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.

10 Wisconsin Summer Vacation Destinations Away from the Crowd
WisconsinGuide Magazine
161d 1. Baraboo
Fun for the whole family! Learn about the fifteen species of cranes at the International Crane Foundation and the history of trains at Mid-Continent Railway Museum. Ride an elephant and feed camels at Circus World. Let your imaginations run wild at Dr. Evermor's Art Park, located south of Baraboo across from the Badger Ordnance Plant. Back in Baraboo, refuel after climbing the bluffs at Devil's Lake State Park by indulging in a gourmet burrito topped with cumin sauce at the Little Village Cafe.

2. Cassville/Prairie du Chien
The Mississippi River and two state parks (Nelson Dewey and Wyalusing) offer a wide variety of recreational choices, including boating, hiking, and eagle watching. Visit the Stonefield and Villa Louis State Historic Sites to learn about early European settlers to Wisconsin. Other points of interest: Kickapoo Indian Caverns, St. John Mine, the Cassville Ferry, and Fort Crawford Museum.

3. Cedarburg/Port Washington
For shoppers and antique collectors, historic downtown Cedarburg offers many opportunities to indulge. For the family, there's Cedar Creek Settlement, Pioneer Village, and the Family Farm. Picnic at Covered Bridge Park, featuring Wisconsin's last remaining historical covered bridge. Nearby Port Washington, located on Lake Michigan, has the charm of a New England fishing village. Visit the Lighthouse Museum and Pier Street.

4. Chippewa Falls
Rolling hills in the heart of central Wisconsin provide a beautiful backdrop. Take a tour of Leinenkugel's Brewery or the Cook-Rutledge Museum. For kids, visit the Irvine Park zoo or nearby Fort Bon Secours to see historical reenactments of the French fur trade era. For outdoor enthusiasts, bike on the Old Abe State Bike Trail or hike in Lake Wissota State Park.

5. Dodgeville/Mineral Point/Spring Green
In Mineral Point, visit Pendarvis Historic Site to see how the early Cornish lead miners lived. Shop on historic High Street, and stop in at the Red Rooster Cafe for a pastie. Outside of Dodgeville, visit Folklore Village, then spend the rest of the day swimming and hiking at Governor Dodge State Park. Just down the road, visit the one-of-a-kind House on the Rock. Near Spring Green, see Shakespeare performed outdoors at American Player's Theatre and tour Taliesin, the estate and architectural school built by Frank Lloyd Wright.

6. Green Bay
Green Bay is home to more than Lambeau Field and the Packer Hall of Fame. Did you know it's the oldest settlement in Wisconsin, founded in 1669? Visit Heritage Hill State Park, site of four historical recreations of early life in Wisconsin, and the Oneida Nation Museum. Bay Beach Amusement Park appeals to children of all ages, and the low price can't be beat – rides are only 20 cents! At the National Railroad Museum, visitors can take a short jaunt on a diesel-engine train.

7. Hayward
Home to the great Birkebeiner cross-country ski race every winter, Hayward also offers summer fun. The area boasts 200 lakes and rivers, so fishing and water enthusiasts won't be bored. The nearby Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Take a cruise on the Wilderness Queen or the Denum Lacey and watch for bald eagles, loons, deer and black bear. Visit Scheer's Lumberjack Shows and the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.

8. Marinette/Peshtigo
Marinette County bills itself as the Waterfalls Capital of Wisconsin and publishes a helpful map listing fourteen falls on a scenic route. If you yearn for adventure, try whitewater rafting on the Peshtigo and Menominee Rivers. Visit the Peshtigo Fire Museum to learn more about the Peshtigo Fire, a much more deadly fire than the Great Chicago Fire, which coincidentally happened the same day – Oct. 8, 1871.

9. Superior
There's plenty to see and do in Wisconsin's sister city to Duluth. For outdoor enthusiasts, canoe on the Bois Brule and hike in Amnicon Falls State Park or Pattison State Park. (Both have beautiful waterfalls.) In Superior, visit Fairlawn Mansion & Museum, the Old Fire House & Police Museum, the S.S. Meteor & Maritime Museum, and the Superior Entry Lighthouse.

10. Waupaca
Host to this year's Farm Technology Days, July 15-17. Canoe the Crystal River or tour the Chain O' Lakes aboard the Chief Waupaca sternwheeler on a narrated cruise. Within Hartman Creek State Park, let the kids play at the sandy beach of Hartman Lake or fish in one of four lakes off limits to motorized boats. Bike the Ice Age Trail and view the Farmington Drumlins, teardrop-shaped hills created by glaciers.

For more information about the above locations, use our powerful search engine to find recreation, lodging, dining, attractions, events, and shopping. Our database of over 40,000 listings is searchable by region, county, city, keyword, date, and category.


Wisconsin tourism-related businesses can build a spotlight ad or website at WisconsinGuide.com using friendly SiteBuilder Xpress software. Choose from one of fifteen template designs, answer a series of questions, and within 15 minutes, your site will be up and running and getting exposure. (Yes, it really is that easy!)

About the Author

None

2c
http://www.aaarticles.com/article21886.html