Top 50 Fastest Classic Muscle Cars (1962-1973)

The fastest classic muscle cars made by General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford, starting in the 1960s, were made specifically to address the unquenchable desire for high-performance driving machines from young buyers.

Unsurprisingly, the auto manufacturers wanted to sell a muscle car to each of them. However, they knew to rely on advertising and that word-of-mouth marketing alone wouldn’t cut it.

Not leaving anything to chance, American auto manufacturers knew the best way to move the needle on sales was to get their high-performance supercars into the hands of the car magazines so that intensive road tests could be recorded and published.

Publications such as Motor Trend, Car Craft, Road and Track, Hot Rod, and Car & Driver were the go-to sources to be seen and demonstrate superior performance.

Each publication conducted its road and track tests and published the findings. Various facts, figures, and impressions were collected and published.

The Fastest Classic Muscle Cars Revealed

The 1960s and early 1970s were a golden age for American muscle cars. With advances in automotive engineering and design, these classic muscle cars boasted enormous engines, high horsepower, and blistering acceleration that captured the hearts of car enthusiasts and racers alike.

The muscle car era was defined by iconic muscle cars from various manufacturers, each one trying to outdo the other in terms of performance and style. From the legendary 1964 Pontiac GTO to the 1973 Pontiac Trans Am, these classic muscle cars represent the best of American automotive engineering.

In this article, we’ll bring you a definitive list of the top 50 fastest muscle cars from the 60s and 70s. Whether you’re a die-hard muscle car enthusiast or a casual admirer, you will surely find something to love in this list.

We’ll list each car in rank order, including their engines, horsepower, quarter-mile ET times, trap speed, and the sources of the information.

So buckle up and prepare to take a trip down memory lane as we explore the fastest and most powerful classic muscle cars from the golden age of American automotive engineering.

Let’s look at the fastest classic muscle cars rank-ordered by quarter-mile time, shall we?

Top 50 Fastest Classic Muscle Cars

The Top 50 Fastest Classic Muscle Cars list has been a benchmark in the muscle car community since its first publication in November 1991 by Muscle Car Review magazine.

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Fastest Muscle Cars by Make

The fastest by auto manufacturer has Chrysler and General Motors tied for first place, each with 19 vehicles on the list. Ford came in second place with 12 vehicles.

Fastest Classic Muscle Cars by Motor Division

The top three fastest by motor division has Chevrolet in the first place, Dodge in second place, and Plymouth in third place. Ford is in fourth place, Shelby in fifth, Pontiac in sixth, Oldsmobile in seventh, Mercury in eighth, and Buick in ninth place.

Top 10 Fastest Classic Muscle Cars by Motor Division

The top fastest cars by motor division has Chevrolet in the first place, Plymouth in second, and Ford, Shelby, and Buick tying for third place.

Fastest Classic Muscle Cars by Year

The class of 1969 had the most vehicles on the list, with 1970 coming in second place and 1968 and 1971 tied for third.

Conclusion

The classic muscle cars of the 1960s and early 1970s remain among the most iconic and sought-after vehicles in automotive history.

From the Plymouth Roadrunner’s raw power to the Pontiac GTO’s sleek lines, these cars defined an era of American muscle and continue to inspire car enthusiasts today.

Whether it’s the rumble of a 426 Hemi or the roar of a big block Chevy, these muscle cars are more than just machines—they represent a time when driving was more than just transportation. It was an experience.

While the classic muscle car era may be over, its legacy lives on as a testament to American ingenuity, power, and style.

Well, there you have the 50 fastest classic muscle cars. Be sure to subscribe to see more content like this!

Credits:
Shaw, Tom (1991, November) Muscle Car Review magazine. 50 Fastest Muscle Cars Ever!, 10-15.

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.

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