Classic American Muscle Cars We Wish Were Back The seventies were a good time for muscle cars and their owners, despite the discontinuation of many classic muscle cars due to rising difficulties with emissions regulations. As most things do, the world of muscle and sports cars simply evolved. This was not a bad thing: iconic muscle cars of the ’70s began to turn into pony cars (generally smaller than the classic models) and became not only smaller but also cheaper. Retaining plenty of power, yet with fuel economy in mind, their smaller size helped bring down insurance rates, making them more affordable to buyers of middling means. However, this meant the beginning of the end for many models that had been through the dusty sixties and their increasing crush between restrictions and engineering brilliance. For old times’ sake, we thought we’d round up five discontinued, now mostly rare, classic American muscle cars we wish were still around. 5. Oldsmobile 442 Initially an option package for the F-85 and Cutlass models, the Oldsmobile 442 became a model in its own right between 1968 1971. Magazines at the time rated it the best muscle car available, based on its balance of power, handling, ride and comfort. And indeed, the Oldsmobile 442 was a dream car for many while growing up. Other cars such as the ’02 Intrigue were based on this underrated model, featuring shout-out unusual proportions and key Oldsmobile 442 elements such as the 4-valve cylinders, 4-speed automatic, split hood and dual exhaust. 4. Pontiac GTO A trend-setter and classic car through and through. In production 1964-1974, the 1969 Pontiac GTO was the first American muscle car to be produced in the 1960s and 1970s. Initially an optional package for medium-sized Pontiac Tempest, the GTO soon proved to be highly influential during peak muscle car era. Once it proved a success in 1964 with its 389 cu in (6.4 L) V8 engine producing 325 hp (242 kW), other GM divisions followed suit and released their own models based on intermediate-sized platforms, such as 1964 Oldsmobile 442, 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle SS and 1965 Buick Gran Sport. Later came the Pontiac Firebird as a direct competitor for the Ford Mustang. 3. Buick Gran Sport Buick did muscle too, and they did muscle well. Surpassed in luxury only by Cadillac and equipped with eight-cylinder engines and 325 bhp, the Buick Gran Sport was far from Buick’s usual family cars. With upgraded suspension and availability as a hardtop or convertible, it was full of exciting possibilities. The Riviera Gran Sport, discontinued in 1975, was an especially luxurious version very successful in making muscle car enthusiasts weak at the knees. Featuring in many daydreams, the mystique around the Buick Gran Sport remains to this day! 2. Boss 429 Mustang Introduced in 1969-70 and advertised at 365 bhp with 3400 rpm of torque, the Ford Mustang Boss 429 was a high -performance racing car forever destined for legend. With only a little over 1,300 ever made and sold to the general public, the Boss 429 is recognised as one of the most valued and rare American muscle cars left to date. Ford developed the engine to better compete with Chrysler’s 426 Hemi engine in NASCAR’s Grand National Division. The Boss 429 became a Mustang almost by chance: knowing the car’s performance would be based around the massive engine (the Ford 385), Ford long deliberated on what car to house it in, in the end commissioning an expanded engine compartment on a hood scooped Mustang. The sheer size of the engine compromised the insertion of air conditioning. Initially available only in five colours and a standard black interior, a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 in good condition these days will likely have been restored everywhere. 1. 1966 Ford Mustang 289 Fastback We wouldn’t be the UK’s leading classic Mustang specialist if we didn’t end a list like this one with a classic Ford Mustang. Best of all, it’s still available. Found in Michigan, a 289 was the engine of choice for this original 1966 Ford Mustang. By the creation of the Shelby GT350, cars like this one could deliver 306 BHP. Insanely good-looking. First-generation. An engine with a proven record. Dubbed the Black Beauty of our factory, this Ford Mustang Fastback just oozes power and racing excitement. Restored as a clone of the famous Shelby Hertz Rent-a-Racer, upgrades of the highest quality have made this already powerful muscle car into a beast. With additional bodywork and operational Shelby side scoops, it’s fortunate we still have some of these lookers kicking around! Muscle Car UK is the UK’s largest classic Ford Mustang dealership in the United Kingdom. For more rare muscle cars including Ford Mustangs, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Browse the rest of our available muscle cars here. Liked This Article? More Like This: Take Our American Muscle Car Personality Test! The Return of the Ford Mustang Mach 1