7 Vintage Muscle Cars and Why They’re Awesome
Alexandra Maloney
· 4 min read
- 1969 AMC AMX/3
- 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
- 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
- 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
- 1970 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda
- 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator
- 1970 Chevrolet El Camino
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If you’re unfamiliar with the term, muscle cars typically refer to any two-door sports coupe. Most of the time, these
classic cars
have powerful engines, the ability to go really fast, and a sleek but timeless design. Throughout history, there have been some iconic vintage muscle cars. We took a trip down memory lane to reminisce on our favorite vintage muscle cars, so we could share them with you.
1969 AMC AMX/3
At the top of
HiConsumption’s
list of the 15 Greatest American Muscle Cars of All Time is the 1969 AMC AMX/3. Admittedly, this car is an unusual pick. While American designed, this AMC AMX/3 was an Italian-manufactured prototype that debuted at a car show in Chicago. People loved the Italian influence on this sleek, well-made design and were itching to drive it down the streets of the United States. While this car was never actually produced due to United States government safety concerns, it still makes the list as being an awesome car.
If people went crazy over just the idea of the 1969 AMC AMX/3, imagine if they actually got the chance to drive it.
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1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
AutoWise
took a different approach to their list of 18 Old-School Muscle Cars That Defined an Era, topping their list with the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle. The early 70s was considered a prime time in the world of muscle cars, so it makes sense that this vintage Chevrolet would be on the list. This car has the best horsepower capabilities at the time of its production. Plus, it outsold almost every competitor due to its power, engine, and comfort features.
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
The thing that makes this vintage muscle car so special is that it was completely handbuilt, specifically made to meet NASCAR regulations. If the Ford Mustang Boss 429 doesn’t scream muscle car, we’re not sure what car does. While it never actually got to compete in NASCAR, it did make appearances in other car racing venues, and performed well with its V8 engine that delivered 375 horsepower.
1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
It was only right that at least one Dodge vehicle made the list of awesome vintage muscle cars. Another racing vehicle, the 1968 Dodge Charger Daytona was largely unsuccessful. But Dodge came back with a new and improved version in 1969, and it did not disappoint.
The new model had impressive bodywork, was high performing, and even supported a massive rear wing. Production of this car did end in 1977, but its reputation will live on forever in the world of muscle cars.
1970 Plymouth Hemi Barracuda
The Plymouth Hemi Barracuda was produced for 10 years, from 1964 to 1974, but arguably its best year was in 1970. The 1970 model of this car got a major rehaul with a faster engine, cooler design, and more interior comfort. The public loved the body design on the 1970 model, which is probably why it was the car’s best year in terms of sales.
1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator
The 1969 Cougar Eliminator was Mercury’s first attempt to break into the muscle car game. A new brand vehicle entering the world of muscle cars is, in itself, pretty awesome.
But Mercury did a pretty good job with their first muscle car. It came with a side stripe, spoilers and front grille that helped it appear more like a traditional muscle car, but it was lacking in terms of engine with only two options.
1970 Chevrolet El Camino
This muscle car was extremely popular in 1970, and for a good reason! It was unique in the sense that it was part car, part truck, although it definitely looked totally like a muscle car. Some notable features on this car include a long backside, side stripe, and shiny exterior.
The car came with two engine choices, the top of which produced 450 horsepower. With classic muscle car features with a unique twist, the 1970 Chevrolet El Camino is the perfect vehicle to end our list of vintage muscle cars.
