Top 3 Muscle Cars

[crossboss]

Last night, I watched a new episode of 'Detroit Muscle', and they had the Top 10 countdown. Anyways, it came to the Top 3 Muscle Cars. Btw, all the of the 3 are owned by gun maker and car nut, Les Baer. The results are:
3. 1969 Boss 429 Mustang.
2. 1970 LS6 Chevelle.
1. 1970 Hemi 'Cuda.
 You agree, or disagree?

[crossboss]

Les Baer's cars and the Top 3:

[169INDY]

You are close to my selections: Kick the NASCAR engine  out and add a 1970 GSX Stage I for Me please.

In good fun; LoL

[crossboss]

You are close to my selections: Kick the NASCAR engine  out and add a 1970 GSX Stage I for Me please.

In good fun; LoL

The only "Muscle Car" there is the Chevelle.
Originally the definition was mid size car with big block engine.
The others are "Pony Cars" so named because Mustang started the "personal" car craze.
That said, look at the 'Cuda, it's almost (or is) the same size as the Chevelle.
I will agree on the shows choices. Its the 3 from the Big 3!
Remember, it was not about the 'best' or 'fastest', it was what was considered desirable/popular/respected back then. All three fit that bill in my book.

[crossboss]

Now, IF you select only 'Muscle Cars', I will say the top three would be (in my opinion), are:
1970 Olds 442 W-30, 455 cid.
1970 Buick GS Stage 1, 455 cid.
Tie: 1969 1/2 440-6 Road Runner/1970 Mercury Spoiler, 429 SCJ.
Why these?
1. Styling
2. Performance
3. Just plain 'ol neat.
4. All around the best. 1/4 mile, wow factor, and roomy/comfortable (maybe except the Road Runner).
And, most important: I would be proud to have all of them in my garage!
Again, my choices.

[Sauron327]

That's it. I'm going to junk my 1971 429 Cobra Jet 429 4peed Torino with original drivetrain and low CA mileage. Not a real muscle car I guess. TV show opinions mean nothing to me. 69 SC/Rambler mentioned? Local one I hand lettered and helped restore is on the cover of Muscle Car Review.

[bcmiller]

Over the years I have had a chance to only buy 2 Buick GSX cars. I wish I would have been able to get one of them. Pure Muscle.

[z28z11]

Interesting. Webster states the first use of the term "muscle car" was in 1966, before a lot of the cars mentioned as "intermediates with large engines" would have been represented as such. Webster goes on to say that 'muscle cars' were stated to be sport coupes with high performance engines - and I certainly agree with a '69 Rambler Hurst/SC w/ 390, 4 peed and limited slip rear being a muscle car. These things would honk,only 1512 built, friend of mine from high school had one about the same time I bought my first Z in '73. It was scary - absolutely melt the tires at will. I rode in that car one time - not twice.

Two cents -

Steve

[crossboss]

Guys,
Remember 'back in the day' when these cars were new they were called 'Super Cars', not 'Muscle Cars'. At least thats what I have read in the magazines. I believe the term 'Muscle Car' came about in the late 1970s-early 80s(?).

[David K]

Can’t understand why my 68 Camaro with the big six 250 cube didn’t make it?

[MO]

Can’t understand why my 68 Camaro with the big six 250 cube didn’t make it?

LOL!

[bergy]

I've owned all three of those "top three".  Boss 9 was a huge disappointment.  Factory stock - it couldn't get out of it's own way!

[crossboss]

I've owned all three of those "top three".  Boss 9 was a huge disappointment.  Factory stock - it couldn't get out of it's own way!

Agreed. The Boss 429 in stock form was a turd. Street Hemi cars were not far behind, also a disappointment. However, the 440-6 A12 cars were very quick. Buick GS Stage 1s were called 'Hemi killers' for a reason. Torque, baby!