Introduction Muscle Cars of 1970
The 1970s was a decade that gave birth to some of the fastest muscle cars in history. The competition was fierce, and every car manufacturer was trying to produce the quickest and most powerful muscle car to capture the hearts of car enthusiasts. In this book, we will take a closer look at the top 10 quickest muscle cars of 1970, as recorded by magazines of the time.
These cars were not only powerful but also represented an era of American car manufacturing at its finest. From the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T to the 1970 Chevelle LS6 454, these cars set a standard for future generations of muscle cars to come.
The 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T – Muscle Cars of 1970
The 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T takes the 10th spot on our list, but it is by no means a slouch. With a 440 cubic-inch V8 engine, this car was a force to be reckoned with on the drag strip. Car Craft magazine recorded the Challenger R/T’s quarter-mile time at 13.62 seconds at 104.28 mph.
The Challenger R/T was a popular muscle car during its time and was known for its aggressive styling and powerful engine. It was designed to compete with other muscle cars of the era, such as the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. The Challenger R/T came equipped with a range of engine options, including a 383 cubic-inch V8, a 440 cubic-inch V8, and a 426 cubic-inch Hemi V8.
One of the most notable features of the Challenger R/T was its exterior design. It had a long, sleek body with a wide stance and a distinctive grille that made it stand out on the road. It also had a range of color options, including bright red, green, and orange, which made it even more eye-catching.
The Challenger R/T was not just a car for straight-line speed; it also had a range of handling and suspension upgrades that made it a capable car on twisty roads. These upgrades included front and rear sway bars, heavy-duty shocks, and a limited-slip differential.
The 1970 Ford Torino – Muscle Cars of 1970
The 1970 Ford Torino takes the 9th spot on our list and was a formidable opponent on the drag strip. Superstock magazine recorded the Torino’s quarter-mile time at 13.62 seconds at 105.9 mph.
The Torino was a mid-size car that was designed to compete with other muscle cars of the era, such as the Chevrolet Chevelle and Pontiac GTO. It came equipped with a range of engine options, including a 302 cubic-inch V8, a 351 cubic-inch V8, a 390 cubic-inch V8, and a 429 cubic-inch V8. The 429 cubic-inch V8 was the most powerful option and was known as the Super Cobra Jet.
1970 Pontiac GTO Judge – Muscle Cars of 1970
The Pontiac GTO is widely considered to be one of the original muscle cars, and the 1970 GTO Judge was the ultimate expression of this legendary model. The Judge was named after a popular catchphrase from the TV show “Laugh-In,” and was designed to appeal to the youth market with its eye-catching styling and high-performance features.
Under the hood of the 1970 GTO Judge was a range of potent engines, including the 400 cubic-inch Ram Air III V8 and the 455 cubic-inch Ram Air IV V8. The Ram Air III produced 366 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, while the Ram Air IV was rated at 370 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque.
Magazine tests of the time recorded the GTO Judge with the Ram Air III engine achieving a quarter-mile time of 14.45 seconds at 98.2 mph, while the Ram Air IV-powered GTO Judge recorded a quarter-mile time of 13.34 seconds at 105.5 mph, according to Car and Driver.
The 1970 GTO Judge also featured a range of other high-performance upgrades, including a specially-tuned suspension, power disc brakes, and a rear spoiler. The car’s distinctive styling included a split grille, a hood-mounted tachometer, and “Judge” decals on the body and interior.
1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird – Muscle Cars of 1970
The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird was a car built for NASCAR racing. It was a modified version of the Plymouth Road Runner, and it was designed to be more aerodynamic than its predecessor. The Superbird had a long, sloping nose and a high rear spoiler that gave it a distinctive look. The car was powered by a 440 cubic-inch V8 engine that produced 375 horsepower.
The Superbird was one of the fastest muscle cars of its time, and it was recorded by Car and Driver magazine with a quarter-mile time of 13.5 seconds at 105 mph. The car’s top speed was estimated to be around 150 mph.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 – Muscle Cars of 1970
The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 was a powerful and popular muscle car. It was powered by a 396 cubic-inch V8 engine that produced 350 horsepower. The car had a sleek and stylish design, with a long hood and a short rear deck.
The Chevelle SS 396 was recorded by Motor Trend magazine with a quarter-mile time of 14.2 seconds at 100 mph. The car was also known for its handling and braking capabilities, making it a well-rounded muscle car.
The Chevelle SS 396 was produced in high numbers, with over 42,000 units produced in 1970 alone. The car’s popularity has made it a favorite among collectors, and it has been featured in numerous films and television shows over the years.
1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bee – Muscle Cars of 1970
The 1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bee was a high-performance muscle car that was designed to compete with the Plymouth Road Runner. It was powered by a 440 cubic-inch V8 engine that produced 390 horsepower. The car had a distinctive bumblebee stripe on the rear deck, which gave it its name.
The Super Bee was recorded by Hot Rod magazine with a quarter-mile time of 13.5 seconds at 105 mph. The car was also known for its handling and braking capabilities, making it a well-rounded muscle car. The Super Bee was produced in limited numbers, with only around 5,000 units produced in 1970. The car’s rarity and high performance have made it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
1970 Pontiac GTO Judge – Muscle Cars of 1970
The 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge was a powerful and stylish muscle car. It was powered by a 400 cubic-inch V8 engine that produced 366 horsepower. The car had a unique design, with a distinctive front end and a rear spoiler.
The GTO Judge was recorded by Car and Driver magazine with a quarter-mile time of 13.4 seconds at 105 mph. The car was also known for its handling and braking capabilities, making it a well-rounded muscle car. The GTO Judge was produced in limited numbers, with only around 3,800 units produced in 1970. The car’s unique design and high performance have made it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
Dodge Charger R/T- Muscle Cars of 1970
The 1970 Dodge Charger R/T was a true American muscle car icon, known for its sleek styling and powerful performance. The R/T (Road/Track) version of the Charger was the top-of-the-line model, equipped with a range of high-performance features that made it one of the quickest cars on the road.
Under the hood of the 1970 Charger R/T was a range of powerful engines, including the 440 Magnum V8 and the legendary 426 Hemi. The 440 Magnum V8 produced 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most potent engines of its time. The Hemi, meanwhile, was rated at 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, and was capable of propelling the Charger R/T from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds.
Magazine tests of the time recorded the Charger R/T with the 440 Magnum engine achieving a quarter-mile time of 13.82 seconds at 102.54 mph, while the Hemi-powered Charger R/T recorded a quarter-mile time of 13.55 seconds at 105.74 mph, according to Car and Driver.
The 1970 Charger R/T also featured a host of other high-performance upgrades, including heavy-duty suspension and brakes, a limited-slip differential, and a range of cosmetic enhancements like a hood scoop, racing stripes, and bucket seats.
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Conclusion
The muscle cars of the 1970s were some of the most powerful and iconic cars in American history. These cars were built for speed and performance, and they continue to be highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts today.