American went through enormous change in the 1960’s, and the cars of the decade changed with it. A spirit of innovation ruled Detroit. The single-car model lines of the 1950’s would no longer suffice. A fragmented market demanded a broader range of choices, and automakers delivered.
As the big four manuafactures introduced compact cars and midsized models, a rebellious young generation was coming into its own, and Detroit tapped into it. The ponycar and muscle car were born and the personal luxury car attracted a wider audience than ever before.
These fresh designs broke free of tradition, and reflected the decade’s atmosphere of personal freedom.
The decade began with an unexpected move towards economy cars and concluded with some of the wildest, largest and most powerful American cars ever made.
The Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, Pontiac GTO and Dodge Charger were the success stories. As well as igniting the muscle car movement, these models turned the manufactures mundane midsized models into high-horsepower street-and-strip warriors with their own style and culture.
Phoenix Cars Australia is dedicated to celebrating these wondrous cars that helped shape the era and indeed to keep the spirit of The Sixties alive.
What is a Muscle Car? - The term principally refers to American, Australian and South African vehicles and generally describes a 2-door rear wheel drive mid-size car with a large, powerful V8 engine and special trim, intended for maximum torque on the street or in drag racing competition. Sound like fun?
What's interesting to note, is the term "muscle car" did not enter common usage until after production of the cars had essentially ended.
During their heyday, print media usually referred to this class of vehicle as "supercars". - Today, supercars are a totally different vehicle altogether.
Muscle cars were produced from the mid-1960s into the early 1970s, but the production of such vehicles fell drastically due to a number of factors. First was the controversy over whether it was wise and responsible to make such powerful vehicles available to the general public, primarily due to road racing. Because muscle cars were often used irresponsibly, liability relating to them was pretty high which forced insurance companies to increase rates for insuring muscle cars. Emission control requirements intended to curb pollution also played a role making it near impossible for automakers to produce muscle cars that met the standards they had to adhere to.
Needless to say, the muscle car industry changed quickly due to these influences. Demand decreased because many "would-be" buyers of muscle cars couldn't fathom paying the enormous insurance rates for a high-power vehicle and automakers had to meet the challenges presented by pollution control standards.
Since muscle cars were produced for a limited number of years, they are valuable items for collectors and are still highly desirable to those who enjoy racing or desire a quick, powerful, mid-sized car. Since the decline in the production of muscle cars, some automakers have attempted to bring the muscle car era back to life by producing powerful vehicles that resemble the legendary muscle cars - although there is nothing like the real thing.
American Motors Corporation
Chrysler Corporation
Ford Motor Company
General Motors Corporation
