The definition of a muscle car is something that seems to vary depending on who you ask. What does seem pretty universal is how well the class appreciates in value, with some classic models now costing upwards of $1 million. The clever car collector has a long-distance eye and will be thinking of purchases that can be made today for future value. Here are 30 excellent muscle cars of today that could be the future’s classic treasure.

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30. Cadillac CT6 Blackwing

One thing about muscle cars of the modern era is that they can come in all shapes and sizes, as this list will demonstrate. The Blackwing, for instance, appears to the untrained eye to be a full-size stately sedan. Hidden under the hoods of the limited CT6 line, though, is the Blackwing V8, which produces a truly muscular power output.

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29. Ram TRX

The TRX is a beast of an all-terrain vehicle with a supercharged hemi that’s pure muscle. It’s not cheap, but it’s extremely durable and built to last. It’s likely that this gamechanger is going to endure well into future collections.

Vor707trx via Wikicommons

28. 2020 Shelby GT500

There’s nothing quite like the power and speed of a Mustang and the GT500 might leave all competitors in the dust. This gorgeous model hits 60mph in 3.5 seconds thanks to its 5.6-liter supercharged V8 engine. It’s perilously close to $100k, though – it drives like an exotic, and for sure is priced like one too.

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25. Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

The SVT Cobra was inspired by Ford’s private team model of the same name from the 90s. It came right from the factory with a supercharged engine and was the first to have the independent rear suspension. It needed it, too, to handle 390 lb-ft of torque and 390 HP. 

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24. Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk

This beast is a muscle car disquised as an SUV. It’s got that classic Jeep design that makes it so appealing on and off the road. It also carries a 707 Hellcat Hemi engine under the hood that can shoot this monster from still to 60mph in only 3.4 seconds. Glorious and memorable. 

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23. Chevrolet Nova SS

This car is out of production now, making every one in circulation, technically, a collectors item. And it deserves it, too, rivaling some of the finest sports cars in power, precision and handling. The secret? It’s based on the Holden model that sold in Australia, only more finely tuned for the American market.

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22. Shelby GT350R

There’s no denying that the Shelby name stands for amazing design and power. The Shelby was based originally on the Mustang GT but its Voodoo engine – offering 526 HP, 439 lb-ft of torque and a blistering near-9000 rpm – sends it ahead of its origins in every way. This combines all the best parts of a sports car and a muscle car into one. 

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21. Dodge Charger Hellcat

When Dodge launched the Hellcat line in 2014, the muscle car community reacted with roaring approval. It’s insanely powerful, easy to drive, and super controllable. The original Dodge Charger is a legend in the muscle car category and the Hellcat brought it into a new era.

Kieran White via Wikicommons

19. Dodge Challenger GT AWD

There’s a few things that are commonly understood to define a muscle car, one of which is rear-wheel drive. However, in 2016, Dodge took one of its most legendary muscle cars and added an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Goodbye to burnouts and melted tires – the Challenger GT AWD offered traction beyond compare. 

Llanga via Wikicommons

18. Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack 2

Not a specific model itself but an optional addition to the regular GT line, the Performance Pack 2 offers a 5L Coyote V8 with unbeatable HP and torque, as well as a manual transmission for the true muscle driving enthusiast. It also upped the security and performance with chassis improvement, stiffer springs, anti-roll bars, bigger brakes and, of course, racing seats. This offering could turn a great sports car into a track racer for the road.

Joachim Kohler via Wikicommons

16. Ford Mustang Boss 302

Speaking of performance packs, the Boss 302 is a history-maker from 1969 that was revived in 2012. It was originally a homologation special for Trans-Am races and it’s still pure racetrack in a Mustang body. With an added roll cage and the full removal of the backseat, it offers incomparable speed and acceleration.

nakhon100 via Wikicommons

14. Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Maybe the Hellcat package, powerful as it is, just isn’t enough for you. In that case, check out the Demon package, which delivers over 800HP and 0 to 60mph in less than 3 seconds. Under full acceleration, its force has been measured at 1.8 Gs – for context, that’s faster than fully freefalling. 

Ifcar via Wikicommons

13. Chrysler 300C SRT8

The 300C has the boxy, sedate look of an American luxury sedan. Under the hood, though, it can come with the SRT-8, a 6.1L Hemi that delivers massive speed and power. Combined with fantastic control and handling, the 300C SRT8 is a testament to the staying power of good solid engineering. 

Sicnag via Wikicommons

12. Chevrolet Camaro Z28

The Z28 was a track day car and a racer from its origin. It has always been engineered for precision, steering, and control. In 2014, this version reappeared with a 7.0L V8 engine from the Corvette Z06. Combined with the Camaro losing 300lbs, this supercharged engine left competitors in the dust. 

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11. Dodge Challenger Scat Pack

For those who can’t find an excuse to shell out for the Hellcat package, the Scat Pack is more than enough. It’s still got the legendary Hemi V8 that offers nearly 500HP and demonstrates Dodge’s commitment to design. Getting this pack on the Challenger splits the difference between the elegant technology of a sports coupe and the raw roaring attitude of an American muscle car.

Simon Davison via Wikicommons

8. Pontiac G8

The G8 didn’t hit the market soon enough to save Pontiac, and it’s a real shame. It was a solidly designed performance sedan that started with a high level of standard equipment and excellent optional features. Unfortunately, the European competitors had cornered the market already, and only 30,000 were ever sold.

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6. Pontiac GTO

The 2004 release of the modern GTO was met with resounding praise from drivers and reviewers alike. It had a classic, reliable style and street presence, as well as a powerful V8 engine that kept getting better with each new year. However, reliable isn’t exactly exciting, and declining sales led Ford to pull the model in 2006. 

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5. Mercury Marauder

Installing a highly tuned V8 into the sedate Grand Marquis turned it into an aggressive performance car. The Marauder boasted black paint and a menacing aura of power and driving domination. Far from its sedate and sleepy origins, the Marauder was a wake-up call on the road. 

Mr. Choppers via Wikicommons

4. Ford F150 Raptor

Ford really pulled out all the stops here, building off the classic F-150 style to accomplish near-supercar performance. The turbocharged V6, 10-speed automatic transmission and astonishing acceleration time made it intimidating both on- and off-road. They didn’t skimp on the space, either – the Raptor retains its regular truck bed and room for 5 in the cab. 

Michael via Wikicommons

3. Ford Mustang Bullitt

This 2019 Ford model maintains all the capability of the Mustang GT but adds a touch of Hollywood style. This special edition has a unique paint job, interior, and wheels meant to echo the 1968 Bullitt Mustang made famous by Steve McQueen. It only comes as a six-speed manual transmission, but that’s more than fine for the discerning and nostalgic collector. 

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2. Dodge Durango R/T

The Dodge Durango is one of the most roomy and capable SUVs – but under the hood it’s all muscle, baby. A 6.4L Hemi gives it an acceleration of 4.4 seconds to 60mph and both carrying and towing power to be reckoned with. Unlike other models that scrap the functionality of an SUV when opting for speed, the Durango manages to balance the best of both worlds. 

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1. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Is there anything that screams “power” quite like a Corvette? We don’t think so – and Chevy knows how to reward their fans for devotion. The ZR1 is a version of the C7 Corvette with an improved chassis, drivetrain and suspension, as well as a supercharged engine that pumps out over 750HP directly to the rear wheels. 

Alexandre Prevot via Wikicommons