The Big Bang in the evolution of modern muscle cars is the 1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO. This is where it began: a midsize automobile with a big, high-power V-8 marketed as an integrated high-performance package -- the very definition of the muscle car.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Pontiac created the first modern muscle car by putting a big V-8 into the midsize Tempest/LeMans body. A convertible, hardtop, and this pillared coupe were offered. See more muscle car pictures. |
To create the GTO,
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The GTO's 389-cid mill used a four-barrel carb or this hot triple two-barrel setup. |
To create an engine worthy of its original,
A thick front sway bar, heavy-duty shocks, stiffened springs, and high-speed 14-inch tires were included. A $75 "roadability group" added sintered metallic brake linings and a limited-slip diff. The sporting attitude carried over inside, where all GTOs got bucket seats and an engine-turned aluminum instrument surround.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Bucket seats were standard in the Tempest GTO. A woodgrain steering wheel, center console, Hurst-shifted four-speed manual, and simulated wire wheel covers were among the Goat's factory options. |
Four-barrel Goats typically ran 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds and the quarter in 15.7 at 92 mph. Tri-Power GTOs were consistently quicker and added immeasurably to the car's mystique.
Wheelbase, inches: 115.0 Weight, lbs: 3470 Number built: 32,450 Base price: $2,852 Top Available Engine Type: ohv V-8 Displacement, cid: 389 Fuel system: 3 x 2bbl. Compression ratio: 10.75:1 Horsepower @ rpm: 348 @ 4900 Torque @ rpm: 428 @ 3600 Representative Performance 0-60 mph, sec: 6.6 1/4 mile, sec. @ mph: 14.8 @ 95 |
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For more cool information on muscle cars, see:- 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.
These muscle car profiles include photos and specifications for each model:
- Cougar pulled out of Mustang's shadow with the striped and spoilered 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator.
- Beep, beep! Make way for one of the baddest muscle cars of all time, the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi.
- The 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am combined sports-car handling and muscle car power.
- 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.
