Classic American muscle cars are prized for their power and innovative designs. Though many are considered collector cars today, not everyone understands the full history that created a vibrant but ultimately short-lived market for muscle. Whether you own a muscle car or are simply an interested car enthusiast, taking a look back in time may help you understand and appreciate these vehicles even more.

Inspired by Speed

Demand for fast cars was around well before the first actual muscle car hit the streets. Bootleggers and moonshiners began modifying their cars’ engines during the Prohibition era to outrun the police.

Eventually, street racing groups began to pick up, and official racing circuits like NASCAR were created to showcase speedy vehicles.

The First Muscle Car

The first commercially available vehicle that was widely considered to be a muscle car was the Oldsmobile® Rocket 88, which was introduced in 1949. Inspired by the modified vehicles of bootleggers and street racers, the Rocket 88 included lightweight components for its exterior but boasted a powerful V8 engine that would normally have been reserved for larger models.

This gave the car tons of power along with aerodynamic features that allowed it to dominate the racing world and inspire a whole host of new competition.

The Golden Age

Other automakers quickly began to emulate the Rocket 88. However, the muscle car market slowed for a period due to public safety concerns. It picked back up again throughout the ’60s and early ’70s.

Automakers offered a wide variety, from large models like Chevrolet®’s Chevelle to compact versions like the Dodge® Dart. The Pontiac® GTO was also incredibly popular during this time period as the first in a long line of vehicles that had an unassuming design paired with a powerful engine.

In the 1970s, however, new emissions rules paired with a focus on improving road safety made these cars more expensive to produce. This caused prices to go out of reach for everyday consumers, and the mainstream muscle car market has never fully recovered.

Recent waves of nostalgia have brought new cars like the Dodge Challenger back to the roads, though, so perhaps time will tell a different story.

If you’re interested in checking out or viewing some classic American muscle cars, check out the Charlotte AutoFair in North Carolina. The auto show features a wide array of vintage and collector cars and has been bringing automotive enthusiasts together for more than 30 years. Register as a vendor to sell collector cars to a market of more than 150,000 guests or simply attend the car show as an enthusiastic visitor. For more information about vendor opportunities, visit the auto show’s website or call (704) 841-1990.