Legendary American Muscle Cars

Shortly after the Second World War, home mechanics began modifying their cars to be faster, flashier, and more eye-catching. These hot-rodded vehicles became known as muscle cars, and when auto manufacturers caught onto the craze, some real beauties were shared with the world. Muscle cars continue to be made today - take, for example, the 2015 Dodge Challenger - but most collector favorites are the classics from the last century. Below, read about ten of the best souped-up speed machines in history.

10. 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88

The Rocket 88 is, according to most people in the know, the world’s first muscle car produced by a factory. In the post-war years, ex-military men began hot-rodding their cars, a practice which entails ripping out all of the heavy interior of a luxury vehicle and installing a super-charged V8 engine. These cars were fast, flashy, and luxurious, but not everyone had the time, know-how, or cash to retrofit a vehicle. Thankfully, Oldsmobile noticed the demand and supplied the machines.