Insurance for American Muscle Cars
Muscle Cars from the 1960’s vs Today
When you had a muscle car in the 60’s insurance was not a big deal. Niether was gasoline. You could fill up for a few bucks and cruise all weekend. When the gas crunch in the 70’s arrived so did the insurance premiums on muscle cars. The auto makers phased out production by 1974ish of the hi performance vehicles.
From the mid ’50s up to the early 70’s, the Detroit automakers manufactured a number of vehicles which were muscle cars. Most of these cars shared similar characteristics: they were 2-door coupes or convertibles with hi-performance engines, performance 4 speed close ratio transmissions, drag pak rears, aggressive body styling, and a sporty interior. Higher gasoline costs, rising muscle car insurance along with changing tastes gradually limited sales killed a lifestyle for many. Only a few models continued but were watered-down performance like the Corvette emissions choked 350 v8. Mustangs, “Mustang II” basically a sporty Pinto to most critics. Nowadays, muscle car mania has returned, inspite of higher fuel prices. As a result of the Ford Mustang and a less significant extent to 4 door sedan and wagon models from Dodge, there’s brand new fascination with a classification long given up. The future looks excellent for the muscle car segment as, Chevy brings back the Camaro.
In addition to the Mustang there was lots of automobiles manufactured which at some point may have been viewed as a muscle car. As well as the Mustang, Shelby GT350 & GT500, Ford Fairlane 500 and Torino did duty; the Mercury Cyclone, Montego were others. Chevrolet developed the Camaro in ‘67 and Corvette evolved with more HP engines; Pontiac’s GTO, Firebird, and Tempest; Olds’ 442. American Motors even had the AMX Javelin; Plymouth’s Cuda, Road Runner, GTX, and Dodge had the Challenger and the Charger. All available with a 426 CID Hemi big block. Today the Shelby Mustang, Camaro, Corvettes, Charger, Challenger, and briefly 2005-2006 Ford GT (but that’s beyond a muscle car, more like a supercar) are all available with more power and comfort than the 60’s models. Several other new models not from the earlier days gone by like the Viper and now defunked Magnum SRT8 Wagon.
Some experts say it took Ford’s retro-styling of it’s 2005 Mustang to ignite the current muscle car mania. Styled after the 60’s Mustang and Shelby, the present Mustang embraces it’s retro-look at the same time using modern technology. The effect is that Mustang sells 120K units a year on average. Some “green” folks my ask “is it silly to bring back such gas hogs?” Back in the early 70s, the fleet of muscle cars averaged only 10-11 miles per gallon city, 15-16 miles mpg highway. With the modern technology and fuel efficiency, for example GM’s Corvette gets a highly respectable 28 miles per gallon highway. Although the fuel economy is going to be less than several models, this group of muscle cars will certainly be better than previous model 60’s cars with fuel mileage 80% better.
Not old school muscle car but still a cool video
The good news is, we continue to live in a free nation and what consumers want, consumers get. For now, the V-8 powered muscle cars with sporty handling, sweet bucket seats, greater comfort and better gas mileage will attract many. They won’t be clones of yesteryear’s muscle cars, however they can provide the nostalgia plus power that car owners look for in a great ride. So whether you like the old classic cars or the new performance cars, either are fun to own and drive, you have several choices for muscle car insurance new or vintage. Enjoy!
Home | Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Sitemap
Related Websites
- 2006 Ford Mustang GT :: FirstRateAutos
- 426 Hemi on craigslist | Classic Mopar Forums
- » Hemi Challenger Vs LamborghiniUsed Cars Detroit:
Detroit Used Cars - Reggie Jackson’s Plum Crazy 1970 Dodge Challenger 426 Hemi with only 398 original miles on EBay | ChallengerEnthusiast.net
- Understanding Your Car Insurance Policy | Thai Car Blog – Classic Car, Luxury Car, Smart Car
- How To Insure Your Classic Car
- 2010 Shelby GT500 insurance parts etc? | Auto Insurance Quotes Lynchburg
- Mustang GT500 Classified Ads. Buy and Sell Mustangs | Mustang GT Trader
- Dodge Magnum Srt8 Car Clubs | The Dodge Company
- Great Student Muscle Car Insurance Rates
March 22nd, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Sweet! I like the Dodge Challenger better! But I’m biased because I work for a Dodge Dealership in Orlando Florida
Dani @ Dodge Challenger´s last blog ..2008 Toyota Sienna
April 7th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Having insurance on your classic American muscle car is vital. The cost of replacing parts or doing body work can get expensive depending on which car you have. As time goes by, these parts get more and more expensive…unless you are “well to do”…you might have a hard time covering the cost of repairs.
John @ car rims for sale´s last blog ..NASCAR Wheels
May 5th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
@ John: I totally agree! As the years go by the car gets older and older and you have to spend money on parts that are probably hard to get because its such an old car.
Diana@Mesa Divorce´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at
June 10th, 2010 at 3:06 am
The popularity of American muscle cars is growing and hence its insurance too.