The Nissan 350Z
The Nissan Z cars have a great heritage of delivering plenty of sport performance and the 350Z is no exception.  The 350Z looks great and is an excellent performer.  With very little changes since it was introduced in 2003, the 350Z continues to impress.  The 350Z is a two seater and offers a very responsive V6 engine that offers plenty of power and performance.  Besides the peppy engine inside, the 350Z handles like a real pro.  If you like to get as much out of your vehicle as possible, the Nissan 350Z will not disappoint.  There are several trim levels, however the lower ones can be had either at the $30K level or for a few grand more.

The Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang has been impressing drivers for decades.  One of the most successful vehicles ever, the Ford Mustang GT is no exception.  This very sporty vehicle offers plenty of power and performance, but also comfort which makes this car a winner.  Whether you are driving the kids to school or out on the open road, this vehicle is a practical, fun sports car for less than $30K.  The Mustang GT offers a 4.6 liter V8 that produces a whopping 300 horsepower.

2009 Mustang V6
For those that are looking for a sporty vehicle with plenty of pep and good styling, you will be hard pressed to find a better cruiser than the 2009 Ford Mustang V6.  This level of Mustang comes with a V6 4.0 liter that produces an admirable 210 horsepower.  There are two levels of trim; deluxe and premium and this base model goes for a modest $22,000.  It should also be noted that the Mustang V6 gets decent gas mileage averaging about 27 mpg highway and 17 mpg city.

2009 Mustang V8
The 2009 Mustang V8 bumps up the engine to a V8, 4.6 liter engine that produces 300 hp, definitely enough to get your thrills.  It also comes in two trim levels; deluxe and premium and MSRP is currently is just below $30K.  While the Mustang V8 offers lots of horsepower, the gas mileage is decent at 23 mpg highway, 15 city.

2009 Mustang Shelby GT500 Cobra Coupe
The Shelby is back and with a supercharged 5.4 liter V8 engine, you can expect to enjoy all 500 horses this Mustang produces.  It should be noted that the Mustang Shelby is a rear wheel drive just like the classic muscle cars and is sure to be a hit this coming year.  While priced out of most budgets, it is still quite a good value with an MSRP in the mid $40K region.

Chrysler has always been the small fish of the big 3 car makers and in today’s market with all 3 car makers on the verge of bankruptcy, Chrysler is looking to sell some of its most popular (but low margin) name plates.

The Dodge Viper started as a 1992 model and today it is still one of the most respected sport cars on the road. With a V10, 8.4 liter engine, most sports cars can’t touch this beast on the track or street. Today’s fourth generation ZB Viper is incredible as it produces a whopping 600 horsepower, 90 hp more than previous models. The ZB can easily accelerate from 0 to 60 in about 3.5 seconds and 0 to 100 in about 7.6- that is about 11.5 quarter mile hitting approximately 129 mph. Don’t worry, the top speed for this incredible car is over 200 beating some of the best exotics out there (202 mph for the coupe version, the roadster reaches only 197 mph).

While there is much to be proud of the Viper, with the potential sale of the Viper to a foreign buyer, it can make many enthusiasts very sad to say the least. The one thing that many Americans like about their sports cars is not the finesse or elegance, but the rawness in power and aggressiveness they display. While there is no buyer announced yet, as soon as the Dodge brass commit, it is very likely that the Viper will be put on the auctioning block and sold very quickly.

To start things off the Dodge SRT8 includes a monster 6.1 liter V8 Hemi engine that produces an amazing 425 horsepower and an amazing  420 feet of torque at 4800 rpm.  This rear wheel drive comes with huge tires, automatic transmission (5 speed with overdrive), 4 wheel antilock performance brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, a stabilizer bar and plenty of bells and whistles to make any tuner enthusiast happy. For those hoping for a manual transmission there is talk of adding one either later this year or next year.

Some of the stats are amazing for this car.  First off expect to accelerate from 0 to 60 in less than 5 seconds (4.9 seconds to be exact). And you can expect to accelerate from 0 to 100 in under 17 seconds. With the Brembo high performance brakes, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 will go from 60 to 0 in 110 feet.  For those wondering how much this type of performance costs in a great looking muscle car for the 21st century- believe it or not, fully equipped less than 40K US.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and its less powerful models Dodge Challenger SE and R/T look to be a smash success this coming year.  Besides the interior looking great, the exterior is definitely a looker and will definitely bring back the classic days of muscle cars.   For those looking for a serious vehicle that takes no prisoners, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 is one of the most exciting vehicles to come out in a while.

Further Readings:

• Dodge D Series
• The Crossover Dodge Nitro

Here though, are five things you may not know about the Ford Mustang:

1. The Ford Mustang was first introduced to the American public in 1964 at the New York World’s Fair. it’s unveiling was covered by all three American television networks of the time.

2. The price of a new car was far different in the 1960′s than it is now. The suggested retail price for the new Mustang when it was introduced in 1964 was $2,368.

3. One of the people instrumental in the development and progress of the Ford Mustang was future Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca.

4. The Mustang II, introduced in 1974, was based on the same platform used to build the Ford Pinto.

5. In its first year on the market, 1964, the Ford Mustang made an appearance in the James Bond movie Goldfinger.

The Ford Mustang has legions of fans and creates more fans every year. The popularity of this quintiscential American car shows no sign of fading any time soon. The newest versions of the Mustang have stayed true to their history by taking on a body design that makes sometimes subtle allusions to the Mustangs of the past. The Ford Mustang is popular with those that wish to own and show off a car that has a good amount of power and also with those that simply wish to be seen driving one of America’s finest automobiles. Fans of the Ford Mustang are sure to be there each year when the newest model is released, waiting for the car of their dreams.
Check out AmericanMuscle.com for all your Mustang Part needs.

High Quality, Rare Muscle Cars for Sale

If you have your heart set on buying a high quality muscle car or one that was produced in very limited numbers, your best bet is to contact a classic car broker. Muscle cars are usually some of the most in demand vehicles. While they may not be as high priced as exotic sports cars, American muscle cars that cost $3,000 to purchase new in the late 1960′s can easily cost $75,000, $100,000 or more. The best way to locate these high quality vehicles is usually through a broker that can put you into contact with private sellers.

Classic Car Auctions

Another great way to find high quality, in demand muscle cars for sale is at classic car auctions. High profile car auctions occur several times per year. While you will usually have to fend off competition, classic car auctions give you the opportunity to see some of the best muscle cars available for sale.

Collector Car Magazines

There are many magazines that focus on collector cars with a heavy emphasis on muscle cars. Many times, private sellers or brokers will place an advertisement in these magazines. Generally speaking, high quality, near mint condition or exceptionally rare vehicles are sold through these means, however you may find bargains from time to time.

EBay Motors

EBay is a great way to purchase a muscle car. There are generally a wide variety of muscle cars in various conditions for sale at any time. Whether you are looking for a muscle car in mint condition or one that requires restoration, EBay is a great place to bid for one.

Local Newspaper

Definitely check out your local newspaper for muscle cars for sale. No matter what your location, you can find owners selling their muscle cars almost every week. The local newspaper is a great way to find high quality, good condition cars, as well as cars that need to be repaired in your own locality.

Classic muscle car manufacturers include Dodge, Chevy, Ford, Plymouth, Chrysler, Pontiac, and AMC. Some of the top rated muscle cars to be built from these manufacturers include:

• Pontiac GTO
• Dodge Super Bee
• Ford Torino Cobra 428
• Chevrolet Chevelle SS454.
• Dodge Dart with 426 Hemi
• Chevy Camaro SS
• 1970 Mustang Boss 429

1969 Pontiac GTO

The 1969 Pontiac GTO is considered one of the ultimate classic muscle cars and the best year for the Pontiac GTO. This car featured a huge 400 cubic inch, 370 hp Ram AIR IV engine which would send this vehicle barreling down the ¼ mile at speeds of 123 mph or about 11.5 seconds. The Pontiac GTO was also incredibly fast off the line and could reach 0-60 in about 5.2 seconds making the GTO an instant classic.

Dodge Super Bee

The Dodge Super Bee is considered another incredible class muscle car. The Super Bee was in production from 1968-1971. One of the most coveted muscle cars of the time, the Dodge Super Bee offered exceptional performance that rivaled the competition. Many classic muscle car enthusiasts rate the enormous 7.0 liter 426 cubic inch Hemi V-8 as the top engine offered. This beast delivered a staggering 425 hp and huge amounts of torque-perfect for anyone looking to street race.

Ford Torino Cobra 428

Another great classic muscle car of the late 60′s is the 1969 Ford Torino Cobra 428. The Ford Torino Cobra 428 came equipped with a monster 428-4V Super Cobra Jet (SCJ) engine that produced 335 hp. The Ford Torino Cobra 428 was known to run the quarter mile in the low 15′s reaching speeds of about 95 mph.

Chevrolet Chevelle SS454

The Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 was considered one of the top classic muscle cars ever created with the huge 454 cubic inch big block engine. The 1970 model is perhaps the shining achievement of the American muscle car era. The Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 was a beast with the optional LS6 engine that delivered 450 hp and 500 ft·lbf of torque. The Chevelle would barrel down the 1/4 mile in low to mid-13 second times at the incredible speeds of 108 mph.

Dodge Dart with 426 Hemi

Another great classic muscle car was the Dodge Dart with the optional 426 Hemi. These cars were on the smaller size and sometimes referred to as “pony’s”, however they offered exceptional performance in a smaller package and at a relatively lower price tag.

Chevy Camaro SS

The Chevy Camaro was a direct response by Chevrolet to compete against the then popular Ford Mustang. The Camaro muscle cars were produced from 1967 to 1974 in two generations. Perhaps the best engine released with the Chevy Camaro was the 396 cu in (6.5 L)V8 engine which delievered blistering speeds and horsepower. In 1970, the second generation Camaro was introduced, however a larger frame and more weight made it a tad less responsive.

1970 Mustang Boss 429

The 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 was categorized as a “pony” muscle car. This monster of a machine offers a huge big block engine that delivered 375 hp, lots of torque, 0-60 in about 6.8 seconds and can achieve the ¼ mile in 14 seconds flat with a speed of 103 mph. While not the fastest or the highest regarded muscle car available at the time, for those that loved the Mustang’s lines, this car was the closest one can come to a Shelby Mustang without the expense.

American Muscle Cars Offer Raw Power

Not just any car can be classified as a muscle car. Most car enthusiasts usually define a muscle car as a mid size car that offers exceptional performance in both speed, horsepower and torque. Most American muscle cars were developed and sold in the 1960′s and early 70′s. While there have been a handful of muscle cars that have been created in recent years, the 60′s and early 70′s are definitely the muscle car era. It should be noted that during this era, these cars were called “Supercars”, it wasn’t until the 80′s that the term “muscle car” stuck.

American muscle cars were built for speed and offered raw power at an affordable price. Most muscle cars are mid sized cars with rear wheel drive and large V-8 engines. They generally had a normal back seat or a 2 + 2 configuration. Large by today’s standards, muscle cars were gas guzzlers which closely imitated the drag racing cars on the track in those days. They were extremely fast, many reaching 120 mph+, had large amounts of torque available for quick acceleration and lots of horsepower. American muscle cars were loud and boisterous. With great styling and lots of interior/trim options available, American muscle cars could be easily customized. It should also be noted that American muscle cars were a great value, usually competitive with other cars on the market at the time.

Top American Muscle Cars

Several car manufacturers sold muscle cars including Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Chevy, Ford and AMC. Some of the highest rated muscle cars ever created included the Pontiac GTO, Dodge Super Bee, Ford Torino Cobra 428 and Chevrolet Chevelle SS454.

1969 Pontiac GTO

The 1969 Pontiac GTO is generally regarded as the best year for GTO muscle Car. The car featured a 400 cubic inch, 370 hp Ram AIR IV engine. In addition, it included a four barrel carburetor, high flow cylinder heads, high performance aluminum intake, high lift cam shafts and much more. A 1969 Pontiac GTO could reach 0-60 mph in about 5.2 seconds, and achieve the quarter-mile time in about 11.5 seconds at 123 mph.

Dodge Super Bee

The Dodge Super Bee was sold from 1968-1971. One of the most coveted muscle cars of the time, the Dodge Super Bee was a top performer. Perhaps the best engine available for the Super Bee was the 7.0 liter 426 cubic inch Hemi V-8 that delivered a staggering 425 hp.

Ford Torino Cobra 428

The 1969 Ford Torino Cobra 428 is also known as one of the great American muscle cars. The Ford Torino Cobra 428 came equipped with the 428-4V Super Cobra Jet (SCJ) engine that produced 335 hp. The Ford Torino Cobra 428 could run the quarter mile in 15.07 seconds at 95.74 mph.

Chevrolet Chevelle SS454

The Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 came with the huge 454 cubic inch big block engine. The 1970 model is perhaps the epitome of the American muscle car. The Chevrolet Chevelle SS454 offered the LS6, with 450 hp and 500 ft·lbf of torque, which ould easily thrust the Chevelle through the 1/4 mile in low to mid-13 second times at speeds reaching 105 to 108 mph.

Muscle Cars were Generally Produced During the 60′s & early 70′s

The hey-day of muscle car production was during the 60′s & early 70′s when vehicle bodies were generally large and the ability to put a gas guzzling engine under the hood was easy. It should be noted that the term “sports coupe” is different than a muscle car. Both offer the driver high performance, however, sports coupes such as Ferrari and Porsche are generally much smaller- 2 seat vehicles. Muscle cars generally have a back seat or 2 + 2 configuration.

While historically, the roots of the first muscle car can be traced back to the 1955 Chrysler 300, muscle cars in earnest were not sold until the early 1960′s. One of the most famous earlier model muscle car was the Dodge Dart equipped with either the 413 Max Wedge or 426 Hemi engine.

Top Muscle Car Manufacturers

Just like Ferrari, Porsche and Jaguar focused on lean, aerodynamic machines sports coupes in Europe, generally speaking muscle cars were produced by American car manufacturers. The top brands for muscle cars in the high point of the 1960′s include Dodge, Pontiac, Ford, Chevrolet, Buick, Plymouth, Mercury, AMC, Chrysler, Holden and Leyland.

Top Muscle Car Models

Throughout the Years there have been a wide variety of muscle cars developed and sold, some of the most popular include: Pontiac GTO, Ford Thunderbird, Dodge Super Bee, Ford Torino Cobra, Plymouth Road Runner, Chevy II SS327, Oldsmobile Cutlass 442, and Dodge Coronet.

Besides the traditional muscle car, there were a couple of other categories of muscle cars- most smaller in size and sometimes called “pony cars” or compact muscle cars. Pony cars include variations of the Ford Mustang (Ford Mustang Boss 351/429, Mustang Cobra Jet, Shelby Mustang,) Chevy Camaro SS/Z28, Pontiac Firebird, AMC AMX and Javelin, Plymouth Barracuda, Chevy Nova, Dodge Dart and AMC Hornet.

Muscle Cars and the Gas Woes of the 1970′s

Muscle cars were extremely popular throughout the 1960′s and early 70′s, however since these cars had huge engines that sometimes got as little as 10 miles to the gallon of gas, once the gas embargo of 1973 occurred, these cars soon became less popular and were seen as a liability. Muscle cars were phased out from the early 1970′s to just about the end of the 1980′s as car manufacturers switched to more fuel efficient, smaller vehicles with less performance.

The Resurgence of the Muscle Car

During the 1990′s, muscle cars started to be sold once again, however in much smaller numbers than there high point in the 60′s and early 70′s. While gas prices in America during the 90′s and early 2000′s were low, many muscle cars were once again sold-usually keeping the name of earlier muscle cars including the Chevy Impala SS and Pontiac GTO.