17 Muscle Cars So Strange Nobody Remembers Them

Muscle cars epitome of automotive coolness—thunderous engines, sleek designs, and an undeniable road presence. But not all muscle cars fit the classic mold we’re accustomed to. 

Some ventured so far off the beaten track that they’ve slipped through the cracks of automotive history. Here’s a trip down memory lane to explore 17 muscle cars so strange that they’re practically ghosts.

1962 Pontiac Catalina Tri-Power Four-Speed Convertible

Pontiac’s full-size Catalina roared to life with the mighty Tri-Power V8 and a four-speed manual transmission, birthing a rare breed of high-performance muscle car. 

1970 Chevrolet Nova LT-1 COPO

The Nova, a sleek and stylish compact car renowned for its agile handling, received a significant power boost from Chevy by implementing a special COPO (Central Office Production Order) package, enhancing its performance capabilities to a new level.

1968 Pontiac Firebird Ram Air II

The Ram Air II package amplified the V8 with round exhaust ports, increased compression, and punchier cam timing for a serious performance boost. Only a handful of Ram Air II Firebirds rolled out.

1970 Dodge Charger 500

Introduced in 1970, the Charger 500 revved up the NASCAR scene with its one-of-a-kind aerodynamic tweaks, featuring a sleek rear window and elongated nose cone. At the time, NASCAR was gaining popularity, and manufacturers were pushing the boundaries of design and performance. 

The 1970 Dodge Charger 500 came with the standard 318 (5.2-liter V8) engine, offering two big-block choices: the 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) with either two- or four-barrel carburetion.

1967 Dodge Coronet R/T 426 Hemi Convertible

This remarkable muscle car was a sight to behold, with its sleek, aerodynamic body and unmistakable roar. I remember the first time I saw it at a car show; it was like love at first sight. The power and beauty of this car are truly unmatched. 

The sheer power of its massive V8 engine made it a force to be reckoned with on the roads and stirred a sense of awe in all who witnessed it in action.

1966 Ford Fairlane 500 R-Code

The 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 R-Code was a powerhouse, boasting 425 horsepower and a whopping 480 pound-feet of torque. 

This machine was an absolute beast on the road, matched with a fierce Toploader four-speed transmission and race-tuned rear-end gears. 

1970 Buick Skylark GSX Stage 1

In 1970, the 400 gave way to the mighty 7.4-liter Buick V8, famously found in the GS 455. The standard V8 packed a punch with 350 horsepower (260 kW) and 510 lb·ft (690 N·m) of torque at 2800 rpm. 

Opt for the Stage1 upgrade, and you’ll be cruising with a thrilling 360 hp (268 kW) and 510 lb·ft (691 Nm) at a mere 2800 rpm!

1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda Hemi Super Track Pack

Based on the original build sheet, this car has top-notch features! Standouts like the Super Track Pack rear axle boasting a 4.10 ratio, power brakes, and the Rallye instrument cluster make it a real gem. 

1970 AMC AMX

Equipped with the standard high-compression 290 cu in (4.8 L) or optional 390 cu in (6.4 L) AMC V8 engine, the AMX delivered sporty performance at a pocket-friendly price. 

Despite its value and enthusiastic welcome from automotive media and enthusiasts, sales stayed the same.

1970 Oldsmobile Rallye 350

Oldsmobile’s one-year-only Rallye 350 model sported a sleek hood and a rear spoiler and packed a punch with the 310-horsepower 350 V8 engine.

1968 AMC Javelin

American Motors’ pony car competitor to the Mustang and Camaro, the Javelin could be optioned with the powerful V8 engine. 

The 1968 Javelin stands out as one of the sleekest and most underappreciated American muscle cars of its time! 

1963 Studebaker Lark

Larks chose a robust L-head 170 cu in (2.8 L) six-cylinder engine or the company’s mighty 259 cu in (4.2 L) V8. 

Back then, testers were impressed by the V8’s performance. A V8 Lark could zip from 0 to 60 mph in about 10 seconds, matching the speed of many larger vehicles.

1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454

Featuring a lengthy hood and compact deck, the Monte Carlo SS 454 blended muscle car might with luxurious grand touring. 

You’d get a Turbo-Jet (454 cu in (7.4 L)) with a four-barrel carburetor, delivering an impressive 360 hp (268 kW; 365 PS) at 4800 rpm.

1964 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT

Mercury’s take on the Ford Falcon compact, the Comet Cyclone GT, came ready to rumble with potent engines under the hood. 

This beast boasted a 289 cu in (4,736 cc), 210 hp (156.6 kW) engine, and sleek and sporty appearance. Complete with a spoked steering wheel and snug bucket seats, it exuded style and power.

1965 Pontiac 2+2

Pontiac transformed the mid-size Catalina coupe by infusing it with distinctive style elements and unleashing the power of a potent V8 to birth the iconic 2+2 muscle car. 

From 1965 onwards, the Catalina moniker faded from the scene yet remained available as an option. The 2+2 boasted a mighty 421 cu in (6.9 L) V8 engine, dual exhaust, reinforced front springs, and exclusive exterior body accents.

1966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger

The nimble Stinger blazed through quarter miles in just 15 seconds, defying norms with its unique drivetrain setup. 

Under the hood of the Corvair hummed an air-cooled, aluminum 80 hp (60 kW; 81 PS) 140 cu in (2.3 L) flat-six engine – later beefed up to 145 cu in (2.4 L) and then 164 cu in (2.7 L). The pinnacle came with the turbocharged 180 hp (134 kW; 182 PS) Corsa 1965–66 engine, unleashing pure power.

1977 Pontiac Can Am

As the malaise era took hold, Pontiac boldly moved to keep the performance spirit alive with the Can-Am package for the compact Ventura. 

This powerhouse boasts a 6.6L V8 engine, enhanced suspension, and sporty styling details, such as a striking shaker hood scoop.

The muscle car world is filled with icons, but the forgotten, the strange, and the downright bizarre often tell the most compelling stories. These 17 muscle cars dared to be different, and while they didn’t achieve legendary status, they certainly left their mark. We’d love to hear about your favorite forgotten muscle car. Please share your thoughts, and let’s keep the conversation rolling!

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