As a child of the 1980s, I spent many quarters playing arcade games. From Space Port in the local mall to the Longhorn Ranch in Glen Mills and the many arcades along the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, I played so many—from electromechanical games to vector and raster classics—that I’ve developed a sense of nostalgia for my youth. I miss it even more knowing that Nissan’s Formula E Team has launched this retro arcade game.
NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo was created in collaboration with Japanese illustrator Kentaro Yoshida to mark the arrival of the FIA Formula E World Championship in Japan for the team’s home race, May 17-18, 2025.
“We’re very excited to return to our home E-Prix in Tokyo. This race is not only a major moment for us as a team, but also a chance to celebrate our Japanese heritage,” said Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of Nissan’s Formula E Team. “With ‘NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo’ we’ve created something that captures the energy we bring to the track while celebrating Japan’s legendary gaming culture. We’ve had a good season so far and we’re ready to give it our all in Tokyo to deliver excitement both on and off the track.”
Developed in an 8-bit style (think Nintendo NES), NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo allows you to get behind the wheel and simulate the 200-mph excitement of Formula E on Tokyo’s street circuit. Best of all, you can play it in the comfort of your own home—just go to www.NismoElectricRacer.com!
Additionally, Yoshida’s handiwork will appear on the Formula E team’s livery, which reimagines the Sakura-themed (cherry blossom) design. This will be unveiled during a May 14th event at Nissan Global Headquarters in Yokohama and across NISMO’s social media channels.
Many of us have been brought to an office at a new car dealership to be pressured by the F&I (Finance & Insurance) manager to purchase an extended warranty or a dealer-installed option we don’t really want. Our Pick of the Day, a 1969 Ford Torino GT SportsRoof, reflects an F&I success story due to one unusual feature. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Homer City, Pennsylvania.
The Torino GT was in its second year in 1969, facelifted with changes in grille and trim, but it was largely the same car as before. Available body styles were the SportsRoof fastback, the more formal Hardtop, and the Convertible. All three came standard with a 302 two-barrel with 210 horsepower. That certainly doesn’t sound like GT power, but the GT was more sporty than sport.
If you wanted more power, you could opt for the new 351, which was available in two states of tune: 250 horsepower with a two-barrel or 290 horsepower with a four-barrel. The latter was the beginning of the more sports side of the model. If torque was your desire, then the 390 four-barrel with 320 lb-ft was your next choice, but if you went that far, why not consider the 335-horsepower 428 Cobra Jet? It was the only engine available with ram air induction, though Ford included a non-functional hood scoop with all Torino GTs aside from the rarefied few that were ordered without it. New for the CJ was the Drag Pack, a package that featured upgraded parts for durability at the drag strip. In addition to 3.91 or 4.30 gears, features included an oil cooler and an upgraded crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, wrist pins, flywheel, flexplate, and harmonic balancer. The Drag Pack was introduced several months into production because Ford discovered issues with engine durability, especially with excessive oil temperatures.
Several new features stand out for the Torino GT: If you opted for the SportsRoof, you received a C-stripe that was distinct from the one available in 1968, with this one following the mid-section of the body instead of the beltline; coupes and convertibles received the traditional GT stripe above the rocker panels. Plus, the C-pillar on the SportsRoof now featured three louvers instead of five.
Thanks to the Plymouth Road Runner, Ford introduced the Fairlane-based Cobra, which came standard with the Cobra Jet. Certainly, that was more sport than sporty. Interior and exterior trim were lacking compared to the Torino GT, so when equipped with the same powerplant, the GT came off as less austere and more deluxe. Visually and intrinsically, the Torino GT presented itself more nicely.
One option not available on the SportsRoof, whether it was a Cobra, Fairlane 500, or Torino GT, was a vinyl roof. However, you might notice that this 1969 Ford Torino GT SportsRoof has a light gold vinyl roof that nicely complements the Black Jade paint and gold stripes. It’s one of the third-party dealer-installed items that was available back in the day. These pop up on occasion, but we imagine many were removed upon restoration. It certainly gives this GT a unique look and we’d bet that it was prepped by the dealership for its inventory, rather than a customer who dealt with F&I. Inside, you’ll find a Medium Ivy Green bucket-seat interior with a console housing the automatic shifter. Power comes from a 428 Cobra Jet with ram air, one of 1,285 built with this engine (of which 703 had automatics). Other options per the Marti Report show power steering and brakes, a tachometer, an AM radio, tinted windows, and the Visibility Group.
The seller states current upgrades include a Holley 600-cfm carburetor, an aluminum intake, and a PerTronix Flame-Thrower coil, but it’s that vinyl top that truly makes this already-unique car even more special. Best of all, the seller won’t try to upsell you once you spend your $52,900.
The automotive world waited decades for a mid-engine Corvette and finally got it in 2020. Now look where we are: 2026 will be the C8’s seventh model year. There are no significant engine changes in store (as of this moment), but the Vette’s interior has been completely overhauled.
The outgoing interior design.
The 2020-2025 Corvette’s interior, with its central rising strip of HVAC controls that divided the driver and passenger, had a visual drama to it that matched the flashy exterior. But that signature characteristic wasn’t popular with everyone.
Now there’s a grab handle between the two seats, but there’s an open area below it with a wireless charging pad. The layout of the center console was completely redesigned. The HVAC controls were moved to the bottom of the larger 12.7-inch display for the infotainment system, which features Google Built-in that enables occupants to use voice commands to open the updated Performance Data Recorder and operate other features. The drive mode selector was redesigned and placed in front of the controls for the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Even the cup holders were changed to an open configuration with hand-wrapped inserts, ambient lighting, and crossed flags at the bottom.
Like the main infotainment screen, the display for the digital instrument cluster was enlarged and now spans 14 inches diagonally. According to Chevrolet, “Tour, Sport and Track display designs have … been modernized with new animations and cleaner graphics for the speedometer, tachometer, and other gauges.” To the left of that is a new-for-2026 configurable 6.6-inch touchscreen display that shows information such as trip mileage and the Performance Traction Management settings; those now include a new PTM Pro mode that shuts off stability and traction control while leaving ABS and certain E-Ray-specific front axle controls running.
In addition to two new exterior colors (Roswell Green Metallic and Blade Silver Metallic), there are also new interior color schemes: Sky Cool and Medium Ash Gray with Habanero accents, Santorini Blue, Very Dark Atmosphere, and Ultimate Suede with Adrenaline Red, Santorini Blue, or Competition Yellow accent stitching and matching seat belts. For the first time ever, the Corvette can be ordered with asymmetrical interior colors (Jet Black and Adrenaline Red)—and seats. Chevrolet says, “Customers can even spec a mixed seating option in Asymmetrical Adrenaline Red, with a racing-inspired Adrenaline Red Competition driver’s seat and a Jet Black GT2 passenger seat.”
To top it all off (literally), Chevrolet now offers an optional electrochromic roof panel, which can be set to full, medium, or low tint with the push of a button.
Other changes to the Corvette lineup for 2026 include carbon ceramic brakes with 10-piston front and six-piston rear calipers for the ZR1’s ZTK performance package and the E-Ray’s Performance App being made available on all C8 models.
What do you think of the 2026 Corvette’s new cockpit? Will you miss the old layout? Tell us in the comments below.
Ever hear a rumor, only to be disappointed by the actual manifestation of it? That’s my story of the 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2. In the 1980s, Pontiac was my favorite American brand, and having a Pontiac version of the Monte Carlo Aerocoupe was exciting news!
Alas, when the NASCAR-influenced Poncho was finally revealed, it was disappointing to learn that it was not an equal to the Aerocoupe under the hood. While the Bow Tie offered 180 horsepower with dual exhausts, the 2+2 managed 165 with a single exhaust. Yes, muscle was slowly coming back, but in the Pontiac world, you had to go to the Firebird for a thrill.
Richard Petty was driving for Pontiac and the King didn’t like seeing Monte Carlo SSs and Ford Thunderbirds run faster on the speedway. The Grand Prix 2+2 was Pontiac’s answer to this, the last homologation special from Detroit. All were silver over charcoal with red and orange stripes. Out back, the aero rear window was fixed, so a new trunk lid needed to be fashioned. Note how much real estate the spoiler takes up.
Muscle Car Campy joined Norm MacAuley for a ride in his low-mileage 1986 Grand Prix 2+2. It’s one of 1,225 built, with all sharing the same trim configuration. Take a peek at the video below and relive the memories of when the horsepower wars were just starting to crest 200 horsepower.
If this kind of content is right up your alley, be sure to check out Muscle Car Campy’s past videos.
Ford introduced the Mercury brand in 1938 and discontinued it in 2011 after 86 years of proud car-making. From the start, Mercury was positioned above Ford in terms of luxury and features but used the same mechanicals and engines. During the 1960s, the brand was very active in racing and the muscle car segment, and that is why we wanted to remind you of the 10 best muscle cars produced by Mercury.
1. Mercury Cougar GT-E
Photo Credit: AE
The 1968 Cougar GT-E was Mercury’s bold statement in the muscle car arena. Initially equipped with a 390 cubic-inch V8, mid-year saw the introduction of the 427 cubic-inch V8, delivering a factory-rated 390 horsepower.
Photo Credit: HR
This made the GT-E one of the most powerful Cougars ever produced. With only 357 units built with the 427 engine, it remains a rare and sought-after collector’s item. The Cougar GT-E wasn’t just fast and good-looking but also prestigious and well-built.
2. Mercury Cougar Eliminator
Photo Credit: Mecum
Despite being a twin brother to the Mustang, the Mercury Cougar gained a cult following and created a name of its own in the late ’60s. But for the 1969 muscle car wars, Mercury had something special—the Cougar Eliminator.
Photo Credit: Car Scoops
The Cougar Eliminator was a top-of-the-line model with several interesting engine choices. You could get a Boss 302 engine, a high-revving 5.0-liter V8 in a slightly bigger body with more luxury features. However, more buyers opted for bigger 351 or 428 Cobra Jet engines, making the Eliminator Boss 302 rare. In 1969/1970, Mercury made only 638 of those great machines in two years.
3. Mercury Cougar XR-7
Photo Credit: MT
Positioned as the luxury variant of the Cougar lineup, the XR-7 offered refined interiors with wood-grain accents, leather seating, and full instrumentation. However, it didn’t skimp on performance. The ultimate version, which perfectly combined muscle car power and luxury, was the mighty Cougar XR-7. This model had the 390 V8 engine with 320 hp, and buyers could also opt for the GT package, which included beefed suspension, stronger brakes, and steering.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
The XR-7 was a popular model, with over 27,000 produced in 1967, but only a little over 2,600 came with the GT package. Over the years, the Mercury Cougar has been in the shadow of the Mustang, but in recent years, prices have started to rise for this piece of the luxury muscle segment.
4. Mercury Cyclone Cobra Jet
Photo Credit: AMCM
The Cyclone was introduced in 1964 and stayed on the market until 1971, but the best version, which is the most interesting to collectors, is the Cyclone CJ. Those two letters marked the presence of the famed 428 Cobra Jet engine, the first truly street-muscle engine built by Ford. With a 7.0-liter displacement and advertised 335 hp, the Cobra Jet made over 400 horsepower. The Cyclone CJ was a serious street racing contender, and this new engine significantly increased its performance.
Photo Credit: AMCM
Along with Ford, Mercury was active in NASCAR racing during the late ’60s, and Cyclone CJ contributed to racing efforts. However, less than 3,500 Cyclones CJ were produced in 1969, while regular Cyclones without the Cobra Jet option were much more popular.
5. Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Ford had Talladega, so Mercury wanted its own Aero Special. Designers took Cyclone and copied design cues from Talladega, creating the Spoiler II model for 1969. The Cyclone Spoiler was mechanically identical; however, it was sold in two packages—Cale Yarborough Special and Dan Gurney Special. The packages had different color schemes, but otherwise were the same. The only differences between Talladega and Cyclone Spoiler II were the standard rear spoiler, front grille, and design of rear lights.
Photo Credit: AMCM
Even though there was an official rule that the manufacturer must produce 500 or more copies of its homologation special, there was some controversy on the exact number of Cyclone Spoiler IIs produced. Official literature provides 503 examples, but experts claim that the number is much lower (around 350 cars). Rumor is that Mercury was behind with the production of the Cyclone Spoiler II. When NASCAR officials came to check the vehicles, they sneaked regular Cyclones painted in Spoiler II colors. This way, it appeared that 503 cars were produced, hiding that there are far fewer Cyclone Spoiler II made.
6. Mercury Cougar GT 429
Photo Credit: AMCM
The 1971 Mercury Cougar GT 429 is a rare muscle car that combines luxury and raw power. Equipped with a 429 cubic-inch Cobra Jet V8 engine producing up to 370 horsepower, it offered thrilling performance with a refined edge. As Mercury’s upscale counterpart to the Mustang, the Cougar GT featured distinctive styling, hidden headlights, and available Ram Air induction.
Photo Credit: AMCM
The GT package added heavy-duty suspension, dual exhaust, and performance axle options. While overshadowed by more common muscle cars, the Cougar GT 429 remains a prized collector’s vehicle today, appreciated for its unique blend of elegance, brute strength, and limited production.
7. Mercury Comet Cyclone
Photo Credit: Pinterest
The Mercury Comet Cyclone, produced from 1964 to 1967, was Mercury’s bold entry into the muscle car era. Based on the compact Comet, the Cyclone offered sporty styling and performance upgrades. Early models featured 289 V8 engines, while later versions introduced larger 390 and 427 cubic-inch powerplants, delivering serious horsepower.
Photo Credit: Bonhams
With its distinctive trim, bucket seats, and rally gauges, the Cyclone combined style with speed. In 1966 and 1967, it gained a sleeker fastback design and optional performance packages. Though less celebrated than Ford’s Mustang, the Cyclone carved its niche as a potent, stylish, and underrated muscle machine of the 1960s.
8. Mercury Marauder X-100
Photo Credit: Hagerty
Mercury was well in the muscle car segment but luxury performance models were scarce, until 1969 when a new generation of the Marauder was introduced. Imagined as a luxury coupe, the Marauder had a fresh design with interesting features like concealed headlights, a massive front end, and a sloping rear end with concave rear glass. It was a big, heavy car for cruising rather than street racing.
Photo Credit: Hagerty
Behind the strange name was a regular 1969 Marauder with a 429 V8 engine producing 360 hp, bucket seats, heavy-duty suspension, blackout rear trim, and fender skirts. The performance was respectable, but it was still a big and heavy car, so it was significantly slower compared to some bare-bones, smaller, and lighter muscle models.
9. Mercury Capri RS
Photo Credit: Ford
The introduction of the third-generation Mustang had a significant influence on Mercury, too, since the brand got its version in the form of the Capri in 1979. From 1970 to 1977, Mercury sold the Capri, which was an imported model from Germany with four—and six-cylinder engines, but in 1979, thanks to the Mustang, the Capri was brand new and featured a unique front-end design.
Photo Credit: Curbside Classic
Mercury introduced the RS model as the performance version, which featured a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine with a whopping 135 hp. The performance was expectedly bad, but the car looked cool with a big air intake on the hood, big RS badges, and a rear spoiler. Today, those RS models are quite rare, although not very valuable or sought-after by collectors.
10. Mercury Marauder
Photo Credit: Ford
Even though Ford never intended the Grand Marquis to be a performance car, Mercury decided to turn it into one. They installed a highly tuned 4.6-liter V8 with 302 HP and a revised suspension, gearbox and brakes. These changes turned this sleepy, comfy sedan into a sharp muscle car. It came in three colors, but the black Marauder had menacing looks and an aggressive stance, differentiating it from its sedate cousins.
Photo Credit: Ford
The performance was impressive for a big, heavy sedan. It could go from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds. However, the most significant asset was its appearance. Seeing this big, black sedan in a rearview mirror could make drivers want to pull over to the side of the road.
In the 1980s, there were a lot of boxy vehicles. Many of them were bland, boring sights because of their lack of curves—and still are. But one particular right-angled design from that decade remains attractive: GM’s pickups. One of them, a 1984 Chevrolet C10 Silverado posted on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Kansas, happens to be our Pick of the Day.
The third generation of GM’s C/K line of trucks debuted in the 1973 model year with new styling, a smoother ride, and improved visibility. Although GM identified the newest iteration of its pickups with the “Rounded Line” name, these days, they’re more commonly referred to as “Square Body” trucks. When you look at this ’84 C10, you can see why.
The only curves are in the wheels and tires; the rest is all lines and angles. Somehow GM managed to make such a simple, conservative design look great. With a single cab and a short bed, a Square Body is the rolling definition of the words “sport truck” – especially when it looks like this one. There’s no need for loud colors or flamboyant add-ons. The two-box profile is covered in glossy black, although that is accented with a billet-style grille and chrome trim. Other modifications are more low-key, such as the cowl hood and rear roll pan. A hydraulic tonneau cover protects the contents of the Line-X-coated bed.
There is one noticeable flourish, though—actually, there are four: the 22-inch U.S. Mags Scottsdale wheels. Yes, they are massive, especially because they dwarf their low-profile Nitto tires. Additionally, this truck has been dropped on Belltech drop spindles and features a rear axle flip kit and A-1 Racing Products rear coilovers.
To go with this truck’s classic lines is a classic engine: a 350ci V8. Of course, the replacement for the original diesel V8 has some mods of its own, which include a mild cam, Holley Street Avenger 670-cfm carburetor, and Dart intake manifold.
This truck may appear simple, but that doesn’t mean its interior is Spartan and bare of features. If you become the next owner, it’ll get you to the local car show or a weekend getaway destination with the convenience of a 700R4 four-speed automatic and power steering and brakes as well as the comfort of air conditioning. You can make that happen and get your hands on this tastefully modified 1984 Chevrolet C10 Silverado by paying the $32,900 asking price.
Oldsmobile wasn’t always the dusty nameplate that faded quietly into history. Back in its prime, it was one of GM’s boldest divisions—often used to test wild ideas, futuristic tech, and luxury features that would later trickle down to the rest of the lineup. From sleek gullwing coupes to hybrid prototypes and digital dashboards before anyone else had them, Oldsmobile concept cars showed what the future might look like… even if most never made it to production. Here are 10 Oldsmobile concepts that prove this brand once had its eyes on the future.
1985 Oldsmobile Incas
GM
Looking like something out of Blade Runner, the Incas was a futuristic gullwing sports coupe with an insane cockpit. It had a yoke-style steering wheel, digital dash, and wraparound glass canopy. Powered by a mid-mounted turbocharged 4-cylinder, the Incas was never meant for production—but it turned heads worldwide.
GM
It was built by Italdesign and packed with tech that felt like sci-fi in the ’80s. Oldsmobile was trying to rebrand itself as a high-tech innovator, and the Incas was a bold, memorable start. Most people forget that Oldsmobile was te pinnacle of technology at one point in time.
Honda has a reputation for reliability and smart engineering—but its design lab has also produced some downright bizarre ideas. Over the years, the brand has rolled out concept cars that teased futuristic tech, wild styling, or clever packaging. Some looked ready for production… but fizzled out. Others were just too strange to ever see the light of day. Whether due to bad timing, market shifts, or just being too far ahead of the curve, these 10 Honda concept cars failed to make it to showrooms—leaving behind only what-ifs and display stand memories.
2003 Honda Kiwami
Honda
The Kiwami looked like a rolling piece of origami. With its sharp edges, ultra-clean design, and hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, it was Honda’s vision of an elegant, high-tech luxury sedan. Inside, it was pure Zen—open space, wood floors, and a minimalist dash.
2003 Honda Kiwami
Honda
But hydrogen tech was still a long way from viable, and the styling was far too radical. The Kiwami vanished after the auto show circuit, leaving behind a cool name and a reminder that sometimes elegance just isn’t enough to go mainstream.
1993 Honda EVX
Honda
Before Tesla was even a dream, Honda was experimenting with electric sedans. The EVX had an ultra-aerodynamic body and a fully electric drivetrain—long before anyone took EVs seriously. It featured solar panels on the roof, regenerative braking, and a digital cockpit.
1993 Honda EVX
Honda
Unfortunately, the battery tech just wasn’t there in the early ’90s, and Honda quietly shelved the project. While it was a clear look into the future, the world wasn’t ready—and neither was Honda’s supply chain. Honda was pushing the envelope of design around this time period.
2008 Honda FC Sport
Honda
A hydrogen-powered sports car? That’s what the FC Sport was aiming for. With a futuristic three-seat layout (driver in the middle) and super-low body lines, it looked like something out of Tron. Honda never planned to produce it, but it turned heads at auto shows and made a big splash in design circles.
2008 Honda FC Sport
Honda
Still, no one was asking for a hydrogen NSX. The FC Sport never evolved past the concept phase, but it was a cool reminder that Honda wasn’t afraid to dream weird. The sleek body was ahead of it’s time and this is still one of the most beautiful concept cars to come out of Japan.
1995 Honda SSM (Sports Study Model)
Honda
This sleek roadster looked ready to be the next big thing—and eventually evolved into the S2000. But the SSM itself was never sold. With its long hood, rear-wheel drive layout, and clean lines, it previewed what enthusiasts wanted from Honda.
1995 Honda SSM (Sports Study Model)
Honda
However, delays in development, market caution, and internal hesitation meant the SSM was shelved in favor of a more refined product later on. The SSM wasn’t a total failure—but it never reached customers, even though it probably should have.
2001 Honda Unibox
Honda
Imagine a translucent plastic minivan with wheels at the corners and a lounge-style interior—and you’ve got the Unibox. Designed as a next-gen city vehicle, it focused on interior space and modular design. The floor had rails to move seats around, and everything inside felt more like Ikea than Detroit.
2001 Honda Unibox
Honda
The Unibox was quirky and imaginative, but Honda knew there was no way it would sell in real life. Still, parts of it—like reconfigurable seats—live on in Honda’s more practical minivans and SUVs. This was one of the most unique Honda concepts to come out of the new decade.
1999 Honda Fuya-Jo
Honda
This was Honda’s party car. Seriously. The Fuya-Jo was a Tokyo Motor Show concept aimed at night clubbers. It featured a tall roof so you could stand inside, DJ-style controls, and joystick steering. This was a purple beast of a concept car that didn’t look like anything else on the road.
1999 Honda Fuya-Jo
Honda
Meant to be driven short distances between clubs, it was more like a rolling rave box than a real car. Unsurprisingly, it went nowhere. But it still earns a spot on this list for being one of Honda’s most unexpected and bizarre creations ever.
2006 Honda REMIX
Honda
A small, two-seat coupe that looked ready to take on the Mazda MX-5? That was the REMIX. Lightweight, sporty, and affordable-looking, it had real potential. Car fans loved the shape and simplicity, but Honda said no—fearing it wouldn’t sell well enough.
2006 Honda REMIX
Honda
The REMIX could’ve been the spiritual successor to the CR-X, but instead it faded into concept car limbo. It’s one of those cases where the enthusiast world said “yes” and the corporate side said “nah.”
2007 Honda Puyo
Honda
The Puyo looked like a marshmallow on wheels. Built to promote hydrogen fuel cell tech and soft, people-friendly design, the car literally had a gel-like outer shell designed to reduce injury in low-speed crashes. It also glowed at night and had a joystick instead of a steering wheel.
2007 Honda Puyo
Honda
While cute and creative, the Puyo was far from production-ready. Still, it showed Honda’s weird and wild side—and its commitment to safety and alternative fuels, even in jellybean form. Honda has built quite a few.
1992 Honda EP-X
Honda
Another electric experiment from the early ’90s, the EP-X was a sleek, two-seat EV concept with a focus on lightweight design and city driving. It looked like a cross between a CRX and a spaceship. Honda never released full specs, but the car was rumored to have limited range and very basic interior features.
1992 Honda EP-X
Honda
At the time, there just wasn’t a real market for small electric cars—and Honda wasn’t ready to commit. So the EP-X quietly disappeared after a few show appearances. The Honda EP-X was a unique concept car that managed to spark a lot of interest in a Honda sports car.
2000 Honda Spocket
Honda
Half roadster, half pickup, the Spocket was one of Honda’s strangest “what if” ideas. The front was a stylish two-seater roadster, while the back had a tiny truck bed for hauling gear. It had a hybrid powertrain and was aimed at adventurous city dwellers who needed both style and utility.
2000 Honda Spocket
Honda
As odd as it was, the Spocket got people talking. Still, it was way too niche for mass production, and Honda shelved it right after its auto show run. If a Ridgeline and an S2000 had a baby, this would be it. The Spocket also became a fairly famous Hot Wheel toy as well.
Most popular classic muscle cars have been sold in tens of thousands (or more) of examples. This means that those models can be found for sale easily. However, in the muscle car heyday, Detroit presented several pretty rare models, and none of them exceeded production figures of 1000 copies. If you wonder what those cars are, here is the answer.
1. Buick GSX
Foto Credit: Auto Wp
Backed by steady sales and outstanding reception of their muscle models, Buick decided to introduce the ultimate muscle car: the legendary and scarce Buick GSX. The GSX stood for Gran Sports Experimental and was, in fact, the visually upgraded Gran Sport with a Stage 1 performance package.
Photo Credit: Hot Rod
The GSX debuted in 1970 with an aggressive graphics package that was not typical of Buick products. It was available in two bright colors—Saturn Yellow and Apollo White—with front and rear spoilers, functioning hood scoops, side stripes, and Rally wheels. Buick produced only 678 examples that year.
2. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Photo Credit: HR
The Trans Am model became popular and mass-produced in later generations, but in 1969, it was a rare and special limited edition car. In 1969, Pontiac wanted to present a model that could be homologated for Trans Am racing, but the company was under a racing ban from GM. To mask its intentions, Pontiac introduced the Firebird Trans Am as a loaded version that featured considerable block power from the famous 400 V8 engine equipped with a Ram Air III or IV intake system.
Photo Credit: HR
The difference between those engines was significant since Ram Air IV featured many improved engine internals and components, but they were both rated at 366 hp, which was pretty underrated. However, this special version with signature white paint, blue stripes, Rally II wheels, and other equipment proved to be a tough seller, and only 634 Firebird Trans Ams were sold. Among those, only 8 were convertibles.
3. Mercury Cougar Eliminator Boss 302
Photo Credit: Car Domain
Despite being a twin brother to the Mustang, the Mercury Cougar gained a cult following and created a name of its own in the late ’60s. But for the 1969 muscle car wars, Mercury had something special—the Cougar Eliminator.
Photo Credit: HR
The Cougar Eliminator was a top-of-the-line model with several interesting engine choices. You could get a Boss 302 engine, a high-revving 5.0-liter V8 in a slightly bigger body with more luxury features. However, more buyers opted for bigger 351 or 428 Cobra Jet engines, making the Eliminator Boss 302 rare. In 1969/1970, Mercury made only 638 of those great machines in two years.
4. Ford Torino Talladega
Photo Credit: HR
In contrast to some models from our list, which were produced for 12 months or so, Torino Talladega was made for only a couple of weeks in early 1969. This car was Ford’s answer to Dodge Daytona and Mopar’s efforts to win in NASCAR.
Photo Credit: HR
The idea behind the Talladega (named after the NASCAR track) was to take a standard Torino, give it a unique front end and a few slippery details, and homologate it for superspeedways. A total of 754 Talladega were built in such a short time, and many of them were used for racing.
5. Chrysler 300 Hurst
Photo Credit: eBay
Introduced in 1970, the special limited edition 300 Hurst was a special model based on the new full-size Chrysler platform. It was built in minimal numbers, around 500, with the help of the famous transmission company Hurst.
Photo Credit: eBay
It featured an exceptional white and gold paint job, a similarly styled interior, and a rear spoiler integrated into the rear deck lid. Under the hood, a mighty 440 V8 engine with 395 hp could propel the 2-ton beast to respectable acceleration times.
6. Dodge Charger 500
Photo Credit: Hagerty
Most muscle car fans know the Dodge Charger lineup well, including the wild Charger Daytona from 1969. But Daytona’s predecessor, the Charger 500, was far less known and less successful. The standard Charger, with a deep grille and concave rear glass, wasn’t very aerodynamic, and despite powerful engines and good drivers, it just couldn’t achieve the speeds required for winning.
Photo Credit: Hagerty
Dodge decided to introduce a limited-edition Charger 500 (named 500 because it was produced in that many examples) with a flush grille, fixed headlights, and regular rear glass to improve the car’s aerodynamics. The Charger 500 had two engines, a standard 440 and an optional 426 Hemi. Since the Daytona was much more successful and interesting, the Charger 500 was soon forgotten by all except for hardcore Mopar muscle guys.
7. Chevrolet Chevelle Z16
Foto Credit: Mecum
What exactly is the Chevelle Z16? Basically, it’s a fully loaded regular Chevelle with all go-fast options, a 396 V8 engine with a Muncie 4-speed gearbox, and heavy-duty suspension and equipment.
Photo Credit: Hagerty
Some dealers weren’t even aware that this option existed, and Chevrolet refused to market the Z16 for some reason, making this Chevelle kind of a secret model.The Z16 was fast, but it was also expensive for a Chevrolet. That is why they made only 200 of them.
8. Dodge Charger Daytona
Photo Credit: HR
In the late ’60s, Dodge was desperate to enter NASCAR racing, and the Charger was the perfect candidate. However, since NASCAR cars already approached high speeds of almost 200 mph on newly constructed superspeedway tracks, aerodynamics played a key role in a car’s performance and results.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
So Dodge decided to go all out and create a racing car with a special front end, flush rear glass, and a prominent rear spoiler. The Charger Daytona was one of the first cars to be developed in a wind tunnel, and new materials were used in its construction. It was a one-year-only model, and 504 were produced.
9. Plymouth Barracuda Hemi
Photo Credit: Auto Wp
Two of the biggest Chrysler legends from the classic days of muscle car culture are the Barracuda and the 426 Hemi engine. All through the ’60s, those industry icons didn’t mix, at least not in street-legal cars. In 1970, Plymouth offered this legendary engine in the Barracuda body style, immediately creating one of the fastest and most desirable muscle cars ever made.
Photo Credit: Autowp
The mighty Hemi engine was an expensive top-of-the-line option for 1970 and 1971, available in coupe or convertible form. It cost around $900 more than the standard Barracuda, and it was installed in just about 600 coupes and only 17 convertibles during a two-year production period. The power was rated at 425 HP, but everybody knew that the orange monster delivered more than 500 HP straight from the box.
10. Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1
Photo Credit: Mecum
The Camaro ZL-1 was the same as the regular 1969 Camaro on the outside, but it was so fast it was barely street-legal. The official 1969 Chevrolet literature doesn’t mention the ZL-1 option for the Camaro, but if you were a successful drag racer or a dealer, you knew about this expensive option. That is why only 69 Camaros ZL-1 left the factory.
Photo Credit: Mecum
The secret of the Camaro ZL-1 was its engine. It was a high-revving 7.0-liter V8 with around 550 hp in mild tune. Chevrolet produced about 200 of those engines, and while most of them went to Can-Am racing teams, 69 ZL-1 engines were installed in C.O.P.O Camaros and sold to drag racing teams.
It’s still the Wild West with the Internet. It’s like Snake Oil has come into fashion again and we’re faced with a barrage of empty promises when flipping through social media.
It’s the same with online content. For any topic, you have good and bad actors, and that certainly stands true for automotive topics. The proliferation of social media over the past 20 years has presented the opportunity to exploit you, me, and/or the almighty dollar in the name of online hits. It makes it difficult to find quality content because few sites (and by this, we mean Facebook, Instagram, etc. in addition to regular websites) truly strive to educate, discuss, and separate the facts from fiction.
Oh, AI, what hath you wrought?
Now we have AI. The tools that are being prepared for us have very strong positive and negative implications, both trickling down into the public sphere as companies compete to perfect their AI so one can truly be the King of Artificial Intelligence.
We at The ClassicCars.com Journal have to deal with this every day. Each of our writers produce several articles of content daily, so we have to learn to be savvy about which resources are legitimate and which ones are suspect. However, not everyone has the acumen to figure this out, leading to an expansion of bad information that often seems to rise to the top. As such, we have developed a game (sorry, no prizes or fame—you’ve been lied to, but you’re used to it by now, right?) in which you read a passage and see if you can determine whether it came from AI or a website. Will you be able to determine which is which? Good luck!
1963 Pontiac LeMans
Article 1 The 1963 [Pontiac LeMans] offered the Trophy 4 and a 326-cubic-inch V8 as engine options. The Trophy 4 retained the horsepower once more, while the V8 boasted 260 horsepower. Pontiac would introduce a four-barrel High Output version of the motor rated at 355 horsepower later that model year.
Article 2 The 1969 Ford Cobra was a muscle car built as a performance-oriented model, specifically the 2-door sportroof, and known for its 428-cubic-inch V-8 engine. It was essentially Ford’s answer to the Plymouth Road Runner, offering a no-frills, affordable performance option. The Cobra was built on the Fairlane/Torino platform and featured a standard 428 Cobra Jet engine. Only 7,454 of the 11,099 Cobra sportroofs produced in 1969 were equipped with the 428 CJ engine. A significant number, 3,910, were equipped with the 4-speed manual transmission.
Article 3 Pontiac had already made a name for itself in the performance world with the GTO, but what they did with the Tempest LeMans Safari Wagon was next-level thinking. Built on the same A-body platform as the GTO, the wagon was never supposed to be a high-performance machine … They dropped in a 389 cubic inch (6.4-liter) V8, the same engine that made the GTO a legend.
Article 4 The 1971 Plymouth Barracuda, especially the Hemi Cuda, is a highly sought-after classic muscle car known for its unique styling and performance. These cars, particularly the hardtop versions with manual transmissions, are considered quite rare, with only a few export models existing. A well-restored example can fetch a high price, with some Hemi Cudas selling for over $500,000. The 1971 Barracuda marks the end of the third generation of the car, known for its distinctive styling.
Answer to Article 1 This is a real paragraph from a real website. The whole article was rife with errors. We are here to show you the correct list of engines available for the LeMans in 1963:
Trophy 4 one-barrel rated at 110 (export), 115, 120, and 140 horsepower
Trophy 4 four-barrel rated at 166 horsepower
326 two-barrel rated at 250 and 260 horsepower
326 HO four-barrel rated at 280 horsepower
421 Super Duty rated at 405 horsepower
Answer to Article 2 This is AI. It’s strange there was no mention of the hardtop—just the SportsRoof. Plus, how could 7,454 of the 11,099 Cobra SportsRoofs be equipped with the 428 CJ when that engine was the only one available? What AI means to say is that 7,454 SportsRoofs (so the hardtop is not included) were equipped with the R-code 428 Cobra Jet with ram air, as there also was a Q-code CJ without ram air. The 3,910 number pertains to R-code SportsRoof four-speeds, which arguably isn’t a significant number when 3,544 automatics were built. We looked up several Marti Reports posted online to certify our stats.
Answer to Article 3 This is another real article from a website. So, what was Pontiac’s muscle wagon that was the first of its kind? The website claims the LeMans Safari wagon, but the only Safari wagons in 1964 were the Tempest and Tempest Custom. Plus, no A-body other than a LeMans equipped with the GTO package received the 389. This would be true for the entire GTO’s existence.
Answer to Article 4 Like Article 2, this is AI. Generic descriptors like “highly sought-after” and “unique styling and performance” smack of AI (or a low-grade writer). The third generation of the Barracuda was built from 1970-74, so clearly 1971 was not the final year, “distinctive styling” or not.
As you can see, it is difficult to tell which is AI and which is a poor article. What we infer from this is that AI sources information from bad websites like these, giving enthusiasts a double whammy and creating a race to the bottom for the hobby and beyond. You can count on us at The ClassicCars.com Journal to promote quality content, so curb your patronizing of lame web sites and things on Facebook, Instagram, etc. that don’t have positive outcomes or anyone’s interests in mind.
