10 Strange Muscle Cars You Forgot About

In the rich history of America’s automotive industry, muscle cars have left a lasting mark thanks to their power, speed, and style. Since their arrival on the scene, legendary names like the Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger have constantly been in the spotlight. These icons have become synonymous with the muscle car segment. However, many lesser-known muscle cars exist in the shadows of their more renowned counterparts. This article explores the world of automotive oddities and revives 10 strange muscle cars that most people forget about.

These fascinating vehicles represent a dynamic era in automotive history. They arrived in a period when designers and engineers dared to push the boundaries of creativity amidst fierce competition. From unconventional exterior designs to new technologies, these cars showcase the boundless potential of muscle car evolution. Each of these forgotten muscle cars is a window to a time when designers chose creativity over convention. Despite their strangeness, these cars were crucial in shaping the dynamic history of American muscle. Join us as we rediscover the Oldsmobile Jetfire and Yenko Stinger, among others.

11 1972 AMC Gremlin X

Sporting a weird design, the Gremlin X was a day-one hit with younger and more performance-minded buyers. AMC marketed it as a fun and affordable car that competed with cars like the Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega.

Pricing

Boasting a starting price of $1,999, the 1972 Gremlin X was available with several powertrain options including a 5.0-liter V8. With this, it could dance a gig around some larger cars. Apart from the impressive performance, the Gremlin X also had tons of personality. Despite the low used prices, the 1972 Gremlin X is not popular with collectors.

Performance

10 1980 Ford Mustang McLaren M81

In 1980, Ford teamed up with McLaren to create a unique version of the iconic Ford Mustang. The special limited-edition Ford Mustang McLaren M81 was a street-legal version of the Mustang IMSA racer. Featuring a wild distinctive bodywork, it packed a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-banger that was good for 175 hp.

Pricing

The naturally aspirated version of the same engine pumped out less juice. Besides the turbocharged engine, the M81 also got a performance suspension setup that improved its driving dynamics. Only a handful rolled off the production lines, making it a rare and little-known collectors’ item.

Performance

9 1966 Yenko Stinger

The 1966 Yenko Stinger started life as a 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa 2-door hardtop. Under Yenko’s hands, it gained various performance modifications that set it apart from muscle cars of the day. For starters, the 2.7-liter flat-6 engine gave way for a turbocharged version mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox.

Pricing

In addition, a performance exhaust system and an upgraded suspension setup also joined the lineup of modifications. Thanks to the series of enhancements, the compact Yenko Stinger was able to punch above its weight. However, only four Stingers have crossed classic.com’s radar since 2019.

Performance

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8 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire

While other muscle cars of the era relied on large displacement V8 power plants, Oldsmobile towed a different path with the 1962 Jetfire. The Jetfire featured a turbocharged 3.5-liter Turbo-Rocket V8 mill that laid down 215 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.

Pricing

To prevent engine knocks, Oldsmobile used the Turbo-Rocket fluid, a mixture of methanol and distilled water. This advanced tech resulted in a high sticker price and low sales figures for the Jetfire. But despite its refined styling and innovative features, the 1962 Jetfire only makes infrequent appearances at auction houses.

Performance

7 1977 Pontiac Can Am

The 1977-only Can Am was a special-edition option package on the Pontiac LeMans sport coupe. Under the hood, it featured a Pontiac 6.6-liter V8 engine rated at 200 hp. Californian-bound Can Ams has an Oldsmobile V8 unit rated at 185 hp. The Can-Am offered impressive performance in an era when government restrictions were killing muscle cars.

Pricing

Some of the features that set it apart include a shaker-style hood scoop and a unique rear spoiler. Production ended when the mold used to make the fiberglass rear spoiler broke. Only three Can Ams have passed through the Barrett-Jackson auction house in five years.

Performance

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6 1976 Chevrolet Laguna S-3

Available only as a Colonnade coupe, the 1976 Laguna S-3 was part of the Chevrolet Chevelle lineup. It sported horizontal taillights and a distinctive front end with a sloping urethane nose and quad rectangle headlights. Behind the divided grille, it housed engine options that ranged from the standard 5.0-liter V8 to a 6.6-liter V8 rated at 175 hp.

Pricing

Underneath, it had a heavy-duty suspension, stabilizer bars, and power-assisted disc brakes. The 1976 Laguna S-3 was popular with NASCAR drivers thanks to its Aero styling. Sadly, it has slid under the radar of most muscle car enthusiasts.

Performance

5 1974 Ford Maverick Grabber

Arriving as a replacement for the Ford Falcon, the Maverick had an attractive entry price that got buyers swarming to dealerships. There was the Maverick Grabber trim package for young buyers who wanted an affordable but sporty car. The 1970s Ford Maverick Grabber had several engine options, including a 4.9-liter Windsor V8 unit. But the engine could only cough out a pathetic 140 hp – odd for a muscle car.

Pricing

It is little wonder that very few 1974 Maverick Grabbers find new homes nowadays. However, it remains an interesting time machine that deserves more attention.

Performance

4 1977 Chevrolet Monza Mirage

The Monza Mirage, a 1977-only body modification package, sported unique graphics and exterior decals that gave the Monza a sporty appearance. Wearing a coat of white paint, the Mirage had features like a front air dam, rear spoiler, and sport suspension. Under the hood, the largest power option was a 5.0-liter V8 unit that sent down 145 hp.

Pricing

For an enhanced driving thrill, it has a sport-tuned suspension system that improves handling. Back then, the Monza Mirage was neither a performance nor a sales success. Despite its limited production numbers, it fails to attract classic car collectors.

Performance

3 1974 Bricklin SV-1

The short-lived SV-1 represents the ambitious efforts of Bricklin to create a safe and unique automobile. Despite various challenges and a short production run, the Bricklin SV-1 remains a fascinating example of automotive innovation. In addition to a steel perimeter frame, the SV-1 featured composite acrylic/fiberglass body panels.

Pricing

By impregnating the acrylic with the body color, Bricklin eliminates the need for painting. The SV-1 also featured a pair of gullwing doors and energy-absorbing bumpers.1974 models carried a 5.9-liter AMC V8 mill under the hood. Sadly, this automotive marvel continues to fly under the radar.

Performance

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2 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado

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The Oldsmobile Toronado made its debut in 1966 as a luxury car. At the time of production, the Toronado was strange for more reasons than one. First, it had a design that wasn’t common among the muscle cars of that era. The hidden headlights, long hood, and prominent “knife-edge” styling were different from anything available at the time. Additionally, the Toronado’s innovative front-wheel drive layout was extremely rare at the time.

Pricing

Sharing the same GM-E platform as the elegant Buick Riviera and Cadillac Eldorado, the 1966 Tonorado had a 7.0-liter V8 motor that coughed up 385 horses and 475 lb-ft of torque. This output meant it was among the most potent FWD vehicles around.

Performance