Best Muscle car from 1963-1971 ERA

Just curious what the members here think are the best Muscle cars of the Era 1963-1971, no special factory race cars, eg:S/S Hemi Darts, ZL1 Camaro's I'm talking about cars anyone could walk in off the street and buy. I'm partial to Mopars, so you can guess what I would pick, how about you guys?

So am I. One of my picks would be my '71 300. Not the tradional 'muscle car', but when I took it to Rockingham, it blew the doors off of a couple of Corvettes. Turned the second best times twice-only after a '66 Hemi Satelitte. For something that weighs more than twice that of a Corvette, I think that's impressive.

Outside of 'mopar world', I like the '70 Buick GSX. Completely loaded with otpions it does 13's in the 1/4 mile right outta the box. Also like the Olds Cutlass with the 455 (only thing that would make mine better!)

I see a pattern here. Being a Plymouth guy, I would have to go with the Mopars. I would lean toward the early max-wedges. Ugly plain automobiles, but they would run.

In 1969 AMC had two Muscle cars in their line up. The AMX & the Scrambler, both with 390's & more! Today, they are becoming quite collectable.

Who cares about ugly & plain? It's a matter of what you like! If you want a grocery getter drive a Valiant (used to have one-fine car for a slant six), if you want one that will run like a raped ape, then ya get something with a big honking engine!

OK, somebody's gotta like something other than a Mopar so I'll add my two cents. My 1st choice for this year range is a 1963 Chevrolet Impala, dualquad, 4 speed, posi-traction 409. I had one in 63 and I've got one now, I drive it and still enjoy it. My second choice would be the 66 Nova, L-79. I bought a new one, kinda wish I still had it.

But, perhaps I'm a little older than you guys, cause my real favorite muscle car memories go back to 1961. The 61 Ford Starliner 390/375hp, the 61 Chevrolet 409/360hp and the 61 Pontiac Ventura 389/348hp are my real favorites.

My dream car collection would include the 3 cars listed above. I've got the 61 409 Chevrolet, still looking for the Ford and the Pontiac. The 61 409 Chevrolet was by far the rarest of the 3 in terms of numbers produced, I just got lucky when I found the one I have, wish I could get lucky on the Ford and Pontiac.

Dear Tommy,Lived in Salinas,California for a while when i was a kid.There was a guy with a NEW 66 Nova SS Marina blue with a blue gut and 4-speed never found out if it was a L-79 car[who cared when you were 12].All these years and STILL one of my FAVORITE cars.Did any of you ever go for a ride in a 68 1/2,69 or 70 Mustang with the following 428 ram air, drag pack,4:30 detroit locker,top loader 4 speed.POWER SHIFT 2nd gear with your foot on the floor .TORQUE NOTHIN like it tryin to TEAR your head off.diz

My trouble is I like them ALL, but I have to put in my plug for Oldsmobile. The Olds performance cars were the best balanced of all. Not only would they move, they could turn and stop too.

Outside of Olds, I guess it would be a 67-69 Z24 Impala, 63-66 Galaxie XL or 7-Litre, or a 66-70 Mopar intermediate. I also like the big 300s- I would love to find a 300H. I tend to like full-size musclecars over intermediates.

This is unfair- there are too many. The fact that we had them at all makes them all winners. I may add more later.

Any Mopar with a 426

Firebird

Mustang Trans Am

Z-28

Any Ford or Chevy with a high performance 427

This is rather vague but there were just so many!

Tri-Power '67 'Vette, '71 Hemicuda <span style="font-style: italic">&</span> 'Cuda 340 (minus silly graphics), Sunbeam Tiger, R-3/R-4 Studebaker Daytona, '65 Shelby GT350, '68 Dodge Charger R/T and '69 Coronet R/T.

<span style="font-style: italic"> ...And looks <span style="font-weight: bold">ALWAYS</span> matter!</span>

Diz, I had a friend with a 70 Mach 1 Mustang and you are absolutely right about the torque !!!!!

I'm a fan of all of them, but also have a soft spot for the full-size muscle cars. My favorites are the 1965 models from General Motors, and here's my trio of winners:

1965 Buick Wildcat 2-door hardtop, equipped with the dual-quad 425 Super Wildcat and four-speed manual transmission.

1965 Oldsmobile Jetstar I 2-door hardtop, equipped with the top performance 425 and four-speed manual transmission.

1965 Pontiac 2+2 2-door hardtop, equipped with the top performance 421 and four-speed manual transmission.

These three cars -- representing the pinnacle of GM's styling leadership during the 1960's -- comprise my dream muscle car collection.

We can't forget about the 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1 - remember with Buicks "You GO Fast With Class"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK, somebody's gotta like something other than a Mopar </div></div>

Usually that's all us mopar guys hear!! But that's ok Tommy, we know you love your Chevys. We all have our vices, ours are 5/6 Mopar, 1/6 GM. If I had my way, more GM, if Jeff had his way, all Mopar. Just gotta go with what ya like.

How are 'em carbs we rebuilt for ya???

Dawn & Jeff

Perhaps out of them all the Pontiac GTO was the best from my perspective in the 1960s Midwest. It was the focal point of all other beefed up cars. Not so much that it was superior in all the performance areas, but that it epitomized the genre of muscle car. It was desirable, well advertised, a reasonable value and became a benchmark for subsequent types to be measured against in the era.

So while there were many "best" muscle cars I'd make a final vote for the Goat.

Sorry gang, but the 65-67 Goats rule the world!

The carburetors are great!!!!!! I wondered if that was you. Jeff, the last carb you did for me was for the 61 409 motor, it's ready to go on the dyno anyday now, just waiting it's turn.

Thanks for all the great work!!!

Tommy

I love all muscle cars although I collect Mopars I would love to get a 70 442 w-30 convertible 4 speed, Ls6 Chevelle convert or a Ram Air IV Convertible GTO, is that too much to ask?LOL

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The carburetors are great!!!!!! I wondered if that was you. Jeff, the last carb you did for me was for the 61 409 motor, it's ready to go on the dyno anyday now, just waiting it's turn.

Thanks for all the great work!!!

Tommy </div></div>

Tommy, I'm hot on the trail of a local 62 Impala SS 409 425/dual carb, 4 speed convertible local to me , 2 owner car gold/gold. Since I was 14 I loved this car,I would be in heaven if I can get it.........fingers crossed.

Glad your happy. Let us know what you do on the dyno. I'd be curious what my 300 would do.

Hemiragtop,

Good luck on getting the 62 409. That must be an Anniversary Gold car. They had 2 golds in '62, the other was called Autumn Gold but it wasn't available with gold interior. According to all of the information I have, only the Anniversary Gold had the gold interior and that's the only interior that was available with that color. Should be a 927 paint code. I'm sure you're well aware but the 62 409 with 2x4's had 409 hp. That would be a good one to have.

Obviously for me the 64 GTO is #1. I was almost born in a 67 GTO and my family has always owned 64-67's. But, I might give up a pinkie for an orbit orange RA IV 4spd GTO or a white/blue 69 RAIV 4spd Trans Am! In the looks department, the 1970 Formula Firebird with the twin scoops and split bumper just rocks.

Others, Hemi Cuda or Roadrunner, Hurst Olds 442 and as mentioned above, the GSX.

I am kinda partial to the 71 Pontiac GT-37.

"All the performance of a GTO and you dont have to be over 20 to afford it."

the AMC cars are the coolest ! ! !

the Hurst SC/rambler screams "mess with me",i don't think there is a funner car. with a few simple bolt-ons these cars were 12.61 1/4 mile BEAST. and all for alot less money then the Big Three cars.

i love them all but the 1969 Hurst SC/rambler is #1 in my book.

click below, (check out all the great muscle car paintings)

http://www.dannywhitfield.com/scrambler.html

want to see and hear cool muscle cars,click below and go to bottom of SC page and click on home ! ! !

http://musclecarcalendar.com/MyGarage2004/MattScrambler/ScramblerHome.htm

thanks,

matt

FREEDOM=AMC

AMC's are cool but stuffing a Hemi in Grandpa's car ...that's cool!!

"DR Jekyll" meet "MR Hyde"

I think my plate says it all.

nice car ! ! !

my brother had a 1970 Challenger 440 six-pack,he had it all built up.

it was a great car ! ! !

if i had enough money i would like to have at least one muscle car from every make.

i took my SC/rambler to the (Chrylser Classic event) in Pittsburgh Pa. this summer. it was a great event and so many nice mopars. all the mopar guys treated me nice and seem to like the SC alot. alot of the older guys remembered getting cought off gaurd when they played with a SC/rambler ! ! ! win or lose.

thanks,

matt

FREEDOM=AMC

Dear Doc, ENOUGH ALREADY,You know this is my FAVORITE Mopar.Im droolin on the keyboard.diz

Dear Matt,I don't feel it,but i guess i am gettin toward the old guy class,just turned 50 and i am sure the ONLY time i ever saw one of these cars was in my REAR view mirror.diz

Matt, Here is a picture of my 70 440 Six Pack R/T Challenger convertible

anotherr view top down

Dear Dizz,

maybe you were just never cought off gaurd. maybe i'm mistaken and my Hurst SC/rambler is just a big peice of garbage (glad George Hurst didn't feel that way)! ! !

i also believe that the products we all by at Wal-Mart are always the best made because they're sold by the biggest retailer. (they would never sell us garbage, would they?)

muscle cars are like women,go through as many as you can, and keep the one that has the best total package for you. (but they were all great)

thanks,

matt

FREEDOM = AMC

"<span style="font-weight: bold">muscle cars are like women,go through as many as you can, and keep the one that has the best total package for you. (but they were all great)</span>"

Now, Matt has to be a really young unmarried fellow, or really "brave" to make that statement. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Matt, I only went through one of each(muscle car and woman). <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> I've kept everything else since those days. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Wayne

Dear Matt,There is NO garbage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!its all what you like.I have never ridden in an AMC.I am assuming you have never ridden in a big block Mustang with a 4-speed and some gear in the back.It is just my OPINION you would be IMPRESSED.Thats all,Talk is cheap,show me some time slips.SHINE she may....RUN she must.diz

Dear Dizz,

i would love to ride in a mustang like that ! ! !

please read,(this is a new site,she is still working on getting the bugs worked out of it. this page is about my Hurst SC/rambler and two of the old time slips are here,the SC ran a best time of 12.61 back in the day.

http://www.joiesjeeps.com/mattwilson.html

thanks,

matt

Dear Matt,PASSION....YOU have it,Your Family,your car.Its not often people get on this forum and talk about the things they love,YOU have.Thanks for sharin your story.By the way i raced a guy fron Uniontown PA. at Norwalk Ohio,a quick 8 show some time back maybe you know him or know of him,Ted Smith.diz

DIZZ,

i'm glad you liked that page about my SC/rambler.

what kind of car was it you raced from Uniontown?

i will ask some friends about him. i have only lived in Uniontown,pa for seven years,i grew up in Clarksburg WVa. the old dragway in Fairmont WVa. is where i used to hang out,it is gone now like so many others.

wasn't it great days when any muscle car had a chance to beat another because of the way the owner could tweak his car, those days are gone forever,very sad. but hay look at all the great friendships , memories and fun that we all got from owning one of these great cars ! ! !

have you ever ran a man named Mike Withers at Norwalk ? he has one of the old SS/AMX's, he lives down around where i grew up at.

thanks,

matt wilson

do you know John Book, he is from clarksburg WVa. and is like a God with Mopars. he had one of the 1970 Hemi Cuda conv.! ! ! i got to ride in this car once, after it was built up and once was enough ! ! ! ALL HIS RACE CARS WERE CALLED (MOUNTAIN MOPAR).

how about Mike Conneley, he is now 62 years old but was hired by Ford to drive one of there 1966 427 Fairlanes. it was called Whitelighting and he ran the car at New England alot and i think Norwalk,hell, he went all over. He told me that he used to have to race in different classes and ran against a Hurst SC/rambler alot in SS class. he said if he had lost to that rambler he would have been fired ! ! ! ok to lose to anything else but not that. he said those AMC 390s worked great with little work done to them and the SC was always right there with him at the end of the 1/4 mile.

good to talk to you,

matt wilson

FREEDOM=AMC

Dear Matt,At the time 1989 Ted Smith had a Top Sportsman Corvette if i remember correctly it ran in the mid to high 7s in the quarter.I do not recognize any of the other names you mentioned.This thread started with the Doc mentioning his Mopars so i will throw a name out there you might recognize Eddie Smith,SS/AA West Virginia Hemi.His cars were always PERFECT and ALWAYS ran well.I do remember the 66 427 Fairlanes running in SS/C against some tough AMCs.Aw well its fun to discuss Ancient History,GUESS were gettin old well at least ME.diz

When i was in high school [1972] there was a guy in a nearby town who had a FACTORY 1966 427 Fairlane he parked it on the STREET every night after work.It was a SUPER car,had the headers that snaked around the oil pan,correct hood and was white.Do you know what that car is worth TODAY,anywhere between 75 and 100 thousand,MAYBE MORE .diz

What do you guys say about this.

My friend bought a finnish-imported-when-new FACTORY 426 HEMI '66 BELVEDERE 4d SEDAN! We believe that it's only made. SO IT IS A FACTORY CAR (for those who doubt this)!

Rare?

When it comes to Muscle Cars I could consider only a MoPar car. I don't believe that you could say which one was the best. They mainly used same chassis structure,engine and transmission.

I have always liked Super Bee-Road Runner themes. Also Cargers and Challengers.

Mu brother just bought '73 Road Runner with pistol grip