The term “muscle car” officially entered the Merriam-Webster dictionary in 1966, defined as “a group of American-made two-door sports coupes with powerful engines designed for high-performance driving.” This definition marked a pivotal moment in automotive history, acknowledging the fierce competition among American manufacturers to deliver raw power and exhilarating performance to a market hungry for speed.
This golden age of American Muscle Cars perfectly embodied the mantra “win on Sunday, sell on Monday.” This famous saying from a Ford dealer highlighted the direct correlation between motorsport victories and consumer demand. Detroit’s automotive giants churned out a plethora of stunning, high-performance coupes that remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today, just as they were when they first rolled off the assembly lines.
When we delve into the realm of the greatest muscle cars ever built, we’re talking about legends, icons, and the very best trims from iconic brands like Ford, Pontiac, Dodge, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Plymouth. Our selection includes many of the rarer models, which have become valuable collectibles, often due to their limited production runs. However, rising prices are only one aspect of their appeal. Timeless style, powerful performance, and that unmistakable visceral thrill are equally important factors that define these ultimate muscle machines.
This curated list represents the kind of muscle car collection we’d dream of having in our own expansive garage. We invite you to take a break from the emerging era of electric vehicles and immerse yourself in the unapologetic celebration of the internal combustion engine that these exceptional models represent. These are not just cars; they are rolling pieces of American history and automotive art.
30: 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440
What happens when you shoehorn a massive 7.2-liter 440 cubic inch V8 engine into a mid-size coupe like the 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440? You create a beast, but you also sacrifice practicalities like a brake booster and power steering. This potent muscle car could devour the quarter-mile in a blistering 14 seconds. However, attempting to stop this missile on drum brakes was a truly terrifying experience. Reports from the time describe the car hopping sideways, violently shaking, and demanding Herculean effort on the steering wheel just to shed speed. Despite this terrifying scenario, many muscle car aficionados argue that a bit of drama is part of the thrill of raw, unadulterated speed.
29: 2017 Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty
Image Credit: Trans Am Worldwide
Technically, the 2017 Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty starts life as a Chevy Camaro SS, but the team at Florida-based Trans Am Worldwide transforms it into something truly extraordinary. This is not just a cosmetic makeover; it’s a full-scale muscle car reinvention. They install custom fabricated front and rear fascias, iconic glass T-tops, and, of course, a shaker hood scoop proudly displaying the legendary screaming chicken decal. Underneath the surface, nothing remains stock. A powerful LSX engine is dropped in, augmented by a Whipple supercharger, custom headers, and a performance exhaust system, all mated to a robust six-speed Hurst transmission. The result? A staggering 1,000 horsepower powertrain that reportedly struggled to stay on the dyno during testing, with torque estimated to be well over 700 lb-ft at the wheels. This bespoke muscle car comes at a cost, exceeding $150,000, and that’s before you even factor in the price of the donor Chevy Camaro.
28: 1968 Mercury Cyclone GT
Image Credit: Mercury
The 1968 model year marked a significant facelift for the Mercury Cyclone GT muscle car. The boxy Ford Fairlane-derived body was replaced with a more attractive, streamlined, and swept-back design inspired by the Ford Torino. While the standard engine in the Cyclone GT was initially downgraded from a 390 V8 to a smaller 302, buyers had the option to upgrade to a formidable 427 V8 engine producing 390 horsepower. The rarest and most desirable versions of the 1968 Mercury Cyclone GT are the convertible models equipped with the optional four-speed manual transmission, making them highly sought-after classic muscle car collectibles.
27: 1966 Chevy Biscayne
Image Credit: Chevy
Don’t underestimate the 1966 Chevy Biscayne, Chevrolet’s most affordable full-size offering of the era; this unassuming car is a true sleeper muscle car. By stripping away luxury features like power seats, power windows, and opting for simpler carpeting and seats, the Biscayne shed unnecessary weight. Crucially for performance enthusiasts, it retained access to incredible performance options, including the potent 427 L72 V8 engine. Choosing this engine also brought significant suspension upgrades, including heavier-duty springs, shocks, and sway bars. For the ultimate handling package, the F41 suspension option added even thicker front and rear sway bars. The beauty of the Biscayne was its understated appearance. Without flashy hood scoops or any external clues to its performance potential, few would suspect the power lurking beneath the hood until they were left behind at the traffic light.
26: 1964 Dodge Polara 500
Image Credit: Christopher Ziemnowicz
The name “Polara” for the 1964 Dodge Polara 500 muscle car was inspired by the Polaris star, reflecting the excitement surrounding the space race of the 1960s. This successor to the Coronet was a force to be reckoned with on the drag strip, particularly the 1964 models. These could be equipped with the Ramcharger 426 Wedge engine, producing a healthy 415 horsepower, or the even more formidable 426 Hemi, officially rated at 425 horsepower, but in reality, generating closer to a staggering 550 horsepower. With a full drag racing tune, the 1964 Polara 500 could blitz through the quarter-mile in around 12 seconds at speeds approaching 120 mph, making it one of the quickest muscle cars of its time.
25: 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado—Jay Leno Edition
Stock 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado muscle cars were already impressive, featuring a 7.0-liter V-8 engine producing 385 horsepower. But for car enthusiast and collector Jay Leno, “stock” is simply a starting point. He transformed a ’66 Toronado into an absolute monster by replacing the original engine with a heavily modified aluminum, twin-turbocharged 425 cubic-inch V-8 LS6, pushing out an astonishing 1,070 horsepower.
Despite the radical mechanical upgrades, Leno’s Toronado maintains a deceptively stock appearance externally. However, underneath the vintage sheet metal, it rides on a thoroughly revamped C5 Corvette chassis and suspension. While the original Toronado was front-wheel drive, Leno wisely converted his creation to rear-wheel drive to handle the immense power output of his modified engine, creating a truly unique and powerful muscle car.
24: 1967 Mercury Cougar GT
Image Credit: Mecum Auctions
The 1967 Mercury Cougar GT muscle car marked Mercury’s most successful launch to date, with an impressive 150,000 units built in its debut year. Among these, approximately 12,000 were upgraded to the GT trim level, signifying their enhanced performance capabilities. Concealed behind the Cougar’s signature rotating headlamps resided a potent 390 cubic-inch Marauder GT V-8 engine, delivering 320 horsepower. To effectively translate this power to the road, the GT trim also included an upgraded suspension, larger brakes, performance wheels and tires, and a less restrictive exhaust system, making it a well-rounded and desirable muscle car.
23: 1969.5 Dodge Coronet Super Bee A12
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The 1969.5 Dodge Coronet Super Bee A12 muscle car was introduced mid-year in 1969, hence the unusual “.5” designation. Dodge aimed to attract budget-conscious buyers seeking Mopar muscle with this mid-sized offering. The A12 package was all about performance, featuring a 390 horsepower V-8 engine with a novel configuration of three two-barrel carburetors, a setup that was cutting-edge for the time.
Dodge engineers further enhanced the Super Bee’s performance by tweaking various engine and suspension components to maximize power and handling. The “Bee” in the name is believed to be a nod to the car’s “B” platform body style, while the “Super” designation is a clear indicator of its enhanced powertrain and performance capabilities, solidifying its place as a true muscle car.
22: 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429
Image Credit: Barrett-Jackson Auction Company LLC.
Back in 1970, purchasing a Ford Mustang Boss 429 muscle car would have set you back $4,087, which translates to roughly $33,000 in today’s dollars. Equipped with a 375 horsepower engine, the Boss 429 was capable of covering the quarter-mile in a respectable 14 seconds flat and reaching a top speed of 120 mph. Production of this legendary Mustang model was limited to only 1969 and 1970, with fewer than 1,400 examples ever leaving the factory. This low production number, combined with its iconic status and powerful engine, makes the 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 a highly prized and valuable muscle car collectible.
21: 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 Convertible
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In the muscle car wars of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Oldsmobile aimed to challenge Pontiac’s dominant GTO with the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 Convertible muscle car. The 442 package was originally derived from the “police apprehender” version of the Oldsmobile Cutlass, indicating its performance-oriented roots. This beefed-up muscle machine boasted a four-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual transmission, a heavy-duty dual-plate clutch, and a substantial 455 cubic-inch V-8 engine producing 370 horsepower.
The W30 performance package added further enhancements, including a functional air scoop on the hood for improved engine breathing, a lightweight aluminum intake manifold, and a higher-performance camshaft. While 3,100 examples of the 442 were produced in 1970, only a tiny fraction, just 264, were convertibles, making the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 Convertible exceptionally rare and highly collectible among muscle car enthusiasts.
20: 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SD-455
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The heart of the 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SD-455 muscle car was the Super Duty (SD) 455 engine. While not a completely new engine design, it incorporated a significant number of performance-enhancing modifications. These included a strengthened cylinder block with four-bolt main bearings to improve rigidity and durability under high stress.
This model variant quickly gained a reputation as the fastest Pontiac ever produced up to that point. In its stock configuration, the SD-455 engine produced over 400 horsepower. However, with a race-oriented tune, including modifications to the intake manifold, a more aggressive camshaft, and performance headers, the SD-455 could be pushed to generate over 600 horsepower and a massive 600 ft lbs of torque, making it a true powerhouse of the muscle car era.
19: 1987 Buick GNX
Image Credit: Hemmings
Buick produced the limited-edition 1987 Buick GNX muscle car for only a single model year. The “X” in GNX stood for “experimental,” reflecting its status as a testbed for performance technology. Upon its release, the GNX was hailed as the fastest production car in the world, boasting a 3.8-liter turbocharged V-6 engine that Buick officially rated at 276 horsepower and 360 ft lbs of torque.
However, when independently tested on a dynamometer, the GNX’s engine consistently delivered closer to 300 horsepower and 400 ft lbs of torque, exceeding Buick’s official figures. This impressive power output allowed the 1987 Buick GNX to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Remarkably, this acceleration was quicker than both a Lamborghini Countach and the contemporary Chevrolet Corvette. Buick collaborated with McLaren (yes, the renowned supercar manufacturer) to fine-tune the engine and suspension, contributing to the GNX’s exceptional performance and handling.
18: 1971 Plymouth GTX
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Plymouth couldn’t use the iconic “GTO” name for their high-performance muscle car (as it belonged to Pontiac), so they chose “GTX,” standing for Grand Touring Extra, for the 1971 Plymouth GTX muscle car. Production of the GTX was relatively limited, with fewer than 3,000 examples built in total. Today, restored GTX models can fetch prices up to $150,000 at auction, reflecting their rarity and desirability. Among the limited production run, an even smaller number, only 30, were equipped with the legendary Hemi engine, a 426 cubic inch V-8 powerhouse producing 426 horsepower and 490 ft lbs of torque, making these Hemi-equipped GTXs exceptionally rare and valuable.
17: 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra
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When Ford sought to challenge Dodge and Plymouth for NASCAR supremacy and reclaim the “King of Speed” title from the Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Superbird, they developed the 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra muscle car. Based on the standard Torino coupe, a dedicated team of engineers added a comprehensive aerodynamic kit, featuring a seamless, elongated front end instead of a separate nose cone. They also fabricated a larger grille positioned closer to the ground to maximize airflow.
However, a critical oversight in the King Cobra’s design was the omission of a substantial rear spoiler. This lack of rear downforce resulted in significant handling issues, particularly at speeds approaching 200 mph. The car’s rear end tended to lift in high-speed turns, making it unpredictable and challenging to control. Instead of investing further in development to address these aerodynamic shortcomings, Ford ultimately scrapped the King Cobra project, resulting in only three prototype examples ever being produced, making it an incredibly rare and intriguing footnote in muscle car history.
16: 1970 Buick GSX
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The 1970 Buick GSX muscle car, finished in eye-catching Saturn Yellow, was a visual standout with performance to match its striking looks. The standard engine in the GSX was a robust 455 cubic-inch V-8 producing 350 horsepower and a massive 510 ft lbs of torque. Remarkably, this torque figure was the highest available in any muscle car at the time, highlighting the GSX’s focus on raw power. The even more potent GSX Stage 1 models, of which only 479 examples were produced, are particularly coveted by collectors and command prices exceeding $120,000, reflecting their rarity and enhanced performance.
15: 1966 Ford Galaxie 500
Image Credit: Hemmings
The Ford Galaxie 500 muscle car of 1966 was a versatile vehicle, equally popular as a family sedan and a formidable competitor on NASCAR circuits and drag strips. The 1966 model year is particularly desirable due to the introduction of Ford’s new 7.0-liter Thunderbird V-8 engine. For ultimate performance, enthusiasts sought out the “police interceptor” variant, which featured an upgraded 360 horsepower version of the 428 cubic-inch engine, making it a true sleeper muscle car in a full-size package.
14: 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt
Image Credit: Barrett-Jackson Auction Company LLC.
The 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt muscle car was a homologation special, meaning it was specifically built in limited numbers (only 100 units) to qualify for entry into the NHRA Super Stock drag racing series. This skunkworks project was a resounding success, achieving its goal of NHRA dominance.
Powering the Thunderbolt was a 7.0-liter V-8 engine officially rated at 425 horsepower. However, in the spirit of the era where manufacturers often understated horsepower figures, it’s widely believed that the Thunderbolt’s engine actually produced closer to 500 horsepower. A true race car for the street, the Fairlane Thunderbolt could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.7 seconds and conquer the quarter-mile in under 12 seconds, solidifying its legendary status in muscle car history.
13: 1963 Pontiac Catalina
Image Credit: Mecum Auctions
In its day, the 1963 Pontiac Catalina muscle car, particularly lightened versions derived from NASCAR models, dominated drag strips across America. The two-door sports sedan was equipped with a potent 421 H.O. V-8 engine producing 370 horsepower. Catalinas from the 1963 model year are especially prized for their Super Duty (SD) trim.
Already built with lightweight components, some examples of the 1963 Catalina SD featured “Swiss cheese” frames, characterized by strategically drilled holes to further reduce weight, enhancing their already impressive power-to-weight ratio. Unfortunately, the Super Duty program was discontinued later in 1963 due to General Motors’ ban on factory-supported racing. Despite its short production run, the 1963 Pontiac Catalina SD remains a highly respected and sought-after muscle car in the eyes of enthusiasts.
12: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Convertible
Image Credit: Hemmings
The Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport (SS) muscle car was immensely popular during its production run. General Motors produced over 51,455 examples of the Chevelle SS, but only a small fraction, approximately 1,100, were built as convertibles.
These convertible Chevelle SS models are now highly valued by collectors, with solid examples selling for upwards of $70,000. Base power for the top-of-the-line Chevelle SS models came from the RPO L34 option, a 396 big-block engine producing a healthy 350 horsepower and 410 ft lbs of torque, making the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Convertible a desirable combination of muscle and open-top cruising.
11: 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible
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While the original Pontiac GTO muscle car was already a powerful and stylish machine, the Judge trim level added unique visual flair. The 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible featured distinctive striping, a chrome-delete treatment on the grille, and a body-colored rear spoiler, visually signaling its higher performance and more aggressive nature compared to standard GTO models.
The Judge was equipped with a 400 cubic-inch V-8 engine featuring the Ram Air III system, delivering 366 horsepower. By 1969, the demand for convertibles was declining, and consequently, only around 150 examples of the GTO Judge Convertible were produced, making it the rarest and most sought-after variant of the iconic Judge trim and a true gem in the muscle car world.
10: 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird
Image Credit: Barrett-Jackson Auction Company LLC.
If you desired a 1970s muscle car that could accelerate to 60 mph in under five seconds—a truly remarkable feat for the era—and featured a horn that mimicked the iconic “beep-beep” sound of the Looney Tunes Road Runner character, the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird was the answer. The Superbird’s massive big-block V-8 engine, equipped with twin Carter carburetors, was officially rated at 425 horsepower. However, dyno testing revealed that this figure was likely understated, with the engine actually producing closer to 433 horsepower.
Car and Driver magazine recorded the Superbird achieving a quarter-mile time of 13.5 seconds at 105 mph, blistering speeds for the time. To put this performance into perspective, this acceleration was comparable to a 1999 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, highlighting the Superbird’s incredible straight-line speed and iconic status as a muscle car legend.
9: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
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Fittingly, Chevrolet produced only 69 examples of the 1969 Camaro ZL1 muscle car, making it exceptionally rare and highly collectible. When one of these elusive ZL1s appears at auction, it commands staggering prices, with recent sales reaching north of $1 million, according to Hagerty.
With its powerful yet sleek lines and understated dog-dish hubcaps, the 1969 Camaro ZL1 was the fastest production car to emerge from Chevrolet at the time. Some Camaro ZL1s were capable of achieving low 11-second quarter-mile times on the drag strip. Despite its incredible performance, the ZL1 was significantly underrated by Chevrolet. Official specifications listed the engine output at 430 horsepower, but dyno tests revealed that it actually produced closer to 525 horsepower, further cementing its reputation as a true performance beast and a highly sought-after muscle car.
8: 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
Image Credit: American Muscle Car Museum
The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona muscle car, with its enormous rear wing seemingly borrowed from a jumbo jet, was at the forefront of the “aero wars” in NASCAR racing (a period that would eventually lead to rule changes and bans). Only 505 units of the Charger Daytona were produced for road use, making ownership an exclusive experience. In its street-legal guise, the Charger Daytona’s 7.0-liter 426 Hemi engine unleashed 425 horsepower. Race-tuned versions of the Daytona were capable of exceeding 200 mph on oval tracks, showcasing its exceptional aerodynamic design and raw power, solidifying its place as a legendary and visually striking muscle car.
7: 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible
Image Credit: Barrett-Jackson Auction Company LLC.
Predating the ubiquitous Firebird Trans Am variant with the iconic “Screaming Chicken” hood decal (which didn’t appear until 1976), the 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible muscle car was a close relative of the Chevrolet Camaro SS and enjoyed widespread popularity, with over 11,000 units produced. In the ongoing muscle car performance race, the Firebird eventually edged out its Camaro cousin, thanks to the availability of a Ram Air intake system. This Ram Air system provided a boost of approximately 15 horsepower, giving the Firebird a slight performance advantage and further contributing to its appeal as a stylish and potent muscle car convertible.
6: 1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible R/T
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Dodge introduced its now-legendary 7.2-liter “six-pack” V-8 engine in the 1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible R/T muscle car. This marked one of the first applications of this prolific and powerful engine, placing the Challenger R/T Convertible in a relatively exclusive performance category. Of the 2,921 Challenger R/T convertibles produced in 1970, only 99 were equipped with the “six-pack” V-8 engine. Among those, an even smaller number, just 61, were built with a four-speed manual transmission, making a 1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible R/T with the six-pack and manual transmission an exceptionally rare and highly sought-after muscle car.
5: 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertible
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If you desired the ultimate in exclusivity with a 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertible muscle car, opting for a four-speed manual Hemi ‘Cuda drop-top would guarantee you near-uniqueness; only three were ever produced.
By the early 1970s, convertibles were becoming less fashionable, and insurance rates for high-performance big-block muscle cars had skyrocketed. This combination of factors led to Plymouth selling only a handful of Hemi ‘Cuda convertibles in total, with just a dozen leaving the factory. The 1971 model year also marked the final year that Plymouth offered the legendary 7.0-liter Hemi V-8 engine, adding to the rarity and historical significance of the 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertible, particularly the Hemi-equipped versions.
4: 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10
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No list of the best muscle cars would be complete without the inclusion of the 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10. Beneath its long, sculpted hood lurked a bombastic 8.0-liter V-10 engine, delivering a potent 400 horsepower and 450 ft lbs of torque.
Notably, the 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 was deliberately designed without electronic stability control systems. It lacked ABS, traction control, and even airbags, embodying a raw and unfiltered driving experience. This first-generation Viper was a true driver’s car, intended for those who relished the engagement of a manual transmission and were willing to experience the unbridled power and potential challenges of a high-performance machine without electronic intervention, marking a departure from the increasing electronic aids in modern vehicles and a return to the pure muscle car ethos.
3: 1965 Shelby G.T.350R Fastback
Image Credit: American Muscle Car Museum
Carroll Shelby’s relentless pursuit of the ultimate blend of raw power and refined handling is perfectly exemplified in the 1965 Shelby G.T.350R Fastback muscle car. Shelby and his company produced 572 examples of the G.T.350R, with the “R” designation signifying “Race Spec,” indicating that the car was built to comply with all Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) racing regulations.
The 1965 Shelby G.T.350R was designed to be driven straight from the dealership to the racetrack. One particular example of the G.T.350R achieved remarkable racing success in 1968, becoming the winningest car that year by securing first place in 32 out of 54 SCCA races, solidifying its reputation as a dominant force on the track and a highly desirable and historically significant muscle car.
2: 1969 AMC AMX/3
Image Credit: Mathieu Heurtault, courtesy of Gooding & Company.
Arguably the most visually stunning vehicle on this list, the 1969 AMC AMX/3 muscle car was born from AMC executives’ admiration of the De Tomaso Pantera’s captivating design. They aimed to emulate those exquisitely sculpted lines, and arguably, AMC succeeded in creating a truly breathtaking machine. The AMX/3’s engineering was spearheaded by the renowned Giotto Bizzarrini. Uniquely for an American muscle car of the era, the AMC AMX/3 was mid-engined, featuring a potent 6.4-liter V-8 engine positioned behind the passenger compartment.
The 1969 AMC AMX/3 is noteworthy for more than just its striking design and mid-engine configuration. AMC invested a substantial two million dollars in its development before ultimately abandoning the project (equivalent to approximately $15 million today when adjusted for inflation). As a result of the project’s cancellation, only six AMC AMX/3s were ever produced, making each example incredibly rare and pushing their valuation well above $750,000, cementing its status as an automotive masterpiece and a highly collectible muscle car.
1: 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake
Image Credit: Barrett-Jackson Auction Company LLC.
Carroll Shelby was determined to create the ultimate street-legal performance machines, and the 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake muscle car undoubtedly fits that description. Astonishingly, only two examples of the Super Snake were ever produced, and only one survives today – the curvaceous blue beauty pictured here.
In 2021, this surviving 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake was sold at auction for a staggering $5.5 million, reflecting its unparalleled rarity and performance. The buyer acquired a breathtaking coupe equipped with a 427 cubic-inch V-8 engine that Shelby had significantly enhanced with the addition of twin superchargers. The resulting output was a positively ferocious 800 horsepower, making the 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake the pinnacle of Shelby’s street-legal performance vision and arguably the ultimate American muscle car.
