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.

Still Running Wild
Sarah McBride
e57

Its name means a small yet hardy wild horse that could most probably be a descendant of the Arabian horses. And for many years since its introduction, this vehicle has lived up to its name and charged through the automobile world and has been the top selling sports car for nineteen years straight as well as holding the best selling convertible of America spot. It would be quite surprising if most people would not know what this vehicle is. Certainly, this vehicle is the Ford Mustang, who has made its first entrance to the public back in the year 1964. And even if it has stayed that long in the market, it still is one of the most popular sports cars the globe over.

This vehicle has been the icon of American vehicles and performance. It holds a bold style, a brawny and strong engine, and excitement that finds its source from its rear wheel drive. The 2006 Ford Mustang has a V6 engine that the company dubbed as the “Pony Package”. It holds 18 inch wheels, new colors, a custom grille with fog lamps, and an interior upgrade. This vehicle has been made available in different trim models that include the standard, the deluxe, and the premium package. As per the last year, this sports car has been acclaimed as the Most Significant Vehicle, which is an award that is given out by Edmunds.com. Also, the Ford Mustang received the Official Car of Summer award given this time by the Outside magazine. It also raced its way up AutoWeek's and Ward's Auto World's list of top 10 cars and 10 best vehicles respectively.

Because of the Ford Mustang's colorful history, this sports can still owns the signature long hood and short rear deck along with its C-scoops in the side, the three-element tail lamps, and the galloping horse badge that is located at the center of the grille that was has been its natural identity in its entire history. What has been added up for the 2006 Ford Mustang is that it now holds Pony front fender badges, a lower door tape stripe, carpeted front floor mats that has been badged with a special brushed chrome “Mustang” logos, and a rear spoiler. It also features four-wheel disc brakes that has the anti-lock braking system and traction control. One of the new accessories and customizations that a 2006 Ford Mustang owner could have is its instrument panel that, as the first in the industry, is color-configurable and which owners could choose to mix and match lighting at the touch of a button. With this, owners could create more than 125 different color backgrounds for their instrument panel.

Shopping for Ford Mustang parts and Ford auto parts has been made easy by online stores like Auto Parts Deal. Auto Parts Deal comes handy with all sorts of parts and accessories for Ford Mustang and Ford vehicles. Ford Mustang owners and consumers can work their way through the easy to handle collection of quality and affordable Ford parts.

2c
http://www.ideamarketers.com/./library/article.cfm?articleid=74761