| May 21st, 2012 by Admin Muscle car is a term that generally refers to two-door, rear-wheel drive American automobiles, outfitted with powerful V8 engines, which were sold at affordable prices for drag racing. The name was first coined in 1964 for midsize Pontiacs equipped with 389 cubic-inch V-8 engines that could take the car from 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds. These cars hit the peak of their popularity in the sixties and seventies when manufacturers |
This surge of interest in muscle cars classic can be traced back to nostalgia, as boomers who were just in high school when these cars ruled the roads, as well as classic movies such as Bullitt with Steve McQueen, try to revisit their youth by getting their hands on one of these objects of envy and desire. And although old-car enthusiasts also support a thriving industry of restorers, parts locators and fabricators, muscle car lovers prefer their cars the way they rolled out of the production line, including flaws in paint and trim that were typical of the shoddy workmanship prevailing back then.
Although a longing for the good old days is what fuels the market in classic muscle automobiles selling, this does not mean they are not big business. Muscle cars routinely go for as much as six figures and the rarest models for much more. For example, a 1970 Plymouth Hemi-Cuda convertible, one of only fourteen ever produced, sold for a cool $2.1 million at a February 2006 auction. But even more common cars can command big prices. For example, a 65-year old man sold his 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 350 in 2006 for $186,000 after having kept it in storage for ten years.
So what are the hottest classic muscle vehicles for sale in the collector’s market? Among the most popular models would be the 1969 Pontiac GTO, the 1970 Buick GSX, the Dodge Charger and the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. These cars have all been featured prominently in recent films such as the Fast and the Furious series and the remake of Gone in Sixty Seconds, thus further fuelling their status among collectors.
If you are interested in finding classic muscle cars for sale, the best place to start would probably be a muscle car show. Apart from getting to meet and network with fellow enthusiasts, it would also allow you to strike good deals with owners looking to unload their muscle cars. If you have a bigger budget, then you can frequent muscle car auctions, where you can find some of the rarer models for sale. If you have more experience, or you know a knowledgeable friend who can accompany you, you can also visit nearby muscle car dealerships.
