The Fastest Muscle Cars Of The 1960s
The 1960s was a decade filled with some of the fastest muscle cars using naturally aspirated V8 engines. The muscle cars of the 1960s were hardcore, aggressive, loud, and impressive machines that could rip off some quick times to 60 mph on the way to three-digit top speeds. The fastest 60s muscle cars weren’t generally made for handling, comfort, or track times but for pure straight-line sprint speed.
Although some of the rules of the time meant automakers regularly sent magazines 60s muscle cars that were quicker and more powerful than what appeared in a showroom, this was still a decade with some of the coolest and fastest muscle cars. It was a time of massive engines, carburetors, and drag races. The world saw the evolution of American muscle in many cars, with a Le Mans winner among them.
We’ve compiled this list utilizing information and hands-on car reviews from automaker historical archives, Car and Driver, and Kelley Blue Book to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
Related: The Long Forgotten Pride Of AMC: The 1970 Trans Am Javelin
10 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28: Serious Aggression And Angry Power
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.3 seconds
Mecum Front and side view of a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is one of the most iconic muscle cars of the 1960s. This incredible machine came out of Detroit ready to take on the world and won over the hearts and minds of a crowd with gasoline in their veins. This Camaro was mean and aggressive, putting other cars to shame with its sound and style.
Performance
0-60 MPH 5.3 seconds Top Speed 135 mph Curb Weight 3,135 lbs Horsepower 290 hp Torque 290 lb-ft Layout 302 cu-in V8 engine
Anyone standing near this Z/28 would be blown away by the sounds and roaring energy of one of the fastest muscle cars of the era. Although not the fastest on our list, the 5.3-second sprint time and 135 mph top speed are enough to keep your attention on this Camaro.
9 1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi: Subdued Style Doesn’t Hold This Plymouth Back
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.3 seconds
If you wanted a mild-mannered exterior with one of the most aggressive powertrains on the market, the 1966 Plymouth Satellite was the car for you. This is one of the ten fastest 60s muscle cars, but it gives off the vibe of being a regular family car.
Performance
0-60 MPH 5.3 seconds Top Speed 130 mph Curb Weight 3,200 lbs Horsepower 425 hp Torque 489 lb-ft Layout 426 cu-in V8 engine
With a Hemi engine under the hood and plenty of power, the Plymouth Satellite soon became a hit as one of the most sought-after muscle cars of the 1960s. This impressive car was a great choice for anyone looking for a way to scare their passengers while rocketing off the line to 60 mph.
Related: 10 Fun Facts About The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda
8 1964 Porsche 904: Loud And Proud In The Muscle Car World
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.3 seconds
Petersen Automotive Museum front 3/4 view of a 1964 Porsche 904 GTS parked behind a Porsche 907
Typically, when we discuss muscle cars, we focus on American V8 engines and aggressive power. Still, is hard to argue against the 1964 Porsche 904 as one of the best 60s muscle cars. This amazing sports car was one of the loudest cars at 60 mph, ensuring the crowd at the finish line would sit up and pay attention.
Performance
0-60 MPH 5.3 seconds Top Speed 163 mph Curb Weight 1,411 lbs Horsepower 180 hp Torque 144.5 lb-ft Layout 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
This Porsche has one of the lowest power figures and smallest engines on this list, but the low curb weight and incredible Porsche engineering allow it to be incredibly fast. Some might not agree that this car is a muscle car, but they can’t argue against the pure performance of the Porsche 904.
7 1965 Ford Mustang GT 289: A Real Classic Among Muscle Cars
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.2 seconds
Mecum Auctions Front and side view of a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible
The 1965 Ford Mustang is another iconic muscle car from the 1960s, with incredible style and presence that many admire without the speed. Of course, Ford put the cherry on top of this Mustang with an amazing small-block V8 engine that delivers impressive speed and power.
Performance
0-60 MPH 5.2 seconds Top Speed 128 mph Curb Weight 2,974 lbs Horsepower 225 hp Torque 305 lb-ft Layout 289 cu-in V8 engine
The 1965 Mustang wasn’t an instant hit, but once it showed off the true nature of this aggressive machine, it quickly became the talk of the town. As one of the fastest muscle cars of the decade, this Mustang has cemented its place in automotive history.
Related: 6 Classic Ford Mustangs Worth Buying And 4 You Couldn't Pay Us Enough To Own
6 1969 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi: Pure Mechanical Presence
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.1 seconds
Salvaggio Design A black Plymouth Roadrunner driving on a windy road
Between the incredible Hemi V8 engine and the amazing exhaust, the 1966 Plymouth Road Runner was one of the most fun and exhilarating muscle cars of the 1960s. This car became one of the top machines in NASCAR, especially when a large rear wing.
Performance
0-60 MPH 5.1 seconds Top Speed 105 mph Curb Weight 3,435 lbs Horsepower 425 hp Torque 490 lb-ft Layout 426 cu-in V8 engine
Although one of the heaviest cars on this list, the Road Runner rockets to highway speeds quickly and delivers the presence that makes it a serious contender for the top spot. There’s no denying the glorious sound and impressive performance of this 60s muscle car.
5 1967 Ford GT40 Mark III: This Car Annoyed Ferrari
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.1 seconds
To say the 1967 Ford GT40 Mark III annoyed Ferrari would be an understatement. This is the car that won Le Mans, a race that Ferrari had dominated for many years. This incredible machine was developed by the legendary Carroll Shelby and driven by Ken Miles.
Performance
0-60 MPH 5.1 seconds Top Speed 160 mph Curb Weight 2,200 lbs Horsepower 306 hp Torque 329 lb-ft Layout 289 cu-in V8 engine
The figures don’t tell the story of the racing machine, which was specially made and hit 212 mph on the Le Mans track during the race. Even a subdued version of the GT40 was an incredible muscle car and one of the fastest made during the 1960s.
Related: The Professional Street Track Racer That Made History: 1964 Ford GT40
4 1968 Dodge Charger 426 Hemi: Classic Pure Dodge Power
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 4.8 seconds
Mecum Auctions A front 3/4 outdoor shot of a 1968 Dodge Charger
When you picture an American muscle car in your head, the 1968 Dodge Charger is likely what comes to mind. For those who grew up on 1980s television, an orange model with a flag on top was a staple on the small screen. This Dodge is one of the fastest muscle cars of the time, and that quickness cemented its place in automotive history.
Performance
0-60 MPH 4.8 seconds Top Speed 160 mph Curb Weight 3,979 lbs Horsepower 425 hp Torque 490 lb-ft Layout 426 cu-in V8 engine
The Hemi V8 engine became one of the most important aspects of Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth to enjoy success with high-powered muscle machines. Today, we see the Charger ending its time with this engine but can admire the storied history that dates back to some of the best muscle cars of the 1960s.
3 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427: No Longer Just A Show Car
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 4.7 seconds
Bring A Trailer Front and side shot of a 1967 Corvette L88 Stingray parked at the side of a road
From the time it began in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette grabbed our attention and never let go, despite the early models lacking real speed. By 1967, the Corvette 427 showed what this car was made of, giving us one of the fastest muscle cars of the decade.
Performance
0-60 MPH 4.7 seconds Top Speed 143 mph Curb Weight 3,336 lbs Horsepower 435 hp Torque 460 lb-ft Layout 427 cu-in V8 engine
Most would have thought the Corvette might follow the Porsche formula of being lightweight and tuned right, but the 427 cu-in V8 engine proved them wrong. This was a real muscle car and one of the fastest to come out of Detroit during the decade.
Related: This Is What A C8 Chevy Corvette Can Really Do On A De-Restricted German Autobahn
2 1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO: This GTO Borrowed Corvette Engineering
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 4.6 seconds
Pontiac, Chevrolet, and Oldsmobile all shared technology, engineering, and features during the heyday of muscle cars. Part of what makes the 1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO so incredible is the handling ability built into the car, which it shared with the Chevrolet Corvette.
Performance
0-60 MPH 4.6 seconds Top Speed 115 mph Curb Weight 3,485 lbs Horsepower 348 hp Torque 428 lb-ft Layout 389 cu-in V8 engine
Pontiac had a history of annoying the rest of the car world by grabbing onto names that others felt didn’t belong. This, of course, made the Tempest more tempting to muscle car enthusiasts of the time. Even without the speed, this car would have been one of the most popular muscle cars of the 1960s.
1 1963 Shelby Cobra 260: Light, Quick, And Perfectly Made
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 4.5 seconds
Mecum Front and side view of a 1967 Shelby 427 Cobra
The 1963 AC Shelby Cobra 260 was the car that brought the perfect combination to America. Carroll Shelby created this car with a lightweight AC body and a high-performance Ford engine to deliver the ideal weight, power, and speed combination in one incredible car.
Performance
0-60 MPH 4.5 seconds Top Speed 140 mph Curb Weight 2,094 lbs Horsepower 260 hp Torque 269 lb-ft Layout 4.3-liter V8 engine
The incredible combination found in the Shelby Cobra translated to the fastest muscle car of the decade and higher performance figures than any other production car of the time. This car was easily the product of Carroll Shelby’s love affair with racing, despite his difficulty with heart problems. The success of this muscle car led to him being the lead developer for the Ford GT40 projects.
Source: TopSpeed
