The paper begins with a short history, including the starting points of this concept and a short mention of some models that were produced as a response to the increasing need of cars that were both powerful and fast , not just transportation.

This concept of providing a car which would have a more powerful engine and ability to clock speeds like never before gave birth to the American Muscle Cars in the mid 20th century.

It continues with the presentation of the most representative models for this trend following them through their evolution and changes that were made to improve the car’s performances, but the paper’s emphasis is on Ford Mustang, the most famous and the one I find the most defining car for the Muscle Car concept.

Opinions on the origin of the muscle car vary, but the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88, created in response to public interest in speed and power, is often cited as the first of the breed. It featured an innovative and powerful new engine—America's first high-compression overhead valve V8 in the lighter Oldsmobile body. The power packed engine of this car was characterized by a displacement of 303cid(cubic inches) This helped the Rocket 88 to generate 135 horsepower at 3,600 rpm with immense ease. This car became the attraction of the racing season in 1950, winning majority of the races in which it participated.

The Oldsmobile Rocket 88

The years to follow saw the introduction of some of the most powerful cars in the world. These included 1955 Chrysler C-300, 1962 Dodge Dart, Pontiac GTO, Dodge Polara 500, Plymouth Sport Fury, Ford Mustang etc. In fact, Chrysler's 1955 C-300, which was advertised as the “America's most powerful car”, was truly the most powerful car in America, with an engine that could churn out 300 horsepower, and help the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less then 10 seconds, and clock a speed of a whopping 130 miles per hour.

Chrysler 1995 C-300

Four hardtop models were offered: Challenger Six, Challenger V8, T/A Challenger (1970 only) , and Challenger R/T(road/track) with a convertible version available only in 1970 and 1971 , although there were no factory-built R/T Challenger convertibles for 1971 ; the R/T continued as a model on the hardtop body style however . The standard engine on the base model was the 225 cid(3.7 L) six-cylinder. Standard engine on the V8 was the 230 bhp (171.5 kW)318 cid(5.2 L) V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor. Optional engines were the 340 cid(5.6 L) and 383 cid(6.3 L) V8s, all with a standard 3-speed manual transmission, except for the 290 bhp (216.3 kW) 383 cid engine, which was available only with the TorqueFlite automatic transmission.

1970 Dodge Challenger

The performance model was the R/T (Road/Track), with a 383 cid Magnum V8, rated at 335 bhp (249.8 kW). Standard transmission was a 3-speed manual. Optional R/T engines were the 375 bhp (279.6 kW) 440 cid(7.2 L) Magnum, the 390 bhp (290.8 kW) 440 cid Six-Pack and the 425 bhp (316.9 kW) 426 cid Hemi. The R/T was available in either the hardtop or convertible. Base hardtop models and R/T hardtops could be ordered with the more luxurious SE specification, which included leather seats, a vinyl roof, a smaller 'formal' rear window, and an overhead interior console that contained three warning lights (door ajar, low fuel, and seatbelts).

The

Inspired by the success of the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet launched its own pony car, the Camaro. Chevrolet stated that the "Camaro" was named after the French word for "comrade“.

The Camaro was available from the start in hardtop coupe and convertible body styles, and could be ordered with nearly 80 factory options and 40 dealer accessories, including three main option packages and a choice of four different engines.

The RS package included numerous cosmetic changes including a blacked out grill with hidden headlights, revised parking and tail lights, upgraded interior trim, and RS badges. Of greater interest to enthusiasts was the SS package which included as standard equipment a modified 350 cid V8 (the first 350 engine Chevy ever offered) with an available 396 cid big block producing 325bhp (L35) and later a 375 bhp version, along with simulated air-intakes on the hood, special bumble bee striping, and a blacked out grill.

Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS

The Chevrolet Chevelle was a mid-sized automobile from Chevrolet debuting for the 1964 model year. It was produced from 1963 through 1977, and was one of General Motors' successful nameplates. Chevelle models included economical family-type sedans, station wagons, coupes, and convertibles, as well as several performance-oriented variants. The Chevelle SS represented Chevrolet's entry into the muscle car battle.

Chevrolet Chevelle 1964

The Chevelle SS, which became a regular series of its own in 1966 called the SS396 (style numbers 817 and 867 that year), was the high performance version and had its own line of engines and performance equipment. The performance engines available included 396 cid V8s – rated at 325 hp ,350 hp and 375 hp for 1966 only and 350 hp (260 kW) thereafter). The SS396 series only lasted three years from 1966 through 1968 before being relegated to an option package.

Chevrolet Chevelle SS

1964-1966 Plymouth BarracudaThe Plymouth Barracuda started out

life in 1964 as a 2-door fastback coupe that was based on the Plymouth Valiant chassis, A-body, with a unique wrap around glass fastback giving a sleek sporty look with excellent internal viability. Whilst this model did not justify the label of that fierce predator the Barracuda fish for future generations it certainly would be a very fitting name.

The power train started with a very modest 170 cid, 101 hp slant 6 engine with an option to a 225 cid , 145 hp version.

Plymouth Barracuda 1966

PdasdasdadPlymouth Valiant

1967-1969 Plymouth BarracudaThe second version of the Plymouth

Barracuda was a major re-design to take it away from its Valiant routes to a new longer sleek design. In fact it still was based on the Valiant but with all new panels to give three body shape variants, fastback, notchback and convertible to match the Mustang variants. Apart from being longer the styling had many more curves and with flowing lines, open wheel arches a distinctive front and rear.

The base engine for 1967 was the 225 ci slant 6 145 bhp with the V-8 option 273 ci. There was also a glimpse of the future with the option of a big block 383 ci developing 280 bhp. 1968 brought a two new V-8's the 318 ci and the 340 ci whilst the 383 plant was upgraded in output to 300 and then 330 bhp.

Plymouth Barracuda1967-1969

Pony car is an American class of automobile launched and inspired by the Ford Mustang in 1964.The term describes an affordable, compact, highly styled car with a sporty or performance-oriented image. "It was small by Detroit standards, with sporty styling... and the rear wheels were driven by an engine — ideally a big V8 — mounted up front..."Pony cars were "relatively small, relatively light and often absurdly powerful."

Ford Mustang 1964

The Ford Mustang debuted as a simple sports car powered by a six cylinder engine. Originally named for the fighter plane, the P-51 Mustang, preliminary allusions were made to the horse, and the horse motif quickly became the emblem for the Mustang. Buyers loved its low price, long hood, short trunk styling, and its myriad of options. Ford loved its high volume sales . In mid 1964, Ford introduced a sporty 2+2 fastback body style to go along with the hardtop coupe and convertible.

For those that wanted more, the legendary Carroll Shelby and Ford collaborated to produce the Shelby GT-350, a Ford Mustang fastback specially tuned by Shelby. The 289 V8 produced 306 hp in street tune and around 360 hp in special GT-350R race tune. These Shelby's had no back seat, were only available in white and were fully race ready.

Shelby GT-350

In 1967 The Mustang was massively restyled .Changes included a metal sheet below the beltline, a more aggressive grille, a concave tail panel, and a full fastback roofline for the fastback body style. The engine compartment was also increased and Ford dropped in its big block 390 cid to compete against the new Chevrolet Camaro SS396

Ford Mustang 1967 Fastback

In 1979 an all new Mustang hit the dealerships. Larger and based on the "Fox" platform the new Mustang deviated from the smaller compact Mustangs of the past. The interior was completely redone and could now seat four in comfort, even with the smaller back seat of a sports car. The new Mustang also enjoyed more trunk space, and a bigger engine bay for better serviceability. The 2.3 liter, four cylinder from the earlier car was continued, but refined. It was offered in as many as four variations, including a turbine, and was further refined, gaining fuel injection after 1977. The Mustang’s 171cid (2.8L) V6, made by Ford of Europe, was continued till 1993.

Ford Mustang 1979

In 1994 the Mustang suffered another redesign. Code named "SN-95" by Ford, it was based on an updated version of the rear-wheel drive Fox platform called "Fox-4." The new styling by Patrick Schiavone incorporated several styling cues from earlier Mustangs. The base model came with a 232 cid(3.8L) engine rated at 145 bhp (108 kW) in 1994 and 1995, or 150 bhp (110 kW) (1996-1998), and was equipped with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic gearbox.

Ford Mustang 1994

In 2004, Ford produced a special 40th Anniversary Edition of the Mustang. Available in both Standard and GT editions, it consisted of 40th Anniversary marks, special metallic red paint with gold stripes, enhanced interior, and some "special" collectable items for the owner. It also marked the end of this design of the Mustang.

Ford Mustang 200440th Anniversary Edition

The legend continues in the 2005 model with an all-new platform and clean-sheet design that makes it faster, safer, more agile and better looking than ever. The 2005 Ford Mustang has an aggressive rake that puts the car in motion even when it is standing still. The wheels were pushed to the corners of the body, better anchoring it visually and physically to the road. Drop-top versions are also available – the Ford Mustang Convertible powered by a V6 and the powerful V8 Ford Mustang GT Convertible.

Ford Mustang 2005 GT Convertible

With power comes responsibility. The 2005 Ford Mustang helps occupants stay safe. Ford's Personal Safety System™, a comprehensive safety technology package, is standard. The system provides increased protection in frontal crashes by analyzing crash factors and determining the proper response within milliseconds. It uses dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags - capable of deploying at full or partial power - optimized safety belt tensions and energy management retractors.

Standard occupant classification sensing builds on the strength of the Personal Safety System to tailor deployment of the front-passenger airbag. If the passenger seat sensor detects no weight - or very little weight, like a briefcase - the passenger air bag is automatically switched off. If more weight is on the seat, like a small child, the air bag remains deactivated and an instrument panel light alerts the driver. If an adult is in the passenger seat, the air bag automatically switches on.

SHELBY GT 500The Shelby GT500 was created by

racing legend Carroll Shelby and Ford SVT(Special Vehicle Team ) and is a modern interpretation of the classic Shelby Mustang of the 1960s. Beneath the hood of every GT500 - including the new Red model - is a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine officially rated at 500 bhp. A 6-speed manual gearbox features evenly spaced gears that help provide a sharp, lively driving experience on both road and track.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2007

Saleen was founded by racer Steve Saleen in 1983, with the first model being a 1984 Saleen Mustang. The first Saleens were mainly focused on looks, and used stock Ford engines. As the years grew, so did the performance. Saleen has won many races with his Mustangs, including the famous 24 hours of Le Mans, 24 hours of Daytona, and many SCCA championships. Saleen has many different versions of the Mustangs, all called the "S281", such as the S281 SC with a supercharged 4.6 Liter V8, with 465 bhp (347 kW); and the S302 Extreme, in which they have replaced the factory 4.6 liter with a Saleen-built V8 engine, increasing the power to almost 620 BHP

The movie Transformers that was released in 2007 featured the 2007 Saleen S281 for the character Barricade. It was a police car in the movie and as its popularity grew, so did the demand for it. Saleen did create a limited edition model Saleen that had the likeness to the car in the movie. However, since it was a police car serious modifications had to be made. In the movie, the side of the car says "Police" the one Saleen released said "Saleen". Also, instead of "9-1-1" on the back bumper it said "4-1-1" and of course there were no sirens or the flashing light on the roof either.

The Mustang Shelby GT500 Eleanor was born when the movie "Gone in sixty seconds" was planned. The car is not a genuine Shelby GT500 but a movie creation made specially for the movie. Famed Hot Rod illustrator Steve Stanford, drew up an illustration of an over-the-top '67 GT500. This is how the Mustang Shelby GT500 Eleanor was born ! Former Boyd Coddington designer Chip Foose was hired by the production company to turn Stanford's work into a reality. Cinema Vehicles in Hollywood built them, a total of 15. 

A few years after the movie was released, and when Eleanor had become a famous movie star, Halicki Films Company & Caroll Shelby licensed Classic Recreations to build another 400 Eleanor's for the worldwide market.