| Whilst cars are now a necessity in our everyday | | | | was surpassed in sales both by the Chevrolet |
| lives people still drive cars for pure enjoyment. | | | | Chevelle SS396 and the Plymouth Road Runner. |
| Automobiles tend to be a status symbol. They | | | | The baby boomers were attracted to the price, |
| can make statements about personality and | | | | power, and speed of the muscle car. Speed was |
| perceived wealth (or not). Modern cars generally | | | | a big factor - prior to the muscle car a person |
| are not really an investment because, as we have | | | | had to have a custom car built if they wanted it |
| all experienced, they depreciate considerably from | | | | to go faster than the standard automobiles. That |
| the moment you part with your dollars. It is | | | | was expensive and time-consuming. |
| always wise to protect your car with a car cover | | | | However, just as the craze was in top speed, the |
| when not in use which assists in reducing the cars | | | | tide started to turn against the muscle car. |
| depreciation. | | | | Insurance companies saw the opportunity to |
| There are cars that have become collector items | | | | charge more money for these fast and powerful |
| and the muscle car era has probably given us | | | | vehicles, thus making muscle cars too expensive |
| some of the most desirable and collectable cars in | | | | for younger people in the market for a new car. |
| American history. Muscle cars are still very much | | | | In addition, Congress began to take action toward |
| in demand. They have a distinctive look with their | | | | vehicle emissions. The leaded gasoline that fueled |
| wide profiles, sharp lines and plenty of chrome. | | | | the muscle cars was banned in 1973 and car |
| Their looks are muscular (hence the term used) | | | | manufacturers had to fall in suit. They had to |
| and the V8 engines are smooth and fast. To be | | | | start making cars that had lower emissions. Finally, |
| classified as a muscle car the vehicle has to meet | | | | the gas shortage caused by the 1973 OPEC oil |
| some criteria. It is a mid size vehicle with a V8 | | | | embargo necessitated the availability of fuel |
| engine and was produced between 1965 and | | | | efficient cars - definitely not a description that fits |
| 1973. They usually handled better because they | | | | the muscle car. |
| had optimal suspension and braking. | | | | Nonetheless these cars remain classic and |
| Cars that fit into this category include the | | | | collectable and are owned predominantly by |
| Coronet Super Bee which featured a radical new | | | | enthusiasts who adore these muscle era vehicles. |
| nose design and was available in high impact paint | | | | It is therefore imperative that these cars are |
| colors such as Plum Crazy and Panther Pink. | | | | protected by a custom car cover when not being |
| Another included the Pontiac GTO Judge with a 0 | | | | used. |
| to 60 speed of 5.7 seconds although the GTO | | | | |