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from 1965 to 1967.

The Chrysler Hemi was a beast of an engine. The Hemi (short for hemispherical) was an innovation based on racing engine. The increased air flow design allowed for massive horsepower. The Hemi design was first used in 1951 but was only available in production cars for a short period of time in that era. The Hemi went on to be a hugely successful racing engine. The Hemi set a record speed of 197.88 mph at Bonneville in 1952. A Hemi engine was the power behind the 1965 Bonneville land speed record for a wheeled vehicle at 409.277 mph.

After more than a decade of use only in racing engines and street rods, the "Street Hemi" with twin 4 barreled carbs became available in 1966. The 1968 Dodge Dart and Plymouth Barracudas were lightning fast, powered by Hemi engines. The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner came with a factory 383 c.i. for under $3,000, with an option to upgrade to a 426 c.i. for a little over $700 more.

The Road Runner was the Motor Trend Car of the Year. King Richard [Petty] earned the title of king in 1971 with Hemi power. Bobby Isaac set 28 stock car speed records in his Hemi powered Dodge Charger in 1971, many of those records still stand today. The year of 1971 was also the year that production of the 426 Hemi was halted for street use. Between the years of 1966 and 1971 it's estimated that 11,000 cars powered by Hemi engines were produced. The legend lives on thanks to the many fans of these muscle cars.

Decades later these muscle cars are still what dreams are made of for many of us baby boomers. How could anyone pick the best of one of these old muscle cars? I'm sure most of us have a personal favorite, mine was the 68 GTO. I would gladly take anyone of these classic cars today. In 2004 manufacturers tried to get their hands back in the muscle car market by bringing out several "retro-designed new muscle cars". They apparently don't get it, do they?

Fortunately, you can still find these used muscle cars out there. Some are restored to original condition and others have been modified. Others still are in restorable condition. The best dealers will have an easy to understand rating system for quality and condition. Whether you're buying or selling do some research on what's available for that particular make, model and year. Many of the same web sites have both muscle cars for sale and classified sections for you to advertise your car with plenty of exposure. Many dealers have their own financing options. Some classic car specialists have restoration services, parts cars and other specialty services. Who said dreams can't come true?

For more information on old muscle cars and other classics;

http://www.americancl assicautos.com/

http://www.grea tvehicles.com/classics/

http:// www.select-motors.com/

To get VIN information on a GTO or other Pontiacs visit Pontiac Historic Services online at

http://www.phs-online.com/serv ices.html

For more information on Carroll Shelby;

http://www.carrollshelb y.com/performancedriven.html

Fo r more information on the Chrysler Hemi;

http://www.hemi.com/

Addit ional source;

http://www.edmunds.com/ pontiac/gto/history.html

Learn more about this author, Tina Hartley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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