The Muscle Car Jungle

Muscle cars, those unruly beasts of the mid-sixties to the early seventies that had horsepower to burn, were never meant to be tame. They were aggressive. Uncivilized. The bad boys of the automotive scene.

The 1964 Pontiac GTO is generally acknowledged as the first muscle car, though it could be argued that others, such as the Chrysler 300 series from the mid-fifties actually started the trend. The idea of stuffing a large engine in a smaller car was not new; hot rodders had been doing it for decades. But what was new was that these factory-made vehicles were aimed at the emerging youth market. And as the original Mustang would prove, it was an untapped market with vast potential.

The sixties were a time of great change that would see the birth of dozens of muscle cars, from the Charger to the Torino to the Chevelle. Insurance was cheap, gas was cheaper, and safety and the environment were of little concern. Displacement grew, horsepower increased, and acceleration times dropped. Showroom stock, few could achieve an honest 12-second quarter mile, though most had great potential which could be unlocked with a few simple mods. Something that can't be said for most modern performance cars.

Although today's muscle cars are superior in virtually every way - including brute power and acceleration - the classic generation still holds their appeal. They were fast. They were uncomplicated. And they were the originals.

Muscle Car Articles A collection of over 100 articles on muscle cars, old and modern. From reflections on some of the greatest cars of all time, to tips on classic car collecting and restoration.	Muscle Car Gallery All new gallery with over 1,500 muscle car and classic car pictures, from the fifties, sixties, seventies, and present. Plus photos of hot rods, trucks, and other interesting autos.	Muscle Car Gifts Muscle car t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, mug, magnets, stickers, and much more. A great gift idea for any automotive enthusiast, young or old.	Muscle Car Posters Want some automotive art for your walls, halls, or garage? Take a look at our collection of over 200 muscle car and classic car posters. From Cobras to Vipers.	Muscle Car Books If you want a more in-depth look at the automotive scene, we have muscle car books, classic car books, and general automotive books. Virtually every in-print book available.