Muscle cars have always occupied a special place in automotive culture.
Their thunderous engines, bold styling, and raw power capture the hearts of enthusiasts across generations.
These cars aren’t just about speed—they represent freedom, rebellion, and the spirit of the open road.
While automotive trends come and go, some muscle cars have become timeless icons.
Their legends persist, fueled by relentless innovation and unwavering fan devotion.
Let’s explore the 20 muscle cars that, decade after decade, have never lost their edge.
Rivalries have always been the fuel behind automotive innovation. Whether sparked by bruised egos, corporate ambition, or personal grudges, some of history’s most celebrated cars owe their existence to fierce competition. These vehicles are more than feats of engineering; they’re rolling testaments to the lengths automakers will go to outshine a rival.
In this article, we’ll explore the legendary cars born from these epic feuds—machines that forever altered the industry and became icons on both road and racetrack.
The idea of an affordable coach-built Italian sports car is just about a nonsensical statement. Add the name Alfa Romeo to the equation, and you may think there is no such car. Unbelievably, though, there is a classic coach-built Alfa Romeo that is not only affordable but also fun to drive and easy to live with on a daily basis. That car is our Pick of the Day – a 1970 Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato on ClassicCars.com.
The Alfa Junior Zagato is based on the Alfa 105 chassis made famous in the GT and GTV coupes of the 1960s and ’70s. It was penned by designer Ercole Spada, whose first design while at Zagato was the legendary Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato. The Junior Zagato, introduced at the 1969 Turin Motor Show, was sold and marketed by Alfa Romeo. Alfa would build a total of only 2,618 total Junior Zagato cars over the car’s 7-year production run, making it a very rare 105 Series Alfa.
The best part of the Junior Zagato is that even though it is a coach-built Italian car, all of its mechanicals are the same as any other 105 Series Alfa, meaning the cost to run one of these special cars is the same as a 1974 Alfa Spider, yet it qualifies for most of the world’s top concours events, as it is a coach-built car.
The seller’s description of this Alfa Junior Zagato states it is a very well-sorted, long-term California car with numerous performance upgrades and benefits from expert care by a series of devoted marque enthusiasts. One notable past owner of this car is Ken “Mr. Alfa” Shaff, best known as co-founder of both Autoweek magazine and the California Mille rally (with fellow Alfa enthusiast and classic car legend Martin Swig).
The seller adds that this Junior Zagato was treated to extensive engine-out mechanical refurbishment work in 2019 done by Stewarts Automotive in Sacramento, California. Since early 2022 the car has been in the care of an experienced Alfa specialist and vintage racer, who expertly dialed it in to be a reliable classic tour car. According to the seller, the blue paintwork is in very good condition overall and is done to a level that encourages regular driving. They disclose there are minor cracks around the A-pillars, C-pillars and near the tailgate opening – something quite common on these cars.
The interior trim is said to be well-preserved and in good condition and features correct instruments, switchgear and cockpit fittings, though an aftermarket radio has been added.
I owned one of these cars many years ago and found it to be one of the most fun Alfas I have ever owned. It sounds amazing, has adequate power to be able to keep up with modern traffic and has incredible handling for the era. Although quite small, even my 6-foot-4 self found the Junior Zagato comfortable for hundreds of miles of driving. It drives as good or better than any Alfa GTV and looks like no other Alfa ever built. (It is said the Junior Zagato was the design template for the Honda CRX, which to me only adds to the car’s allure.)
Now for the best part. The Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato has always been the single most affordable entry into the world of coach-built Alfas, and this car – with an asking price of only $85,000 – represents a good deal on what sounds to be a fully sorted vehicle with an interesting ownership history.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
This 1937 Ford Tudor sedan was built around 1985 with a 350ci Chevrolet V8 linked to a TH350 automatic. The car rides on staggered Boyd Coddington wheels and a Mustang II-style front end with power steering and discs, and it has been refinished in beige and has a custom interior with bucket seats, Bluetooth-capable stereo, power windows, a Chevrolet steering column, and a Lecarra wheel. Acquired by the seller in 2020, this ’37 Model 78 Deluxe Tudor sedan street rod is now offered with spare parts, a car cover, and a clean Michigan title in the name of the seller’s sister.
The steel Deluxe Tudor sedan bodywork was painted beige during the build, and the front fenders are fiberglass. The bumpers have been removed, as have the sides of the hood.
The car rides on a Mustang II-style front end with power steering and disc brakes, while leaf springs are utilized out back. The staggered Boyd Coddington wheels have 225/40 front and 235/40 rear Nitto tires.
The interior was redone with two-tone upholstery, bucket seats, and power windows. The Bluetooth-capable Kenwood stereo is hidden in the glovebox.
The Lecarra wheel is mounted on a Chevrolet steering column. The seller has added ~1,500 of the ~16,500 miles indicated, though total mileage is unknown.
The 350ci Chevrolet V8 is topped by an Edelbrock Performer aluminum intake manifold and a Holley carburetor. Chrome accessories were installed along with headers.
The TH350 automatic is linked to a 10-bolt rear end.
American supercars have consistently pushed the boundaries of engineering, performance, and design for decades.
From classic V8 powerhouses rumbling down wide-open highways to today’s technological marvels dominating racetracks, these machines embody the spirit of American ingenuity and ambition.
This list explores twenty of the most impressive American supercars ever built, highlighting their unique features, historic milestones, and the ways they’ve redefined what it means to chase speed and excellence on four wheels.
Get ready to discover the icons that have shaped the American supercar legacy.
The 1980s were a playground of excess and ambition, where neon lights, power suits, and synthesizer soundtracks set an unforgettable tone. Amid this cultural explosion, supercars emerged as the ultimate status symbols—rolling testaments to luxury, speed, and the relentless pursuit of innovation.
Their bold designs and audacious engineering pushed boundaries, capturing the imagination of dreamers and collectors alike. More than just machines, these supercars became icons of aspiration, reflecting the era’s larger-than-life personality.
Let’s journey back to the ‘80s and celebrate the 15 supercars that truly defined its extravagance.
In the annals of American road rallies, we have had the Cannonball Run, which led to the One Lap of America. More recently, we have had the goldRush Rally, an event that’s in its 16th year. The 2025 Gold Tour had its kickoff several days ago and will run through June 8.
The goldRush Rally bills itself as “a gathering of passionate individuals who share a love for luxury and the thrill of the open road.” Per the website, it’s synonymous with “opulence, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. Our world-renowned luxury and exotic vehicle rallies are more than just drives; they’re immersive journeys curated to leave lasting memories, forge lifelong friendships, and will have you coming back year after year.” As you can see, this is a different kind of rally, not so hell-bent on finishing first as much as enjoying putting exotics (really, anything) through their paces beyond the local Cars and Coffee meet.
On Friday, May 30, 2025, drivers left Beverly Hills for Las Vegas. Every day is a new stop, continuing on to Park City, Vail, Denver (alright, I lied—two days for that), Kansas City, St. Louis and, finally, Chicago. “This epic journey … showcases breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and lavish accommodations.”
There are three options for participants, which include hotel room, secured parking at all locations, luggage transportation, gifting suite, “The Gold Tour” gear, VIP entrance to all planned events, private lunches and dinners in select cities, and CIP entrance to all nightly entertainment and clubs, plus attendance to the awards ceremony and professional photography of cars and their drivers:
- Team of two for the whole rally costs $23,000
- Team of two, going halfway to Denver, costs $12,000
- Team of two, going halfway starting in Denver, costs $12,000
Considering this is “The Ultimate Luxury Lifestyle Automotive Rally in the USA” and the high bar of entry, chances are there will be several interesting vehicles driven by participants. If you live near a destination city and fancy yourself as an enthusiast for McLarens, Lamborghinis, Ferraris and more, it’s worth visiting www.goldrushrally.com to see how you can catch some Gold Tour action.
Barrett-Jackson, our parent company, is a sponsor of the goldRush Rally.
Pace cars are somewhat of a curiosity. There was a time when manufacturers did not exploit the honor, but during the mid-1960s, they started to take pace cars seriously and use their status as a selling point. Our AutoHunter Spotlight, this Mercury Cyclone GT Indianapolis Pace Car convertible, is one of the first pace cars marketed to the public. Like all Cyclone GTs, this one is powered by an S-code 390, which is connected to a Merc-O-Matic automatic with “Sport Shift.” Other features on this Cardinal Red ragtop include a matching white power top and vinyl interior, fiberglass hood, Styled Steel wheels, an AM radio, and more. Documentation and a clear title will be included as part of the sale.
Only 2,158 Cyclone GTs were built in 1966; pace cars were painted in Cardinal Red with white trim such as the GT stripes, pinstriping, and convertible top. The non-functional twin-scooped hood was unusual for its time because it was fiberglass, so perhaps Mercury could be considered an early adopter in this case. Other features include a driver-side mirror and Cyclone badges with racing flags. Wheels are the very stylish 14-inch Styled Steel wheels wrapped in F70 Firestone Redline radials.
The cabin features white vinyl seats with buckets up front, complemented by red components. The console houses the Sport Shift mechanism that allows you to hold a gear, much like Hurst’s His and Hers shifter. Other features include a woodgrain steering wheel, power steering, and an AM radio.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature, amperage, and fuel. The odometer reads 51,763 miles, though the mileage is not indicated on the title.
The 390 V8 offers 335 horsepower with a four-barrel carburetor and 10.5:1 compression. It is paired with a Merc-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission.
The underside consists of four-wheel drum brakes, 3.25 single-traction gears, and dual exhaust outlets.
This 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT Indianapolis Pace Car convertible reflects everything that was great about the Ford Motor Company during the early days of “Total Performance.” Open-air driving and a Formula 1 connection are characteristics that never go out of style. Combine those with big-block power and you have the makings of a very sweet collectible. Be sure to place your bid on AutoHunter right away because the auction ends on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
Front-wheel-drive has been a part of automotive technology for so long and been in so many vehicles that we take it for granted. We now live in an age in which even certain trucks, like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, come standard with FWD. But back in the 1920s, sending power through the front end was a novel idea, at least for road cars made in America. In 1929, Cord changed that with its L-29, which is credited as the first American front-wheel-drive production car.
Many people fear what they don’t understand, especially when it comes to their safety. Cord seemed to understand that, which explains why it tried to educate the car-buying public on FWD’s benefits. In a 1929 brochure, company founder E.L. Cord himself said, “Its exclusive advantages in safety, easy handling, comfort and durability have already won a host of converts!” The captions under certain technical illustrations mentioned how the L-29’s engine/transmission/differential/front brake packaging allowed for greater efficiency, and the universal joints were capable of sharper steering angles and longer service life compared to rear-wheel-drive hardware.
Cord went into even more visual and technical detail in its 1931 promotional materials, literally going from the bottom up detailing how Cord Front Drive was better than a RWD layout. According to the automaker, its frame architecture made it more rigid and allowed for a lower body and center of gravity, as well as a more comfortable ride for rear passengers.
The lack of a prop shaft and rear differential and axle meant passengers were “not disturbed by noise, rumble or vibration of these operating parts.” Sending power to the front wheels also helped the L-29’s directional stability and enhanced its traction on difficult terrain.
The reality is that there is so much about automotive history we’ll never know because certain documents and experts have been lost to time. Fortunately, not only did Cord choose to educate consumers on its Front Drive technology, but its promo materials also continue to exist (thanks to dedicated people) and show enthusiasts of all ages just how much the industry has changed.
The hit song “Shake, Rattle and Roll” was written in 1954 by Jesse Stone and swiftly made its way to the Rolling Stone magazine list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. It was performed by Joe Turner, Bill Haley & His Comets and even the legendary Elvis Presley at one time or another.
The song also captured the rebellious spirit and freedom associated with hot rod culture. It had a youthful energy about it, which is one of the reasons why one classic-car builder decided to airbrush the song name inside the engine bay of this car:
The Pick of the Day is a custom 1951 Ford convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Radcliff, Kentucky.
“Won many Best of Show awards,” the listing says. And we believe it. The longer you look at the car, the more details you start to notice: The frenched headlights, louvered hood, dual spotlights, shaved door handles, wide whitewall tires and rear wheel skirts are just a few. To say that it’s a unique build is putting it very mildly.
The interior, too, received its share of enhancements as part of the restomod-style overhaul. The dash and upholstery are accented in pinstriping, the steering wheel is body-colored, the floor mats wear embroidered Ford logos, power windows have been added, and a Panasonic AM/FM/CD player is cleverly hidden inside the glove compartment.
Power comes from a rebuilt flathead V8 paired with an automatic transmission. (When new, a 239ci V8 was available for 1951 Rod cars, but the listing doesn’t call out the specifics in terms of displacement (or whether it’s numbers-matching). One thing is for sure – the engine bay is loaded with lots of chrome, including the valve covers, air cleaners, pulleys and radiator support. Mechanical improvements include a 12-volt electrical system, an electronic distributor and front disc brakes. The seller says, “Everything works as it should.”
A hot rod can be an expression of style and individuality, and this car has an identity unlike any other. Its inside-and-out customization – even including rock ‘n’ roll lyrics – will make it a conversation piece at any cruise or show. Bill Haley would be proud to own and drive it!
The asking price is $39,500 or best offer.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com