Before there were cars with sophisticated technology, it was just raw muscle that ran the streets. These cars had big engines that were powerful and would get you to your destination in a very short time. Even now muscle cars can still hold their own on the streets and through the years many of them have left a lasting legacy with their designs and power.These cars are now collectible items and can go for some astonishing price tags.

Owning one of these cars usually depends on a few things, opportunity which is a big one, you can’t buy what isn’t available for sale. Another is condition of the vehicle, these cars can take a lot of money to restore. You will also need connections to acquire the necessary parts. The biggest of all is money, without it you don’t have the buying power necessary to own one of these amazing cars. So now we have put that out of the way, let us take a look at what in my opinion is the 10 best muscle cars of all time.

#10 1970 Plymouth Road Runner

Top Speed: 105 mph
0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds
Horsepower: 426
Engine: V8
Displacement: 7.0 Liter
425 ft-lb of Torque

It is believed that one of these cars could be worth at least $100,000 now in pristine condition. The Plymouth was a very fast car for it’s heyday and saw a few variants of other models that included the Superbird with its signature front. It is considered one of the best muscle cars the world has ever known and though there are many choices, it all boils down to what you love.

#9 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 Coupe

Top Speed: 120 mph
0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds
Horsepower: 265
Engine: V8
Displacement: 5.8 Liter
430 ft-lb of Torque
If you have $85,000, you may be able to afford one of these beauties. Can you see yourself driving down your neighborhood being the envy of those you pass by? Well if you owned one of these Pontiac Firebird 400 coupes, I am sure that would be your experience. These cars are very valuable and hard to find now, which makes them very desirable collector items.

#8 1969 Dodge Charger R/T-SE

Top Speed: 121 mph
0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
Horsepower: 375
Engine: V8
Displacement: 7.2 Liter
490 ft-lb of Torque

$60,000 could be what it takes if you want to own an iconic Dodge Charger. Dodge is one of the biggest players in the field with this beauty. If you can get your hands on a Dodge Charger R/T S-E then you are in for a treat.

#7 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

Top Speed: 128 mph
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
Horsepower: 425
Engine: V8
Displacement: 7.0 Liter
490 ft-lb of Torque

One of these powerhouses sold for over $390,000 recently which shows the value to others. If you want one of these monsters, it may take some serious digging and even then there is no guarantee. The Plymouth is the most expensive of the entire group and is one of the few with a Hemi under the hood.

#6 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Top Speed: 129 mph
0-60 mph: 7.6 seconds
Horsepower: 290
Engine: V8
Displacement: 5.0 Liter
290 ft-lb of Torque

These cars could fetch a sweet $100,000 or more depending on condition and who wants it. The Chevrolet Camaro Z28 was such a great car in its hey day that the model name is still in production and has changed its look in a big way. However, if you want one of these 1969 options, you have to check auctions or be fortunate to know someone who is selling one of these beauties.

#5 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

Top Speed: 131 mph
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
Horsepower: 350
Engine: V8
Displacement: 6.6 Liter
500 ft-lb of Torque

The Chevelle has been seeing owners dish out at least $120,000 to make one their own. The Chevelle is a sleek looking beast that can hold its own, after all a top speed of 131 mph, keeps it close to the other cars in this list. It is fair to say that these cars were fast during their time of production. Now years later, they are collectors items now and if you can get your hands on one you will be smiling for a long time.

#4 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Top Speed: 131 mph
0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds
Horsepower: 294
Engine: V8
Displacement: 5.0 Liter
290 ft-lb of Torque

The Boss is known to be worth around $135,000 in this day and age. That makes it one of the most expensive muscle cars on this list. It isn’t the fastest, but it will certainly run with the big boys on this list and those that weren’t added. If you want a 1970 Ford Mustang Boos 302, you have to know your way around as not that many exist today.

#3 1971 Buick GSX with Stage-1 Performance Pack

Top Speed: 140 mph
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
Horsepower: 360
Engine: V8
Displacement: 7.5 Liter
510 ft-lb of Torque

These cars can catch a pretty penny due to their quality and only 44 being built. The 1971 Buick GSX is a beast of a car, especially in its hey day. More so the model that came with the Stage-1 performance package. If you are able to get this model, you will definitely be packing an extra punch.

#2 1964 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power

Top Speed: 99 mph
0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds
Horsepower: 348
Engine: V8
Displacement: 6.4 Liter
428 ft-lb of Torque

These cars are known to sell at close to $60,000 by classic car sellers. They are also know for their power and being one of the kings of thew streets in the mid 1960s. The engine on the Pontiac GTO Tri-Power was powerful and much bigger than some of its counterparts. If you are fortunate to own one of these cars I am sure you feel very blessed.

#1 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500-KR

Top Speed: 140 mph
0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
Horsepower: 360
Engine: V8
Displacement: 5.4 Liter
440 ft-lb of Torque

These cars can cost $200,000 – $300,000 based on condition and originality. This is a very steep price tag for this car model and looking at the stats, one can see why. The Shelby mustang GT500-KR is stylish and powerful and owning one of these requires money and the right connections. Pulling up your driveway in such a beautiful car will make your day all the better if you are a lover of vintage muscle.

It must be said that such cars are truly big on most collectors minds especially those who love older cars with character and spunk. Owning one of these beasts isn’t something to take for granted and if you are the owner of any of these cars are one of those that wasn’t mentioned here, kudos to you. Muscle cars may be from time gone by, but they still are eye catchers.