The best time ever to be a muscle car guy….or gal!

I have the chance to interact with a lot of fans of American Muscle cars on a regular basis. I realize that here on VRL people are passionate about old fast cars of all types, but muscle cars are still quite prevalent. I also speak with a lot of people in the automotive and restoration industry as well as those that sell classic cars for a living. Everyone seems to whole heartedly agree – there has NEVER been a better time to be a muscle car guy…or gal!

Two cool Challengers only 40 years apart in age. Photo courtesy Edmunds.com.

The year 2009 has had many highs and lows, but it seems that the wonderful world of muscle cars has nothing but positive things going for it. Whether you prefer old muscle cars or new ones, restoration projects or hot rodding projects, or just like investing in some of the best Detroit Iron ever made, 2009 has offered you absolutely everything you could ask for. Let’s review a few highlights!

“New” Muscle:

Right now the Big 3 (despite any other troubles they may have) are cranking out some of the best, fastest, and safest muscle cars ever made – and they’re even environmentally friendly. The new Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger are all fantastic cars – and the aftermarket has latched on to them like crazy. SLP, Shelby, Hurst, Hennessey, and the like are absolutely in love with the new Detroit muscle. In fact, a 500 horsepower version of their cars seems a little tame by today’s standards! If a new ride is to your liking you need go no fuirther than your local Chevy, Ford, or Dodge dealer and check all the boxes on your order sheet. It’s that easy. (Well, you’ll have to pay for it, but other than that it’s pretty easy.)

The Big 3. Photo courtesy msn.com.

Perhaps you prefer a new – old – car? No problem. Order a Dyacorn replacement body for your favorite GM or Ford muscle car and start wrenching.

Photo courtesy Dynacorn.com.

Restoration and Hot Rodding Muscle:

If you’re restoring an old muscle car, or hot rodding one, nearly everything you need to get the job done can be delivered in a box to your front door. Year One recently started producing the long awaited 1968 and 1969 Charger taillight panels along with brand new 1970 ‘Cude grilles. Until now, things like these had to be hand repaired out of multiple donor parts!

If you’re hot rodding a car, life really has never been easier – or faster! You can order any brake and suspension combo from mild to wild to help your old muscle car corner and stop like a new one. Not enough? Order up a brand new chassis – with all of the latest goodies – and simply bolt your body to it. (Look for a future podcast on this subject featuring Street Rod Garage!) Still not enough? Throw in a 500hp fuel injected and computer controlled crate engine. (If you’re a GM person, GM Performance Parts just released their new E-Rod line at the 2009 SEMA Show. You can drop the entire engine and emissions contol system from a 2010 Camaro SS into your car!)

GM E-Rod LS3 engine. Photo courtesy StreetLegalTV.com.

Investment Muscle:

If you’re a traditionalist and want to keep the the old muscle cars the way they were born, you’re not alone….and your options to get one are plentiful. Barrett Jackson and Mecum are offering some of the finest auctions around to purchase any muscle car you’ve ever dreamed off.

The dealers that advertise here at The MuscleCar Place have the finest inventory of muscle cars for sale available anywhere – and they’d love nothing more than to prove it to you. Whatever your price range or intention for your car is, you’re covered!

A 1968 GT500. My buddy Gary Faules should like this one!
Summary:

Quite honestly, if you’re into muscle cars, the world is your oyster right now. New, old, resto, original, hot-rodded, etc. – it’s all out there for you. Better yet, tomorrow is looking even better!

Stay tuned, and prepare to burn a lot of gas – and a lot more rubber!