What makes a muscle car is raw power. These are usually big cars, big by today's standards for a car anyway. We are usually talking about products of Detroit when we speak of a muscle car. The Chevy Camaro and Corvette, the Ford Mustang, the Dodge Charger, the Plymouth Barracuda and more from this era are all examples of muscle cars.

The power that drives the rear wheels of a muscle car usually comes from a big V-8 engine. These engines are huge, and burn a lot of gasoline. The 427, 440, 426 Hemi, 428 Cobra Jet, 396 and other big block engines drove the muscle cars to the peak of horsepower ever sold in a production car. Standing next to one of these engines in operation, one can feel the sheer power of these motors throb through their bodies. The sound of thunder, whine of a supercharger, squealing fanbelts and earth-shaking energy are a thing to be experienced.

All of this power has to make it to the pavement. Muscle cars usually come equipped with a four on the floor transmission, 4.11:1 posi differential, and fat rear tires. When those slicks tear loose they leave twin black trails and a cloud of rubber smoke. The deafening roar of twin exhaust and glass pack mufflers adds to the sheer mayhem.

With the hood popped open you will see an ocean of chrome. Braided steel covers hoses to protect them from the heat. Shining twin four-barrel carbs, a polished aluminum blower, bright orange sparkplug wires and an MSD ignition mounted on the firewall complete the image. Air cleaners sport wide open filters or through the hood scoops for easier engine breathing.

The muscle car will have shiny paint, often in deeply polished and clear-coated tones of candy-apple. You might have stripes or numbers on the hood and roof, but you will never see a speck of rust. Some of the more well-used models will sport quarter mile ETs written in white grease pencil in the corner of the windshield. Wheels will be polished mags and chrome side pipes are common.

A muscle car is not just a vehicle, it is an occupation and a means of entertainment. You will find yourself tuning, tweaking, cleaning and maintaining this hunk of iron and steel for the rest of your natural days. The muscle car has its own culture in America and will always have a place of renown on the streets.

Learn more about this author, William Remski.
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