2011 was a year full of emotions, challenges and intriguing for the entire time for classicmusclecarsale.net and I am very happy with the course it had in 2011 and hope into a even better 2012. The intent was to keep the site entertaining and informative for enthusiasts but considering the amount of time and efforts it takes build and maintain the site I haven't really delivered completely to you (my visitors) what I really wanted, and since the site kept growing I was also forced to monetize the site to keep up with the expenses, hence the advertising page you see in this website. All the hard work as I previously mentioned has made so that 2011 was a year full of emotions for this classic & muscle cars dedicated website and the list bellow it just makes me keep going on and maintain the website.

Top 10 Most Viewed Muscle Cars in 2011

• 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
• 1968 Dodge Charger
• 1970 Chevelle SS 454
• 1969 Dodge Coronet RT
• 1969 Dodge Charger R/T-SE
• 1969 Plymouth Road Runner
• 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1
• 1967 Mercury Cougar
• 1963 Ford Galaxie 427
• 1967 Chevelle SS 396

I believe now you understand much better why I wasn't even surprised about the list that came out (note, the list is based on views that each of these car page reviews have received). To be honest I was also expecting the '68 Camaro RS/SS to show up on the list, but to my surprise...it wasn't there.

Which muscle cars would have you expected to be in the list and in what order? Let us know and discuss why you believe your preferred car should have been in the list.

Installation

Many people who own and maintain muscle cars have vehicles that are older than the typical cars, trucks, and SUVs you find on the highway today. That’s because many muscle cars are classics, and their unique designs and features has made them worth preserving to muscle car enthusiasts at home and abroad. With older muscle cars, you have to be careful when considering HID kit installation. While stock halogen replacements can be installed by just switching out one bulb set for another, HIDs have unique components that must be accounted for. In many cases, you can simply install those new components by popping the hood, but frequently on older muscle cars there may be a need to make cuts into the headlight casing, and sometimes even into the main body of the vehicle itself. Granted, most of these cuts, if needed at all, are minor in seriousness, but if you’re looking to preserve your car’s body 100% you’ll need to check and see if your model-year vehicle can have HIDs installed without major body alterations. Beyond that, installation is a quick process that mainly involves hooking up and securing ballasts, wire harnesses, and the main xenon bulbs. If you are fairly competent under the hood, this should be something you can accomplish in an hour or two, if not less.

Efficiency and Performance Improvements

Muscle cars aren’t typically known for their efficiency, so HIDs have a huge advantage in that respect. Unlike incandescent bulb types that expend much of the energy provided to them as heat, HIDs are more efficient and generate mostly light from available energy. These lights can also last up to 10x longer than standard halogen headlights. Meanwhile, muscle car owners tend to value the performance attributes of their cars, and with HIDs, the increased value offered is no exception. With lights that are potentially 3x brighter and customizable by color, you can certainly keep the main design of your car the same while giving it luminous, customized headlights.

Other Things to Look Out For

Muscle cars produced prior to the last couple decades may have to take additional time to adapt the new headlight components to the vehicles’ systems. This is normal, and the extra time isn’t of extra concern in terms of eventual performance. For instance, HID headlights will often display slightly different hues when first installed, but after a few hours of active use, the colors should even out. Also, a light humming noise may protrude from the front of the car when first using HIDs. This, again, is normal, provided that the humming doesn’t last longer than 10 minutes. Should either of these happen, wait the required time first to see if the problems correct themselves, and if they don’t, then you may want to check for loose ballasts, wire, and other component hookup issues.

Only a privileged few in your circle of trust know what it's like to sit inside your muscle car. However, when you're out on that free and easy Sunday drive, mostly everyone is craning their neck to get a nice look at your exterior finish when you cruise past them. This is when your paint job needs to look its best. Immediately following the ritual of your muscle car's wash, a nice automotive wax application is the next step. It's a good idea to wax as soon as you're done washing and thoroughly drying your car because small particles of debris, dust and other forms of airborne contaminants won't have a chance to form on your finish. And, make sure you wax your muscle car in a shaded area to avoid the smear effect on your finish - you never want to deal with that.

Applying wax in thin layers is also ideal for best results. Go beyond just one heavy coat of wax and opt for two smaller applications to get the pronounced color and depth you want. Once the wax has been applied evenly, a proper buff and polish is key to finishing the job right. To get this aspect of detailing done, a mechanical buffer works great, or you can turn to a clean set of microfiber towels and cloths to use with your bare hands. And, detailing the other parts of your muscle car while you're at it - windows, jams, dashboard and the like - will also go a long way toward its immaculate look. Whether your ride has been in storage throughout the cold, harsh winter, or just hasn't been driven in the last few weeks, you'll be happy to know that a nice wash and wax will keep it looking cherry for years to come.

There's a reason why you've invested your time and resources in the upkeep of your muscle car. One may find that they loved the look of a certain car but never had the chance to own it in their earlier years. Or, perhaps you owned one at some point, had to sell it along the way, and now that you have it once again in your possession, you'll never let it out of sight. Whatever your reasons, remember: the preventative maintenance of your ride is one of the most important aspects of being its owner. Now, get out there and enjoy it!

The 1969 Dodge Coronet RT is remembered not only for it's unique looks and style but for it's performance and engineering history. There's no mistaking one of these muscle cars for another model even though it had several cousins in the line of muscle cars from Chrysler/Dodge.

It sported a OHV V8 engine, horsepower of 375 at 4,600 rpm, torque of 480 at 3,200 rpm, compression ratio of 10.0:1, fuel system 1x 4bbl, displacement, cid: 440, 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds.

With the 440 cubic inch Six Pack, the 390, 426, and 440 horsepower engines also had an accompanying 426 Hemi V8. It had the single four barrel carburetor. It had the A833 four speed manual transmissions

The optional features for the exterior included twin hood scoops, fiberglass lift off hood, trailer towing package, and over 20 colors. The inside featured carpet, map light, wood grained instrument panel, over 20 interior colors.

What many 1969 Dodge Coronet RT fans will discuss are the changes in the design features that have now become signature in relationship to this classic muscle car and it's siblings and rivals. The carryover hood had the stamped metal skirt. A new grill that featured stamped aluminum in horizontal configuration that went in tow with the air cooling features for the engine. There are the scoops that cooled the carburetor and also a signature feature. If you find the convertible version of the 1969 Dodge Coronet RT you're in the catbird seat for sure. Even with todays high tech cars, the Coronet RT would still stand out and make you look good and be the center of attention. It's just that kind of classic muscle car design that still grabs the looks and admiration.

Since this car was popular on both the streets and drag strips you'll find lots of history all over from people who've not only owned these cars but also done maintenance. Add to that the history of the engineers and designers and you'll be up to your fenders in muscle car history.

The 1969 Dodge Coronet RT had the quad headlights with the full wide panel of tai lights. It had bucket seats and other modifications that cusomizers adored. You'll need to look carefully at one of these rare cars when you see one on the streets or at the shows. You'll see a range from the standard issued to the elaborately customized.

It goes without mention that finding one of these beauties intact is an adventure unto itself but should you do, be ready to shell out a small fortune. They're still in demand mainly because of the nostalgic value and conversation value. People who owned them remember them fondly and you'll find on occasion original owners parading about in this car with their heads up and smiling from ear to ear. The 1969 Dodge Coronet RT sure brings back the memories and will make new ones for the new collectors out there.

The 1968 Dodge Charger is often mistaken for other Dodge lines such as the Dodge Coronet. All were part of the B-body line for 1968. Dodge came out with a new design for the Charger which included a more curve style to the body, hidden headlight grille, changes in the back-light, less chrome and more. It's the famous Coke Bottle design of the body that people remember of this classic muscle car. Two medallions on the R/T front grille and rear tail light panel.

The specifications of the 1968 Dodge Charger included the standard 316 cubic inch V8 engine with it's two barrel carburetor. A standard could even get the 383 cubic inch V8 with the options of the two barrel or four barrel carburetors. The Dodge 1968 Charger could come with the options of front power disc breaks, power locks, power steering and air conditioning. You could also add cruise control. Many colors were offered for the Charger and even additional colors such as metallic colors like silver, gold, blue and more.

Further specifications of the 1968 Dodge Charger are a wheelbase of 117 inches, height of 53.2 inches, width of 76.6 inches, length of 208 inches and weight of 4,035 lbs.

The engines range from the 225 cubic inch to the 426 cubic inch Hemi

The 225 cubic inch I-6 1-V carburetor had 145 horse power @ 4000 rpm and a torque at 215 lbs @ 2400 rpm. The standard 318 cubic inch V8 with the 2V carburetor came with a horse power of 230 @ 4,400 rpm and a torque of 340 @ 2,400 rpm. The 383 cubic inch V8 with a 2V carburetor had a horse power of 290 @ 400 rpm and a torque of 390 @ 2800. 383 cubic inch V8 with the 4V carburetor had a horse power of 330 @ 5000 rpm and a torque of 425 @ 3200. The much prized 440 cubic inch Magnum V8 with the 4V carburetor had a horse power of 375 @4600 and a torque of 480 @ 3200. Finally the 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 with 2x4V carburetor had 425 @5000 rpm and a torque of 480 @ 4000.

If you ever see one of these cars on the streets and they don't have a smiling person behind the wheel then it's probably a mirage. There are so many fans of this car that you might find some people willing to leave the car money in their will.

A true classic and fun piece to show off when restored and maintenance properly. Expect to get expert advice on the care and restoration of one of these rare finds.

The 1969 Plymouth Road Runner followed in the tradition of some of Plymouth's earlier successful muscle cars such as the GTX and it was that success that had the Plymouth engineers going back to the basics of their muscle car line and come up with the Plymouth Road Runner line.

This model came in a 2 door coupe, 2 door hardtop and 2 door convertible with a 3 speed automatic or 4 speed manual. Bucket seats made for comfortable seating and it was in 1969 that the 1969 Plymouth Road Runner was adapted to convertible but only about 2,128 were produced and of those only about ten of them came with the Hemi engine. Four of them were four speed and six were automatics so you can imagine the fight to find any of these rare models.

The 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner came with the following specifications such as:

• 383 V8 with 335 horse power @ 5200 rpm and 425 lb per ft @ 3400 rpm.
• 440 V8 with 375 horse power @ 4600 rpm and 480 lb per ft @ 3200 rpm.
• 440+6 V8 with 390 horse power @ 4700 rpm and 490 lb per ft @ 3200 rpm.
• 426 Hemi V8 with 425 horse power @ 5000 rpm and 490 lb per ft @ 4000 rpm.

The three models of this classic muscle car saw the following production numbers. The ER2-M 2 door coupe saw 33,743 produced, the ER2-M 2 door hardtop coupe saw 48,549 produced and the aforementioned ER2-M 2 door convertible saw 2,128 produced which is why this particular model of the 1969 Plymouth Road Runner so valuable and such one of the most sought after muscle cars in the world.

Plymouth's muscle car line can get confusing with it's other models such as the Plymouth Super Bee. The roadrunner was bare bones. It didn't sport wheel covers nor hubcaps. It also was modified to the point that it could qualify for the racing circuit and it did just that with legendary status. It was the speed of the 383 Hemi that boosted Plymouth and Dodge to the top of the heap of the dragstrip industry. These performance specifications is what put the 1960 Plymouth Roadrunner as the lead competitor to such hot cars at the time as the Chevelle SS-396 and the Pontiac GTO. Actually the 1960 Plymouth Roadrunner became so popular and sales so high that it was named Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1969.

The popularity of the Corvette series made the season prime for the debut of the 1966 Corvette 427. It's secret agent type design made one almost forget about that big block V8 engine inside until you hit the gas. You never forgot about that V8 again!

It came in four engine formats, the 327 ci, 327 ci 350 L 79, 427 ci 390 hp L36, 427 ci 425 hp L72.

Wheelbase 98 inches, track front and rear 56.8 inches and 57.6 inches. Length at 175.1 inches, width 69.6 inches. Height for the coupe was 49.6 inches and for the convertible a 49.8 inches. Ground clearance came to 5.0 inches. Seat width at 2 x 20.5 inches. Headroom for the coupe was 37.0 inches and for the convertible it's 38.5 inches. Weight for the 1966 Corvette 427 came in at for the Coupe 3,140 lbs, for the convertible at 3,160 lbs. Compression ratio at 11.0:1, bore and stroke at 4.25 x 3.76, torque at 460 at 4,000 rpm.

Any fan of the 1966 Corvette 427 will know the speed specs down pat. It performed thus: 0-30 mph in 2.5 seconds, 0-40 mph in 3.3 seconds, 0-50 mph in 4.2 seconds, 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, 0-70 mph in 6.8 seconds, 0-80 mph in 8.8 seconds, 0-90 mph in 10.8 seconds, and 0-100 mph in 12.8 seconds.
It hit the standing quarter mile in 13.4 seconds at 105 mph and reached a top speed of 135 mph.

The 1966 Corvette 427 rack and pinion steering with a ratio of 20.2:1 standard and the optional 17.6:1.

The L72 425 bhp 427ci V8 engine also had 427 cubic inches , watercooled four stroke preciprocating piston type 8 cylinders Vee configuration wit air injection emission control.

It had so many cool options that people would stand around this car and just pose next to it. Anyone driving one of these back in the day was the centerpiece of attention and if you think you were cool in 1966 driving around in the 1966 Corvette 427 you were still cool if you drove the 1966 Corvette 427 today! There has been no decade since it hit the block where this car wasn't an event of admiration and conversation. You'll find collectors and enthusiasts all over the world. It's rarity has pushed the price into the high five figures just short of the six figure mark but as history rolls on who knows where it will end.

The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner made history in more than one way. First of all the aforementioned Warner Bros. association, but also, it was designed and engineered to cut the fat off muscle cars of the day and get back to the basics of what muscle cars were originally created. Low cost and powerful, and when it came to no frills, only walking could beat the Road Runner. Inside was just two bench seats seating six, a dashboard with speedometer and basic gauges, no radio, no air conditioning or other creature comforts. You got into this car and drove fast. That was it.

However, to Chrysler's surprise they thought they would sell roughly 2,000 plus models but instead broke industry expectations by selling over 45,000 1968 Plymouth Road Runner cars! The name must have caught on and the low price tag of just under $3,000. It was an affordable, popular, powerful muscle car. It's basic construction allowed for customizers to go wild. People made careers creating dashboard modifications, seats, carpeting, and more. It was a blank canvas on which anyone could paint and be even cooler.

This car was no joke regarding power though. This B Body platform had a standard MOPAR 383 cid which brought it to 335 bhp and a torque of 425 lb-ft. Reinforced suspensions, four speed manual transmission. You could even spend a $714 more to have a 426 Hemi put in. The 440 Magnum was the base here. So you're talking about a V8 that could do the 1/4 mile in 13.5 seconds at just a wee bit over 100 mph thanks again to the MOPAR 383 cid, manifolds, valve springs, camshafts, and crankcase windage tray.

You've got to take notice of the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner because of all it achieved. It hit all it's marks and more. It nailed the marketing name from a popular cartoon, caprtured the public's imagination and admiration, combined a powerful engine in a lighter weight car that took engineers back to where muscle cars were supposed to be. It met it's market price, exceeded it's sales projections 20 times over, made it in the history books several times over and is still the subject of enthusiasts, collectors, photographers, movies, and more. The toy model kits and toy cars like Hot Wheels featured the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner and it just will not, will not go away in charm and legend.

In those days you would actually see parents, teenagers, college kids, clergy even driving around in a Road Runner. You would also see people pass these cars down and today you'll see them driving around all polished up proudly displayed.

When this variant of Mustang hit the stores it had people's eyes bugging and jaws dropping.

Image from: USAgeorge.com

This engine was so big that Ford had to modify their Mach 1 Mustang to fit this thing in it and the engineers and designers, primarily Kar Kraft had it's hands full to say the least. After cutting, widening, pushing and pulling they finally got this variant rolling and rolling it did.

Looking at the specs we see it had a V8 engine, a valvetrain OHV, displacement of 1939 cc/429.0 cubic inches, a bore of 110.74 mm / 4.36 inches, stroke of 91.2 mm / 3.59 in, compression of 10.5:1, horsepower of 179.6 kw / 374.9 bhp at 5,200 rpm, torque of 610.12 mm / 450.0 ft lbs at 3,400 rpm. It's body frame was steel, front brakes discs with Power Assist, 287.mm / 11.3 inches, rear breaks drums with Power Assist, steering recirculating ball with Power Assist. A 4 speed manual transmission, a weight of 3,530 lbs / 1,601 kg, wheelbase of 108.0 inches / 2743 mm, length of 187.4 inches / 4,760 mm, and a height of 50.4 inches / 1,280 mm.

Enthusiasts will recall how this muscle car came at the behest of NASCAR. To compete, Ford engineered the 429 for this purpose. Since Chrysler had their 426 in the NASCAR Grand National Division, Ford wanted in as well. The popular Mustang was chosen and the rest is history. As noted earlier the Mach 1 was the modified car which thus became the now fabled 1960 Ford Mustang Boss 429. The 385 engine was the source of the modification to the 429. Because sales of this car dwindled it was the last of it's breed adding to it's rarity.

Undoubtedly the 1960 Ford Mustang Boss 429 is now a member of legend and one of the most highly collectible cars. The fact that homologation was the desire to compete in NASCAR that added bit of history adds to the mystique and that Kar Kraft was the contractor makes this model so much a part of muscle car legend that it's often the talk of automotive enthusiasts the world over.

Extra specs of the 1960 Ford Mustang Boss 429 include 0-30 mph in 3.2 seconds, 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, and 0-100 mph in 13.6 seconds. It could hit a top speed of 118 mph.

So if you want not only a piece of history but also become a part of history then this classic muscle car with it's rarity and design is a collectible that will have the neighbors talking for years to come.

If you had one, people would flock to see what it was, girls would hover around and pose for pictures. Guys couldn't wait to challenge this muscle car and customizers found it fun to work on.

Produced from 1968 through 1971, the Dodge Super Bee grabbed a lot of attention. People felt they had a car that not only was powerful and came from a line of reliable vehicles but the name and look of the car made the owner stand out among the crowd. Even now, collectors find this car a centerpiece and at car shows you'll find many an admirer telling stories of the good ol' days and the fun and excitement this Dodge model brought them.

This car was so popular that today even it's chrome ornaments are prized collectibles. That's how stylish this car is from it's bumble bee wings that consisted of added on twin looped front bumper, it's aforementioned highly prized chrome ornaments, Ramcharger hood forward facing scoops it had it's basic features that made it popular then as well today.

A Charger platform reminded fans of it's cousin the Doge Charger which also and still is a monster of a collectible to find. It had the small block engine that year. A B body, with engines that included 340ci V8, 383ci V8, 426ci V8, 440ci V8. Standard equipment came with heavy duty suspension, a wheelbase of 115 inches, height at 52.7 inches, width of 79.1 inches, length of 205.4 inches, a weight of 4,050 pounds.

It reached 0-30 mph in 2.5 seconds, 0-45 mph in 4.2 seconds, 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, 0-75 in 7.6 seconds. Those are the stats to the Hemi engine that was included and many a story about those Hemis I can assure you. The six pack 440 boasted a wee bit slower with 0-30 mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-45 mph in 4.7 seconds, 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, and 0-75 mph in 9.9 seconds.

The 426 ci Hemi V8 had a C.R. at 10.25:1, 425 at 5,000 rpm horsepower, and torque of 480 at 4,000 rpm.

Mind you only a small number of the Hemis were built!

The car came with a Charger 500 interior and many optional features. When buying one make sure to check out which options were included and modified over the years.

Since the car was featured as a low cost muscle car and a competitor to the Plymouth Road Runner the engine modification upgrade that turned the 383 cylinder Magnum V8 four barrel carburetor to the 426 hemi but Dodge upgraded it to the 440 six pack that cost less. It can get confusing regarding the options and modifications but this muscle car had it's hey day and is still sought after.