The American Muscle Car Quiz

By: Robin Tyler
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
The American Muscle Car Quiz
Image: peepo / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

You won't find any car aficionados who don't appreciate a muscle car, that's for sure.

What about you? Do you have a favorite? Maybe it's the one considered the first true muscle car by many, the one that started it all for Ford in the mid-1960s. The pony car that is still loved today. 

Or perhaps it's one of the many muscle cars made by Ford's biggest rival, Chevrolet. Pretty much every American car brand has produced some form of muscle car at one point or another in its history.

But what is it exactly that makes a muscle car? Perhaps the most important thing is the engine. A straight-six is just not going to cut it, that's for sure. It has to be a least a V6 (and there are car snobs that will tell you that's not enough) or a V8. But it's got to put out the horsepower as well, that's for sure.

And what about looks? Well, they are important as well. A muscle car's stance is unmistakable. Big, wide, bold and brash ... it just looks fast even when standing still. In the 1960s and '70s, muscle cars could be hardtops, convertibles, two-door, four-door and even pickups.

But just how much do you know about American muscle cars? Let's test your knowledge in this quiz of 35 questions.

Good luck!

From the list below, can you pick out the iconic American muscle car first released in 1964?
Ford Mustang
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
Cadillac Calais
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.

First released in 1963, what is the name the vehicle that quickly became a rival to the Ford Mustang?
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Ford Escort
Buick LaCross
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the most famous marques 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.

Which of these cars quickly became a firm favorite in the muscle car community after it was introduced in 1970?
GMC Sierra
Jeep Cherokee
Dodge Challenger
Ford Explorer
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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Can you name the Hemi-engined vehicle that soon was a sought-after muscle car model?
International CXT
Hummer H1
Ford Edsel
Plymouth Barracuda
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.

From the list below, which of these is one of the most iconic American muscle cars ever produced?
Pontiac GTO
Ford Everest
Chevrolet Colorado
Dodge Durango
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pontiac produced some iconic names in motoring, and none more so than 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.

True or false? The Oldsmobile Toronado is a front-wheel-drive muscle car.
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A front wheel drive muscle car? Yes, we give the Toronado muscle car status! Produced from 1966 to 1971, it certainly featured some very unique styling but under the hood, it had that all-important V8.

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Early versions of this car had many of the defining traits of muscle cars, but there is a lot of discussion about whether it qualifies as one. Can you pick it out from the list below?
Jeep Wagoneer
International Scout II
GMC Sierra
Ford Thunderbird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Thunderbird was originally devised by Ford to compete with the first-generation Corvette. Much debate rages whether this vehicle could be considered as a muscle car, but early models certainly displayed many traits adopted by muscle cars in the 1960s.

Introduced in 1967, from the options below can you name one of the most iconic muscle cars in history?
Chevrolet Camaro
Ford Pinto
Cadillac Calais
Buick Regal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Camaro was first launched in 1967 and is still a Chevrolet model to this day. This muscle car has seen six different generations. The current Camaro offers three different engine configurations, with the SS sporting a 6.2 liter V8 capable of producing 455 brake horsepower.

Which of these options is the muscle car that featured prominently in the TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard"?
Buick Enclave
Dodge Charger
Ford Flex
Chevrolet Kodiak
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The muscle car revolution of the 1960s brought about the iconic Dodge Charger. And still today, the Charger, in its seventh generation still takes on its traditional rivals, the Corvette and the Mustang. The 2016 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat has a 6.2-liter supercharged engine capable of producing 707 brake horsepower. Can you just imagine how it sounds?

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What is the name of the muscle car with a 428-cubic inch Cobra Jet V8 engine and a fastback body shape?
Cadillac Fleetwood
Ford Model A
Mercury Cyclone
Buick Apollo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The fastback version of the Cyclone sold 6,105 models in a year and certainly was a popular muscle car. The Cyclone was powered by a range of V8 engines including the 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet.

Are you able to identify the NASCAR racer from the '70s that was also available to purchase as a street legal muscle car?
Chevrolet Lumina APV
Chrysler Sunbeam
Dodge B Series
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.

Which of these is a lesser-known muscle car that came as a two-door coupe with V8 power?
Rambler Rogue V8
Ford Kuga
Dodge Dakota
Willys Jeep
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 GTO's and never really stood a chance in that company.

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Based on the Chevrolet Camaro chassis, can you identify the muscle car which sold 87,000 units in 1967?
Dodge Dakota
International Scout
Pontiac Firebird
Jeep Renegade
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.

Although not all versions of this vehicle are considered to be muscle cars, can you name the one with a 7-liter Cobra Jet engine V8 engine that is?
Chevrolet Utility
Lincoln Blackwood
Ford Torino
Cadillac Escalade
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.

Which of these below is a coupe-utility that entered the world of the muscle car?
Ford Windstar
Chevrolet El Camino SS
Chrysler Ypsilon
Buick Regal
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.

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In this list, we have a not-so-popular car of which the 5.0-liter or 6.5-liter V8 version are considered to be muscle cars. Which is it?
AMC Gremlin V8
Dodge Neon
Ford Expedition
Jeep Wagoneer
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 either 5.0-liter or 6.6-liter V8 that are considered to be muscle cars.

Please can you name a 1960's car model which featured a European styling that is considered to be a muscle car?
Jeep FJ Fleetvan
GMC Sierra
Buick Riviera Grand Sport
Ford Fiesta
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Now the Riviera stirs up a lot of debate as to whether it should be regarded as a muscle car or not. What is not disputed is its impact on American motoring. With the Riviera, Buick aimed at a European style while keeping the framework of the larger American automobile. Here, they definitely succeeded. The 1965 Riviera added a Grand Sports model, molding performance and luxury.

True or false? The SS badge put on the Nova along with a big block V8 engine pushed it into muscle car territory.
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although the Nova first entered the market in 1962, it was in 1964 that it attained muscle car status thanks to the introduction of a V8 engine. The Nova eventually had the full range of engine options available to its bigger stablemate, the Camaro.

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First introduced in the 1950s, versions of this car with Hemi V8 engines are considered to be muscle cars. Which of these below are we referring to?
Pontiac Aztek
Ford Model N
Lincoln Cosmopolitan
Dodge Coronet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although it was introduced in the 1950s by Dodge, it was the mid-'60s models that muscle car enthusiasts love. The 1969 model certainly looked the part and with a 426 cubic inch V8 Hemi engine under the hood, it certainly sounded the part.

Can you identify a car from the list below that was basically an upscaled Mustang?
Studebaker Commander
Mercury Cougar XR7
Ram Power Wagon
Pontiac Catalina 2+2
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Started by Henry Ford’s son, Edsel in 1937, the Mercury brand was positioned between the Ford and luxurious Lincoln brands. Although Ford ended the brand in 2010, some iconic Mercurys were built over the years including the Cougar XR7, basically an upscaled Mustang.

With two-door hardtop styling and a massive V8 engine, at least one model of this vehicle is considered to be a muscle car. Do you know which it is?
Studebaker Coupe Express J5
VIA Electric Truck
Willys BC Bobcat
Oldsmobile Starfire
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 look the part with their 2-door hardtop styling. And in terms of power plants, the Starfire included a massive 7.0-liter V8. That's muscle car territory as far as we are concerned.

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Can you name the muscle car below with a Cammer V8 engine that was in direct competition with the Chevrolet Impala?
Cadillac CTS
Ford Galaxie
Buick Regal
Napco Chevy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built between 1958 and 1971, 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.

Of the options below, although not as well known as its two bigger brothers, the Challenger and Charger, which is a muscle car in its own right?
Chevrolet Venture
Dodge Dart
Ford Anglia
Cadillac Series 341
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Introduced in 1960 as a full-sized model, the Dodge Dart received numerous changes over the first three years of its existence. It was moved to the mid-sized segment in 1962 and then the compact car segment in 1963. It was in the years that followed that it moved into the realm of muscle cars, particularly with the addition of V8 engine options.

An extra badge, a massive V8 motor and what wasn't a muscle car suddenly is one. What car are we talking about?
Cadillac Series 62
Chevrolet Impala SS
Cadillac XLR
Chaparral 2J
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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Do you know the name of the model produced from 1962 to 1970, the final version of which had a 455-cubic inch V8 which produced 370 brake horsepower?
Buick Wildcat
Cadillac Seville
Ford Transit
Chevrolet Suburban
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 engines found under the hood. The final model, produced in 1970, included a new 455-cubic inch V8 which produced 370 brake horsepower.

A well-priced muscle car, perfect for entry-level buyers, can you name this vehicle released in 1968?
Chevrolet Blazer Chalet
Plymouth Road Runner
Ford Prefect
Cadillac SRX
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.

Although most think the Ford Mustang was the first muscle car, many car lovers consider this model from 1955 to be the original. What is it?
Chrysler 300
Chevrolet Aveo
Dodge Diplomat
Pontiac Aztek
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.

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Which muscle car was not only a NASCAR winner but a modified Charger?
Chevrolet Blazer
Cadillac CTS
Ford Ranger
Dodge Daytona
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Essentially a modified Dodge Charger, the Daytona was first released in 1969. The first Daytona was intended as a NASCAR racer and won its first race. Powerplants included a 426-cubic inch Hemi engine which produced 425 brake horsepower.

Introduced as a model of the Skylark in 1965, can you name the muscle car that became a stand-alone model in 1967?
GMC Arcadia
Buick GS
Jeep Bobcat
Lincoln Blackwood
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Grand Sport badge first appeared on the Buick Skylark in 1965. By 1967, it was a marque all 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.

First appearing in 1970, can you identify the muscle car was marketed under the slogan, “Up with the Rebel Machine"?
Oldsmobile 442
International Harvester
Lincoln Continental Mark V
AMC Rebel
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!”, AMC's slogan for the car, they were certainly trying to buy into the younger market.

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Marketed at the mature buyer, which muscle car was produced between 1967 and 1971?
Plymouth GTX
AMC Pacer
Buick Roadmaster Wagon
Chevrolet Corvair
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The GTX was another performance model made by Plymouth and marketed more at the more mature buyer. It was built between 1967 and 1971.

Which of these is a high-performance model of one of the manufacturers belonging to the Ford group?
Cadillac CT6
Ford Telstar
Chevrolet Optima
Mercury Marauder X100
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This was a higher performance version of the Mercury Marauder, although it also featured a number of internal cosmetic changes.

Can you name the GT-style sports car produced between 1968 and 1970 that was a stablemate to the Gremlin?
AMC AMX
Jeep Gladiator
Ford Focus
Chevrolet Corsa Utility
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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Which of these below is a muscle car from the late 1960s?
Ford Cortina
Chevrolet Task Force
Pontiac Grand Prix
International Harvester
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Grand Prix was built by Pontiac between 1962 and 1973. It underwent a number of cosmetic changes during its 11-year production run but always had a number of V8 engine options to give it that muscle car appeal.

Produced until 1976, can you identify the vehicle that was a performance version of a Valiant?
Plymouth Duster
Ford Taurus
Chevrolet Venture
Cadillac Calais
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 right until 1976.

You Got:
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