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.

Ford Crown Victoria: The Classic American Car
Jay Stevens
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The Ford Motor Company is yet again behind one of the superb vehicles – the Ford Crown Victoria. This vehicle is a full-size car that had its history of production dating back to the 1950s, and relived again in the 1970s. It had quite a mediocre sales in the general public's market, however, it gained much popularity among the ranks of those in uniform. This is a full-sized sedan, and is more often known as “Crown Vic”. It is more known to be a top-of-the-line sedan among the Ford's creations. Its predecessor was the Ford LTD. And just like the Ford LTD, the Ford Crown Victoria is also usually used as a taxi cab, fleet vehicle, and police car.

The very first of the Crown Victorias had its humble makings starting in the year 1955. It made its way down the streets as a two-door six-seater hardtop coupe. It differed from the regular Victoria model through its having a stainless steel band that 'crowned' the roofline, passing right over the car, as an extension of the B-pillar line.

People talking about a traditional American are more often than not talking about vehicles like the Ford Crown Victoria, or its twin the Mercury Grand Marquis. The Ford Crown Victoria is a large car with a V8 engine under the long hood and a body separate from its steel frame. Furthermore, it has wide bench seats, soft suspension, a relatively large trunk, and poor fuel economy. The police have liked the Ford Crown Victoria because the engine makes it fairly quick, along with its rear-wheel drive that provides predictable handling, the interior can handle and take in the officer and all the police gear, plus the simple mechanicals are durable. Overall, the vehicle is not expensive.

This vehicle has been made available in three trim levels which comprises of the Standard, the LX, and the LX Sport. The Standard is plain, which is what most fleets like. The mid-line LX has alloy wheels, making it exude the look of more like a civilian machine. The LX Sport has slightly larger alloy wheels. Ordering it in dark red, gray, black, or silver birch means that it comes with a color-matched monochrome trim. The black LX Sport looks a lot like an unmarked police car.

As for the Ford Crown Victoria's interior, it is currently one of the few remaining cars that are sold in the U.S. that still offer a bench front seat. The seats are soft, however for longer drives, it could get uncomfortable for passengers since it lacks support. The controls found inside this vehicle are fairly simple and straightforward.

Ford Crown Victoria owners can shop for discount car parts and accessories from Ford Parts Discount's auto parts catalog. In stock are thousands of Ford Crown Victoria parts for all enthusiasts. From engine and radiator parts to lights and hoods and wheels, customers can find everything to repair and maintain their Ford Crown Victoria.

Although the Ford Crown Victoria has squishy seats, a mushy handling, and modest V8 engines, these are overpowered by the vehicle's huge trunk. Also, one plus for this is that because it is often mistaken for a cop car, the Ford Crown Victoria receives respect when on the road. And, this vehicle is certainly a full-size, rear-drive Americana.

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