20 FASTEST Muscle Cars From The 1970s, We Want Back!

[Applause] have you ever wondered what made American Muscle Cars legendary are you curious about their raw power and cultural impact we'll explore horsepower top speed and 0 to 60 times diving into the stories and thrills of icons like the hemicuda Firebirds must Mustangs and Chargers so join us as we take a nostalgic joy ride through the 20 fastest muscle cars from the 1970s we want back let's kick things off with the 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am this car was a true descendant of the 1960s and early 1970s Muscle Car Wars while the era of monstrous horsepower and excessive exterior ornamentation was starting to fade the 1978 Trans Am still offered a thrilling Drving Experience wrapped in a sleek and iconic package one of the most recognizable features of the 1978 Trans Am was the return of the iconic screaming chicken decal on the hood although the astronomical horsepower ratings of the early' 7ss muscle cars were no longer present the Trans Am still boasted a respectable top speed of 118 mph the 1978 Trans Am still offered a range of powerful engines the base model came with a 305 cubic in V8 but for those who craved more options included a 400 cubic in V8 and the legendary 6. 6 L 400 cubic in Pontiac 400 engine the value of a 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am today Con vary depending on several factors and with that said you can expect a 1978 Pontiac Firebird TransAm to range anywhere from 20,000 to $75,000 depending on the above mentioned factors back in the day a brand new TransAm would set you back around $5,799 let's roll back a couple of years to meet the Big Brother of the TransAm Pontiac the Trans Am again we couldn't leave it at just one could we this 1973 model the SD 455 was a true fire breathing monster the Superduty packed a serious punch under the hood a 455 cubic in V8 engine that pumped 370 horsepower while horsepower ratings were a bit fuzzy back then thanks to new emissions regulations you can bet this bird could fly we're talking a top speed of 121 1 mph and a zero 60 time that dipped into the high 5-second [Music] range it was a car you could take to the drag strip on Saturday and then Cruise the Boulevard on Sunday in style these SD 455s are rarer than their Trans Am cousins with only 252 produced if you find one for sale today expect to pay a king's Ransom upwards of $2 ,000 for a pristine example finding exact pricing information for the SD 455 can be tricky but it will likely cost around $6,000 now we're getting into Syria territory the 1970 Plymouth a Cuda wasn't your average muscle car this machine was born from the racetrack a homologation specially built to dominate the Trans Am racing series its most distinctive feature that towering rear wing was a functional aerodynamic Aid that helped the car hug the corners at high speeds under the hood lurked a 440 cubic in V8 with dual carburetors turning out 340 horsepower while not the most powerful on our list it was enough to propel this car to a top speed of 124 mph and a zero 60 time in the high 5sec range the a Cuda wasn't precisely a mass-produced car with only 2527 ever built today these winged Warriors are highly collectible with prices ranging from $ 100,000 to $250,000 depending on condition in 1970 atrs Cuda could be yours for between $4,800 and $6,200 remember that kid in school who always seem to surprise everyone the one who looked unassuming but could outrun anyone in a race that's the beauty of our next car the 1971 Dodge Charger superb this iconic name plate has graced some of the most fearsome muscle cars ever built and the 1971 superb is no exception imagine a bumblebee with the Heart of a Lion that's the super be in a nutshell the most sought-after version with various engine options packed to 440 cubic in VOD 8 with dual carburetors suitable for a tire shredding 370 horsepower this be could seriously buzz it had a top speed of 126 mph and a zero 60 time that dipped into the low 6sec range it offered Creature Comforts like bucket seats and a center console making it a muscle car you could live with these super big bees are still relatively affordable Classics ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 depending on condition 1971 a brand new Dodge Charger superb could be yours for roughly $4,100 the muscle car wars of the 70s were a battle on multiple fronts and the 1970 Dodge Challenger ta was a direct shot across the bow of the Ford Mustang think of it as the bad boy to the Mustang's good-natured charm unlike its steroid pumped hemi-powered Brethren the TA took a slightly different approach its secret weapon a lightweight high revving 290 cubic inch inline 6 engine with three two barrel carburetors the TA handled like a dream partly thanks to its lightweight construction and a trick suspension setup it wasn't a slouch in the straight either with a top speed of 128 mph and a zero 60 time in the high 5sec [Music] range the TA wasn't a huge seller back then but it's become a cult classic among collectors finding a good one today will set you back anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 compared to a price range of $4,500 to $5,500 in 1970 remember AMC the scrappy American Motors Corporation may have needed more resources from The Big Three Ford GM Chrysler but they knew how to build a muscle car the 1971 Javelin AMX was proof of this Evolution this Sleek aerodynamic machine looked like it belonged on a European Racetrack and its performance backed up its looks under the hood you could choose from various engines with the top option being a monstrous 401 cubic inch V8 with three two barrel carburetors pumping out a tire shredding 390 horsepower this AMC could hustle we're talking a top speed of 130 mph and a zero 60 time that dipped into the high 5-second range the Javelin AMX started life with a base price of around $4,700 but it's become a favorite among collectors who appreciate its Unique Style and Underdog Spirit finding a good one today will set you back anywhere from 50,000 to $150,000 did you know that the exact horsepower of our next car is a bit of a mystery the Chevrolet chevel it's synonymous with muscle car royalty and the 197 the ss454 LS6 was no exception this car was a legend in its own time a tire smoking Terror that dominated the drag strip and instilled fear in the hearts of lesser [Laughter] machines under the hood this Beast housed a massive 454 cubic inch V8 engine with an all aluminum block and heads a Marvel of engineering horsepower ratings were murky in 1970 thanks to new emissions regulations but estimates put the LS6 is output somewhere in the neighborhood of 450 horsepower that kind of power translated to Serious performance with the proper setup we're talking a top speed of 132 mph and a zero 60 time that could dip into the low 5-second range while the base SS started at around 4 ,000 a pristine example can easily fetch over 200,000 today we've been discussing some real powerhouses cars with enough Chrome and hood scoops to rival the glitz of a Vegas showgirl but our next vehicle stands apart from the rest 1970 Oldsmobile 442 w30 this muscle car was a wolf in sheep's clothing looking at it from a distance it seemed like a regular Oldsmobile all straight lines and understated elegance but under that unassuming Hood lurked a secret weapon a monstrous 455 cubic in V8 with a tricked out intake and high performance cam [Music] shaft estimates put the w30 output somewhere north of 370 horsepower that might seem minuscule compared to other cars on this list but keep the numbers from fooling you it was lighter than some competitors handled like a dream and packed a surprising punch we're talking a top speed of 133 mph and a zero 60 time that dipped into the high 5-second range the w30 was a sleeper hit back in the day and it's still a favorite among collectors who appreciate it subtle aggression costing around $5,500 back in the day finding a good one today will set you back anywhere from 50,000 to1 $220,000 Buick muscle car believe it or not the brand known for luxury sedans had a real Firebreather in its lineup during the 1970s the GSX stage 1 this car injected the classic Buick Grand Sport with a severe dose of steroids under the hood you could find a monstrous 455 cubic inch V8 with a trio of two barrel carburetors suitable for a tire shredding 360 horsepower or more depending on who you ask this car could carve up Corners with the best of them making it a driver's authentic muscle car it has a top speed of 134 m per hour and a zero 60 time that dipped into the 5-second range the GSX stage 1 was never a huge seller but it's become a prized possession among collectors who appreciate its unique blend of luxury and muscle although it started with a price tag of nearly $6,000 finding a good one today will set you back anywhere from 75,000 to $150,000 we're hitting the halfway mark on our list and things are about to get serious buckle up because we're diving into the territory of the 429 cubic inch Monsters the 1970 Mercury Cyclone spoiler Boss 429 was Ford's and answer to the tire smoking chevels in heus this car wasn't messing around just look at the name spoiler boss it practically advertised its dominance under the hood bulged a legendary 429 cubic inch V8 engine with a unique boss semi hemispherical head design horsepower ratings were a bit fuzzy in 1970 but estimates put the boss 429s output somewhere in the neighborhood of 460 horsepower that kind of power translated into severe bragging rights with the proper setup we're talking a top speed of 135 mph and a zero 60 time that could dip into the low 5-second range you could snag one back in the day for $6,000 finding a good one today will set you back a small fortune upwards of $150,000 and possibly more depending on condition and pedigree now the Ford Camp is back for round two and this time they're bringing something a little different the 1970 Torino Cobra 429 scj wasn't quite the fire breathing monster you might expect here's the thing it looked almost unassuming a full-size family car with a bit more muscle but beneath that subtlety lurked a surprise the same legendary 429 cubic in V8 that powered the Boss 429 insurance companies fooled by the Torino's unassuming looks often charge lower premiums for these cars little did they know they were unleashing a [Applause] [Music] beast horsepower ratings were a moving Target in 1970 but estimates put the CJ's output somewhere around 375 horsepower though some believe it was closer to 400 we're talking a top speed of 136 mph and a zero 60 time that dipped into the high 5-second range the Torino Cobra scj may not have been the most hardcore muscle car on the market but it offered a unique blend of power practicality and [Music] surprise the Cobra shared a similar price range to the spoiler boss around $6,000 finding a good one today is challenging but expect to pay anywhere from $75,000 to $125,000 for a well-preserved example the Road Runner just the name conjures up images of cartoon coyotes getting outsmarted by a cartoon bird in a muscle car but the 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner 426 Hemi was no cartoon this car was the real deal a tire shredding monster with a legacy that stretches back to the drag strips of the 1960s [Applause] under the hood sat the legendary 426 cubic inch Hemi engine a Powerhouse known for its monstrous torque and Earth moving acceleration horsepower ratings as we already said were a bit fuzzy in 1970 thanks to new emissions regulations but estimates put the Hem output somewhere in the neighborhood of 425 horsepower we're talking a top speed of 137 mph power and a zero 60 time that could dip into the low 5-second range it was all about raw power and straight line speed but that's what made it so [Applause] [Music] appealing this was a muscle car for the every man that could outrun anything on the road without breaking the bank these road runners are still attainable Classics today with prices ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 depending on condition compared to $7,000 back in the day as we continue we will revisit the Plymouth with a secret weapon packing a monstrous 440 cubic inch engine with three yes3 two barrel carburetors it could gulp down air and gasoline like nobody's business back in 71 for around $4,200 about $30,000 today you could own a piece of Automotive History that launched from Z to 60 in a neck snapping 6. 2 seconds and reached a blistering top speed of 138 mph still if you see one of these cruising around consider yourself lucky these Beauties can fetch upwards of $100,000 at auction next let's shift gears to the iconic 1971 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 this car wasn't just about straight line spe speed it carved Corners with a dancer's Grace and a viper bite it's 350 cubic in V8 while not the biggest on our list was known for its Precision Engineering and legendary handling back then you could snag one for around $4,000 and it would rocket from 0 to 60 in a respectable 5.

8 seconds before topping out at an astonishing 140 MPH today a well-maintained Z28 can set you back anywhere between $40,000 and $80,000 a testament to its enduring Legacy now we'd be remiss not to mention the next Beast Dodge Coronet superb this budget friendly muscle car was the hot rod for the Everyman sure it lacked some of the bells and whistles of its price your competitors but its stripped down design meant less weight and more speed under the hood a rumbling 440 cubic inch V8 with a trio of two barrel carburetors sound familiar laying weight ready to unleash 390 horsepower it was an absolute steal at a starting price of just 3,500 in 1970 about $25,000 today this Legend could dust most cars off the line reaching 60 mph in a scorch ing 5. 8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 140 mph finding one in good condition today is a treasure hunt and expect to pay upwards of $60,000 for the privilege the Ford Mustang needs no introduction it's one of the most iconic American cars ever built but the 1970 Mustang Boss 429 was a different animal altogether this Mustang was all about raw power and track dump Min just look at the name Boss 429 it practically advertised its intentions under the hood bulged the same legendary 429 cubic in V8 that powered the Mercury Cyclone spoiler Boss 429 horsepower ratings were a bit fuzzy but estimates put the boss 429s output somewhere in the neighborhood of 460 horsepower that power translated into to severe bragging rights at the local drag strip we're talking a top speed exceeding 143 mph and a zero 60 time that dipped into the mid 4 second range finding a good one today is like finding a treasure they're incredibly rare and can fetch well over $300,000 at auction Back in 1970 this mechanical Marvel set you back around $4,800 our next car was a rolling aerodynamic experiment the only Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi remember those giant spoilers on the back they weren't just for show they were designed to provide vast amounts of downforce at high speeds making this car a champion on the track mbusi and qu make their way through turn six nestled within its aerodynamic shell was a legendary 426 cubic in Hemi engine a Powerhouse known for its monstrous torque and Earth moving acceleration while the official 0 to 60 times are a bit hazy estimates put them around 5. 5 seconds the top speed a neck breaking one 43 mph in 1970 this winged Wonder cost around $4,300 roughly $31,000 today finding one today is like finding a unicorn the price tag reflects that expect to loosen your belt to several 100,000 now let's talk about the 1970 Dodge Charger Daytona this car was the superb Bird's fraternal twin sharing its aerodynamic design and purpose but beneath the massive Wing sat a different Beast a 440 cubic inch Hemi fev 8 churning out a whopping 425 horsepower with that kind of muscle the Charger Daytona could rip from 0 to 60 in a blistering 5.

5 seconds and reach 144 mph Back in 1970 this asphalt eating machine cost around $4,100 today owning a piece of Dodge history like this will set you back a small fortune easily exceeding $300,000 at auctions we're almost at the top of the muscle car food chain folks but before we reach the King of the Hill let's look at the 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda this car was the epitome of raw power and stripped down performance there are no fancy spoilers or aerodynamic tricks here just pure unadulterated muscle the show's star was the legendary 426 Hemi engine ready to unleash 425 horsepower and Propel this beast from 0 to 60 in a jaw-dropping 5. 2 2 seconds the top speed is an insane one 46 m per hour in 1970 owning this Automotive monster cost around $4,500 today a Hemi Cuda in pristine condition can easily break the million dooll Mark making it a true collector's dream all right Gearheads we've saved the best for last we're about to Crown the king of the 1970s muscle car jungle remember the 446 Barrel engine we talked about earlier the Cuda 446 pack took things a step further instead of three two barrel carburetors it sported a wild setup of six two barrel carburetors feeding a ferocious appetite for air and gasoline the result a mindboggling 390 horsepower engine could launch this car from 0 to 60 in a staggering 5.