It’s easy to see how the American muscle car models offered in the history of the automotive landscape have changed the course of history.

As powerhouse models of the automotive world, it can be easy to admire different models that have become legendary in the world of driving. Let’s take a look at ten of the most impactful muscle cars that have shaped the fun and power we enjoy when we drive muscle cars today.

AMX/3

It’s possible you’ve never heard of the AMX brand. There’s a good reason for this. AMX was a set of models created by the AMC brand. AMC was the American Motors Corporation and the AMX/3 was a competitor of the Chevy Corvette of the time. The original model was a record-breaking car with the endurance to handle a lot of racing in the late 1960s. This car had a mid-engine setup, which set it apart from other American muscle cars to give you the car that could give you the fun and the power desired.

Dodge Viper

There’s no denying the angry sound and amazing appeal of the Dodge Viper. This car is one that was nicknamed The Widow Maker because it was a car that required great skill to drive. The Viper was a raw American muscle to give you the power you wanted and the drive that makes a lot of sense when you get behind the wheel for a fun drive on the track. The Viper was extremely fast and it was used in a variety of motorsports including IMSA and FIA GT Championships to be a winning car.

Plymouth RoadRunner

The Plymouth Road Runner was a muscle car that was only around for a small amount of time and it was a time of progress, turmoil, war, and a culture shift. This car served a dual-purpose which gave you a comfortable and reliable drive that you wanted to drive and enjoy. A variety of different styles were used to give us the Road Runner than we loved to enjoy when on the road or when it was time to take this car to the track.

Chevelle SS

There was only one reason for the Chevelle SS to exist and that’s to be a muscle car that we loved to drive. This car was one that everyone wanted with a big seven-liter V8 engine and a big body that gave us the power and performance desired. As one of the most aggressive muscle cars offered in the market at the time, the Chevelle SS was a leader and became one of the greatest legends offered for the driving fun enjoyed at the time.

Buick Grand National GNX

There was one Buick that made its way to the market in the 1980s to give us a lot of power and fun during the drive. The Buick Grand National GNX was made as a special model that hid all the power and fun, but those who knew what this car has to offer were able to experience the fun drive and extreme power of this great car. The shape was the same as the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, but the power level was much higher.

Dodge Charger R/T

One of the most popular American muscle cars in the world is the Dodge Charger R/T. We still have this car in the lineup today, but the original and authentic 1969 model of this car is one that has become rare and was one of the most powerful muscle cars used in the past. The Charger was the car shown in The Dukes of Hazard as the car that was full of power and could jump over rivers and streams. You can still enjoy this car in its modern version.

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

No longer offered in the market, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was the car that everyone wanted once the classic film Smokey and the Bandit arrived on the screen. This was the car that was driven by the hero of the movie and the one that many teens of the time wanted to enjoy. The signature Firebird on the hood gave it a special look and the power desired was under the hood. There were several color combinations that could be used to give you the fun and excitement of this Pontiac.

Shelby Mustang

The marriage of the motorsports mind of Carol Shelby and the Ford Mustang made history. Mr. Shelby was one of the most dominant names in the world of motorsports and helped develop several cars that were made to showcase the performance an American company could offer. Shelby took the original Mustang and created the Shelby Mustang and Shelby Mustang Cobra to be performance cars that we love to see today. Some models are still offered at an extremely high price when they show up on the auction block.

Chevrolet Corvette

Since the early part of the 1950’s the Chevrolet Corvette has been the affordable sports car that meant you didn’t have to buy a Ferrari, Porsche, or Lamborghini to have the fun and performance you want. You might not think of the Corvette as a muscle car, but the power and performance offered to make this car the one that would make the drive right when you get behind the wheel and take this car out or a ride. The Corvette of today is a lot different than the original, but this is one car that can trace its roots to the 1950s.

Ford GT40

You can’t get tired of hearing about Carol Shelby and his influence in performance cars of the 1950s and 1960s. Ford wanted to win the Le Mans race because of a vendetta that brewed with Ferrari and they hired Shelby to make this happen. The result was the Ford GT40 which was able to dominate the race for a few years, giving Ford the win they desired. Today, this car can be found at some auctions and in museums as one of the most amazing cars ever created.