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.

The New Shelby Mustang GT500
David Anthony

Mustang enthusiasts are in heaven with the recent collaboration between Carroll Shelby and Ford once again. As a legendary race car driver turned designer, Shelby infused the classic Mustang with the kind of power and style that hadn't yet been seen before in any vehicle of its day. To completely understand the fascination and borderline obsession some people have with Shelby Mustangs, you have to know its history and background. Ford Shelby Mustangs were the 1960's. They epitomized the era and captured the look and feel of the people of that time. New, exciting and on the cutting edge of technology- Mustangs mirrored the world as it was in the 1960's and helped to secure a preoccupation with life in the fast lane. Today, Mustangs live on as one the greatest sports cars ever made.

Now you can understand why there had been so much acclaim and anticipation for the 2006 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 to be unveiled, even before it hit the dealerships. It has been hailed as the “most powerful Mustang to ever come out of the factory” and it's easy to see why. With a 450 horsepower, 5.4 V engine, it's no wonder Shelby fans are scrambling to dealerships to be one of the first to take it for a test drive.

With both old and new characteristics, the 2006 GT500 has come full circle. Ford has remained true to the allure of the classic Mustang…all that power and speed packed into an easy to handle and lightweight automobile and they didn't sacrifice the design. The similarities between the Mustang of the past and the present model lay in the exterior mostly. You'll find those tell tale white Shelby stripes running from the front to the back of the car and the rear fascia will bring back memories of the GT500's of yesterday.

The interior is ebony black and luxurious, while the six speed manual transmission makes for superior handling and a smooth ride. This is the most capable Mustang yet and one that will take your breath away when you take it for a spin. Even if you weren't yet born when Shelby first began modifying Mustangs, you'll get an idea of what it was like to own this car when it was still so new and exciting.

If you're a car collector, a Shelby fan or just love a good Mustang, Ford has created the ultimate. Fans have been chomping at the bit since they heard that this vehicle was in the making and the chatter about it hasn't ceased since. It's the dream car of many and why wouldn't it be? It has the classic Shelby look coupled with modern day technology and a reasonable price tag.

Shelby enthusiasts will find themselves reminiscing about the GT500 from the 60's upon inspecting the 2006 model, but they'll be too swept away by its agility, amazing power and enhanced engine to become overly nostalgic. This car is suped up to the maximum… one that the people in the 1960's couldn't have even begun to fathom and it's waiting at a dealership near you.

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