Can You Identify the Muscle Car From a Close-Up?

By: Robin Tyler
Estimated Completion Time
6 min
Can You Identify the Muscle Car From a Close-Up?
Image: Marin Tomas/Moment/Getty Images

About This Quiz

Do you like the feel of adrenaline coursing through your body? Just like the racing heroes of old, you are lined up on the grid, waiting for the lights to go green! The sweat drips from your brow as you wait for what seems to be an eternity.

Fame, fortune and greatness lie just ahead. It's simple, really. All you need to do is identify a range of muscle cars from a close-up image.  Sounds easy, right? Well, some might be obvious but others will test your muscle car knowledge to its fullest. And we have included muscle cars from different decades, from classics to more modern behemoths.

But what defines a muscle car, do you think? Well, without a doubt, you need to start with the engine. All muscle cars are mostly powered by the V8 engine. And then, there's the body. In the '60s, muscle cars were big, bold and brash, with most taking the form of a 2-door hardtop. Some convertible versions were available, and a fastback styling was also loved by enthusiasts. Modern muscle cars have kept that menacing look, too.

Although this quiz is not one of our easiest,  as a car enthusiast, you should be able to at least score about 80%, right?  So fly off the line, aim for glory and take the checkered flag first!

Ford Mustang
Wiki Commons By Joe Ross
When you say "muscle car," this is often the make and model that will pop into people's minds. What is it?
Ford Mustang
AMC AMX
Buick Gran Sport
Chevrolet Nova
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Arguably the most iconic muscle car ever, the Mustang was first released in 1964. It proved one of the most popular debuts ever and within a year, 400,000 units had been sold, which quadrupled Ford’s sale estimates. The American auto giant has continued to offer the Mustang as a model and it is currently in its sixth generation.

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AMC Rebel
Wiki Commons By Greg Gierdingen
With a motto of "Up the Rebel machine," this muscle car gained a number of admirers in the 1970s. Do you know the make and model?
Oldsmobile 88
AMC Rebel
Ford Galaxie
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Rebel, particularly the 1970 models, took AMC straight into the muscle car fight. This was a real looker, blessed with a muscle car stance. With “Up with the Rebel Machine!” as AMC's slogan for their muscle car, simply called "The Machine" it was targeting the younger market. Of course, this muscle car had V8 power which produced around 340 hp.

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Equus Bass 770
Equus Automotive By Youtube
It may look like a '60s muscle car ,but this is a thoroughly modern take on the concept. What car do we have in this image?
AMC Javelin
Pontiac Banshee
Equus Bass 770
Puma GTO
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A modern '60s throwback, this muscle car takes design features from all the classics and packages them together with a 6.4-liter V8 LS9 engine from General Motors which produces 640 horsepower. It will set you back a cool $250,000, however.

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Buick 455 Stage 1 Gran Sport Skylark
Wiki Commons By Sicnag
Which of these vehicles was named Performance CARS magazine's Top Performance Car of the Year in 1972?
Ford Mustang Mach 1
Pontiac Grand Prix
Mercury Montclair
Buick 455 Stage 1 Gran Sport Skylark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 1972 455 Stage 1 Gran Sport Skylark received glowing reviews from many motoring publications. In fact, journalist Martyn L. Schorr paid the Gran Sport Skylark the ultimate compliment. He called it "one helluva street machine."

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Buick Grand National
Wiki Commons By ilikewaffles11
The 1980s certainly were not considered as a great decade for muscle cars. Can you identify this one that proved pretty popular, however?
Holden Monaro
John Goss Special
Chevrolet Chevelle
Buick Grand National
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Buick Grand National was an '80s muscle car that quickly challenged its more established rivals from Ford and Chevrolet, particularly the GNX edition. Produced in partnership with McLaren Performance Technologies, just over 500 were made. It produced over 300 hp.

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Chevrolet El Camino
Wiki Commons By Bull-Doser
A pickup muscle car? Yes, they certainly did exist in the '60s and 70s. Can you name this one?
GMC Sprint
Chevrolet El Camino
Plymouth Satellite
Pontiac Firebird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The El Camino was produced by Chevrolet between 1964 and 1987. Despite the fact that it was a coupe/utility vehicle, the SS version was considered a muscle car and was powered by various big-block V8 motors. The El Camino offered something different in the muscle car stakes and found a niche market.

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Pontiac GTO
Wiki Commons By Michel Rathwell
Can you name this muscle car, one of the most iconic models released in the 1960s?
Puma GTB
Pontiac GTO
Mercury Comet
Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pontiac produced some iconic names in motoring, especially with its GTO. The first models, released in 1964, were available in a convertible, hardtop and coupe. This was a serious muscle car and remains a firm favorite with enthusiasts today.

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Dodge Coronet
Wiki Commons By Bull-Doser
The Hemi-powered models of this car are considered to be muscle cars. What make and model is the vehicle in this image?
HSV GTS-R
Holden Monaro 350 GTS Coupe
Dodge Coronet
Chrysler 300
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although it was introduced in the 1950s by Dodge, it was the '60s models that muscle car enthusiasts loved. The 1969 model had what motor journalists called a muscle-car look, and with a 426-cubic inch V8 Hemi engine under the hood it certainly sounded the part.

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Buick Wildcat
Wiki Commons By Hip
The final model of this vehicle, produced in 1970, certainly had muscle car credentials. What is it?
Buick Wildcat
Ford Torino
Dodge Charger Daytona
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced from 1962 to 1970, the Wildcat changed in looks pretty much every year. One thing that remained constant was the V8 engine found under the hood. The final model, produced in 1970, included a new 455 cubic inch V8 which produced 370 horsepower.

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Ford Galaxie
Wiki Commons By Morven
Models of this vehicle featuring the Cammer V8 engine are considered muscle cars. Can you name the make and model?
Holden Sandman
Dodge Polara
FPV Super Pursuit
Ford Galaxie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built between 1959 and 1974, the Galaxie was so named to take advantage of the space race between the USSR and the United States. This vehicle was in direct competition to the Chevrolet Impala and included a few powerful models considered to be muscle cars, especially those with the Cammer V8 engine.

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Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Wiki Commons By Sicnag - 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Identify this muscle car, the most powerful ever built.
Ford Mustang Boss 302
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Pontiac Tempest
Pursuit Special
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The most powerful muscle car ever built, the 2019 Hellcat produces an astonishing 707 horsepower thanks to its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. The Hellcat's acceleration is incredible, and from a standing start, you will hit 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

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Buick Apollo
Wiki Commons By Bull-Doser
Can you identify this muscle car? The most powerful version boasted a 5.7-liter V8 power plant.
Plymouth Fury
Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS
Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS
Buick Apollo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced between 1973 and 1975, the Apollo from Buick was available as a 2-door coupe and hatchback and a 4-door sedan. The most powerful engine option available to the Apollo was a 350-cubic inch 5.7-liter V8.

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Buick Skylark
Wiki Commons By Bejara70
Powered by the Wildcat 455 engine, this muscle car turned out over 300 hp. Can you identify it?
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Trackhawk
Buick Skylark
Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt
Holden Commodore SS-V
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although the Skylark had been around since the 1950s, in 1965 Buick introduced the Skylark Gran Sport. It was available as a hardtop, coupe and convertible and powered by an engine produced for the first time in the 1950s: the Wildcat 455. This 401-cubic inch V8 engine produced 325 horsepower.

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Chrysler 300
Wiki Commons By Greg Gjerdingen
This is considered to be one of the first ever muscle cars, even before the name had been coined. Can you identify it?
Ford Torino Cobra 428
Chevrolet Nova SS
Chrysler 300
Dodge Dart SS
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many muscle car aficionados call the Chrysler 300 the first muscle car. No matter if you agree or not, the 300, introduced in 1955 and produced until 1965 certainly had the cool factor. The 300 nameplate was brought back late in the 20th century, but it was more of a sedan than a true muscle car.

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Buick GSX
Wiki Commons By dave_7
Considered the fastest muscle car in the world in the early 1970s, can you name this make and model?
Buick GSX
Plymouth Belvedere
Dodge Super Bee
GMC Sprint
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Buick GSX, introduced in 1970, was Buick’s most widely lauded contribution to the muscle car wars. With a massive V8 under the hood, the GSX was quick, getting to 60 mph from a standing start in well under six seconds.

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Chevrolet Chevelle SS
Wiki Commons By FotoSleuth
Do you know which make and model of muscle car is shown here?
Chevrolet Chevelle SS
Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt
AMC Matador
Dodge Magnum
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As one of Chevrolet's most successful models, the Chevelle was produced over two decades between 1964 and 1977. The largest engine put into a Chevelle was a 454-cubic inch big-block V8. The Chevelle Laguna was made famous by NASCAR legend Cale Yarborough.

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Pontiac Grand Prix
Wiki Commons By IFCAR
Constantly changing during its decades-long production run, can you name this muscle car?
Puma GTB
Dodge Charger Daytona
Pontiac Grand Prix
Plymouth Fury GT
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Grand Prix was built by Pontiac between 1962 and 2008. It underwent a number of cosmetic changes during its long production run but almost always had a number of V8 engine options to give it that muscle car appeal.

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Mercury Cyclone
Wiki Commons By Sicnag - 1970
The fastback version of this car proved popular thanks to its beautiful lines. What is it?
Holden Commodore SS-V
HSV W427
Mercury Cyclone
Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The fastback version of the Cyclone sold 6,105 models in 1968, which wasn't approaching Mustang numbers but respectable. The Cyclone was powered by a range of V8 engines including the 428-cubic inch Cobra Jet.

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Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Wiki Commons By IFCAR
Can you name this legendary muscle car, first seen in the 1970s and aimed at more upmarket clientele?
Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II
John Goss Special
Equus Bass
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Introduced by Chevrolet in 1970, early models of the Monte Carlo are considered to be luxury muscle cars. This model competed for market share against the Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Riviera.

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Plymouth Hurst Barracuda
Wiki Commons By JOHN LLOYD
Later models of this muscle car were powered by a legendary engine. The first, however, was actually released before the Ford Mustang. What is it?
Plymouth Hurst Barracuda
Mercury Montego
Saleen 302 Series
Pursuit Special
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 'Cuda quickly became a popular muscle car from its release in 1964. In fact, it debuted two weeks before the Ford Mustang. Of course, later models featuring the Hemi engine are the most sought-after among car enthusiasts.

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Dodge Challenger
Wiki Commons By Eddie Maloney
Name this popular 1970s muscle car, please.
Plymouth Belvedere 426-S
Dodge Challenger
Buick Riviera Gran Sport
Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Challenger was first introduced in 1970 as a muscle car. The top of the range model from this era was powered by a 6.98-liter Chrysler Hemi engine. Since its reintroduction in 2008, over 400,000 Challengers have been sold.

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Cadillac CTS-V
Wiki Commons By Lucas Klappas - 2016 Cadillac CTS-V
A modern muscle car from a popular U.S. brand is shown in this image. Do you know what it is called?
Oldsmobile 442
Dodge Super Bee
Cadillac CTS-V
Ford Maverick
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Modern muscle cars are very different from their '60s cousins. Take the CTS-V, for example, with a four-door layout. That said, It still breathes fire, and is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that produces over 600 horsepower

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Oldsmobile Starfire
Wiki Commons By Mr.choppers
Some might say this isn't a muscle car, while others put certain models in that bracket. Do you know what it is?
HSV GTS-R
Ford Torino Talladega
Oldsmobile Starfire
Plymouth Barracuda 426 Hemi
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Another vehicle that conjures the age-old question, "Is it a muscle car?" Well, the mid- to late '60s models certainly looked the part with their 2-door hardtop styling. And in terms of powerplants, the Oldsmobile Starfire included a massive 7.0-liter V8.

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Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Wiki Commons By GPS 56
A modern muscle car with a classic name, what vehicle features in this image?
Studebaker Super Lark
HSV GTS-R
Holden Torana A9X
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This modern 650-horsepower behemoth gets you from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds and clocks a top speed of just under 200mph. This is thanks to its 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 engine. And what a looker!

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Pontiac Firebird
Wiki Commons By IFCAR
Can you name this muscle car based on the Chevrolet Camaro chassis?
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
Ford Mustang Mach 1 Drag Pack
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Pontiac Firebird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Based on the Chevrolet Camaro chassis, the Pontiac Firebird was its own car and certainly caught the attention in the mid-1960s. The Firebird was powered by a range of engines including straight-six and V8s. Over 82,000 were sold in 1967, the first year of production.

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AMC AMX
Wiki Commons By Czmarlin
This GT-styled muscle car was not as famous as others in the late 1960s. What is it?
Pontiac GTO
Chevrolet Camaro
Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
AMC AMX
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced by the American Motors Corporation between 1968 and 1970, the AMX was a GT-style sports car. It featured a 2-door coupe-styled body and had six different engine options, all V8s of varying size. AMX's came with either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission.

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AMC Gremlin
Wiki Commons By Bull-Doser
With its cut-off rear, this muscle car was not everybody's cup of tea! What is it?
Mercury Comet Cyclone
AMC Gremlin
Chrysler Hurst 300
Ford Mustang Roush P-51
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The American Motors Corporation produced the subcompact class Gremlin between 1970 and 1978. A number of models were produced, but it was the Gremlin powered by either 5.0-liter or 6.6-liter V8 that are considered to be muscle cars.

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Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R
Wiki Commons By Thesupermat
A name synonymous with muscle car is attached to this modern behemoth. Can you name it?
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R
Plymouth Barracuda
Pontiac Trans Am
GMC Sprint
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Got $60,000 lying around? Then you can own a modern Shelby Mustang. This Mustang is powered by a 5.2-liter V8 Ford engine that propels it to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.

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Rambler Rogue V8
Janne Kinnunen By Youtube
Can you identify this lesser-known muscle car?
Ford Mustang Boss 429
Buick Skylark GSX Stage 1
Rambler Rogue V8
Cadillac ATS-V
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Perhaps one of the lesser-known muscle cars, the Rogue certainly had the credentials. Not only was it a lightweight two-door coupe, but it had all the power it needed thanks to a 280 horsepower-producing V8. Sadly, it was up against Mustangs, Camaros, and GTOs and never really stood a chance in that company.

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Plymouth GTX
Wiki Commons By Bull-Doser
This muscle car was marketed at the more mature buyer in the late 1960s. It was once called the Belvedere but that name was dropped. What is it?
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Plymouth GTX
Holden Monaro 350 GTS Coupe
Buick Apollo GSX
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The GTX was another performance model made by Plymouth and marketed at the more mature buyer. It was built between 1967 and 1971. Interestingly, it was first called the Belvedere GTX but that was later dropped. The GTX models had massive 7.0-liter engine options, including the famed Hemi.

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Oldsmobile 442 Cutass
WMS Ohio By Youtube
Many credit this auto manufacturer with creating the first muscle car in 1949. Its 1960s vehicles, however, were not as popular as Chevy or Ford, but they packed a punch. What car are we referring to?
Opel Adam
Volkswagen Karman Ghia
Oldsmobile 442 Cutlass
Dodge Coronet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many credit Oldsmobile with the first muscle car way back in 1949. All we know is that the Cutlass 442, released in the mid-60s, certainly was one. The name stems from the four-barrel carburetor, the four-speed manual transmission and (almost required on '60s muscle cars) the dual exhausts.

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Chevrolet Impala SS
Wiki Commons By IFCAR
An iconic brand with a special badge that helped classify it as a muscle car, can you identify the vehicle in this image?
Plymouth Duster
Dodge Swinger
Ford Falcon XR GT
Chevrolet Impala SS
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Impala SS was a model offered by Chevrolet between 1961 and 1969. The 1969 model was powered by a 427-cubic inch 7.0-liter V8 which produced 335 horsepower. The SS badge only disappeared until the 1990s.

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Buick GS
Wiki Commons By dave_7
Many think this '70s muscle car is one of the greatest ever built. Can you name it?
Chevrolet Camaro COPO ZL1
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
Hurst Hemi Dart L023
Buick GS
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Gran Sport badge first appeared on the Buick Skylark in 1965. By 1967, it was a model of its own. In 1970, the company released the Grand Sport 455, considered by many experts to be one of the greatest muscle cars ever built.

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Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Wiki Commons By Reinhold Moller
Can you identify this beautiful muscle car from the 1960s?
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Holden Commodore SS Group A SV
Ford Falcon XB GT
Mercury S-55
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the most famous brands of the Corvette is the Mk II Stingray, produced between 1963 and 1967. This classic had either a 2-speed automatic gearbox or 3-speed manual with a range of engine options including small and big-block V8s.

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Plymouth Superbird
Wiki Commons By Morven at English Wikipedia
Created for NASCAR, this muscle car was only produced in 1970. Please tell us the make and model.
Dodge Dart
Ford Ranchero
Chevrolet El Camino
Plymouth Superbird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Created as a high-speed racing machine especially for NASCAR, the Superbird was also for sale to the public. The first models appeared in 1970 and were instantly recognizable thanks to the massive spoiler on the back. An upgrade of the Plymouth Road Runner, the Superbird was only produced for one year.

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Plymouth Duster
Wiki Commons By Greg Gjerdingen
Perhaps not as famous as many of its contemporaries, this muscle car could hold its own. What is it?
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Plymouth Duster
Mercury Marauder
Oldsmobile Jetstar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A performance version of the Valiant, the Duster was a fairly small vehicle for the time. It has a range of engine options and was produced by Plymouth until 1976. Its biggest engine was a 360-cubic inch V8.

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Plymouth Road Runner
Wiki Commons By User Morven on en.wikipedia
Cheap and powerful, what is the make and model of this late-'60s muscle car.
Plymouth Road Runner
Ford Mustang RTR
Pontiac Catalina Super Duty
Dodge Coronet W023
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Muscle cars quickly went from fast production cars to fast luxury production cars. The Road Runner was a step back to the early days of the muscle car. Released in 1968, the Road Runner gave buyers everything they wanted in a muscle car at a respectable price.

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Pontiac Ventura
Wiki Commons By Spantax
Can you identify this late 1960s muscle car shown here?
Chevrolet Impala
Pontiac Ventura
Ford Thunderbird
Buick Regal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced between 1960 and 1977, the Ventura had all the characteristics of a muscle car: large engine options, the correct look and much more. The second generation, led by a 2-door coupe, certainly fit the bill.

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Ford Torino
Wiki Commons By Bull-Doser
Not all of this car's models over the years were muscle cars. Those with 7.0-liter Cobra Jet V8s were, however. Name the make and model, please.
Pontiac GTO
Ford Torino
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Buick Wildcat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A mid-sized car model produced by Ford from 1968 to 1976, the Torino's most popular layouts included the two-door sedan. Ford also produced a few Torino models with higher performance specs. Most were powered by 7-liter 'Cobra Jet' engine and are considered to be muscle cars.

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