Ford Mustang
When it comes to car names, the Mustang is the most famous American model of all time.
A Ford legend, it was designed with a specific person in mind, someone who wanted to ditch the sedan for something sportier. Unsurprisingly, more than a million Mustangs were sold in the first 18 months.
It had a 4.9-Litre V8 that produced between 200-320bhp depending on the model. The range-topping 1969 Boss 302 is the most iconic of all.
Classic fact: In 2020, Steve McQueen’s Mustang GT from Bullitt sold for a record $3.4 million.
Dodge Charger
Beloved by car fanatics, everything about the Dodge Charger – from its name and how it sounds to the way it looks – sums up America's exceptionalism for muscle car engineering.
Unleashed in 1966, sales for the Dodge got off to a sluggish start. But when advanced tech was introduced to later models, sales rocketed (as did mentions in Country and Western lyrics).
The best Dodge remains the R/T. Below that unmistakeable bonnet lurked a feisty V8 producing 395bhp. BTW, the Dodge R/T is the other car in the Bullitt chase scene.
Classic fact: The Dodge Charger was the world’s first four-door muscle car.
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
It’s not often a car achieves instant superstar status. And when they do, very few can excite both petrolheads and the general public who don’t know a dip stick from a gear stick. The Pontiac Firebird is one of these cars.
First introduced in 1969, the Trans Am edition shot to fame for its appearance in the Smokey and the Bandit films.
Weighing 1,400kg, it wasn’t as quick as it looked, but what it lacked in speed it made up for in devilish good looks.
Classic fact: The car’s iconic bonnet bird (the Screaming Chicken) first appeared in 1973 and was a mere $53 optional extra.
Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray
If you’re looking for the definition of 'sex on wheels', look no further than the Corvette.
This stunning two-seater made its debut in 1953, but it wasn’t until the release of the C2 Sting Ray (1963-1967) that Chevrolet really made its mark on the sports car scene.
First off, the C2 had a shorter wheelbase and independent suspension, giving it one over on the C1 in the handling department. It was a lot quicker, too, with a fuel-injected V8 rocketing to 60mph in 5.5 seconds.
Classic fact: The ZR1 released in 2009 was the first Corvette to reach 200mph.
Lincoln Continental
Luxury sedans were all the craze in the 1960s. And they don’t come much more luxe than the Lincoln Continental. It’s fit for a president, literally.
The Continental was everything you’d want from a glam sedan. Built like a tank and spacious enough to swing a cabinet member or three, it had a decent amount of shove thanks to the 7.6-litre V8 borrowed from Ford.
The massive MKV is arguably the best. If you were to buy a decent one today then you’re talking upwards of £80K.
Classic fact: All Lincolns are named after the 16th US president, whom founder Henry Leland idolised.
Plymouth Hemi Barracuda
Mecum Auctions
If you thought — as many do — the Ford Mustang was the first pony car, then you’re wrong. This accolade actually goes to the Plymouth Barracuda, which was released two weeks before the Mustang.
The best of the ‘Cudas was the 1970-71 Hemi, which featured a 7.0-litre V8 making 425bhp. Sadly, the model was withdrawn in 1971 after only 115 were sold.
Today, the Hemi ’Cuda is one of the most valuable muscle cars in the world.
Classic fact: Measuring a whopping 14.4 square feet, the Hemi had the largest rear window of any production car in the world at the time.
Ford GT40
Even if you know zilch about cars, you’ll know the Ford GT40. Built to take on and beat Ferrari at Le Mans, it's one of the best-known cars on the planet.
This legendary racer impressed from the off. Even the early prototype was a hit, impressing Bruce McLaren, who was hired by Henry Ford to test his creation.
Winning ever 24 hours Le Mans from 1966-69, the GT40's 4.7-litre alloy V8 engine had a top speed of 164mph — lightening quick back then.
Classic fact: In 2012, a Le Mans Ford GT40 sold for $11 million at auction.
Shelby Cobra 427
BarrettJackson auction
If this list was based on raw power, the Shelby Cobra 427 would be sitting pretty at number 1.
The 'Super Snake' had it all — perfect looks, stylish interiors, and warp speeds. Can you imagine a car that could go from 0-60mph in just over 3.8 seconds in 1966? Bonkers.
Carroll Shelby's iconic car could also accelerate from 0-100mph and then come to a complete stop within 15 seconds.
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