Muscle cars are the heavy-metal heroes of our time, with a history that stretches back over 50 years. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, it’s hard to deny the pure strength, power, and allure behind these hard-core wheels. Here’s our take on the best of the best: the greatest muscle cars of all time.
Ford Falcon XR GT
Known as ‘The Father of Muscle’, the Flacon XR GT was released in 1966 and quickly got a reputation for grunt! After an iconic 1-2 win at the 1967 Gallagher 500 at Mount Panorama, the well-known XR GT model really solidified its powerful name.
The road model was based on police pursuit and came with higher compression for the now-168kW 4.7-litre V8 and a now infamous four-on-the-floor manual. The Ford XR GT has a recorded 16.5sec quarter, which was 2.5sec quicker than Holden’s six-pot HR 186S.
Holden HQ
The Holden HQ broke records for the best-selling Holden of all time, with over half a million of them being sold between 1971 and 1974. Despite the enormous power and sturdy monocoque body of the HQ, it was known more for its “jet-smooth” ride.
Holden Torano GTR XU-1 & A9X
We can’t go past two Holden Torano models here; the 1972 Torana GTR XU-1 and the even more popular 1977 Torana A9X. With respective top speeds of 222km/h and 210 km/h respectively, these muscle machines pack a lot of punch. The Torana A9X broke records on the Bathurst track with Brocky behind the wheel, with an astonishing six lap victory and setting the lap time record, cementing both car and driver into the record books.
Valliant Charger E49
With a hard-to-believe lap time record of 0-100mph in just 14.1 seconds, there’s no denying the power of Chrysler’s Valiant Charger E49. Following the models launch in 1971, the Charger took out the Wheels Car of the Year. It wasn’t just muscle either; it had the looks to match. The Valiant charger E49 was even described by Motoring Australia as “the most handsome car Chrysler has ever produced”.
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