During the 1950’s up to the 1970’s, muscle cars and hot rods dominated the world. Even females could not help turning their heads when slick vintage vehicle’s drove by. Times have now changed but, the urges of wanting to see vintage cars, classic cars, hot rods, and muscle cars have not. People who have preserved these classic cars are very much appreciated within society. When these cars are out on the road people really enjoy seeing them. Hot Rods and Muscle Cars are ultimate private statements of the car’s owner and legacy, which are proudly shown to everyone. You probably have seen them at the car shows, television, or even seen one passing by on the highway. How many times have you turned your head or even tried to speed up to get a closer look at one of these classic cars? The Hot Rods and Muscle Cars say much about what it is that makes America the proud nation that we are. Hot rods and Muscle Cars have been notorious being an attention-getting device for whatever group of people or enthusiasts they were encountering. Hot rods and muscle cars are a nostalgic part of our culture. Hot Rods and Muscle Cars come in many different imaginable shapes, conditions and modifications. The amount of customization that is done to the hot rod is an extension of builder’s imagination or frustration of his sight on a conventional styling that represents a part or unique style of the builder. This is not a bad thing at all. An individual can draw from it as someone’s unique perspective as to a new dimension on the life style in the US or any other country for that matter. The mere existence of the hot rods and muscle cars cannot dismiss the sense of pride in the country. To catch glimpse of the ever-popular hot rods and muscle cars, one just needs to go over to your local auto repair shop and ask them for information on any of the upcoming car shows in the area. Auto mechanics are forever mindful of the elusive hot rods and muscle cars from many years gone by. Most anyone in the automotive industry can be considered huge fans of the hot rod and muscle car. However fear not, there are those die-hard mechanics still out there that like nothing more than getting there hands on classic hot rod and muscle cars to rekindle the need to hear rumble of powerful engines, or else peak at the slick bodied vehicles from days that are gone by.



By: jamiehanson

About the Author:

Maxim

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger blends the muscle car traits of distinctive design, powerful engines and solid handling. The 2009 Dodge Challenger is a two-door, five-passenger coupe that offers innovative technology and bold styling. Introduced in very limited numbers for the 2008 model year, for 2009 the Dodge Challenger comes in three trim levels, featuring a range of powerful engines. The Challengers retro-inspired styling remains the car’s strongest selling point.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger is available in three trim levels the entry-level SE, R/T and the limited-edition SRT8. The SRT8 uses an exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine coupled with a new six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic with Auto Stick rated for 425 horsepower. It sprints from zero to 60 mph within five seconds. The R/T gets a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic that generates 370 horsepower. For 2009, the upgraded HEMI engine provides five percent improvement in fuel economy and increase of 30 horsepower and eight pound feet improved torque. The R/T offers a precision-shift six-speed manual transmission – the first for a HEMI-powered car – that makes 375 horsepower when running on premium fuel. The R/T gallops from zero to 60 mph within six seconds. The SE is powered by a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter robust V-6 engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy is 18 mpg City / 25 mpg Highway on the Dodge Challenger SE.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger is a neat value package for its MSRP $21,320 price. The long, raised hood with scoops and a recessed grille with round dual headlamps are characteristic of its predecessors. A bold character line lends an instantly distinguishable muscle profile to the car. The interior of the 2009 Dodge Challenger is comfortable and functional. A trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, shifter console and dark headliner are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. Standard features on the base SE include air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 8-way power driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, floormats.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger features more than 25 safety and security devices including advanced multi-stage airbags; supplemental side curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes with brake assist; traction control; tire pressure monitoring; automatic headlamps; hill start assist and Electronic Stability Program.



By: Kimmie Richard

About the Author:

Rex

They’re tough. They’re manly. They’re high-performance. Those words often are evoked when one speaks of the classic muscle car. These cars are regarded as some of the finest examples of the time when Yankee automobile production had reached its zenith. The classic muscle automobile, with its trim design, convertible top down and surprising suitability for drag racing, has achieved a fame which has earned it a place as one of the signature car design movements of modern automobile history.

The classic muscle vehicle design is one that does not stress power over appearance. Instead, the design embraces both the power of the machine and the aesthetics of the design. These vehicles have larger engines than traditional autos, are larger than the average sports auto, and have a toughness of frame that other kinds of cars don’t have. The typical definition of what a muscle vehicle is has a tendency to exclude any vehicles made outside Australia and the US, and even then, only vehicles made in the years between 1964 to 1973. Among some of the more popular models are the Dodge Charger, the Chevrolet El Camino, and the Plymouth Road Runner.

These machines loved the peak of their popularity in the car market virtually immediately after being introduced. They cashed in on the growth of the racing trend among the youth market, which was only a developing market in terms of spending power at the time. Taking advantage of that trend, the manufacturing firms began to design tougher automobiles that appealed to the sense of aesthetics the youth market had and mixed it with technical and performance statistical data that made them suited for street racing. While, at first, the realization of the new designs and technical upgrades almost doubled the costs of the auto, many firms at last developed "budget muscle" models that compromised some of the performance and design aspects in favor of reducing costs. In time, both the classic muscle car and budget muscle car designs were accepted into the market and started to drive their way into the American driver’s psyche.

Sadly , statesmen caught on to the trend and effectively finished the classic muscle car by pointing out the inherent risks of such powerful engines in vehicles being focused to the youth. Some opponents pointed out the incontrovertible fact that the muscle cars didn’t have the same braking and turning capacity as other automobiles and stated that it had been a major safety risk. Insurance firms also increased their rates and charges on all high-powered models of automobiles, effectively making any prospective buyers turn away as the muscle cars were out of their budget. For the main part, the makes and models were retired, though some were reinvented as top end cars instead. Environmental concerns also commenced to wear away at the power of the muscle vehicle time as control over engine emissions was placed before power and performance as the priority for engine design. Classic Cars

However, there have been some attempts at reviving the first classic muscle car. The Mercury Marauder, the Ford Crown Victoria, and even the Pontiac GTO are regarded as models intended to recapture the magic of the classic muscle car years. While they haven’t yet come back with the same force they once had when they originally appeared, reports show that there is still a market for them. Regardless of sharing the same attacks over environmental concerns the modern SUVs are getting, makers are still manufacturing limited quantities of the modern muscle vehicles.



By: Julian Fleming

About the Author:

Enzo

People were buying muscle cars as fast as they were coming off of the assembly line back in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. At this time it was an exciting time for the manufactures and for the customers as well.

In the middle of the 1950’s there were different cars that had been named as being performance vehicles. There were a group of people that had not been too impressed with the new performance vehicles. At this time it had been common to soup up the Model T to have it run faster. This is what had made the muscle car come to life.

When there had been an established market for muscle cars the car industry had started making cars to satisfy this market. Adding a powerful engine to a light weight car had been the first try for having a car built for speed and also for power.

This was a time that muscle cars were for anyone they had been very inexpensive. A working man could use their muscle car for driving to work during the week and then on the weekends use it as a dragster. remember that in these times there had not been any emission controls, computer chips ad it had been a time that any man or woman could fix this powerful engine.

Road Runners, Chevelles and Chargers had been the ultimate family car with a huge block engine. Also another car that had been used for a family car was the Camero it was good for any small family with young children. The true orignal muscle cars had been the Corvette and the Cobra.

The muscle car had become less popular when fuel had started to rise in the 1970’s. Also much had to do with this was the rising insurance costs, and many safety concerns. There are many people that grew up in this time and they can remember muscle cars like it had been just yesterday that they heard, smelled, and even drove one.

Auto Usages a vendre



By: Marcel Hardin

About the Author:

Tabitha

They are tough. They are male. They are high-performance. Those words frequently are evoked when one speaks of the classic muscle car. These automobiles are considered some of the finest examples of the time when Yankee automobile production had reached its zenith. The classic muscle vehicle, with its trim design, convertible top down and surprising suitability for drag racing, has achieved a fame that has earned it a place as one of the signature vehicle design movements of modern vehicle history.

The classic muscle car design is one that does not emphasize power over appearance. Instead, the design embraces both the power of the machine and the aesthetics of the design. These cars have larger engines than traditional autos, are bigger than the average sports auto, and have a toughness of frame that other sorts of cars do not have. The typical definition of what a muscle car is has a tendency to exclude any cars made outside Australia and the US, and even then, only cars made in the years between 1964 to 1973. Among some of the more popular models are the Dodge Charger, the Chevrolet El Camino, and the Plymouth Road Runner.

These machines loved the peak of their popularity in the car market almost immediately after being introduced. They cashed in on the expansion of the racing trend among the youth market, which was only an emergent market vis spending power at the time. Benefiting from that trend, the manufacturing corporations began to design tougher vehicles that appealed to the sense of aesthetics the youth market had and mixed it with technical and performance statistical data that made them suited for street racing. While, initially, the execution of the new designs and technical upgrades nearly doubled the expenses of the auto, many firms ultimately developed “budget muscle” models that compromised some of the performance and design aspects in favor of reducing costs. In time, both the classic muscle car and budget muscle vehicle designs were accepted into the market and began to drive their way into the Yankee driver’s psyche.

Sadly , politicians caught on to the trend and effectively killed the classic muscle car by indicating the basic risks of such powerful engines in cars being focused to the youth. Some opponents indicated the proven fact that the muscle vehicles didn’t have the same braking and turning capacity as other autos and said that it was a major safety risk. Insurance firms also increased their rates and charges on all high-powered models of vehicles, effectively making any prospective buyers turn away because the muscle cars were out of their budget. For the most part, the models were retired, though some were reinvented as top end cars instead. Environmental concerns also began to wear away at the power of the muscle car time as control over engine emissions was placed before power and performance as the concern for engine design. Muscle Cars

However, there were some attempts at reviving the original classic muscle automobile. The Mercury Marauder, the Ford Crown Victoria, and even the Pontiac GTO are considered models intended to recapture the magic of the classic muscle automobile years. While they haven’t yet come back with the same force they once had when they originally appeared, reports show there is still a market for them. Despite sharing the same attacks over ecological concerns the modern SUVs are getting, makers are still manufacturing limited quantities of the modern muscle cars.



By: Julian Fleming

About the Author:

Brenton

Restoring muscle cars is a hobby for some and a profession for others. There’s just something about the classic high-performance cars that collectors, racers and general car enthusiasts find fascinating. If you are a hobbyist who is interested in restoring a muscle car, you will probably benefit from a few restoration tips. The restoration of muscle cars begins with shopping for a muscle car that can be restored. Prior to buying a car for the purpose of restoring it you need to make sure that the parts needed for the restoration are available and you can get your hands on them, and that you can afford to complete the project once you start it.

Before going shopping for a muscle car to restore, decide what your purpose is for restoring a car. Do you just want a great muscle car to drive? Will you be racing? Are you restoring the car so you can participate and compete in classic car shows? Do you intend to sell the totally restored muscle car for a profit?

Once you’ve determined the purpose behind your muscle car restoration you’ll have a better idea about what type of muscle car you want to get. Before you go shopping, read up on different muscle cars and learn all about their performance, their value and so forth to make sure that the car you choose is appropriate for you intentions. To make sure that you don’t get ripped off in a muscle car transaction, find out what the muscle cars you are looking for are worth “as is” and what they are worth once they are restored. Having this information at your fingertips will help you to determine whether or not you are really getting a “great deal” when you begin to negotiate to buy a muscle car.

Before you buy one, make sure that the parts needed to restore your muscle car are available and affordable. Set your budget and your timeline for restoring the car so you know how much you can afford to spend for the muscle car itself and for the parts and other expenses that will be incurred in the process of the restoration. Following these simple suggestions at the beginning of your muscle car restoration project will prevent you from starting a project you can’t finish and will ensure that your muscle car restoration project is enjoyable and that you meet your goals for muscle car restoration, whatever those goals may be.



By: Jason Tarasi

About the Author:

Brittney

Back in the 1950s thru the mid 1970s, Detroit automakers produced many automobiles that were out and out “muscle” automobiles. These types of vehicles shared the same traits : they were 2 door coupes with souped up engines, responsive transmissions, an aggressive exterior design, and a sporty interior. High fuel prices and changing tastes finally limited sales to the point where only a couple of models were produced beyond that period. Today, muscle automobile mania is back, notwithstanding even higher gas prices. Thanks to the Ford Mustang and to a lesser extent to sedan and truck models from Dodge, there is new interest in a category long given up. The future is bright for the muscle automobile segment as one more manufacturer, Chevrolet, considers bringing back one of its darlings of times past, the Camaro.

Besides the Ford Mustang there were a complete host of cars produced that at one previous point or another might have been considered a muscle car. In addition to the Mustang, the Ford Fairlane five hundred and Ford Torino did duty ; the Mercury Montego was another model; Chevrolet produced the Camaro and Corvette ; Pontiac the GTO, Firebird, and Storm ; Olds the 442 ; Yankee Motors’ had its Javelin; Plymouth had the ‘Cuda, and Dodge produced the Challenger and the Charger. Today, only the Mustang and Corvette survives although the Dodge Charger has returned as a 4 door muscle vehicle together with its sibling, the hot Dodge Magnum wagon.

Interestedly, it took Ford’s redoing of the Mustang for the 2005 model year to stir the present muscle automobile age craze. Styled after Mustangs built in the 1960s, the present Mustang embraces a retro look while incorporating fresh technology. The result has been the Mustang now sells its complete 150,000 model capacity without incentives.

The Mustang has been provoking DaimlerChrysler to go ahead with a retro cruiser of its own. The Dodge Challenger concept car, appearing at automobile shows across the States, has been a massive hit and Chrysler plans on bringing the V8 hemi powered model back in 2009. Additionally, General Motors is considering giving its blessing on the Camaro, another car also making the rounds of the States automobile show circuit.

So, isn’t it mad to bring back such gas hogs? Back in the early 1970s, the then current crop of muscle automobiles averaged only 10-12 miles to the gallon around town and fifteen or sixteen miles per gallon on the highway. Thanks to computer technology and efficiency, even the Corvette returns a very respectable twenty-eight miles to the gallon the highway. So, although fuel mileage will definitely be lower than lots of other models, the new group of muscle automobiles will still better the previous generation vehicles with fuel mileage eighty percent or more above the autos from the 1970s.

Fortunately, we continue to live in a fairly free country and what the customer wants, the customer gets. So, V8 powered muscle vehicles paired to six speed manu-matic transmissions, with sport handling, bucket seats, and better fuel economy will probably appeal to several. No, they won’t be exact duplicates of yesterday’s muscle autos, but they are going to provide the nostalgia and power that motorists seek. I can’t wait!.



By: Isiah Page

About the Author:

Xiomara

The period starting from 1964 to 1972 is termed as the muscle car era. This period marks an important age in the automotive history. This age has set trend for the new generation sports cars. The phrase muscle car is defines a particular variety of high performance car sold during that time. The muscle cars were typical American cars that delivered thrilling driving performance with their superlative speed.

The muscle cars were fitted with big engines that gave out huge horsepower. These cars were recognized by their long hood, short rear boot, coupe like two doors and rear wheel drive. Let us the best muscle cars of the world.

Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is the corner stone of American car history. It is one of the best muscle cars and it is still in production. Ford Motor Company rolled out the Mustang on 17th April 1964. The car has a hulky look with its long hood and athletic body. The stance of the car not only grabbed the attention of the viewers but also captured the imagination of the people. The car came in two body styles, namely, coupe and roadster. During those early days the car was fitted with a 2.8-litre OHV straight six cylinder engine that could churn out 101 bhp. But later, it was powered by a 4.7-litre V8 engine that could derive a power of 217 bhp. The galloping horse logo was specially crafted for the Mustang.

Pontiac GTO

The trendy Pontiac GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) came into being in the initial year of the muscle car era. It is considered as the first true muscle car. The GTO flaunts an arrogant look with rumbling dual exhausts, a racy front hood with two scoops and a big V8 engine. The stylish long hood of this muscle car can be attributed to the V8 engine that occupies a neat 389 cubic inches. Other features of the car comprise of a firmer suspension, fancy wheels and excessive use of chrome accents. The Pontiac GTO ran on special 14-inch wheels with 6-inch wide rims and red stripe performance tyres. The GTO was powered by a 6.5-litre V8 engine that generated 325 bhp and could sprint 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds.

Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt

The Fairlane Thunderbolt was equipped with an innovative lightweight 3.6-litre V8 engine. The name of this muscle car is derived from Henry Ford’s estate Fair Lane, near Dearborn, Michigan and it is called Thunderbolt because of the exhilarating speed the car could deliver.

Though the original Fairlane cars were introduce in 50s, it was redesigned in mid 60s to give a muscular look. Ford designed the Fairlane for drag racing and fitted the car with a 7-litre V8 engine with four barrel carburetors. To increase performance it was given an acrylic glass windows as well as hood, doors, fenders and front bumpers made of fiberglass. With the peppy engine, the car could tap 500 bhp.

The Fairlane Thunderbolt could accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6 seconds and had a top speed of 200 km/h. It was the fastest drag racing car ever produced.



By: Carazoo.com

About the Author:

Zechariah

You might have heard the old saying that before deciding to increase the horsepower of your vehicle, it is a good idea to bump up its stopping power. This is particularly true when it comes to muscle cars. Although muscle cars frequently come with gobs of V8 power, they are rarely champions at bringing all of that speed back down under control. You have to be even more wary of muscle cars from the 60s and 70s, which in some cases used drum brakes at all four corners.

Fortunately, there are some fairly inexpensive ways to improve the braking system of your car, and keep things from getting too out of hand at the end of the quarter mile. The first thing to start with is the brake pads. Stock brake pads are seriously incapable of handling high performance driving. The organic materials used in these types of pads are designed for low dust and long life perfect for a dealerships service department, but definitely not suited for giving you the bite on your brake rotors that you are looking for. It is very easy to exchange these for semi-metallic or ceramic brake pads, which cause more dust and are noisier, but which also dissipate heat much better. This means that there is less chance that the brakes will fade when you brake frantically while coming down a twisty mountain pass, ensuring consistent stopping power throughout a stretch of spirited driving.

You might want to add slotted or cross-drilled discs to your braking system as well. These types of discs have either etched grooves, or a pattern of holes drilled into them. Sometimes, they will have both. The theory behind this modification is that the slots and holes will help the brake to dissipate heat. On the street, you probably are not going to require this level of heat management, but if you like the look of this type of brake rotor, feel free to add it on as an aesthetic mod.

As mentioned above, if your muscle car harkens back to a bygone era, you are probably riding on drum brakes. These brakes are completely inadequate when it comes to stopping heavier performance machines, and are next to useless when mounted at all four wheels. There are several conversion kits available to add disc brakes to your cars front end, often using mounting hardware from similar models that came with the feature. Discs can also be added to the rear wheels. If you race your muscle car, then a disc brake conversion is a no-brainer.

Finally, while keeping on the subject of competition, brake fluid is something that you need to regularly change, particularly if you have been flogging your ride. Racing is hard on brake fluid, as the heat can cause it to vaporize and absorb moisture, making it less than effective. There are different types of performance brake fluids available with higher boiling points, making them excellent choices for track use. Make sure before you bleed and pour that any new brake fluid is compatible with your vehicles braking system as some types of fluid may have a detrimental effect on system hardware and seals.



By: Justina Mathews

About the Author:

fren