The American Muscle

Ever wonder where Muscle Cars came from?

We all know that these machines provide eye candy but what else do we know about them?

When my father was still alive, he frequently used the expression “You learn something new everyday”. Well, this is going to be that type of day for all you vintage auto fanatics out there.

The Golden Years

At the onset of the 60’s the American car enthusiast was introduced to Muscle Cars. The term Muscle was based from the car’s robust and sporty appearance. In addition to that, Muscle Cars also housed the most powerful engine at that time – the legendary V8. American manufacturers competed against each other in making the ultimate Muscle Cars. This competition bought America some of the fastest automobiles of that era.

In the process, concerns about fuel efficiency wandered. Classic Car writer Gavin Drake attests, “With no thought to gas and fuel efficiency, Americans seemed to be having the time of their lives”. Primary concerns were directed towards making American cars flashy and fast. The flashier and faster the car became the more desirable it was for American drivers.

The Dark Ages

During the 60’s and 70’s the Vietnam War triggered socio-economic changes that would ultimately lead to the extinction of the American Muscle. America entered into an era of gas shortage. In addition to that, excess auto emissions became a rising concern for environmentalists. Americans reluctantly settled for more economic engine types (V6, V4). Thus, conceding the American Muscle to impracticality. Rising fuel prices, gas efficiency and cheaper insurance costs forced the Muscle Cars onto the race track and off the streets.

Will we ever forget speed?

Today, the American auto enthusiast has fallen in love with a different vehicle. People are no longer really concerned about speed but power. Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have swept American auto aficionados off their feet. Yet it still does not address problems concerning fuel-efficiency and a rising amount of greenhouse gases.

But can America ever forget about its love affair with speed? The answer is a firm “no”.

Gavin Drake invokes “The desire for speed will be with us always. We will probably never again see a time when speed and high performance engines are sold for the every day street car but we can get a glimpse of these cars at the raceway or at vintage car shows. The baby boomers were around to see these cars at their inception and they still carry a torch for them today. Many will spend a small fortune to restore one of these original fast cars back to their former splendor.”

America cannot deny that a place in time belonged to these awesome Muscle Cars. But today, all we can do is reminisce the golden age that has passed.

Sources: MyOwnCarShow.com