The idea of installing a powerful engine in a post WWII mid-size car was introduced in 1957. The American Motors (AMC) Rebel showcased AMC?s new 327 in³ V8 255 hp with a 4 barrel carburetor (fuel injection was to be optional), thus making it the first American factory hot-rod hardtop sedan. The Rambler Rebel came with a manual or automatic transmission, and dual exhaust. The Rebel was promoted as the fastest four-door car in America from 0-60 mph and ran the quarter mile in 17.0 seconds. It was one of the quickest production automobiles at that time.

The popularity of the muscle car grew in the 1960s. Among these was the Pontiac Tempest. For 1964 and 1965, the GTO was an option package that included Pontiac's 389 in³ (6.5 L) V8 engine, floor-shifted transmission with Hurst shift linkage, and special trim. In 1966, the Pontiac GTO was no longer an option, and became its own model. The project, spearheaded by Pontiac division president John De Lorean, was technically a violation of General Motors policy limiting its smaller cars to 330 in³ (5.4 L) displacement, but it proved far more popular than expected, and inspired a host of imitations, both at GM and its competitors.

This marked a general trend towards factory performance, which reflected the importance of the youth market. A key appeal of the muscle cars was that they offered the burgeoning American car culture an array of relatively affordable vehicles with strong street performance that could also be used for racing. The affordability aspect was quickly compromised by increases in size, optional equipment, and plushness, forcing the addition of more and more powerful engines just to keep pace with performance. A backlash against this cost and weight growth led in 1967 and 1968 to a secondary trend of "budget muscle" in the form of the Plymouth Road Runner, Dodge Super Bee, and other stripped, lower-cost variants.

Although the sales of true muscle cars were relatively modest by total Detroit standards, they had considerable value in publicity and bragging rights, serving to bring young buyers into showrooms. Automakers saw these as halo models and some, such as the AMC Rebel Machine, were factory upgraded to be turn-key drag racers. The 1970 Machine even came with flamboyant and patriotic red, white, and blue reflective body graphics for maximum street and racetrack visibility. The fierce competition led to an escalation in power that peaked in 1970, with some models offering as much as 450 hp (and others likely producing as much actual power, whatever their rating).

The Dodge Charger, known for its appearance as the villan's vehicle in the movie BullittAnother related type of car is the car-based pickup. Examples of these are the Ford Ranchero, GMC Sprint, GMC Caballero, and one of the most famous examples, the Chevrolet El Camino.

What’s Your Dream Car?
Sue and Chuck DeFiore
Remember when you were young and looking to get that first car. You looked around at the cars your friends had, you looked in the various car magazines and would put yourself behind the wheel of all the cars they featured.

I do. In fact, I can remember my grandmother and father asking me what kind of car I wanted for my High School graduation. I really wanted to get a powder blue Corvette with white interior, or a white Corvette with powder blue interior. They thought the price for one back then was a bit more than they wanted to spend and didn't feel it was a good “first” car. So I got my “Black Beauty” instead, a black, 2 door 1962 Chevy Belair with blue vinyl seats, which I fell in love with real quick.

They were right, I am glad I got the car I did, but a girl has dreams and that Corvette was mine at the time. This is closest picture I could find as to what it would have looked like.

http://www.matchingnumbersusa.com/articles/pix_vet_full_close.jpg

Chuck and I were lucky enough to own a 1973 Corvette and had loads of fun with it. We joined a Corvette Club, met a great bunch of people and did a variety of events. Shows, rally's, low and high speed events. Plus we went to the Corvette Convention in Michigan. We also had a blast driving it cross country and were very sad when we had to sell it because it wouldn't pass smog here in California.

The Bronco we got just didn't cut it, so we started looking and got ourselves 1955 Chevy, and a 1963 Impala which we restored. Stupid us sold both when we moved. Should of kept them and sold the Bronco. If only we had a crystal ball back then to know what we know now.

So, what is my dream car today, well take a look at the beauty below, a 1953 Chrysler Imperial. Though I will have to wait for a while until we finish with the 1977 Cougar we have right now. Along with the Imperial, we are also on the lookout for a 1976 Lincoln Town car, a Triumph TR6 or Spitfire, a MGA and possibly a Lotus for auto crossing or vintage racing. So many cars, so little time.

http://www.matchingnumbersusa.com/articles/1953%20Chyrsler%20Imperial.jpg

As you can see we have varied tastes. So what is your dream car? Drop in and let us know at MatchingNumbersUSA.com today.

Copyright DeFiore Enterprises 2005

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