The period starting from 1964 to 1972 is termed as the ‘muscle car’ era. This period marks an important age in the automotive history. This age has set trend for the new generation sports cars. The phrase ‘muscle car’ is defines a particular variety of high performance car sold during that time. The muscle cars were typical American cars that delivered thrilling driving performance with their superlative speed.

The muscle cars were fitted with big engines that gave out huge horsepower. These cars were recognized by their long hood, short rear boot, coupe like two doors and rear wheel drive. Let us the best muscle cars of the world.

Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is the corner stone of American car history. It is one of the best muscle cars and it is still in production. Ford Motor Company rolled out the Mustang on 17th April 1964. The car has a hulky look with its long hood and athletic body. The stance of the car not only grabbed the attention of the viewers but also captured the imagination of the people. The car came in two body styles, namely, coupe and roadster. During those early days the car was fitted with a 2.8-litre OHV straight six cylinder engine that could churn out 101 bhp. But later, it was powered by a 4.7-litre V8 engine that could derive a power of 217 bhp. The galloping horse logo was specially crafted for the Mustang.

Pontiac GTO

The trendy Pontiac GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) came into being in the initial year of the muscle car era. It is considered as the first true muscle car. The GTO flaunts an arrogant look with rumbling dual exhausts, a racy front hood with two scoops and a big V8 engine. The stylish long hood of this muscle car can be attributed to the V8 engine that occupies a neat 389 cubic inches. Other features of the car comprise of a firmer suspension, fancy wheels and excessive use of chrome accents. The Pontiac GTO ran on special 14-inch wheels with 6-inch wide rims and red stripe performance tyres. The GTO was powered by a 6.5-litre V8 engine that generated 325 bhp and could sprint 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds.

Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt

The Fairlane Thunderbolt was equipped with an innovative lightweight 3.6-litre V8 engine. The name of this muscle car is derived from Henry Ford’s estate Fair Lane, near Dearborn, Michigan and it is called Thunderbolt because of the exhilarating speed the car could deliver.

Though the original Fairlane cars were introduce in 50s, it was redesigned in mid 60s to give a muscular look. Ford designed the Fairlane for drag racing and fitted the car with a 7-litre V8 engine with four barrel carburetors. To increase performance it was given an acrylic glass windows as well as hood, doors, fenders and front bumpers made of fiberglass. With the peppy engine, the car could tap 500 bhp.

The Fairlane Thunderbolt could accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6 seconds and had a top speed of 200 km/h. It was the fastest drag racing car ever produced.