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View Full Version : The best Musclecar year was....


StealthBird
06-07-2004, 11:26 PM
There is always a lot of discussion on this topic, and I would like to hear some opinions as to which year you think was truly the peak Musclecar year. Not just horsepower and 1/4 mile times, but the best year for Musclecars in general.

Most magazines and books pick either 1969 or 1970. It's really a tough call, because obviously 1970 was the peak year for horsepower and style for several of the makes, but 1969 was also a pinnacle (with several noteworthy introductions) for other makes. See what you think, and if I'm leaving off any noteworthy items...

1969
----

1. The introduction of the first winged wonder: The Dodge Daytona
2. The introduction of the outrageous Boss 429 Mustang
3. The introduction of the Judge
4. The introduction of the Trans Am
5. The introduction of the Mach 1 Mustang
6. The introduction of the Boss 302 Mustang
7. The wildest looking Oldsmobile ever, the 69 Hurst/Olds
8. Arguably the pinnacle of Pontiac performance, the radical RAIV engine
9. The introduction of The Beast: The 427 ZL-1
10. Factory installed 427's are ordered in COPO Chevelles and Camaros
11. Operation Overkill from Pennsylvania: the 1969 Yenko 427 Nova
12. AMC gets into the Musclecar pool with its in-your-face Hurst Rambler/Scrambler
13. Wild Mercury Cougar Eliminator hits the streets
14. Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II "Cale Yarborough" introduced along with Ford Torino Talladega, kicking off the NASCAR aero wars
15. Plymouth somehow crams a 440 into a Cuda
16. The 440 6-pack debuts in the Super Bee
17. Wildest AMC ever made: the 1969 Hurst S/S AMX


1970
----
1. This is a big one: Chevelle SS454 LS6 introduced
2. GM A-bodies, arguably the pinnacle of GM Musclecar styling, with the 70 GTO, 70 Chevelle SS, 70 442, and 70 GS all becoming classics.
3. The gloves come off as GM allows 454's and 455's into mainstream GM A-bodies, making the 1970 LS6, 1970 W-30 442, and 1970 Buick Stage 1 GS, the pinnacle year for horsepower in these Musclecars.
4. Stunning redesign of the 1970 F-bodies, the Camaro and Firebird
5. This is another biggy : the redesign of the 1970 Cuda and introduction of companion Dodge Challenger
6. AMX styling peaks in 1970
7. The Buick GSX debuts, the wildest looking Buick ever built.
8. Dodge Challenger T/A and Plymouth AAR Cuda introduced


As you can see, I believe that 1969 was the most significant year for Musclecars, while 1970 had some peak moments for certain makes.

Votes and/or opinions?

Belair62
06-07-2004, 11:33 PM
1962

GTO_DON
06-07-2004, 11:35 PM
THATS THE YEAR I WAS BORN!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Belair62
06-07-2004, 11:38 PM
Well most of the year was good anyway ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

JoeG
06-08-2004, 12:44 AM
1966--

mmcporter
06-08-2004, 01:32 AM
I like 1970, as I own a 1970 Chevelle LS6, and it truly is a milestone car. However, many might say it was 1967, as that was the last "no smog" year.

Michael
06-08-2004, 03:14 AM
...1969...

copo9566aa
06-08-2004, 03:25 AM
It's hard but 1970 for me http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
1969 many introduction
1970 final product http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
1964 is a very cool year too GTO Mustang Barracuda...

Salvatore
06-08-2004, 05:00 AM
Come on 1969!!! The year of the COPO, The year of the ZL1! Crosby,Stills,Nash,and Young,The Greatful Dead, The Wonder Years, and.....the year I started driving http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

Gach
06-08-2004, 05:18 AM
1970 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Born30YrsLate
06-08-2004, 06:15 AM
Wine me - Dine me - 69 me...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

copo9566aa
06-08-2004, 06:57 AM
Come on 1970!!! The year of the street HEMI in a E-Body
The legendary HEMI 'Cuda http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif
and the year of the 454 450 HP LS6 in a Chevelle
and with a Cowl Induction and tuxedo stripes..... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
Oh my god fantastic MuscleCars year 1970. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Schonyenko2
06-08-2004, 07:41 AM
Sam, you got soul. To those of you who were'nt there, the music was almost as important as the cars. Don't for get CCR. Best year? Kinda like sex. They're all good. Schonye

68TopStock
06-08-2004, 08:10 AM
The answer is obvious you guys, 1967, the birth of the Camaro!!!!!!!!!

Mr70
06-08-2004, 08:32 AM
Is this a Trick Question?
1970 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

Ozark
06-08-2004, 08:54 AM
1969! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

JoeG
06-08-2004, 10:08 AM
(1966) --Yeah I know it may not have been the peak year, but it was the beginning of the "Peaks Years", where most of the car makers were putting their bids in for King of the street-------------So the answer is "19___" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

MikeA
06-08-2004, 03:55 PM
1970, the year of Yenko Deuce! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

69HemiGTX
06-08-2004, 04:38 PM
Umm... I don't need to explain my opinion, do I? However, 68 is my personal favorite year because of the new Mopar B body styling and the intro of the Charger R/T, Road Runner, and Super Bee. But yes, 69 was the peak IMO. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

BTW, you forgot these:

1969
----

1. The Charger 500 is built, leading to the development of the Cyclone Spoiler II and Torino Talledega.
2. Dodge builds M-code 440 Darts because Mr. Norm did it in 68, one-upping the factory engineers by proving it could be done.
3. Plymouth answers Dodge with the 440+6 Road Runner.
4. The Dodge Dart Swinger bursts onto the low-buck compact musclecar scene packing the 275hp 340, surprising many big blocks on the street.

1970
----

1. Plymouth builds the Road Runner Superbird to compete with the Dodge Charger Daytona and bring Richard Petty back from Ford.
2. The 440 Six Pack is made available in all B and E body performance cars (except AARs and T/As).
3. Plymouth introduces their budget screamer: the Duster 340.
4. The AMC Rebel Machine debuts.

Sorry to be so Mopar lop-sided, but you nailed down the significant Brand X cars pretty good.

firstgenaddict
06-08-2004, 05:05 PM
The peak of Muscle cars has Gotta be 69! 70 was just riding the coat tails of the Banner year of 69!
69
1-ZL-1
2-L-88 with open chambers
3-20K Z-28's made
4-White and Gold Hurst Olds (although I like the 68 better)
5-The most Dealer Supercars built by far.
6-The most Factory built Supercars by far.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif1969

copo9566aa
06-08-2004, 05:43 PM
1970 the first year for the 350 LT1 " More than one HP by CID " http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
But I agree 1969 is the best year for Dealer Supercar http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

firstgenaddict
06-08-2004, 05:57 PM
If you went by that then the fuel injected 327 corvette was the first.

StealthBird
06-08-2004, 06:27 PM
Thanks for adding to the list! We should include all the Junior Supercars for 1970 like the Duster 340, W-31, LT1 Z/28, and Yenko Deuce.

I guess as far as dealer cars go, we could also add under 1969 that it was the last year for Royal Pontiac performing their conversions, and Don Yenko arguably peaked in 1969 with his 427 Chevelles, 427 Novas, Corvairs, and 427 Camaros.

I was trying to focus on the most significant introductions for each year, or the peak for a particular make or model. In retrospect, the 1970 Superbird should be on that list too. I guess I felt that the 69 Daytona was THE smoking gun from Chrysler. The huge wing and pointed nose made waves through the auto industry, and everyone at the time simply could not believe that Dodge actually produced this car. By the time the 70 Superbird debuted, the magazines of the day had more of a "Plymouth has a winged car now too" attitude. But either way, the 70 Superbird should be on the list for 1970. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

SS427
06-08-2004, 07:01 PM
1969, cuz I don't remember much of the '70's. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

ORIGLS6
06-08-2004, 07:16 PM
[ QUOTE ]
1969, cuz I don't remember much of the '70's. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I didn't think you were even around in 1969! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

SS427
06-08-2004, 07:37 PM
[ QUOTE ]
I didn't think you were even around in 1969! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh I was around but I was still (the key word here) young http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

copo9566aa
06-08-2004, 07:39 PM
The first SBC with more HP than CID this is not the 327 FI
But the 283 283=/290 HP in 1957.....

396L35
06-08-2004, 07:58 PM
They made Camaros after 1969???? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

DjD
06-08-2004, 08:01 PM
Actually the best year(s) for the muscle car was the mid to late '70's. All the cool HP cars were on the streets by then and they could be had for prices that couldn't be beat before or after that time frame... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

Canucklehead
06-08-2004, 08:08 PM
Id say the best year for muscle cars would be July 1969 - July 1970, thats a year isn't it?? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

55chevy
06-08-2004, 09:26 PM
2004!.. because we got them ALL now and then some http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

firstgenaddict
06-08-2004, 10:56 PM
Thanks for correcting me COPO 9566AA
That is what I was thinking when I started the post then a cutomer called (how dare them disturb a Supercar posting) when I resumed I was brain dead.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

Salvatore
06-09-2004, 06:44 AM
Can't be 1967. You can't give a 67 camaro away! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif You are right Schonye I do have Soul..... baby!!!!! Remember, We leaned on those cars Schonye, We just don't read about them. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

gemleeus
06-10-2004, 06:16 AM
2002, 2004

JChlupsa
06-10-2004, 08:00 AM
Real Muscle cars http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif 60's early 70's

hvychev
06-10-2004, 08:23 AM
1970 IMO without a doubt! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

supergonzo
06-10-2004, 04:54 PM
Mike, I think if your a Pontiac fan it has to be 1964-1966

No big block chevy's (actually a small amount of them)
No Lighter Camaro's or Firebird's
Olds & Buick had nothing much and nobody bought them anyway
289 Mustangs's.........please
Butt Ugly Mopar's most with 273 cubes, some rare ugly mopar race cars

And over 215,000 GTO's were sold by 1966!!
----------------------------------------------
But otherwise I think most of the GM Cars & Mustangs peaked around 1969
Mopar finally got good styling by 1970
Buick finally built a screamer in 1970
1970 Chevy LS6 454 comes out, unfortunately the Chevelle weighs 3900 lbs now.

StealthBird
06-10-2004, 07:14 PM
Well, I am a hard core Pontiac guy, but I'm also a true Musclecar fan. I assembled the list above based on my passion and respect for all the makes. My loyalty is to Pontiac, but I never wear rose colored glasses, and I understand that Pontiac didn't dominate all facets of the Musclecar Era in all years.

Actually, 1966 was one year that I personally felt WAS a strong contender for the best Musclecar year, just not as strong as 1969 or 1970.

1966
----

- The 1966 GTO was available with the soon to be famous "Ram Air" straight from the factory. Ram Air became such a strong marketing tool and image builder (and helped horsepower), that nearly every manufacturer had their own version of Ram Air within a couple years.
- Last year for famous Pontiac tri-power
- 1966 would be the only year for tri-power on the 442
- Olds introduces their very limited W-30 package on the 442
- King Kong attacks Detroit : The street Hemi debuts http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif
- The 1966 Chevelle SS396 is now regular production
- The controversial and striking Dodge Charger debuts
- The revolutionary Olds Tornado is introduced
- The Corvette gets a 427, and with 3 Holley carbs to boot

But the downside of 1966 is that the Camaro and Firebird were still a year away, Buick was watching from the sidelines, big cube engines wouldn't make it to GM cars for a couple more years, AMC was still making "practical" cars, and it wouldn't be until 1968 when Detroit discovered that adding cool paint jobs and stripes would really kick life into the Musclecar image (68 Hurst/Olds, 68 Road Runner).

As for Pontiac, one of their peaks was 1973/1974, but the SD455 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif ended up being a thoroughbred horse running at a closed race track.

Steven J
06-10-2004, 07:50 PM
Hi Mike, was that you that I saw in the Meijer's gas station in Bolingbrook last weekend ?

olredalert
06-10-2004, 08:08 PM
MikeNoun,

--------Technically, I guess you are correct about tri-power 427 Vettes as 1967 Corvettes (the first year with tri-power) were manufactured during the calendar year of 1966. I know, I know, nitpicking, but correct!.........Bill S

StealthBird
06-10-2004, 08:53 PM
Steven, yes! Do you live in Bolingbrook? Geez, you're the third person that has mentioned (via postings) that they saw my car out last weekend, and I only had it out for 30 minutes! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif Gotta love the internet. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

StealthBird
06-10-2004, 08:59 PM
By the way, last Saturday in Lombard (west suburb of Chicago), we had a 69 COPO Camaro, two 69 Yenkos (one white, one yellow), a 69 SS396 Camaro ragtop, and a show winning 70 LS6, all parked within 30 feet of each other. When Ed Cunneen comes out, he does it in style. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

Paul_S
06-11-2004, 07:30 AM
Mike,

You forgot a little big one for '66. The L-79 Chevy II/Nova. Yes, the Corvette gained the "425HP" 427 in '66 as well as the fullsize cars replacing the L-78.

hvychev
06-11-2004, 09:11 AM
Mike Ed was not there on Sat......

Steven J
06-11-2004, 03:36 PM
Mike, I'm in Naperville. You probably don't recognize the name since the "J" is my middle initial. I don't post my last name, but you know me from Lisle........ Had a 65 GTO, friends with Village Auto Supply, etc......

StealthBird
06-11-2004, 05:32 PM
hvychev, never did see Ed there, but could swear the yellow 69 Yenko was his. Thought maybe I just missed him.

The Yenkos are getting a whole new audience since "The Fast And The Furious 2" came out. I saw several younger guys checking out the cars. In the past, they used to walk by and mutter, "what does 427 mean?". http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

Steve, got ya now. Should have known from your signature. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Mr70
06-11-2004, 05:35 PM
Who was that masked man............ http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

DarrenX33
06-12-2004, 12:28 AM
Hey what about me?! I brought them out in style. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
The ragtop was an SS350 I believe. And Ed Murphy was parked in front of us all with his Hugger Orange SS396 69 Camaro. For opening night that was one heck of a turn out. Usually you see the same stuff but I saw a lot of new cars. Was a great night.

yellowjudge
06-14-2004, 09:19 AM
I was born in 67. I'm torn between 1969 & 70. But, all yrs good, when a musclecar produced. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif