There are few things more iconic than an American Muscle car. These classic cars have influenced generations and even modern motoring trends are constantly looking over their shoulder at the classic cars we all grew up dreaming of owning. For these reasons, it’s no surprise that the value of these classic muscle cars continues to rise. The more iconic the model, the pricier it will be, but even more, obscure cars saw their prices skyrocket at the auction houses this last year.
Take a look at the top 50 classic muscle cars whose values blew up in the previous year:
50. 1969 Chrysler Three Hundred
The modern Chrysler 300 is a fantastic car and did wonders for the Chrysler brand in terms of revitalization. But the original 300 has seen a large increase in value in the past few years. The 124-inch wheelbase looks great dropped or stock. Slap on some premium wheels and the Chrysler 300 is just as beautiful at home on the track as it is on the street.
The classic 300 is a unique-looking car that has more than just power to offer. But that’s not to say it skimps in the power department. Under the hood, it boasts one of the best engines in the world for the time. It’s no wonder that the 300 influences so many popular cars on the market today.
49. 1960 Chrysler DeSoto
The Chrysler DeSoto was a two-door coupe that stood out among the rest during the early 1960s. Like many other cars of the decade, the DeSoto boasted futuristic waves, and the elongated body gave the car that classic 60’s look. It didn’t skimp on style and interior space, either as you could easily fit six adults in this car.
This has been one of the cars rising in value lately, thanks to its Hemi V8 engine, boomerang headlights and that classic 60s extreme style. Pair that with performance and build quality and, you can’t go wrong.
48. 1961 Chrysler Newport
Another popular ’60s Chrysler offering was the Newport. With a brand-new price of less than $3000, the Newport was a great deal for a car. The interior was extremely lush. It's the best-selling car of 1961, a lot of Newports are still out there to this day. In fact, few cars with the Chrysler branding were as popular as the Newport was in its heyday.
Over the last few years, the resale value of the Newport has continued to rise thanks to the beautiful nature of the car, with its swooning styling and powerful standard engine. The Newport still stands out from the crowd as an icon of the Chrysler lineup.
47. 1964 Chrysler 300-K
The “silver special” a standout convertible and the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500 in 1964, was also one of the only convertibles in the entire Chrysler lineup. The powerful engine and the affordable price made the 300-K an instant favorite of drivers who wanted something beautiful yet functional. Old school convertibles aren’t easy to find as the 300-K has become incredibly popular with collectors.
And as these cars continue to gain traction in the lowrider community, prices won’t go down for a long time, if ever. Add in the perks of an all-steel design and a durable and long-lasting ride, it’s no wonder why Chrysler had such success in the 1960s. If you are fortunate enough to find one in clean condition, snatch it up as quickly as you can because these cars are something special.
46. 1967 Chrysler Imperial
The Imperial is a more mainstream-looking car with hints of the Chevrolet Impala from the same era. Available in three different configurations, this car was a strong performer with a handsome exterior. Like the name would suggest, the Imperial was every bit a solid performance car. Boasting V8 power with a push-button transmission helped set the Imperial apart from the rest of the crowd.
Enthusiasts love this car for its exterior styling and simple upgrades. If you are in the market for a classic car, the Imperial should be a contender. Powerful styling and the quality design make for a hot rod that you can build on a budget. But act fast, as values are on the rise, so don’t let this one slip away.
45. 1960 Mercury Park Lane
The Park Lane has a stellar reputation in the classic car world. The 430 cubic inch Ford MEL V8 was one of the most promising engines at the time but these days you'll probably want to swap it for something with a bit more oomph. By upgrading to a modern engine, you’ll get a much better experience. Where the Park Lane shines is its 1960s styling with a lowered stance and fat whitewall tires. This is a car that looks great cruising down the main street.
While the market for these cars has increased dramatically, it’s not a well-known muscle car and that could save you a few bucks at auction. Keep an eye out for the 3-speed Merc-O-Matic transmission and toss in a powerful V8, and you will have a fun convertible on your hands.
44. 1961 Mercury Meteor
When the layperson hears the word Meteor, they look to the sky. When a gearhead hears the word Meteor, they get a tingle in their spine and scan the streets. There are few cars more fun to drive than a 1961 Mercury Meteor. It’s no shock that it has seen an uptick in value in recent years as the classic car bubble keeps growing. The Meteor was designed to appeal to young men who love fast cars and, with its dramatic naming and exterior design, it succeeded. The car managed to sell quite well and with a growing cult following.
Mercury isn't a brand known for performance, but the Meteor managed to add a bit of flair to the lineup. These cars are prime targets for restomodding and track days or just restoring for a weekend cruiser. The relative obscurity on the nameplate also means that you’ll be able to save a little bit of money. But values are starting to rise, so now is the time to take a look at the Meteor if you want one.
43. 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt
Everyone has heard of the Thunderbird, but have you heard of the Thunderbolt? The 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt is a prime example of what Ford can do right. Cars around this period were experiencing a resurgence in design, and the Fairlane Thunderbolt was one of the most notable. The sleek design and compact body meant that the car could tear up a track with ease. Throw in a powerful V8 engine and, you have yourself classic American Muscle.
You seldom see these cars on the road anymore but that isn’t a bad thing. Because when you pull up driving a Thunderbolt you are bound to get looks. Few cars stand out like the 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt does, thanks to an innovative design and upgrades you can still get directly from Ford.
42. 1966-1967 Ford Fairlane 500XL/GT & GT/A
A lesser-known car to come off the Ford production line is the 1966-1967 Ford Fairlane 500XL/GT & GT/A positioned to compete with the Chevy Chevelle. The 500XL looked and felt like a traditional muscle car, but it was a bruiser on the track. Ford didn’t market the 500XL/GT because of the popularity of the Mustang which led to these cars being lesser-known, but finding a Fairlane isn’t particularly hard to do.
The enthusiast community for the 1966-1967 Ford Fairlane 500XL/GT & GT/A is quite large and, Ford offers many upgrades. A traditional buyer might turn their nose up at the 500XL but that would be a big mistake.
41. 1966 Chevrolet Caprice
Most people won’t think of the Caprice as a muscle car, but it is. The design shared a lot with the Impala, but the scaled-down Caprice was a lot faster on the track. The sleek design and the roomy interior made for a complete muscle car that you could use as a solid base to improve on. Aside from the styling, the Caprice also had a massive engine and a ton of GM performance upgrades making the Caprice a stellar choice for collectors.
It is common nowadays to do an LS swap on the Caprice, which gives the car more power and performance. If you are willing to invest the money, the Caprice can take on just about any track car. The classic design has timeless styling that doesn’t seem to get old, ever.
40. 1973 Mercury Cougar
As the market for early muscle cars continues to bubble, later model cars are starting to spark interest. As a product of the 70s, the Mercury Cougar is a lesser-known model but worth the pursuit. Boasting a powerful V8 engine and a rather unique design, the Cougar was always the more luxurious version of the Mustang and Thunderbird. The Cougar wasn’t as widely known by the newer generation of buyers so they are reasonably priced. You could get a real steal on a 1973 Cougar and still have money left over to play.
There is a good deal of aftermarket parts available for the Cougar, making building one of these timeless classics is not hard to do. The Cougar has its personality and, it is entirely different from the Thunderbird and the Mustang. This makes for a unique car that is both performance-oriented and comfortable to drive. Keep in mind, it's important to seek out a rust-free one as these cars are notorious for rusting.
39. 1977 Mercury Cougar
In 1977 the Cougar was redesigned and, there are some important things to note. The 1977 Cougars could be ordered in a wagon, which is quite rare for a muscle car. Odds are even if you were around in 1977, you have probably never seen a Cougar wagon on the road, because of the rarity of these models.
As with the prior generations, the car had a lot of luxury features. These were comfortable cars to drive and marketed as such. The late 70s Cougar models are often underrated so, if you can find a clean one in great condition, this is a special car to get. With the right build, the 1977 Mercury Cougar is a solid sleeper hit.
38. 1970 Oldsmobile Toronado
There was a time when Oldsmobile was one of the exciting automotive brands out there. Oldsmobile brought to market the first airbag system among other innovations. Their ’70s models were especially innovative as the fuel crisis was going on at the time. The 1970 Toronado is not often characterized as a muscle car but the long sloping styling of the car and the two-door design made for a fun car. And as a bonus, because the Cutlass is the first car that comes to mind for enthusiasts the Toronado is still affordable.
Yet values on these have been spiking recently as a new generation starts to invest in the classics. There are very few cars that were as unique as the Toronado, plus it benefits from the vast catalog of GM performance parts, and upgrading to a modern LS engine is not hard to do. When it comes to classic coupes the Toronado is about as unique as you can get.
37. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado
By 1979 cars were beginning to shrink in size and the 79 Toronado was no exception. GM introduced a new design that was front-wheel drive and V8 powered, and the car lost two feet in length from the previous models. Oldsmobile also offered the car with a diesel engine, which is usually described as the worst GM engine ever made. The V8s were powerful and lightweight making it fun to drive much like the Monte Carlo.
The 1979 models were unique, ushering in a new era for GM in terms of fuel efficiency. The valuation of these cars has been creeping up in recent years because they are very versatile. You can not only fit a modern LS in these but it has a front-wheel-drive platform.
36. 1979 to 1985 Buick Riviera
As rising fuel prices and EPA regulations set in, the Rivera is another car in the GM portfolio that went on a diet at the turn of the decade. Of course, this was still during a time when V8 engines were in play so the Buick had that powerful V8. The classic design is iconic and there are several different things you can do to this car. First and foremost is compatibility with most of the GM G-Body platforms. There was also the T-Type, which was a turbo-powered option that was similar to the Regal.
The Riviera is one of the most affordable classics you can get. But with classic car values rising, the Riviera is also rising in value. The solid design coupled with the ability to host a V8 engine gives the car a lot of potential.
35. 1971 Ford Thunderbird
The Thunderbird has always been a popular car in the Ford lineup and in many ways, as iconic as the Corvette was to GM. While the Thunderbird never performed like a Corvette, the car did have some characteristics that set it apart. Notably, the jet-inspired interior and the performance derived from the V8 engine. Reliability was also strong for this generation of the Thunderbird and performance parts are easier to come by than you’d think.
As with any Ford from this generation, there are going to be electrical issues but the overall design of the car is great. The Thunderbird is more often than not an underrated classic, and if you’ve been interested in a classic this is the one. There are very few cars that have as unique of a look as the 1971 Thunderbird does.
34. 1971 to 1978 Cadillac Eldorado
You knew we had to put a Cadillac on this list and, the Eldorado was a monster, both in terms of size and performance. It had a massive frame and a 500 cubic-inch V8 under the hood. The Eldorado commanded authority on the roads, and the interior was big enough to seat six passengers comfortably. There was also a convertible version released that is quite rare.
Eldorados from this period were some of the most popular cars GM has ever produced. The 1978 Eldorado has been holding its own on the auction block, and finding a clean original isn’t easy to do. But if you put some effort into it, you can have a fun piece of American car history. The car is iconic both in movies and in American automotive history for its iconic design.
33. 1979 Chrysler Cordoba
If the Cordoba looks familiar it’s because Chrysler designed the car to compete with the Chevy Monte Carlo. The Cordoba had a lot of features that made it stand out from the crowd. The high-end Corinthian leather interior was one aspect, coupled with a smooth operating V8. However, reliability was not a strong suit for these cars and as such, a modern engine swap is a must. Putting a Hemi V8 in the place of the original isn’t hard to accomplish and you can generally find these for cheap.
The Cordoba is certainly an underrated piece of automotive history. The easy access to modern Mopar performance upgrades gives the Cordoba a world of upgradability. These classic cars are going to continue to rise in value.
32. 1973 to 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix
There was a time when the Pontiac Grand Prix was one of the best-selling coupes in the world. This generation, in particular, was one of the most popular. Based on the Monte Carlo, the 73-77 Grand Prix had an elongated body with a V8 engine. Its performance was a strong suit and, interior refinements went far in propelling the car toward success.
The Grand Prix also had an updated suspension which gave the car much better handling. When you think about the classic car era, the GTO is the Pontiac that comes to mind first, but the Grand Prix is arguably just as instrumental in this period. The car has a lot going for it and, the design was iconic for the time.
31. 1973 to 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Based on the Pontiac Grand Prix, the Monte Carlo had a lot going for it. Despite the newer EPA regulations and the fuel crisis, it still boasted a powerful engine and the nicest interior to come out of Chevy possibly of at the time. Because the market for personal luxury coupes was at its peak during this period, GM marketed the Monte Carlo as a personal luxury coupe instead of a muscle car. But the styling is there and, if you want it to play the part, the Monte Carlo is it.
These days drivers typically do several upgrades to the Monte Carlo as swapping in a modern LS-based engine and restoring the car to its factory paint color. The platform for the Monte Carlo is one of the best vehicle platforms that GM has ever built and, because of their popularity, these cars are less expensive than the previous generation which, makes for an affordable classic.
30. 1970 Ford Torino
Often overlooked, the 1970 model of the Ford Torino was iconic in its own right. Not as popular as the Mustang or a Chevelle, the Torino was still a premium car that could hold its own against the big boys. The Torino had one of the most high-quality interiors at the time, and the exterior had an iconic look to it. Ford managed to place a big emphasis on performance and, the Torino was solid on the track.
You’ve probably seen these cars a time or two in Ford circles and, there’s a good reason for that. The performance was just as good as the Mustang or a GM model but with the Ford badge that enthusiasts love. The 1970 variation of the Torino has stood the test of time quite well.
29. Ford Mustang II
The 70s were some of the best times for domestic automakers though the fuel crisis caused many automakers to downsize and improve technology. This caused issues with development and quality, leading to the Ford Mustang II. The car had some interesting features as the King Cobra edition, but for the most part, the Pinto-based Mustang was panned by critics. Still, the classic car bubble is growing and the Mustang II has been appreciating.
There are a lot of qualities that make this a great alternative to the more expensive body styles of the Mustang. The fact that it is a lightweight design with a V8 makes for a satisfying car. There is a lot that this Mustang has to offer in terms of design and implementation and that has made it popular for automotive hobbyist projects. These Mustangs will continue to rise in value as the years go on.
28. Ford Pinto
Like the Mustang, the value of the Ford Pinto is on the rise. The car was at the center of controversy when it was new, but those past sins have been forgotten. The Pinto is a classic piece of American automotive history, and as such the car deserves some recognition. The design is iconic and if you’ve ever been able to see a Pinto in person, then you’ll know that the car was distinctly 1970s in its design.
Ford had a lot of competition during this period so the Pinto was rushed to the market. This led to rear fuel tank problems that plagued the car, but overlooking that, the Pinto can be a great classic. This car has an easy-to-work-on platform and, there are great mods that can be done to it. Whether this is a first car or an extra project, the Pinto is a great classic car that is rising in value.
27. Ford Maverick
Another Ford that doesn’t get the love that it deserves is the Ford Maverick. While the car is generally panned and made fun of, it was a decent model. Enthusiasts are snapping these cars up and with good reason. The design could hold its own on the track and, its performance wasn’t bad either. The era that automakers were in caused the car to have some serious design flaws at the time, which have remained since then.
Modern aftermarket parts have dramatically improved the reliability and you can even swap for a modern engine. The Maverick was an iconic car for the period, as Ford was trying to move away from the past. You won’t find many cars like the Ford Maverick anymore, which is why it makes a great option for collectors.
26. 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Over almost 60 continuous years of production has seen a lot of change for the Mustang. There have been various special-edition models that come along from time to time, but the most iconic is the Shelby GT500. This line of cars, designed by the legendary Carroll Shelby, is among the most coveted of the original Mustang lineup. The GT500 also has a modern rendition but as of late, the classic model has been rising in value.
The distinct look of the car was in line with the Shelby design theme at the time. According to automotive resource Hagerty, the GT500 has been selling for staggering amounts of money, so the auction block is where you’ll find these.
25. 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88
The original muscle car, the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 has been rising in value. The Rocket 88 has the appearance you’d expect in a car from this era. Oldsmobile was always an innovator and, Rocket 88 has many notable features. The 303 cubic-inch V8 capable of a maximum 135 hp and 283 lb-ft of torque was excellent at the time. The low-slung design of the Rocket 88 made it an attractive car to build on, coupled with the ease of parts repair.
Oldsmobile is a well-known brand with an established history. At this time the company was building on the brand that was the Rocket 88. The car has appreciated quite well, according to the Hagerty Valuation Guide. While the Rocket 88 isn’t the first car that might come to mind for a muscle car, it can hold its own on the track.
24. 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2
Originally marketed as the “big brother” of the GTO, the Catalina rarely gets the recognition it deserves. Instead, most enthusiasts seem to focus on the GTO, but there was a lot that the 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 had going for it. From a design standpoint, you got a muscle car that looked a lot like the GTO with interior space large enough for a family to enjoy. Coupled with the 338 horsepower, the Catalina 2+2 was able to handle business with ease.
A lot of what the Catalina had going for it came from the signature design of the vehicle. Nevertheless, values on them have ranged from $15,000 up to $77,000 at auction. There’s no doubt the Catalina will be rising in value as the muscle car boom continues to grow.
23. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
While the Ford Mustang is credited with bringing the pony car to the mainstream, the Chevrolet Camaro was the car that popularized it. The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 was designed originally for Trans-Am racing. The 302 ci/290 hp is one of the most iconic small blocks of GM heritage. The Z28 had many distinct features that separated it from the other muscle cars. The lightweight rear-wheel-drive design was among the fastest and best-performing at the time.
Valuation for the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 has risen tremendously in the last couple of years. And with good reason, as there were only 602 models of the Z/28 made this model year.
22. Mercury Zephyr
Released in 1978, the Zephyr is often overlooked and underrated. But the car was one of the better Mercury models for the time. The Zephyr was unique in its design that is shared with a Ford model. Its performance was lauded at a time when EPA regulations were restricting engines left and right. The car was comfortable and the styling of the car was handsome which provided a unique look for a stressed automotive industry.
Because the Zephyr is quite rare, the valuations on these cars have been spiking. The car had a lot of unique features that made it a unique buy. You could have a couple of different options and, a lot of these cars were elderly-owned with low mileage on them. You’ll see these cars continuing to rise in value as time goes on. The Mercury Zephyr is certainly a unique piece of automotive history.
21. 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
There was a period where Plymouth was a major part of the American automotive landscape. Whether it was the muscle car era of the original minivan, Plymouth was an iconic name of the automotive world. Sadly, the brand didn’t make it very far into the modern age and, now Plymouths are relics of another time.
The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner is highly regarded as one of the best muscle cars. With a 7-litre, 426-cubic-inch Hemi V8 engine, the Road Runner is more than unique. The car was marketed in conjunction with the famous Looney Tunes character "the roadrunner.” Since then, there hasn’t been a muscle car that used the Road Runner or a cartoon character as a mascot. The Road Runner was and still is one of the crowning jewels of the Chrysler car company.
20. 1968 Dodge Dart 426 Hemi
Forget the Dodge Dart from a few years back. When compared to the history of the car, it was a pale imitation. The 1968 Dodge Dart 426 Hemi was a limited production vehicle, with only 80 ever produced and was designed to be a hog on the drag strip.
Enthusiasts of drag racing and a drag setup were thrilled by the excellent design of the car. To this day, the Dart 426 Hemi is a rarity. You don’t see these cars very often, and with such a small amount of them produced, values are going to keep rising. But if you can get your hands on one, this is a serious piece of MOPAR history.
19. 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona has a bit of history behind it. First and foremost, this is the first car to reach 200 mph on the NASCAR track, which was quite the feat back then. The current values of this vehicle have been on the rise thanks to the recent muscle car boom.
Values will continue to rise as the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona is quite a rare vehicle. Originally it wasn’t intended for production, but the rules for entering NASCAR was that any vehicle in the race needed to be based on a production vehicle with at least 500 units produced. While the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona is quite rare, they are out there.
18. 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
Although you can’t tell by looking at today’s automotive landscape, there was a time when Pontiac was a major player in the automotive industry. Their cars were exciting and fun to drive. In fact, the brand was known as GM’s excitement division. The interesting thing about Pontiac vehicles is they were based on other GM cars, but they had a sense of style and individuality. The GTO Judge is perhaps one of the most iconic cars of the muscle car era–you are blessed if you are lucky enough to own one.
In recent years, the 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge has seen its values rise, especially after Pontiac was phased out by GM. Traditionally these cars are floating around the auction block, but you can get lucky and hit a barn find every once in a while. If you want a pure muscle car, the 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge stands out above the crowd.
17. 1964 Pontiac GTO
Although the GTO Judge is the most highly-coveted model, the original GTO is nearly just as desirable. The styling gives it that signature 60s look, and performance is impressive even to this day. While Pontiac had developed quite a few performance cars. At this point, the GTO was among the most prized. The 389 cu in (6.4 L) V8 rated at 325 hp (242 kW) at 4,800 rpm was and still is impressive. The dual exhaust was a standard feature of the GTO which allowed it to have that signature growl.
The original GTO is synonymous with igniting the muscle car era that still goes on today. Pontiac did a great job of designing the original GTO, and first-generation cars are among the most desirable on the road. Some original GTO models have power steering and some lack it, so keep an eye out for those models.
16. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
While GM hasn’t been the best about keeping the Camaro updated, the brand has thrown in a few special editions from time to time. The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 had a high-performance design. While the car was and is street legal, it was designed for pro drag racers. To this day, the ZL1 is one of the best pure performance Camaros you can get.
Values have continued to rise for the ZL1 because it is one of the most desirable collectors vehicles on the road. This is not your daddy’s Camaro and everything about it is different than what you’d find from this era. GM pulled out all the stops to make the Camaro ZL1 a unique and different muscle car.
15. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
When the Camaro was phased out of production in 2002, it was because the car had become stale. But Ford is constantly adding special editions to the Mustang such as the Mach-1, the Boss 429, and even the Cobra. The Mustang lineup is constantly kept in rotation so that consumers don’t get bored. The 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 is among the rarest Mustangs to ever go into production.
You’ll rarely see one of these sell at auction for values less than $200,000. The sheer design of the car looks like a beefed-up muscle car. Ford put a high-stakes design on the table for the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 and, it paid off. Everything about the Boss 429 is unique, from the enormous engine bay to the high-performance design. Values will continue to rise.
14. 1970 Ford Torino Cobra
There were quite a few powerful Fords to come out during the muscle car era, but one of the most notable was the Torino Cobra. The V8 engine was most notably a powerhouse, achieving 0-60 in just under six seconds. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, the bright orange color scheme was also worth considering.
This variation of the Torino was much rarer than the other models, hence the Cobra badging. If you can find one of these for anything close to reasonable values, you’ll be in store for an excellent muscle car.
13. 1970 Oldsmobile 442
Much like Pontiac, there were quite a few Oldsmobile models that have seen values rise quickly on the auction block, notably the Oldsmobile 442 which is based on the Chevrolet Chevelle. Aside from the muscle car aesthetic, there was a lot that made the 442 stand out from the crowd. The first is the special-edition 445 CID V8 engine with 400 horsepower and 500 foot-pounds of torque.
Even today, the Oldsmobile 442 in its original form is a monster on the road. Valuations on the Oldsmobile 442 have been on the rise, and understandably, because the car has a unique look and feel that’s hard to come by nowadays.
12. 1970 Buick GSX
The Buick GSX is a car that’s worth considering. It has unique features incorporated to separate it from other cars of the time. Buick has a reputation for being more of a luxurious ride and, the GSX was designed with this in mind. Not to be confused with the Skylark, the GSX was a more focused sports car.
There were only 687 GSX that were put into production, which makes the car quite rare. The Buick GSX was synonymous with incorporating luxury and performance into a single package. While this is the norm these days, back then it was rare for a car to be both luxurious and perform well on the track. Values for the GSX have been exploding as cleaner examples are becoming harder to find.
11. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
The Chevelle SS 454 is perhaps the most iconic entry on this list, and with good reason. The car stands the test of time with a stylistic appearance that’s pure Chevy. From the dual taillights to the sheer power that the 454 has under the hood. When you think about timeless muscle cars, the Chevelle SS 454 is about as iconic as you can get. Don’t forget the fact that this was a limited-production vehicle, making it extremely rare.
The Chevelle SS 454 is a whole different beast and much rarer than your run-of-the-mill Chevelle. No doubt, driving one of these will encompass a lot of stares from onlookers. You’ll also get the thrill of driving one of the most iconic Chevy muscle cars there ever has been. Values will continue to rise rapidly.
10. 1970 Plymouth Barracuda
Plymouth was once a big player in the muscle car game, and the Barracuda is one of the most iconic muscle cars ever. The dual-carburetor 426-cubic-inch Hemi engine was rated at 425 horsepower. This is a powerful number even by today’s standards, and it’s easy to see why the car sold so well. Plymouth was at a high point during this period, and the Barracuda is at the forefront of this lineup. Its signature paint colors and the long sloping style of the Barracuda are amazingly iconic.
The auction values of the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda have been about as high as you can get. As the muscle car boom roars on the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda is undoubtedly one of the most desirable models.
9. 1970 Dodge Challenger
In addition to the Plymouth Barracuda, there was also its corporate cousin, the Challenger. The original Challenger was a lot like the Barracuda regarding performance, but Dodge added quite a few luxury features. The plan was to give the driver a more luxurious personal coupe similar to the Monte Carlo. At this point, muscle cars were a big part of the automotive industry and, the Challenger was at the forefront.
With its Hemi V8 engine, the Challenger became an iconic part of the automotive industry. Dodge did a good job of differentiating the car from the rest of the lineup. And although the Plymouth Barracuda was the go-to muscle car in the Chrysler brand portfolio, the Dodge Challenger was a close second.
8. 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
The 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is particularly a collector’s item, and the black and gold variations are especially sought after. Thanks to the popularity garnered from the hit movie “Smokey and the Bandit.” This gave the public a real glimpse of the Trans-AM in its driving function. The distinct styling of the car complete with the rocker hood is iconic to this day, although Pontiac was defunct by the turn of the century.
The Trans Am was a package on the Firebird but, in many ways, the package became a car in and of itself. Pontiac is one of the most iconic brands from the muscle car era, and this car is one of the most iconic models. Values are high and will get even higher.
7. 1987 Buick GNX
The Buick GNX is one of the only turbocharged V6 GM cars, and the performance today is still as exceptional as before. The unique things about the GNX were its blacked-out appearance and the stripped-down style of the car.
The 1987 Buick GNX was only available in a single color combination, and the car looks menacing even to this day. Values on these cars have been going up as consumer taste for 80s muscle cars continues to go up. There is no doubt that the 1987 Buick GNX is one of the rarest cars on the road.
6. Plymouth Barracuda
The original Plymouth Barracuda is perhaps one of the most unique-looking “pony” cars ever released. The sloping style of the Barracuda was a special feature of the car, giving it a very modern appearance. Plymouth was introducing several unique cars to their brand, and the Barracuda was a step in the right direction. With the wrap-around back glass and the lightweight performance, the Plymouth Barracuda is a stellar muscle car from the original era. The values on these vehicles are going to continue to rise.
5. 1969 AMC AMX/3
Although the new Corvette has garnered a lot of praise for its mid-engine supercar design, GM was not the first domestic automaker to do this. AMC designed a muscle car that could rival German sports cars long before that. Way back in 1969, the AMC AMX/3 was designed to be a grand-tour-style sports car. It only had two seats, could achieve 0-60 in a record five seconds and, the top speed was 170 mph, which was a record for the AMC brand at the time.
The AMX/3 is one of the rarest AMC vehicles that you can get. The design of the AMX/3 is still unique to this day, giving the car a lot of credence in the muscle car world.
4. 1968 AMC AMX
Like it or not, AMC is a piece of automotive history. Even though AMC cars were downright awful during the end of the company’s lifespan, there are some gems from the muscle car era. The lightweight and short wheelbase made the AMX drive like a dream and perform just as well. When you compare the AMX to other vehicles like the Camaro Z/28, you don’t get the notoriety, but the performance was still satisfying.
While the AMC AMX isn’t the most well-recognized model on the road, values have been rising. Finding AMC muscle cars at auction can be a fun experience because these are a lesser-known part of the automotive industry. The AMX has a lot going for it, which makes for a stellar muscle car or weekend project.
3. Dodge Charger (second generation – 1968)
The Dodge brand has had a lot of success with various muscle cars, of which the Dodge Charger is notable. The wide-bodied style of the Charger made for a memorable muscle car, and it still looks good to this day. The performance derived from a V8, the same that you’d find in the other large cars from Chrysler.
The Charger had a grill that became iconic, and the rest of the car didn’t look bad either. The 440 was rated at 375 bhp (280 kW) with a single 4-barrel carburetor. Values on the Charger have been going through the roof, especially because the car is a bit rarer than other models.
2. AMC Marlin
When it comes to unique aspects of automotive history, the AMC Marlin is a respectable car. Initially released in very low production numbers to increase showroom traffic, the Marlin had a stylistic choice like no other. Swooping lines made the AMC Marlin a unique muscle car with a lot of potential. When compared to other models on the market, the AMC Marlin is among the most unique.
There were many “pure 60s” features on the car as the “Flash-O-Matic” transmission. There’s no doubt that AMC was trying to bring back American ingenuity, and the AMC Marlin did this quite well. To say the least the AMC Marlin is a standout vehicle when you think about muscle cars from this era.
1. Oldsmobile Toronado 1966-1968
Finally, we have one of the rarest entries on our list, the Oldsmobile Toronado. The Oldsmobile Toronado was fast thanks to its 425 cu in (7.0 L) 385 hp (287 kW) Rocket V8. This engine was notorious with the Oldsmobile brand, and it gave the car a serious amount of power.
The outlandish exterior styling accompanied by the performance under the hood greatly contributed to the Toronado’s icon status. Because the Oldsmobile brand is extinct, the Toronado is only going to continue to gain traction as its values go up on the auction block.
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