of the significant things they did to improve handling was to lower the front upper control arms (UCA) an inch from Ford’s placement for better handling. Known as the “Shelby Drop,” it is used on many muscle cars and even #Camaro fans who drop their UCAs call it the Shelby Drop.
Full article: goo.gl/L4WjkZ #ShelbyDrop #musclecars #UCA #Ford
Low-Buck Handling Tech: How To Do The Shelby Drop - Muscle Car Fan
When Shelby American engineered their sports car (Carroll used to say “sport car” minus the “s”) racing tricks one of the significant things they did to improve handling was to lower the front upper control arms (UCA) an inch from Ford’s placement for better handling. Known as the “Shelb...For 1971 the 350 cu in (5.7 L) is now standard equipment in the Nova SS. There is a new Rally kit available in '71 which provides a sticker on the drivers side of the hood, a stripe package plus the "sport" drivers side mirror that is color keyed to the body paint and also has a remote adjustment feature.
MCF thanks Gateway Classic Cars for the images provided here.
click on any image for a larger picture #GatewayClassicCars #MCF #ChevroletNovaComing
Chevrolet Nova 1971 images - Muscle Car Fan
For 1971 the 350 cu in (5.7 L) is now standard equipment in the Nova SS. There is a new Rally kit available in '71 which provides a sticker on the drivers side of the hood, a stripe package plus the "sport" drivers side mirror that is color keyed to the body paint and alsoFor sale 15,750 located in Port Huron Michigan frame off restoration has not been driven needs a few things to finish it up serious inquiries only #66 Chevelle #Muncie4speed #NiceDragRaceCar
Ringbrothers’ 1972 AMC Javelin – Jay Leno’s Garage - Muscle Car Fan
Ringbrothers’ 1972 AMC Javelin – Jay Leno’s Garage - Muscle Car Fan
#Summit #Racing Now #Offers #Disc #Brake #Conversion #Kits For Your GM MusclecarSummit Racing is now offering Stainless Steel Brakes Disc Brake Conversion Kits for your classic GM #muscle car. With prices ranging from $ 580 to over $ 1200, chances are you'll find exactly what you need for your build...
Very nice car looks awesome
I had a ’72 AMX 360 4barrel 4 speed, really miss that car!
A guy in my High School had this same car he destroyed it in a about 6 months total Dumbass!!!
Ken Houck,
In the wisdom of my ‘age’ I find this to be quite an attractive design.
ts
Richard Inderrieden
I love this ?
Figured you might ??