Loving classic American muscle cars but not sure which ones stand out? The 1964 Pontiac GTO kicked off the muscle car era and is still revered today.
1964 Pontiac GTO
The 1964 Pontiac GTO is often hailed as one of the pioneers in the muscle car world. Sporting a powerful 6.4-liter V8 engine, this beast produced an impressive 348 horsepower and 428 ft-lb of torque.
This kind of power was unheard of at the time for everyday cars, making it a standout. Its raw performance combined with its sleek design gave birth to its cult status among car enthusiasts.
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This GTO didn’t just rely on brute force; it also featured advanced engineering for its era. It came with options like a dual exhaust system and could be fitted with Tri-Power carburetion three two-barrel carbs that pumped even more fuel into that massive engine for blistering speed.
It quickly became known as The Goat, earning respect from drag racers and street drivers alike.
Pontiac marketed this machine aggressively, leading to widespread popularity and helping kick off the muscle car trend in America during the mid-60s. Despite competition from models like the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro, the GTO’s blend of style, power, and affordability made it irresistible to buyers looking for performance on a budget.