What was the fastest quartermile car in 1969?
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Sets New Quarter-Mile Record At the Hot Rod Drag Week 2019
Arguably the fastest street car in America, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro of Tom Bailey managed to hit 250 miles per hour on the quarter-mile in 5.994 seconds. That’s the quickest pass in Drag Week history, and enough to secure his fourth title thanks to an average of 6.299 seconds.
Photo: Bring It Muscle Cars on YouTube
Day 1 saw Bailey set the pace in his Chevy at 228 miles per hour in 6.21 seconds, then managed 205 miles per hour in 6.83 seconds. Following the two runs in Cecil County, the SMX billet cylinder heads were pulled off the engine to discover a problem with the exhaust valve guides.
Following the simple fix, Bailey and co-driver Steve Morris traveled almost 230 miles to the next venue of the competition. It should be mentioned the car was driven there, not trailered. Getting back in business, the race-converted Camaro passed the quarter-mile line at 239 and 219 miles per hour in 6.18 and 6.27 seconds, respectively. This pushed the average to 6.374 seconds, but the final day of competition proved to be his luckiest yet.
As the Unlimited Class and Overall winner of the 2019 Hot Rod Drag Week, there’s no denying that Tom Bailey has all the reasons in the world to celebrate. Engine builder Steve Morris was certain the ‘Maro could run into the 5s as long as the perfect conditions were met, and he was right.
Bailey currently runs two ’69 Camaro drag racers, and the first hasn’t been used for this edition of the Hot Rod Drag Week. The white-painted car in the main photo and two videos is Sick Seconds 2.0, which features a tube chassis and carbon-fiber bodywork. More or less an evolution of Sick Seconds 1.0, the second Camaro wears a Michigan license plate that reads “SICKEST” to bring the point home.
Under the hood, you’ll find a Steve Morris Racing Engines 526-cu.in. SMX billet-aluminum V8 and two 88-millimeter turbochargers. Based on the wedge-head 481x architecture, the engine’s water-cooling passages make it driveable on public roads. A Rossler TH400 transmission with Gear Vendors overdrive is also featured, along with a 9.0-inch Strange Engineering rear axle with 4.11 gears and spool.
The 30 Fastest Muscle Cars of All Time
Built for speed and performance, muscle cars are not just about masculinity. They are sought after head-turners; amazing machines that push to the limits what humans are capable of building and accomplishing. Hundreds of muscle cars have come and gone, but only these 30 have the speed over the quarter mile to be considered the fastest ever; the absolute cream of the crop.
30. Camaro SS Z28 350 LT-1
Starting off the many Camaros on this list of the fastest muscle cars ever is the 1996 Camaro Z28 SS. It travels the quarter mile in 13.46s with 106.48 mph as its top speed. It has a 350 LT-1 engine, 310 horsepower, and a six-speed transmission.
29. Buick GS Stage 1
The only Buick on the top 30 muscle car list is the venerable 1970 Buick GS Stage 1. It does a quarter mile in 13.38s with a top speed of 105.5 mph. It has a 455 Stage 1 engine and 360 horsepower. It is one of the few muscle cars on the list to have an automatic transmission.
28. Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi
The 1970 Road Runner does a quarter mile in 13.34s with a top speed on the run of 107.5 mph. It has a 426 Hemi engine and 425 horsepower. This is also one of the rare muscle cars with an automatic transmission.
27. Chevrolet Corvette 427 6V
Next is the 1968 Corvette. This muscle car does a quarter mile in 13.3s with 108 mph as the top speed. It has a 427 6V engine, 435 horsepower, and has a four-speed transmission.
26. Pontiac Firehawk
A Pontiac finally emerges on the list. The six-speed 1990 Pontiac Firehawk does a quarter mile in 13.2s with a top speed of 107 mph. It has a 350 engine with 350 horsepower.
25. Chevrolet Camaro SS SLP
Camaros and Corvettes truly prevail as the most ubiquitous fast muscle cars around. The next is the 1997 SLP Camaro SS, which does a quarter mile in 13.2s with a top speed of 108.8 mph. This Camaro has a 350 LT4 engine, but with less horsepower than the Firehawk, coming in at 330 horsepower. It has a six-speed transmission.
24. Chevrolet Corvette 350 LS-1
Chevy comes in again with its 1997 Corvette doing a quarter mile in 13.20s with the top speed of 109.3 mph. It has a 350 LS-1 engine, 345 horsepower and it is a six speed.
23. Chevrolet Camaro 427 ZL1
The 1969 Camaro does a quarter mile in 13.16s with the top speed of 110.21 mph. It has a 427 ZL1 engine and throws out a healthy 430 horsepower. It is also a four-speed.
22. Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
The 1970 Chevelle SS 454 comes in with a quarter mile time of 13.16s at the top speed of 107.01 mph. It has a 454 LS6 engine, 450 horsepower, and is a four-speed.
The first Viper makes the list – the 1992 Viper RT/10. This Viper has a quarter mile time of 13.1s, topping out at 108 mph. Its engine is a 488 V10 and it offers 400 horsepower. The RT/10 has a six-speed transmission.
20. Plymouth Hemi Cuda
The only Cuda on the Top 30 list is the 1970 Hemi Cuda. This Cuda does a quarter mile in 13.1s with a top speed of 107.01 mph. It has a 426 Hemi engine, and a useful 425 horsepower. It is a four-speed vehicle.
19. Hurst/Pontiac Firebird
The 1997 Hurst/Pontiac Firebird comes in next. It travels the quarter mile in 12.99s with a top speed of 103.11 mph. It has a 350 engine with 350 horsepower and an automatic transmission, making it relatively rare.
18. Plymouth Road Runner 440 Six BBL
Next is the famous 1969 Road Runner. It does the quarter mile in 12.91s with 111.8 mph as its top speed. It is a four-speed with a 440 Six BBL engine offering 390 horsepower. According to Motor Trend, it was the “Car of the Year” for 1969. 84,000 of them were made, with the option of adding a HEMI.
17. Chevrolet Camaro SS 6.2 liter
The first modern era muscle car to enter our top 30 fastest muscle cars is the 2016 Camaro SS. It does a quarter mile in just shy of 13s, clocking in at 12.9s to be exact. It goes zero to 60 in 4.5s and boasts a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 455 horsepower. It is not the most powerful Camaro model ever, but gives them a real run for their money at a lower cost.
16. Chevrolet Corvette 427
Also accomplishing the quarter-mile run in 12.8s is another Corvette, this one from 1966. The 1966 Corvette 427 has an L72 427 engine and tops its quarter-mile run at 112 mph. It is a four-speed with 425 horsepower. Born in the same year as the 427 Cobra, it shows how 1966 was a stellar year for American muscle.
15. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The 1990 ZR1 Corvette comes next, with a quarter-mile accomplished in 12.8s and a top speed of 113.8 mph. It is a six-speed with 375 horsepower and an LT5 350 engine. The nickname of this muscle car is “The King of the Hill.”
14. Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee
The Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the first modern Charger in the Top 30 list. It goes 0-60 in 4.4s and tops out its quarter mile in 12.8s at 112 mph. The Super Bee has a V8 engine offering 470 horsepower.
13. Ford Mustang GT
Modern mustangs also deserve a spot in an ultimate muscle car list. The 2015 Mustang GT can do 0-60 in 4.3s and a quarter mile in 12.7s. It is a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 435 horsepower, and 400 lb-ft of torque.
12. Dodge Charger 392
The latest Charger 392 is the next modern machine to perform with aplomb. It does 0-60 in 4.2s and a quarter mile in 12.6s. It has 470 horsepower like the Super Bee, and a 6.4-liter V8 engine as well. Its overall top speed is a blistering 178 mph.
11. Dodge Challenger 392
The Challenger 392 is quite similar to the Charger 392 but pips it to the post on performance. It can also go 0-60 in exactly 4.2s and has the same size of engine, but boasts an extra 15 horsepower with its 485 horsepower rating.
10. Dodge Challenger SRT8 Core
The Challenger SRT8 Core is a modern fast muscle car. It is the SRT performance version. It still isn’t the fastest Challenger we’ll see, but it’s more car than most of us could ever handle. It also comes in the special colors Plum Crazy Pearl and Orange Pearl. It is a beauty that goes 0-60 in 4s flat and completes a quarter mile in 12.5s.
9. Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
The Challenger R/T Scat Pack is the next Challenger to follow. It does its zero to 60 in 4.5s and finishes a quarter mile in 12.4s. This Challenger has 495 horsepower, a 6.4-liter V8 engine, and an overall top speed of 175 mph. It is not the fastest Challenger model but deserves a place on the list.
8. Ford Mustang Boss 302
The Mustang Boss 302 comes in with 444 horsepower – less than the Challenger R/T – but goes from 0-60 in 4s flat. The quarter mile is accomplished in 12.3s. The Boss 302 has a 5.0-liter V8 engine. It has been discontinued, with GT350 as its replacement.
7. Chevrolet Camaro Z28
The Camaro Z28 competes with the Mustang Boss 302 and the Challenger SRT8 Core with its 0-60 in 4s flat but she finishes her quarter mile slightly faster, in 12.2s.
6. Shelby Cobra 427
The 1966 427 Cobra has been called “the Cobra to end all Cobras.” She makes the quarter-mile run in 12.2s with a top speed of 118 mph. She has a 427 8V engine with 425 horsepower. The Shelby “Super Snake” sold for a record-breaking $5.5 million. It’s a four-speed beauty and one of the oldest and most impressive vehicles that make the list.
5. Dodge Viper GTS
The 1997 Dodge Viper GTS certainly makes the grade when it comes to fast muscle cars. Its quarter-mile time astounds at 12.05s, topping out at 116 mph. It has a V10 engine and a whopping 450 horsepower. Sleek and stylish, it demands the attention it deserves for its top-notch speed and performance.
4. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The Camaro ZL1 is the best and fastest Camaro to date. It has 580 horsepower and a 6.2-liter V8 engine. This model is supercharged and has an impressive top speed of 184 mph. She goes 0-60 in 3.9s and can do a quarter mile run in 12s flat.
3. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The Shelby GT500 is the fastest Shelby to make the grade. It travels the quarter mile in 11.5s and does 0-60 in 3.5s. The overall top speed is 189 mph. This Shelby has an amazing 662 horsepower and a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine with 631 lb-ft of torque.
2. Equus Bass 770
The Equus Bass 770 is the second fastest muscle car ever made. Despite this, it is not very well known to most, but it echoes a lot of design queues from Challengers, Mustangs, and Chargers. The Equus Bass has a 6.2-liter V6 engine and 640 horsepower. This awesome muscle car does 0-60 in 3.4s. It is a pricey one! The stock price is $250,000.
1. Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Finally, the Challenger SRT hellcat tops the list. It is known as the most incredible muscle car and fastest muscle car ever produced. It has an incredible 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. It goes 0-60 in 3.5s and has a top speed of 199 mph, which puts it in the class with well-known supercars like Ferrari and Lamborghini. It does a quarter mile in 11.2s. It is definitely built for racing and not intended as a commuter car, as it burns gas at 1.5 gallons per minute.
Top 10 Fastest Muscle Cars from the 60’s & 70’s
Nothing delivers clouds of smoke and horsepower highs quite like 20th-century muscle cars. These monsters of the road first appeared in the 1960s. They represented the auto industry’s attempt to appeal to Baby Boomers.
After all, Boomers wanted excitement and power. And car manufacturers were able to deliver in irresistible ways, thanks to big V8 engines. Yet, muscle cars also remained affordable, a vital feature for American youth of the 60s and 70s.
60s muscle cars and 70s muscle cars were different breeds of automobiles. Less about utility and more about the experience of driving, 1960s muscle cars and 1970s muscle cars were made for car lovers by car lovers.
Journey with us down memory lane as we remember the fastest muscle cars 60’s 70’s and why they continue to appeal to us today.
The Fastest Muscle Cars 60’s 70’s
Ready for a blast from the past? Let’s talk about some of the fastest muscle cars of the 1960s. They included the:
- Pontiac GTO — 1964
- Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake — 1967
- Dodge Charge R/T — 1968
- Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet — 1969
- Chevelle SS454 — 1970
- Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda — 1971
- De Tomaso Pantera — 1973
As a vintage car enthusiast, you’ve probably fantasized about driving some of these vehicles, and with good reason. For nearly five decades, these muscle monsters have represented when it comes to high speeds and sporty designs.
They remain favorites on the car auction block and at car buying sites to this day. Let’s take a closer look at each of these cars and why their reputation continues to stand the test of time.
Fastest Classic Muscle Car: 1964 Pontiac GTO
Few cars combined high-level speed and horsepower like the 1964 Pontiac GTO. That’s why collectors still talk about this magnificent ride today.
Designed by John DeLorean, Russell Gee, and Bill Collins, it could go from zero to 60 mph in little more than 6.6 seconds. Its light body and massive engine made this possible, resulting in impressive top racing speeds.
Today, it still holds a reputation among the fastest American muscle car ranks with its V-8 engine and optional tri-power carbs.
Fastest Muscle Car in the World: 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake
With the 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake, Carroll Shelby wanted to push the envelope on muscle cars. He determined to create one of the meanest and fastest muscle cars on the road. One considered race car worthy.
Shelby ended up doing just that. His vehicle had to be modified for street driving.
Its Paxton superchargers translate into an impressive 800 bhp and 462 pounds of torque. The lightweight structure and race-spec configurations made it a real monster of the pavement.
Known as the «Cobra to end all Cobras,» the Super Snake remains among the rarest of Shelby’s creations. More than 50 years later, these cars are also among the fastest street-legal Cobras on the road and can still kick the tail of just about anything.
Fastest Classic Muscle Car: 1968 Dodge Charger R/T
Why does the 1967 Dodge Charge R/T remain so popular despite the passage of more than 40 years? Because it represents the ultimate symbol of masculinity, from its 440 cubic inch four-barrel Magnum V8 engine to its 375 horsepower.
With an engine and a build that proved equally intimidating, it remains a fierce street fighter. An optional 426 Hemi engine means drivers get to experience 425 horsepower. All told it remains a fun, fantastic ride that still intimidates on the road.
Fastest Classic Muscle Car: 1969 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet
No car can beat the timeless, streamlined design of the Ford Mustang. In particular, the 1969 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet was renowned for its high-level power, 428-cubic inch V8 engine. The engine also saw enhanced performance because of larger valve heads, ram-air induction, and a functional hood scoop.
This model ate up American roadways, providing a serious challenge to other iconic muscle cars such as Camaros and Firebirds. It remains among the fastest American muscle car rankings and one of the most beloved automobiles ever to grace the road.
Fastest Classic Muscle Car: 1970 Chevelle SS454
How can we talk about the fastest muscle cars without mentioning the Chevelle SS454? A member of muscle car royalty, it dominated the 1970s, facing off against few worthy challengers.
This beast of a muscle car represented a lethal threat with its iconic 450 horsepower engine, one of the most powerful of its day. It rumbled with 500 pound-feet of torque and could translate most of that raw energy into impressive road performance.
And we can’t talk about the Chevelle without mentioning its 6-second sprint to 60mph, a laudable achievement in the 1970s. The Chevelle SS454 accelerated until it maxed out, reaching speeds of 142mph in the process.
Fastest Classic Muscle Car: 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda
What’s another vehicle that checked off all the muscle car requirements in the early 70s? The Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda.
Why? It offered the full package when it came to great design, plenty of horsepower under the hood, and menacing street presence. It wasn’t a vehicle you messed around with.
The Hemi V8 boasted either a 4-speed manual transmission or a 3-speed automatic. The car packed a walloping 475 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to dominate the field as one of the fastest muscle cars of its era.
Not surprisingly, it also proved among the most expensive muscle cars, and it remains so today. A pristine model could set you back a million dollars.
Fastest Muscle Car in the World: 1973 De Tomaso Pantera
The 1973 De Tomaso Pantera was designed by Alejandro De Tomaso, the Argentine racing legend. In creating the vehicle, he crafted a compelling amalgamation of both Argentine and American features.
The result? A car that proved so appealing, Elvis Presley even took it for a spin.
It included a 315 cubic-inch «Cleveland» V8 engine with a ZF five-speed manual gearbox. This setup provided it with the power to go from zero to 60 in just 5.5 seconds. What’s more, the car’s 330 horsepower provided plenty of kick.
For these reasons, the 1973 De Tomaso Pantera remains one of our favorite muscle cars. Driving one feels like the equivalent of strapping yourself to a rocket and taking off.
What Is the Fastest Muscle Car in the World?
After all of this talk about the fastest muscle cars of the 20th century, you may be wondering what’s considered the fastest muscle car in the world today? That honor goes to none other than the 2018 Dodge Challenger Demon.
We’re talking zero to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds. Need we say more? Having debuted just two years ago, people still whisper its name with reverence.
The sinister ride set the automotive world on fire with its debut, offering performance capabilities considered unthinkable for a muscle car. It’s safe to say the Demon sent supercars into a tailspin.
Which Muscle Car Had the Most Horsepower?
Not surprisingly, the Dodge Challenger Demon also takes the cake when it comes to the muscle car with the most horsepower. We’re talking 808, to be exact. Simply put, it’s the most powerful muscle car ever produced in any era.
When driven on a drag strip, it comes with the potential of reaching a whopping 1.8 Gs. That is, if you can get the launch sequence just right. This performance makes it the hardest accelerating production car worldwide.
What Was the Most Popular Muscle Car in the 1970’s?
Deciding on which muscle car proved most popular in the 1970s remains a toss-up. Three vehicles make the cut, the 1972 Pontiac Trans AM SD-455, the 1070 Chevelle SS 454 LS6, and the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda.
These cars remain among the most revered and admired muscle cars. While every automotive enthusiast has a favorite from the 1970s, these three models still make hearts skip a beat.
What Was the Fastest Muscle Car of the 60s?
As you may have already guessed, the hands-down winner among the fastest muscle cars of the 1960s remains the Shelby Cobra. This car attained higher performance figures than any other production vehicle of its era.
The 1963 Shelby Cobra 260 boasted the ability to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. That makes it the fastest old muscle car by a healthy margin. This performance made it one of the most feared and admired street racers on the road.
What Was the Best Classic Muscle Car?
Paring down our shortlist of the best 60s muscle cars and 70s muscle cars ever produced, we’ve settled on the 1964 Pontiac GTO as our favorite of the bunch. In terms of performance, looks, and sheer driving experience, the 1964 Pontiac GTO is and was the complete package.
Other 1960s muscle cars and 1970s muscle cars we considered for this honor include the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird, the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454, the 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt, and the 1965 Shelby Mustang GT-350.
However, the 1964 Pontiac GTO is the dreamiest of dream muscle cars. And it checks all the boxes to make it the very best of a crowded field.
What Killed the Muscle Car?
By 1967, the fastest muscle cars hit their peak. Sure, torque numbers and horsepower continued to push the envelope until 1970. But by then, something had changed.
Muscle cars had earned a bad reputation because of safety concerns. Ralph Nader’s 1965 book Unsafe at Any Speed drove home a point that many consumers already knew. Yet, it was insurance providers that put the final nail in the coffin.
They started raising insurance rates on muscle car drivers across the country. These hikes in rates coupled with skyrocketing gas prices (hello, 1973 oil crisis!) forced consumers to look for safer and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Maintaining lower insurance premiums and reasonable fuel prices took precedent over owning the fastest classic muscle car. What’s more, many Baby Boomers traded in the fun of their youth (and their fastest muscle car in the world fantasies) for family-friendly vehicles.
In other words, a mixture of safety concerns and practicality brought the muscle car era to a screeching halt. Fortunately, there’s been a resurgence in recent years, although most consumers remain committed to cheaper, more fuel-efficient options.
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Best Muscle Cars
When it comes to the fastest muscle cars of the past and present, certain brands still dominate. Like Ford, Shelby, and Pontiac.
Whether you’re more of a Cobra fan or a Mustang fan, these rides continue to break records, both on the race track and the auction block. If you’ve recently won a muscle car at auction or purchased one through a dealer, you may have questions about the safest way to move it.
At Nexus Auto Transport, we’re experts in shipping the most expensive cars in the world. It doesn’t matter if you prefer 60s muscle cars, 70s muscle cars, or brand-new spins on classic designs. We’ve got car transport options that’ll protect your beloved vehicle from road hazards, inclement weather, and other potential dangers. Contact us ASAP to discuss your enclosed car shipping needs.
