Today Auto for Dummies focuses on a particular American model born over 50 years ago or muscle cars (the name says it all). These cars, produced since the mid 60's, are bad, boxy and very powerful. Characterized by avery high displacement, rear-wheel drive and burning acceleration, these cars are often re-proposed in a modern key; nevertheless making the true connoisseurs dream as far as the original models are concerned.
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At the level of performance finals Europeans have always made fleas on muscle cars. Despite the classic supercharged V8s deliver a disproportionate amount of horsepower, the engine generally manages to unload torque well only on straights; in terms of stability, trim and cornering speed, muscle cars have never envied anyone. The American roads, however, always seem straight and the dream from the disproportionate hood continues to appeal to everyone.
Who wouldn't want a Mustang
Whether it is a coupe or a convertible, the Ford Mustang has survived from 1964 to the present, reaching its sixth series. Unlike the hot road, muscle cars represent a less artisanal and more industrial product; the 150,000 Mustang models sold each year continue to be backed up by easy-to-find parts and a overall price all in all contained. With a dive into the past, costs rise significantly and collectors in the sector are aware of the value of the cars.
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The very first series, initially little appreciated by the public, underwent some aesthetic changes until 1964 when the V6, 2.8-liter 105 bhp officially debuted. The long style hood Lincoln Continental and the short passenger compartment similar to the Ferraris of the time immediately gave due success. Many options available, an engine from 4,7 liters and 300 hp. This is how, over the years, the Ford Mustang became the muscle car par excellence with constantly updated design and technological details.
Not all vintages are appreciated on an aesthetic level. Personally, apart from the unforgettable models produced from 1964 to 1973, I re-evaluated the Mustang aesthetic starting with the fifth series (2005).
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Today we find the sixth generation full of technology, considering the type of car. The usual huge bonnet equipped with the Ford 2.3-liter engine Ecoboost from 315 horses; for the most demanding, however, the “modest” 5,000 cm3 with 450 HP could not be missing.
The heir to the Pontiac GTO: Dodge Charger
Staying in the 60s we find another iconic muscle car: Dodge Charger. An initially more classic and soft aesthetic distinguished this model; inspired like many others by the historical one Pontiac GTO from 1964, the first true “muscle car”. The motore Hemi - the cylinder head is not flat but hemispherical - it guarantees more space for the intake and exhaust valves and the 7 liters of displacement are immediately ready to unleash the aggressiveness of this Dodge Charger.
The retractable front headlights, the rear ones along the entire body and a nose reminiscent of the shape of an electric razor have outlined the style of the Charger over the years; despite the style changes, especially starting from the third generation.
We recall one of the most famous versions: Dodge Charger R / T from 1969. This model also became an icon thanks to the 80s TV show “Hazzard” (the unforgettable orange “General Lee” with the Southern flag on the roof). Since 2006 the Charger has changed considerably. Today we have reached the fourth generation and, after the acquisition by the now FCA group (Fiat), we find a very technological sedan, in some ways similar to the new Mustang whose most powerful version is represented by the 707 HP Charger SRT Hellcatt.
Cousin Challenger
Another unforgettable coupé (sometimes convertible), born a few years after the previous models, is the Dodge Challenger. The characteristic round headlights remain unchanged over the years and the always very powerful engines have reached the state of the art with one of the latest SRT (Challenger SRT Demon) versions. 840 horsepower.
Also appearing in numerous American TV series and films, the Challenger was the answer to the Mustang, as the Charger was the GTO. More than 35 years after the first generation, it continues to amaze and for less than $ 30,000 (American market) you can take home a 6 HP V305; in Europe it is a whole other story considering super taxes, fuel prices and anti-pollution regulations.
Chevrolet Camaro
1966 was a lucky year for muscle cars: the Americans just needed to conquer the Moon and on the road, as well as in space, it was necessary to show off the muscles in the same way. Derived from the Pontiac Firebirds, another slightly less commercial but equally famous icon, the Chevrolet Camaro is certainly on the podium of the muscle cars par excellence. Many units sold, extraordinary power and six generations produced. As with the Mustang, the models I personally prefer do not include the intermediate generations, especially due to the influences of the classics 90s lines which have heavily contributed to the restyling of many cars, not just muscle cars.
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Starting in 2015, the sixth generation ushered in the 50th anniversary of the Camaro and the 6.2-liter 650 hp was able to establish a lap time at the Nürburgring of 7: 29.6 beating the previous category record for front-engined cars held by the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. A nice step forward for a model that, rather than turning, is willing to break through every obstacle and go straight. The technologies adopted, in particular for the suspensions, have contributed significantly to making the performance on the track more “European”.
Shelby Cobra, an exception to the rule
Last but not least we find another sporting history born to beat the Ferrari of the time, the Shelby Cobra. A little confusing as to the name, the Cobra was born from the collaboration between AC Cars and Shelby Automobile in 1962. Extremely light (only 1311 kg) and powered by a massive Ford V8, the Cobra easily reaches 500 horsepower.
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Much less industrial than other models: the examples produced do not exceed a few hundred. Known to be among the most undriveable cars - it took a lot of madness to push that engine to the max - the Shelby Cobra was a racing icon and deserves to be ranked among the most historic muscle cars ever produced.
TagsChevrolet Camaro Dodge ecoboost Ford Mustang muscle car Muscle cars: the most powerful ever | Auto for Dummies
