Despite the emphasis from the Federal Government being placed on fuel efficiency and contaminant counts, Pontiac forged forward with excitement in 1973 muscle cars.
Almost as if giving one last rebuke to legislators, the manufacturer even brought back the Pontiac SuperDuty, though in a far more civilized manner than its predecessor.
It is no surprise that Pontiac reigned supreme that year among enthusiasts, with Car and Driver saying, “Just when we had fast cars relegated to the museum section, Pontiac has surprised everyone and opened a whole new exhibit”.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular 1973 muscle cars, shall we?
Major Milestones of 1973 Muscle Cars
Table of Contents
Pontiac Brings Excitement
In its unending desire to continue to bring power to the people, Pontiac created a low-compression 455 cu. in., high-powered V-8 that could rev strongly to 6,000 rpm on 91-octane fuel known as the “SD-455” or “Super Duty 455.”
Of course, emissions testing remained a concern, but Pontiac’s engineers found a way to work around this little problem by installing a system that shut off its exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve after 53 ticks.
The reason for this odd number was simple: engineers knew testing only ran for about 50 seconds. With the EGR valve off, the engine could breathe better and be capable of producing 310 net horsepower.
Unfortunately for those who were looking for more power, it didn’t take too long before the rouse was uncovered.
Yet, even with the inactivating system removed and the original SD-455 cam with a 0.480 lift replaced with a 0.401-inch lift, it still managed to put out 290 horsepower.
Despite plans to make the Super Duty an option for the Grand Am, Grand Prix, LeMans GTO, and both the Trans Am and Formula, delays caused it to become only available for the two Firebirds in 1973.
Despite its issues with officially getting off of the ground, the 310-horse 1973 Super DutyTrans Am was considered a success as Car and Driver called it “the car that couldn’t happen” and referred to it as “The Last of the Fast Cars” and was crowned the fastest muscle car of 1973.
Chevy Attempts One Final Fling
Meanwhile, Chevy’s Z15 option remained available in 1973, the package included G70 tires on 14×7 Rally rims, a special instrument cluster with black bezels, and dual sport mirrors.
Exterior features included color-keyed striping along the lower body sides and wheel openings, a blacked-out grille, and “SS” badges for the grille, tail, and fenders.
Engines started at the L65 350 small block with 145 (net) horsepower up to the LS4 454 big-block with 245 (net) horsepower.
Oldsmobile Brings Back Old Blood
It was in 1973 when Oldsmobile decided to bring back the W29 Appearance and Handling Package, making it possible to convert the base Cutlass and Cutlass Supreme into 4-4-2s.
On the other hand, engine availability was essentially the same, with the notable exception of removing the W-30 455 CID V8. The Hurst/Olds also made a reappearance in 1972 after having taken a one-year hiatus.
This time, the model was available in the same Cameo White with gold accents as had been previously seen and in Ebony black with a black “wet look” half-vinyl roof and black-painted rims.
Despite their best attempts, it was clear that Pontiac was turning all the heads in 1973, which would continue with its lineup of 1974 muscle cars.
Complete List of 1973 Muscle Cars
1973 marked a pivotal point in the muscle car era, with new emissions regulations and rising gas prices leading to the decline of high-performance vehicles.
Despite these challenges, the year still saw the release of some impressive muscle cars, which I’ve compiled in the following list of muscle cars from 1973.
| Year | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | AMC | Javelin AMX |
| 1973 | Buick | Gran Sport |
| 1973 | Chevrolet | Camaro SS |
| 1973 | Chevrolet | Camaro Z/28 |
| 1973 | Chevrolet | Chevelle SS |
| 1973 | Dodge | Charger Rallye |
| 1973 | Dodge | Challenger Rallye 340 |
| 1973 | Dodge | Dart Sport 340 |
| 1973 | Ford | Mustang Mach 1 |
| 1973 | Ford | Gran Torino Sport |
| 1973 | Mercury | Montego GT |
| 1973 | Oldsmobile | 442 |
| 1973 | Oldsmobile | Hurst/Olds |
| 1973 | Plymouth | Road Runner |
| 1973 | Plymouth | Cuda 340 |
| 1973 | Plymouth | Duster 340 |
| 1973 | Plymouth | Scamp 340 |
| 1973 | Pontiac | GTO |
| 1973 | Pontiac | Trans Am |
| 1973 | Pontiac | Firebird Formula |
Well, there you have the complete list of 1973 muscle cars. Be sure to subscribe to see more content like this!
Ryan Wheaton
Ryan has owned muscle cars since 1986 and currently owns a 1972 Dodge Charger Rallye. He combines passion and experience to create engaging content for fellow muscle car enthusiasts. In 2018, he founded Muscle Cars Illustrated, authoring hundreds of articles on tips, history, and trends in the muscle car industry. He attends national car shows, auctions, and museums to stay current with the latest developments in the muscle car industry.
Get exclusive muscle car content, giveaways, and a FREE Report on 10 of the most powerful muscle cars ever made right to your inbox—absolutely free!
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.