The American muscle car was introduced in the 1950s. By the decade’s end, most American automakers were competing in the muscle car market. This competition led to the development of some of the most iconic classic cars in American history. While the ‘50s sparked the beginning of the trend, some of the best American muscle cars were produced in the 1960s. Here are some of the most iconic American muscle cars of the ‘60s.
1964 Pontiac GTO
Pontiac debuted the GTO in 1964, and the first-generation model is credited by automotive historians for popularizing the muscle car market in the 1960s. Soon after its debut, all four domestic automakers offered a range of competing muscle car models.
The 1964 Pontiac GTO is considered a pioneer of the muscle car age. It embodied the spirit of the movement, as Pontiac sought to find the largest engine and put it on the lightest body possible.
The original Pontiac GTO was offered as an option package for the Pontiac Lemans, with a coupe, hardtop, and convertible body style options. The package included the following features:
- V8 engine capable of reaching 325 hp
- Dual exhaust pipes
- Chrome valve covers
- Seven-blade clutch fan
- Floor-shifted three-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter
- Stiffer springs
1967 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake
One of the flashier-looking muscle cars of the 1960s, the 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake was also one of the most powerful cars of the decade. Automaker Carroll Shelby had a goal to create one of the fastest and most stylish muscle cars, and he achieved that goal with the Cobra 427 Super Snake’s 427 cu. in. V8 Shelby engine and a whopping 800 horsepower.
The Super Snake is also among the rarest muscle cars, as only two units were made. It was Carroll Shelby’s personal vehicle for years. The other model was sadly destroyed many years ago, but the surviving model was recently sold for an eye-popping $5.5 million
1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The first Camaro debuted in the 1967 model year, but it did not become a true muscle car until 1969, when Chevrolet introduced the powerful and rare Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The ZL1 was dreamt up by drag racer Dick Harrell and the car was designed with drag racing in mind.
Powered by a big-block 8 engine and a special powertrain, the higher performance Camaro came packed with 500 horsepower. It could also go from 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, making it one of the most powerful muscle cars of the 60s.
The ZL1 is also one of the rarest muscle cars of all time, as only 69 were ever built.
1968 Dodge Charger R/T
The 1968 Dodge Charter R/T is undoubtedly one of the most iconic American muscle cars, as it remains popular even today. The unique design is immediately recognizable and the car is known for a hidden headlight grill, curvy body, and prominent chrome.
Of course, the Charter R/T has plenty of substance to match its eye-catching style. With a 440 cu. in. powertrain and four-barrel Magnum V8 engine, it reaches up to 375 horsepower. Dodge also offered an upgrade to a 426 Hemi engine with 425 horsepower.
1969 Pontiac Firebird
The first generation of the Pontiac Firebird ran from 1967 to 1969. These Firebirds were designed in a Coke bottle style similar to the Camaro, but with unique bumpers that blended into the front end and rear taillights that were similar to the 1966-67 Pontiac GTO. Pontiac sold both two-door hardtop and convertible Firebirds through 1969.
Pontiac also offered several different engine packages for the Firebird. While the base 1969 Firebird topped out at 175 hp, the top-end L67 400 CID reached an impressive 345 hp. First generation Firebird remain some of the most recognizable American muscle cars and are popular in the classic car market.
1966 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350
The second “Shelby” on the list was also the product of famous racer and automotive designer Carrol Shelby, but much more accessible than the Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake. Both cars were initially designed as racers, but Shelby refined the GT350 to make it available to a larger market.
The GT350 debuted in the 1965 model year but was altered to appeal to the general public the following year. Shelby added features and revisions like additional rear seating that could be folded down for extra cargo space. He also reduced cabin noise and made minor cosmetic edits, such as rear-quarter windows.
The 1966 GT350 retained its high-performance specs, including a 289 cubic-inch V8. Some upgrades were also made, including a high-rise aluminum intake manifold, Holley 4-barrel carburetor, and Tri-Y headers. These alterations significantly improved engine performance, allowing the 1966 Shelby GT350 to produce 306 horsepower and 329 ft.-lb. of torque, which were both major achievements for the era.