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America’s Muscle Cars

America’s Muscle Cars Generally produced between 1965 and 1973, the American muscle car is mid-size with a V8 engine. Many muscle cars were current models being produced and they added special trim, better handling and suspension, braking and the larger engine. One example is the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle. Originally it was designed as a family car and had a 4 cylinder engine but there was an option to get it with the muscle engine of it’s time, being the 454. Although this ear was short lived, it gave us the most collectible cars in history today. Chrome, muscular looks and wide profiles, these cars actually looked...

Large Engines are Gone

Large Engines are Gone The muscle care craze hit three speed bumps and never recovered. Tougher environmental laws, insurance premiums and the 1973 OPEC oil embargo all took their toll. Safety groups began having concerns over large engines in such small cars that were marketed to the younger population. They pointed out tire performance, braking and inadequate handling as safety issues. Insurance companies began adding large surcharges to these cars and so many young buyers now could not afford them. Congress had their emission controls and automakers had to go from more horsepower into creating cleaner emissions. Banned...

Safety Ratings and Crash Tests

Safety Ratings and Crash Tests Passenger cars are after now then they have ever been, although the crash worthiness of individual models varies. Crash test reflects how the vehicle would handle in a collision with another of the same model, not versus a larger or smaller vehicle. IN some tests, neither the angle nor the obstacle corresponds with the majority of actual, real collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crashes cars head-on into a solid immovable barrier. It’s important to evaluate crash-test reports and not just to see if the car offers side airbags. Side bags have meant, in some cars, the...