Any time a couple of ACC staffers get together, we tend to start talking cars. And this topic is one that seems to never die at ACC HQ. Just what is the absolute best muscle car of all time? The question really revolves around what you consider a muscle car to be. Is it just defined by a big motor and a small body? Should it be a complete package? Does it require bright colors and lots of swagger, or should it be a sleeper in brown on steelies with dog-dish hubcaps? Should it be the highest seller in today’s market, […]
Any time a couple of ACC staffers get together, we tend to start talking cars. And this topic is one that seems to never die at ACC HQ. Just what is the absolute best muscle car of all time?
The question really revolves around what you consider a muscle car to be. Is it just defined by a big motor and a small body? Should it be a complete package? Does it require bright colors and lots of swagger, or should it be a sleeper in brown on steelies with dog-dish hubcaps? Should it be the highest seller in today’s market, or does that even factor in?
Maybe you’re a traditionalist, and you pick a first-year GTO (or a Chrysler 300 Hemi just to be contrary). Maybe you’re a purist, and to you, nothing better defines muscle than an A12 Road Runner with floor mats. Or maybe you’re a realist, and you’ve been swayed by the heated seats, XM radio, modern handling, and big supercharged power of a 2015 Challenger Hellcat.
I’ve been a Chevy guy forever, so my knee-jerk reaction is to stick to Bowties. I’ve long assumed the high-water mark to be the 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6, but that pick is getting harder and harder to stand behind as the muscle car world changes and more good stuff hits the streets — like the Hellcat or new Shelby Mustang.
ACC’s Associate Editor Chad Tyson also likes the LS6, but he’d rather have a Buick GSX — even though he’s a Ford guy. And Auction Editor Tony Piff is all about Mopar when it comes to the best of the best — he says there’s no better icon than the Hemi ’Cuda, even if it rattles and squeaks more than any other car on the list.
What do you think is the best muscle car of all? Let’s debate it in the comments below.
