The story of muscle cars dates as far back as the 1920s. It has remained undefeated as one of the most significant breakthroughs of the American vehicle industry. Over a hundred years later, muscle cars have rooted themselves deep within the American culture and spread their reach further to more cultures. Car enthusiasts still sing rhapsodies of the exceptional models from some manufacturers in the 1980s.
However, they were not always referred to as “muscle cars.” The term originated in the 1960s when Pontiac described their 1964 GTO as a muscle car. The name quickly cemented itself with cars in that category. Hence, muscle cars generally feature an American-made, intermediate-size, and powerful V8 engine.
Ancestral Muscle Cars
Rocket 88 from the tables of Oldsmobile was launched in 1949, a muscle car featuring a lightweight body and a high-compression overhead valve V8. The premier muscle car to ever enter the limelight had a combination of a booming engine and a light body.
What happened 20 years before? The more prehistoric ancestors were birthed from the modifications of existing cars by gunrunners and whiskey peddlers. These cars were quickly famed for their ability to break speed barriers whilst maintaining or even improving their cargo capacity and handling.
Consequently, this opened up a frontier for old gunrunners and other like-minded people to bring their modified cars to the track for races. It was on these tracks that car manufacturers took note of these modifications and went to their drawing boards. Rocket 88 was a great inspiration for other car manufacturers to produce cars that could level up and compete on the racetrack.
Anatomy of the Beasts
Power, durability, space, suspension, and beauty are the ingredients that are carefully blended in manufacturing muscle Cars. Walk with me as we find out what other interesting ingredients make up the biology of these beasts.
Nativity
They are All-American. These cars are the most significant innovation of American vehicle manufacturers. Not any other vehicle type screams the fifty stars like the muscle car.
Size
There are no predefined sizes for muscle cars, but you can be rest assured to have all the space you need in a car. They are not built compactly like other car types; rather, they are built to carry as much space that a vehicle of that size can allow.
Aesthetics
You would think your car hits the gym when you leave it parked in the garage. Parked up in a parking lot with other cars, you’re sure to notice how your 2016 Ford Mustang GT Cabriolet stands out even amongst the crowd with built-up muscular curves (in the right places), ready to take up any other that stands in its way.
The room space in the interior creates an opportunity for a limitless expression of creativity. Stepping into your car would seem more like stepping into a parallel dimension, your parallel dimension.
Engine
This series features a V8 engine, an 8-cylinder piston engine in which two banks of four cylinders share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a ‘V’ configuration. This engine configuration particularly offers better acceleration. Although they were designed initially for hauling and towing vehicles, engine builders claim them to be a perfect fit for muscle cars.
Tires and Speed
Expect your regular 2-wheel drive (rear-wheel drive) car. Have in mind that muscle cars are not sports cars; therefore, they have poor handling compared to them. Nonetheless, they are excellent for achieving top speed in a straight line or drag races as we know them.
Where to Buy Muscle Cars
If you are to purchase a muscle car, be it a first time or not, it is advised that you do background research to know the type of car you want and how much it costs. You should note the general features that you’re after, including the outward appearance, fuel capacity, color, and other peculiarities.
Do well to also arrange these features in order of importance and examine the cars that fit your budget. Once you’re clear on this part, you can proceed to purchase your car either physically from a physical outlet or online.
Physical Car Dealership
Cars are sold everywhere these days. Rather than just waltz into any sales outlet you see around, you should ask friends for credible suggestions. It helps to narrow your search to fewer places and takes away the nervousness that usually comes with such a purchase.
Online car marketplaces
The internet presents an even bigger sales community. The good news is that we have helped to narrow your search down to the best sources. You would usually nurture the idea that cars this good would be overly expensive, but Dyler says you’re up for some surprise. A 1965 Ford Mustang? A 2009 Dodge Challenger? A 1978 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Targa? Your hunt ends here! With Dyler, you have access to an array of high-powered, low-cost untamed machines.
Whether you’re new to the muscle car industry and you’re not certain about your choices, or this is your A-game, and you just need an upgrade, you want something old school or something more recent, something fancy, or you’re on a rather low budget, there is a beast for you on there.
Conclusion
It is erroneous to call all sports cars muscle cars but safe to call all muscle cars sports cars. Nonetheless, sports cars, in their purest forms, are built to negotiate bends with a better command regardless of the buffs. Do not expect your muscle car to run around bends and curves like its distant cousins.
More importantly, when purchasing a car, it is better to settle for what you want rather than what you are left with or what you can find because satisfaction is key. Remember, the best deals bring good wheels.
