10 Plymouth And Oldsmobile Muscle Cars That Are Just As Cool As A Chevelle SS

Few names in the history of American muscle cars inspire as much awe and excitement as the Chevrolet Chevelle SS. With its intimidating stance, powerful engines, and irresistible charm, it is a testament to the golden era of muscle cars. Yet, the appeal of the Chevelle SS is far from unique since it shares the spotlight with other equally iconic muscle cars. Among these rivals are muscle cars from Plymouth and Oldsmobile. While celebrating the Chevelle SS, it is important to appreciate the diverse nature of the world of classic American muscle cars.

Within this world, Plymouth and Oldsmobile demonstrated that they too could build cars that were just as powerful, innovative, and cool as the Chevelle SS. Thanks to powerful engines and iconic designs, these cars attracted a loyal fanbase, contributing greatly to the history of muscle car culture. Plymouth birthed the likes of the Road Runner and ‘Cuda which earned praise for their raw driving experience. Also from Plymouth was the Superbird, an aerodynamic wonder that wowed enthusiasts with its daring design and breathtaking speed. On the Oldsmobile front, the Hurst Olds and the 442 W30 stood out with their impressive performance.

10 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

Starting Used Price: $370,200

One of the most iconic Barracudas to roll off Plymouth’s line in 1971 was the Hemi Cuda. Featuring a sleek and aggressive design, it carried the legendary 7.0-liter Hemi V8 mill under the hood. With 425 hp and 490 lb-ft on tap, the 1971 Cuda was one of the fiercest performers in its heyday.

It could hit 60 mph from zero in less than six seconds, and the quarter mile in less than 14 seconds. The Hemi Cuda was every bit as cool as the Chevelle SS. Decades later, it has become an expensive and sought-after collector piece.

Performance

9 1970 Plymouth Superbird

Starting Used Price: $49,800

Rocking a pointed nose cone and a massive rear wing, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird is one of the most outstanding American muscle cars. Thanks to these aerodynamic modifications, the Superbird was able to slice through the air and fly past the competition on NASCAR’s tracks.

Under the hood, it housed a range of potent engines including Chrysler’s famous 7.0-liter Hemi V8. Like the Chevelle SS, the 1970 Superbird is a cool classic muscle car that is popular with collectors. Well-maintained examples often fetch top dollar at auctions.

Performance

RELATED: 5 Dream Muscle Cars And Their Cheaper Alternatives That Are Almost As Cool

8 1967 Plymouth GTX

Starting Used Price: $18,700

There are several qualities that make the 1967 Plymouth GTX as cool as a Chevelle SS. Debuting as a “gentleman’s muscle car,” the 1967 Plymouth GTX offered a refined interior and a choice of two brawny engines. Along with a heavy-duty suspension and chassis setup, they ensured that there was nothing gentle about the GTX’s performance.

Apart from the 2-door hardtop variant, there was also a convertible for customers who preferred open-air driving. Hemi-powered GTXs are especially desirable collector items, with well-preserved copies fetching high prices at auctions.

Performance

7 1968 Plymouth Road Runner

Starting Used Price: $15,500

Unlike many muscle cars of the late 1960s, the Plymouth Road Runner sported a simple and understated design. Even its spartan interior reflected its no-frills approach to performance. The 1968 Road Runner’s focus was on raw power, speed, and performance.

Although the base 6.3-liter V8 made 335 hp, Chrysler’s 425-hp 7.0-liter Hemi V8 was a famous option. Despite its performance capabilities, the 1968 Road Runner had an affordable sticker price. These good qualities and its historical significance make it just as attractive as a Chevelle SS.

Performance

6 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426

Starting Used Price: $8,200

The 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 was part of the third-generation Furys that rode on Chrysler’s then-new B-body unibody platform. Hiding the “426 Wedge” engine under the hood, it offered impressive acceleration and speed.

Being a top trim, Sport Fury featured not only a sleek design but also a comfortable and sporty interior. Back then, it was popular among enthusiasts who wanted a blend of performance and style. Today, it is just as desirable among classic muscle car collectors as a Chevelle SS.

Performance

5 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30

Starting Used Price: $83,400

When General Motors dropped engine restrictions in 1970, Oldsmobile responded by stuffing the 365-hp Olds 455 V8 into every 4-4-2. Options for the model year included the W30 package that took performance to a higher level. The package included hardware such as a high-performance camshaft, low-restriction exhaust system, and heavy-duty suspension components.

With 370 hp on tap, the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30 performed admirably whether on the strip or on the track. Representing the heights of performance from Oldsmobile, the 442 W30 muscle car is a highly valuable muscle car and just as desirable as a Chevelle SS.

Performance

4 1969 Oldsmobile Hurst Olds 442

Starting Used Price: $24,200

After a successful first outing in 1968, the Hurst Olds 442 returned for 1969 wearing a coat of white with gold stripes and accents. Other unique styling elements included a rear spoiler, racing mirrors, and a functional hood scoop.

Where it mattered most, under the hood, it featured Oldsmobile’s 7.5-liter Rocket V8 rated at 380 hp. Combining the performance of the 442 with the engineering of Hurst Performance, the Hurst Olds 442 was one of the hottest items on the road and could hold its own against a Chevelle SS. Today, with its incredible aesthetics, rarity, and great features, the 1969 Oldsmobile Hurst Olds 442 is surely worth a lot.

Performance

RELATED: 1965-70 Oldsmobile 442: Profile Of A Muscle Car

3 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX

Starting Used Price: $38,389

Available on the Cutlass Supreme convertible and coupe models, the high-performance SX option package added sporty design elements to the lineup. Behind the unique front grille, the 1971 SX housed Oldmobile’s 7.0-liter V8 mated to a TH-400 automatic transmission. This setup produced enough juice for strong acceleration and straight-line speed.

Despite being sportier than the standard Cutlass Supreme, the SX didn’t lose the amenities of a premium model. Thanks to its strong performance and limited production numbers, the 1971 SX is just as sought-after as a Chevelle SS.

Performance

2 1970 Oldsmobile Rallye

Starting Used Price: $15,300

The 1970-only Oldsmobile Rallye wore a Sebring Yellow coat with special black and orange decals. It also sported a rear spoiler and two functional hood scoops. This unique and eye-catching exterior styling stood it out from other cars on the road.

Thanks to the short production run, the Oldsmobile Rallye is a rare collector’s item today. Behind the blacked-out grille, it housed a 5.7-liter Rocket V8 engine that churned out 310 hp. In terms of styling and respectable performance, the Oldsmobile Rallye is just as attractive as a Chevelle SS.

Performance

RELATED: 10 Coolest Oldsmobile Cars Ever

1 1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442

Starting Used Price: $28,600

The 1964 Cutlass 442 was Oldsmobile’s hasty response to the 1964 Pontiac GTO. Debuting as an option package, it featured a 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual gearbox, and dual exhaust system. Despite its luxury appointments, it sported performance hardware that made it one of the best-handling cars in its class.

The 5.4-liter V8 under the hood generated enough power to clear the quarter mile in 15.5 seconds. Like the Chevelle SS, the 1964 Cutlass 442 is one of the models that helped write the early history of American muscle cars.

Performance