Introducing the virtues of its new Falcon model, Ford’s marketing department announced, “Here is a car that accomplishes the ‘impossible:’ gives you the handling and agility of a sports car . . . and the ride and comfort of a big car.” Offered as a “Tudor” or “Fordor” sedan or a wagon with two or four doors, the 1960 Ford Falcon delivered plenty of space neatly packed into a more economical machine.
With all practicality, the Falcon nestled a 144 cu. in., 6-cylinder engine under the hood, which provided power and fuel-efficiency. It could seat six, and it cost a mere $1,900 to put one in your garage. Significantly, the Falcon anticipated the Mustang, Ford’s most profitable sedan. It was also the platform from which other successful models would be launched throughout the sixties.
1967 Oldsmobile 442
The 1967 Oldsmobile 442 was a solid reply to the groundbreaking Pontiac GTO. Introducing the 442, the badge meaning a 400-engine, a 4-barrel carburetor, and “2” for dual exhaust, was all about muscle. The big-block 400 brought 350 horsepower and 440 ft. lb. torque. Setting a B/Pure stock national record, the 1967 442 commanded attention on national drag strips.
A 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission became an option with the 442 as were front disc brakes. Built upon the luxury model Cutlass Supreme body, 442 became increasingly popular. It was praised as one of the best all-around muscle cars of the 1960s, excelling in performance speed, handling, and braking.
1966 Buick Wildcat
The 1966 Buick Wildcat was the most popular version of this model. Classy and nice to look at, the 1966 Wildcat boasted of superb handling with a tightened suspension. The Buick LT401 CID V-8 came standard, providing 325 horsepower. At 4,150 pounds, its power didn’t go to waste.
It offered an upgraded option with a high-performance V-8 with a 380-HP 425 CID, 4-barrel carb engine with dual exhaust and heavy-duty suspension. “Wildcat Custom” delivered bucket seats, deluxe steering wheel, padded armrests, plush seats. Due to competition from Buick’s LeSabre, 1970 was the last year for the Buick Wildcat.
1962 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
This Caddy was lavish, and it could haul. The 1962 Cadillac Coupe de Ville housed GM’s Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission powered by a 325-horsepower V-8 engine with 583 lbs. ft. of torque. It could propel this leviathan from 0-60 in just 10.4 seconds, smoothly, quietly and quickly. Heck, in 30 seconds, you’d hit 100 mph. No need to stop there. The Coupe de Ville maxed out at 125 mph.
Some believe this 1962 Cadillac was the most advanced engine and chassis combination on the market. The bodywork was as exquisite as its engineering. Sharp tailfins and bold lines defined this luxury ride. Inside and out, high-class amenities came standard.
1968 Plymouth RoadRunner HEMI
Plymouth paid Warner Bros. $50,000 for name and likeness rights to the popular Road Runner cartoon image. And they paid an additional $10,000 for the beloved “Beep! Beep!” sound. A custom horn—gotta have it! It sounds gimmicky, but it worked - sales walloped expectations. Yet, it wasn’t just about a speedy little cartoon character; this machine was loaded with power, and it was fast as lightning.
The 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner revised the body of the Belvedere into a formidable muscle car with the stuff to prove it rumbling under the hood. The standard model hosted a 440 cu. in. V-8, known as the 440 Six Pack. But a $714 upgrade delivered a 426 HEMI with a stampeding 425 horsepower. Motor Trend called it “the most brazenly pure, noncompromising super car in history.”