Everyone dreamed of them: the best American muscle cars of the 1960s

The sixties of the twentieth century were the decade of muscle cars in the American automotive industry. They impressed with their stylish design and incredible power - manufacturers made them brutal both inside and out.

TopSpeed magazine decided to collect the ten best muscle cars of the sixties. They once made a huge impression on motorists.

Pontiac Firebird of 1967

This car only became more popular with later models released in the 70s. In 1967, Pontiac introduced the iconic Firebird, which was a muscle car with a unique look and cool performance. Most muscle cars of the sixties were wide and square, but the '67 Firebird showed a sleek and stylish design that immediately attracted attention. The model had a wide range of engines to choose from: from the basic 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine with 165 horsepower to a 6.6-liter V-8 with 325 horses.

The 1969 Dodge Challenger HEMI

The first iteration of the model that has become synonymous with the term "muscle car" was released in the late 60s. The first-ever Challenger was the perfect one-trick pony car for those who wanted even more size, power, and luxury than the top models on the market. The model came with 9 engine options ranging from 145 to an incredible 425 horsepower. The combination of such power with a smaller and more stylish body immediately made the first Challenger a true trendsetter and modern cars still draw inspiration from its design.

Ford Mustang Boss 429 1969

Very few muscle cars are as recognizable as the Mustang. Throughout the sixties, this model broke barriers and set standards. The Boss 429 became the pinnacle. The aggressive redesign of the classic Mustang quickly gained legendary status. Despite the fact that the Boss 429 was focused on performance, in particular on racing, it still had a pleasant, comfortable interior, making it an excellent all-around muscle car.

1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 HEMI

It was probably one of the most advanced muscle cars of the 1960s. It fully embodied the philosophy of this type of car. Before that, it had rare and desirable additions such as power steering and power disc brakes. These features made the Plymouth Road Runner 426 HEMI much more enjoyable to drive as an everyday car, despite the fact that it was a real beast in terms of power.

1966 Chevelle SS 396

The Chevelle SS had more power and speed at the time of its introduction than the model without the magic index after its name. Its stylish appearance put the car on par with the most desirable Pontiac and Oldsmobile models. 1966 was the first year that Chevrolet included an impressive V-8 engine and an advanced transmission as standard equipment for the Chevelle. The car produced 360 horsepower, which was incredible for a mid-size car. Today, the Chevelle SS 396 is one of the most desirable collector cars among enthusiasts.

Oldsmobile 442 of 1968

Oldsmobile is a manufacturer to whom the muscle car industry owes a lot, as it was the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 that founded it in 1949. Two decades later, the brand was still at the top, launching the 442, arguably its best design yet. It managed to strike a balance between the daring philosophy of a muscle car and the smooth, streamlined body shape. The car had excellent road stability and a super-powerful 325 horsepower engine as standard.

Dodge Charger R/T HEMI 1968

Like the Challenger, the Dodge Charger is a muscle car that is still widely used in this segment. The 1968 version epitomized its enormous size and power, making it one of the most beloved muscle cars of the decade. It was one of the longest, widest, and most powerful of all. The R/T model was also designed with a special focus on performance. The best engine in the lineup could produce a staggering 425 horsepower.

Pontiac GTO Judge 1969

This model is considered by many to be the coolest muscle car of the late '60s and arguably the best Pontiac for a multitude of reasons. The GTO Judge remains the fastest version of the car to date. And its bright color and split grille give it an extremely recognizable look. The Judge was originally conceived as a cheaper version of the base model, with some of the standard cosmetic elements inside and out removed. As a result, the power-to-weight ratio was increased, resulting in a V-8 engine that produces 366 horsepower. Despite the fact that its top speed is not as high as its competitors, the almost perfect body design has made it one of the most distinctive cars on the market.

Dodge Charger Daytona HEMI 1969

The base model of the Dodge Charger was already one of the largest and most powerful muscle cars on the market in the late 60s, but the Detroit-based manufacturer decided to go even further by launching the Charger Daytona, equipped with a HEMI engine. The most noticeable difference between the two models is on the outside: a huge 58-inch rear wing that provides more downforce to the car, as well as a pointed nose designed for the same purpose. These additional aerodynamic elements not only improve handling on the race track but also create a fantastic version of an already special car. Only 503 1969 Charger Daytonas were produced, making it one of the rarest and most desirable muscle cars of the decade. Today, a Charger Daytona in perfect condition can cost up to $1.4 million.

1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The GT500 is a true icon among muscle cars. The first such car was produced in 1967 when the legendary Carroll Shelby rejoined Ford as a partner and created one of the world's best muscle cars. A year earlier, Ford and Shelby had achieved a huge success in motorsports by overthrowing Ferrari in Le Mans. The design of the Shelby GT500 was inspired by the iconic GT40, which led the team to victory. In addition to being smaller and lighter than most muscle cars of the time, the GT500's engine was dubbed the "Le Mans Cobra". And 55 years later, the '67 Mustang Shelby GT500 is still considered one of the best Mustangs of all time.

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