Definition of a Muscle Car

[MagicRat]

Over the years, there has been some contention in this forum about the definition of a true muscle car. This contention leads to a repetitive few arguments about the validity of certain alleged non-muscle car threads. I would like to clarify the issue.

The muscle car was a product of American auto design and marketing forces originating in the early 1960's and, with a few exceptions, lasting through the early 1970's.

Strictly speaking, the muscle car was an intermediate-sized, 2-door body with a larger, more powerful engine normally used in the heavier, full sized cars. Obviously, this produced a greater power-to-weight ratio, and resulting better performance than was typical in American cars at the time.

Examples from General Motors include the GTO, Cutlass, Skylark and Chevelle. Chrysler produced the Road Runner and Charger. Ford offered the Montego and Torino, and AMC manufactured the Rebel Machine.

The contention appears when 'pony cars' are considered. These were 2-door compact cars which had intermediate car engines. Ultimately, some full-size car engines found their way into pony cars. Such high- performance pony cars produced muscle-car performance in a slightly smaller package. Also, like muscle cars, pony cars had a rear seat and a trunk or luggage space.

Examples of pony cars include General Motor's Camaro and Firebird, Chrysler's Barracuda and Challenger, Ford's Mustang and AMC's Javelin.

Pony cars shared many mechanical parts with the muscle cars. They had similar packaging and marketing as the muscle cars and, subsequently, they have many of the same issues and concerns for owners, drivers, and AF members.

Automotive Forums does not have a specific 'pony car' section, Given the similarities, issues regarding older high performance pony cars can be included in this forum without argument. So, please, let's show support for our 'pony car' brethren; they are not much different than us muscle car guys and they need the space and the tolerance to discuss their issues without distracting arguments.

I would suggest that threads regarding a 1960's 6-cylinder Mustang or Camaro be placed in Classic Cars. However, the threads regarding 1960's to '70's performance V8-powered pony cars can be placed here without issues.

Thank you.

[MrPbody]

Magic Rat,

Thank you for the clarification. I TRIED tellin' 'em...(:-

I think an important point to be made is that using the term "pony car" is NOT a derogetory statement. Many take offense at it when they shouldn't. Afterall, Hemi Cuda is among the most monsterous street cars ever produced. But it's not a muscle car... The AC 427 Cobra is perhaps the MOST monsterous car ever produced (power to weight, era). It is a sports car...

Jim

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by MrPbody

Magic Rat,

Thank you for the clarification. I TRIED tellin' 'em...(:-

I think an important point to be made is that using the term "pony car" is NOT a derogetory statement. Many take offense at it when they shouldn't. Afterall, Hemi Cuda is among the most monsterous street cars ever produced. But it's not a muscle car... The AC 427 Cobra is perhaps the MOST monsterous car ever produced (power to weight, era). It is a sports car...

Jim

I cannot speak for the founder of Automotive Forums but I have always suspected that the "Muscle Car" forum always intended to include ALL post-war classic American performance cars.... and the resulting pony vs. muscle rivalry simply stems from an imperfect use of the 'muscle car' name for the forum. .