The dawning era of muscle cars took a powerful turn with the 1960 Chrysler 300F. In the formative years of factory performance, automakers reserved their hottest engines for their largest -- and usually most-expensive -- models. Early Chrysler muscle cars were best expressed by the stylish and exclusive "letter-series" machines. The first of these was the 1955 C-300 with its 300-bhp Hemi-head V-8. The 1960 Chrysler 300F continued the tradition of power and panache with its special trim and a sporty interior that boasted four bucket-type leather seats and a full-length console.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The 1960 Chrysler 300F was one of Chrysler's first muscle cars. See more muscle car pictures. |
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. A sophisticated interior, complete with leather upholstery and automatic-swiveling front seats added to the appeal of the 1960 300F. |
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The 300F looked to the highway with a high-tech, big-inch V-8 and dual-quad, cross-ram setup. |
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The vestigial spare tire harked back to an earlier age, but the 300F looked to the future. |
Wheelbase, inches: 126.0 Weight, lbs: 4,270 Number built: 1,212 Base price: $5,411 Top Available Engine Type: ohv V-8 Displacement, cid: 413 Fuel system: 2 x 4bbl. Compression ratio: 10.0:1 Horsepower @ rpm: 375 @ 5000 Torque @ rpm: 495 @ 2800 Representative Performance 0-60 mph, sec: 7.0 1/4 mile, sec @ mph: 16.00 @ 85.0 |
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For more cool information on muscle cars, go to:- Every major American automaker had a muscle car lineup. See these profiles of the muscle car manufacturers.
- Muscle cars came in many shapes and sizes. Here are features on more than 100 muscle cars, including photos and specifications for each model.
- Muscle cars created their own culture. To learn about it, read How Muscle Cars Work.
Check out these profiles of muscle cars, which include photos and specifications for each model:
- The 1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO lit the fuse on the muscle car boom by giving the small-car, big-engine ethic a cool identity.
- The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner created the budget-muscle market and was among the most influential cars of the 1960s.
- Healthy torque, ram air, and a stout suspension meant muscle was still alive in the 1971 Buick GS 455.
- An all-aluminum, race-proven V-8 defined the rare and wicked 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
- The engine is what gives a muscle car its flamboyant personality. To learn everything you need to know about car engines, see How Car Engines Work.
- Muscle cars wouldn't have much muscle without horsepower -- but what exactly is horsepower? How Horsepower Works answers that question.
- NASCAR race cars embody the muscle car philosophy of power. Read How NASCAR Race Cars Work to find out what makes these charged-up racers go.
- Are you thinking of buying a 2007 muscle car, or any other car? See Consumer Guide Automotive's New-Car Reviews, Prices, and Information.
