Top 7 Muscle Cars You Didn’t Know Existed

A Look at the Forgotten Muscle Car Players With New Canaan’s Mike Savage

When the term “muscle car” is mentioned, names like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger often come to mind. 

These iconic vehicles have cemented their place in automotive history with their power, performance, and cultural impact. However, the muscle car era, particularly in the late 1960s and early 1970s, saw the rise of many other remarkable vehicles that, despite their prowess, did not achieve the same legendary status. 

I’ve written a lot about the classic muscle cars, but let’s take a look at some of these lesser-known muscle cars that deserve recognition for their performance, unique features, and contributions to the muscle car legacy.

1. AMC AMX (1968-1970)

The American Motors Corporation (AMC) is often overshadowed by the Big Three (Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler), but the AMC AMX was a true contender in the muscle car arena. The AMX was unique for its time as it was a two-seat muscle car, a rarity among its peers. With a wheelbase of just 97 inches, it was short and agile.

Performance and Features:

• Engines: The AMX came with a variety of V8 engines, the most notable being the 390 cubic inch (6.4L) V8 producing 315 horsepower.
• Performance: It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 7 seconds, which was impressive for the era.
• Design: Its short wheelbase and lightweight design made it a nimble performer, often described as a “muscle car with sports car moves.”

2. Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II (1969)

The Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II was a homologation special built for NASCAR racing. Its aerodynamically enhanced design was meant to compete with the best of its era on the race track.

Performance and Features:

• Engines: The most common engine was the 351 Windsor V8, but it was also available with the more powerful 428 Cobra Jet engine.
• Performance: With the 428 Cobra Jet, the Cyclone Spoiler II could deliver up to 335 horsepower and significant torque, making it a force to be reckoned with on the road and track.
• Aerodynamics: Its elongated front nose and sleek lines were specifically designed for high-speed stability and reduced drag.

3. Buick GSX (1970-1972)

Buick might be better known for its luxury cars, but the GSX was a high-performance version of the Buick Skylark that could hold its own against any muscle car of the time.

Performance and Features:

• Engines: The GSX was most famous for its Stage 1 455 cubic inch (7.5L) V8 engine, producing a conservatively rated 360 horsepower and a massive 510 lb-ft of torque.
• Performance: The GSX could achieve 0 to 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds, and the quarter-mile in under 14 seconds.
• Design: The car featured bold styling with vibrant color options, including the iconic Apollo White and Saturn Yellow, and came with performance-oriented upgrades like a rear spoiler and heavy-duty suspension.

4. Plymouth GTX (1967-1971)

Often overshadowed by its sibling, the Plymouth Road Runner, the GTX was marketed as the “Gentleman’s Muscle Car,” combining luxury with muscle.

Performance and Features:

• Engines: The GTX offered several powerful engines, including the 440 Super Commando V8 and the legendary 426 Hemi.
• Performance: The 426 Hemi-equipped GTX could produce 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, propelling it to 60 mph in about 6 seconds.
• Luxury: Despite its performance credentials, the GTX was equipped with upscale features like high-quality interior materials, optional air conditioning, and a smoother ride compared to other muscle cars.

5. Oldsmobile 442 (1964-1971)

The Oldsmobile 442 started as an options package for the Oldsmobile Cutlass but eventually became a standalone model known for its blend of performance and style.

Performance and Features:

• Engines: The pinnacle of the 442 lineup was the 455 cubic inch (7.5L) V8 engine, especially in the W-30 package that delivered 370 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque.
• Performance: The 442 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.7 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in approximately 14 seconds.
• Features: The W-30 package added functional ram-air induction, a performance camshaft, and heavy-duty components, making the 442 a true performer.

6. Pontiac Ventura GTO (1971-1972)

The Pontiac GTO is a well-known name in muscle car circles, but the Ventura GTO, a lesser-known variant, combined the smaller Ventura body with the performance of the GTO.

Performance and Features:

• Engines: It was available with the 400 cubic inch V8, producing 300 horsepower, and could be upgraded to the 455 HO engine.
• Performance: With the 455 HO, the Ventura GTO was a sleeper that could keep up with more prominent muscle cars of its time.
• Design: The Ventura GTO retained the aggressive styling cues of the GTO but in a more compact package, offering a unique blend of performance and handling.

7. Studebaker Avanti R2 (1963-1964)

Although the Studebaker Avanti is more often remembered for its unique design and luxury, the supercharged R2 version was a true muscle car at heart.

Performance and Features:

• Engine: The R2 variant featured a 289 cubic inch V8 engine with a Paxton supercharger, producing 290 horsepower.
• Performance: The Avanti R2 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 7 seconds and had a top speed of 140 mph, remarkable for its time.
• Innovation: The Avanti was ahead of its time with safety features like a roll bar and advanced fiberglass body construction.

The muscle car era produced a wealth of high-performance vehicles that captured the imagination of car enthusiasts and casual observers alike. 

While names like Mustang, Camaro, and Charger dominate the conversation, many lesser-known models like the AMC AMX, Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II, Buick GSX, Plymouth GTX, Oldsmobile 442, Pontiac Ventura GTO, and Studebaker Avanti R2 also made significant contributions to the genre. 

These unsung muscle cars, with their unique features, impressive performance, and distinctive styles, deserve recognition and appreciation for their roles in automotive history. 

So, next time you think of muscle cars, remember these hidden gems that roared just as loudly as their more famous counterparts.

 

ABOUT MIKE SAVAGE OF NEW CANAAN, CT

Savage of New Canaan is the Founder of 1-800 Accountant that helps businesses with their accounting services and needs through cutting-edge technology and customer support. He runs the company alongside CEO Brendon Pack.

In his spare time, Savage enjoys creating unique koi ponds, collecting Michael Jordan sneakers, vintage Lego sets, and admiring unique pop art. He and his wife also spearhead the Savage-Rivera foundation to help impoverished families in Honduras.