Mopar Muscle Cars

When Chrysler Corporation fans think about power, the first thing that comes to mind is the Hemi. Which is a pity, really, since Chrysler has made dozens of great engines without those famed hemispherical combustion chambers. But the Hemi is the engine that started it all, way back in 1951, and whose demise would signal the end of the musclecar era.

Motor Sans Car
First introduced in 331-inch form with 180 horses, it was the most powerful V-8 in America. Unfortunately, Chrysler didn't have an appropriate car to stuff it into until 1955 when the 300 was introduced. With 300 wild ponies, the 300 and its 300B successor ruled the roost in the fledgling NASCAR series, winning 49 of 101 events held in 1956.


Although the 300 series continued to be produced, it evolved into a luxury tourer rather than a stoplight racer. By the 1960s, though, a new breed of cat was appearing on the streets: the American musclecar. Starting out as typical sedans, these heavyweight haulers were fitted with the biggest and baddest engines that Detroit could design.


In 1963 Ford was whipping up sizzling, lightweight 427-powered Galaxies to compete with Chevy's red-hot 409 Z11 Impala. These cars appealed to younger drivers, and once again, Chrysler was caught in the position of not having suitable clothing for their excellent running gear. Although the 413 Wedge engine and a rejuvinated 425-hp Hemi were stuffed into Plymouth and Dodge mid-range models, the uninspired styling of the Savoys and Darts meant they were more successful on the dragstrips than in the showrooms. This would all change in 1964, however.

Charger Ahead
The first inkling of what Chrysler had in store for the future was introduced in 1964, when the Plymouth Barracuda beat the new Mustang to the showrooms by a matter of weeks. Sporting an optional 235-horse 273, this restyled Valiant was quick and sporty but not a ground-pounder.