Importing Muscle Cars - It Doesn't Always Have to Be a Mustang

An American muscle car is an invaluable dream for many, yet beyond the well-known sports cars, there are also other classics that possess no less charm and power. And they show a bit more individuality.

Import Your Muscle Car - There Are Plenty of Alternatives

Muscle cars like the Ford Mustang, Shelby AC Cobra, Dodge Charger, or Chevrolet Camaro are well-known and in high demand, which accordingly drives up their prices. However, beyond the stars of the scene, there are several classics that receive little attention. Often unjustly so. Technically just as competent and also interesting in design, they are particularly rare on German roads. Such lesser-known vehicles often attract more attention than the "mass-produced" ones. Below, we introduce you to 11 interesting alternatives.

AMC AMX

AMC? Yes, this manufacturer also produced the infamous Gremlin. However, the AMX has little in common with it. It was often compared to the Corvette because of its relatively short wheelbase and powerful engines. Today, not only its design and power make it an interesting alternative. Its price-performance ratio is also reasonable. Despite having less power compared to some, its lighter weight allowed it to compete with much larger and more powerful rivals.

AMC Javelin

A direct competitor to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro is the AMC Javelin. An interesting detail: The second generation's AMX variant was the first pony car to be used by law enforcement agencies. Already in the first generation, the car shone with several innovations in the field of safety. Engines ranged from 3.8 to 6.6 liters displacement, producing 110 to 340 horsepower. It was built from 1967 to 1974.

AMC Rambler-Marlin

The AMC Rambler Marlin also deserves a second look. Rare yet affordable, this two-door fastback was only produced for two years, making it even more of a rarity in Europe than in its home country. As an exotic, it attracts many looks here. The engines range from 3.8 to 5.4 liters, delivering power from 155 to 277 horsepower. Unlike many other muscle cars of that time, the Rambler Marlin was luxuriously equipped and finished with high-quality materials.

Buick Gran Sport

Buick also played in the muscle car league. Starting in 1965, the Buick Gran Sport 400 was offered with its 6.6-liter V8 engine producing 330 horsepower. In 1967, a completely newly developed engine with 345 horsepower was introduced. In 1969, the Buick was modified. Stage 1 now reached 350 horsepower, and the rare Stage 2 variant officially produced 365 horsepower. Measurements showed that the actual power was much higher. In 1970, the GS400 was replaced by the GS455, now using a 7.5-liter engine with 350 horsepower, and from 1972 as Stage 1, it also had 375 horsepower. A slightly less powerful sister model (Gran Sport 340/350) with a 5.6-liter V8 was produced starting in 1967. (Image author: Greg Gjerdingen)

Chevrolet Chevelle SS

The Chevelle was built from 1964 to 1977. The sporty versions, which are considered muscle cars, were offered from 1966. Initially, they were equipped with a 6.5-liter V8 engine, which delivered up to 380 horsepower to the road. Later, the Super Sport received a 7.4-liter engine producing more than 270 horsepower. (Image author: nakhon100)

Ford Torino

A highlight from Ford and also very popular in the USA is the Ford Torino. The sporty Torino Cobras, offered in some model years, hold particular collector value. This mid-sized car, built in several body styles, features engines ranging from 5.8 to 7.5 liters, producing 154 to 205 horsepower. The Torino impresses not with the most powerful engine performances. However, it definitely represents the muscle car class with its design, and due to its relatively good equipment and rarity, it's an interesting vehicle with potential for value appreciation. (Image author: Sicnag)

Mercury Cougar

Also significantly cheaper than its established competitors is the Mercury Cougar. It was produced from 1967 to 1970 as a so-called "Pony Car" with engines ranging from 4.7 to 7.0 liters. With the second generation from 1970 to 1973, it grew to over five meters in length. The sports cars, exclusively equipped with V8 engines, deliver between 202 and 380 horsepower. Mercury is a brand of the Ford Motor Company. The Cougar is technically similar in many respects to the Ford Mustang. It is considered the better-equipped version of the cult classic. (Image author Greg Gjerdingen)

Mercury Cyclone

The sister model to the Ford Mustang was introduced in 1964 and offered until 1971. Equipped with V8 engines ranging from 4.9 to 7.0 liters, they produce 213 to 390 horsepower. A particular highlight was the limited Cyclone Spoiler version offered from 1970 to 1971. It featured a locking differential on the rear axle, spoilers at the front and rear, and a special decorative stripe.

Plymouth Road Runner

Strong and in the typical style of the muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s, the Road Runner makes its appearance. An almost endless hood and an elongated trunk dominate the silhouette. Also typical are the spartan equipment and the rather cheap-looking materials used in the interior. Nonetheless, it's a serious contender among American vintage sports cars. It was built between 1967 and 1980 with engines from 6.3 to 7.2 liters, producing between 340 and 431 horsepower. The peak of engine performance was reached in 1971. Due to insurance companies' refusal to insure these vehicles, the power slowly decreased. The Plymouth Road Runner Superbird reached a speed of 322 km/h (200 miles) in 1971, becoming the first muscle car to do so.

Plymouth Sport Fury

Little known is that the Plymouth Fury, in its Sport version, is also considered one of the early muscle cars. Built between 1964 and 1973, the car has a 7.0-liter V8 with 370 and 380 horsepower. It was available in several body styles and was Chrysler Corporation's response to the 1963 Pontiac GTO.

Pontiac LeMans GTO

The first generation of the GTO is relatively expensive. Vehicles from Series 2, from 1968 to 1972, are somewhat more affordable and offer comparable performance to Mustangs and the like. Visually, it also stands out and pleasantly differs from the sea of most muscle cars. The high-displacement V8s range from 6.6 to 7.5 liters, with 253 to 375 horsepower, making the GTO similar in strength to its competitors. Motor Trend magazine named the GTO the Car of the Year in 1968.

Underrated Stars - Individuality for Everyone!

Of course, this list is not exhaustive. The US and Canadian markets offer far more beauties with style and plenty of power. Maybe it doesn't have to be the classic muscle car. In America's earlier decades, large and powerful engines, typical for the American lifestyle, were also implanted in station wagons, vans, and pickups. Surely you will find your dream car with the characteristic V8 sound in our vehicle market. USCar-Trader.com not only offers you the search for your jewel, but we also take care of a safe purchase, the import including all formalities, and the conversion. Are you looking for a very specific car? Our detailed search function will help you find it.