Mercury Cyclone
The Mercury Cyclone, produced between 1964 and 1971, is considered to be a Mercury classic. Known for its unique and memorable design, it is the true definition of a rare and highly sought-after muscle car. The Cyclone was deemed the high-performance version of Mercury’s Comet, and until 1967, the car was originally named the Comet Cyclone. However, the ‘Comet’ portion was eventually dropped. By simply looking at the car, it’s easy to see what the fuss is all about.
With unique styling elements for the time, such as a sporty roofline and distinctive badging, the Cyclone continues to turn heads - even today.
1948 Norman Timbs Special
We are willing to bet that you have never seen a car quite like this one. In fact, the 1948 Norman Timbs Special holds a special place in automotive history for a number of reasons. For starters, it was designed and built by Normal Timbs, an incredibly talented engineer who worked for the Indy 500. The car was inspired by the Auto Union racers of the 1930s and hailed for its streamlined design. Perhaps more impressively, the two-seater was built from scratch.
Powered by a mid-engine Buick straight-8, it is capable of reaching speeds of up to 120 mph, which is quite impressive for cars of the time. Unfortunately, the original version of the car was destroyed in the Malibu fires of 2018.
1962 Covington Tiburon
The 1962 Covington Tiburon (also known as ‘The Shark’) is yet another classic muscle car that has cemented its place in automotive history. Designed by Henry Covington, the car's unique look was inspired by the aerodynamic principles of Dr. Augustus Raspet, a highly successful aerodynamics expert. Like many vehicles of its time, the Covington was built using fiberglass for sleek, aerodynamic lines. It is hailed for its unique appearance, which includes a large belly pan.
In 1966, Road and Track magazine recognized the Covington as the most aerodynamic and streamlined car in the world. Today, it is viewed as just one of many innovative cars of its era.
1967 OSI Silver Fox Prototype
The 1967 OSI Silver Fox Prototype (also known as the ‘Bisiluro’) stood out for having one of the wildest and out-of-the-box designs of the time. Designed by Officine Stampaggi Industriali (OSI), the vehicle has a catamaran-like body, including two pontoons connected by a central cockpit. This extreme design was aimed to improve the overall aerodynamics of the car, allowing it to reach an impressive top speed of 155 mph.
The Silver Fox was designed to break records in some of the most prestigious races across the globe, including 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, OSI went out of business in 1968 - before the car ever made it onto the race course.
ThunderCat Hellcat
If you’ve ever seen the cartoon show ‘Speed Racer,’ you would know just how iconic this vehicle actually is. The No. 5 car from the show was always a fan favorite for its tripoint front end and aggressive design. For this reason, the owner of a traditional Corvette decided to convert his vehicle into a real-life version of the cartoon muscle car. It looks so professional that we almost thought a car company actually constructed it!
It’s safe to say that if this car pulled up next to us at a traffic light, we’d have a race on our hands. We’d almost definitely lose, but at least it would make a good story.
1955 Chrysler GHIA Streamline
The 1955 Chrysler GHIA Streamline (otherwise known as ‘Gilda’) is a car steeped in automotive history. Originally designed by Giovanni Savonuzzi, it was (and still is) praised for its aerodynamic design and attention to detail. Featuring a sleek and undoubtedly unique wedge-shaped body, as well as huge tail fins on the back, the car was inspired by the Rocket Age of its time. Looking at it, it’s safe to say that it definitely resembled a rocket.
Along with its impressive appearance, the car wasn’t too shabby in terms of performance. Fitted with a single-stage AiResearch turbine engine, the car reached a max speed of 160 mph, which was incredibly impressive for the time.
Super Custom 1963 Ford Thunderbird
It’s clear to us that whoever designed this car was clearly a lover of all things fast... and strangely shaped, we would say. Unfortunately, we don’t know too much about this custom car, apart from the fact that the base model is a 1963 Ford Thunderbird. However, the owner decided to add their own flare to the original design, incorporating a few extra streamlined elements and a rather snazzy paint job.
Just by looking at it, it’s safe to say that this car is fast. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that it looks like something out of a sci-fi film.
1968 C3 Corvette Station Wagon
The 1968 C3 Corvette Station Wagon is an incredibly rare and striking variant of the original Corvette. With that being said, even though it is a variant, there is no car quite like it. Its design is so unique that we can’t decide whether or not it looks like a muscle car or something that you would take camping. Somehow, it manages to feel family-friendly while still incorporating an aggressive design that screams ‘speed.’
Unfortunately, very few of these cars were actually made, and the phenomenon was short-lived. However, it was definitely fun while it lasted, as this is truly a muscle car masterpiece!
1963 Czech Republic Fire Truck
Have you ever wondered what fire trucks used to look like back in the day? Well, if you live in the Czech Republic, this is it… Probably not what you expected, right? This looks like something right out of a Dr. Suess book, and we are all for it. Interestingly, these fire trucks were referred to as ‘glass roofs,’ as the distinctive glass roof would provide excellent visibility during fires.
It’s safe to say that the Czech Republic does things a little bit differently, and these fire trucks are just one example. Perhaps the rest of the world should take notes, as this is a very cool (and practical) design.
The Mystery Car
To be completely honest, we know little to nothing about this car. However, we still had to include it on our list, as it’s simply an automotive masterpiece! More so, the mystery is half of the fun when it comes to unique muscle cars. It’s clear that this is a custom job, as we’d know if a car company was releasing such a vehicle. Not only is the paint job pristine, but the gold accents make the car look even more distinctive and luxurious.
On top of the aggressive design and appearance, this car looks like it has some speed to it. In fact, if we didn’t know any better, we’d guess that this is Robin’s version of the Batmobile.
Mayan Magnum
Designed by Dean Charles Ing, an Air Force veteran, aero engineer, and sci-fi author, the Mayan Magnum stands out for several reasons. Charles wanted to create a highly aerodynamic muscle car that was still street-legal. So, the Magnum, in all of its oddly shaped glory, was born. Only one version of this car was ever built, even though it served Charles well for many years. We're not sure how long we'd have liked to drive around in a car like this.
The car was built using a Chevrolet Corvair-sourced 2.4-liter flat-six engine, Porsche brakes, suspension, and transmission, and Volkswagen-sourced metal and fiberglass for the subframe and body.
1980 BMW M1 Mod
When it comes to classic muscle cars, BMW is arguably one of the most iconic brands. However, this custom 1980 BMW M1 might just take the cake for being the most unique. Just look at it! It honestly looks as though it is floating on air. The owner decided to add a body plate, extending the original frame to make the tires seem invisible. It definitely worked, as this car looks like something out of the TV show ‘The Jetsons’.
This car undoubtedly turns heads wherever it goes. After all, that is the sign of a good muscle car!
1958 Ford Edsel Pacer Snowplow
The original 1958 Ford Edsel Pacer was only available to the public for a total of one year. However, even though the manufacturing of this model was halted, a variant of the car was not. The 1958 Ford Edsel Pacer Snowplow started to leave its mark on the automotive world, and, to this day, it’s forever ingrained into our memories. After all, how often do you see a classic muscle car fitted with snow-plowing equipment?
We don’t know about you, but we would absolutely love to see this car doing the rounds on an icy Winter’s day. With that being said, we are sure that it costs a small fortune.
1951 Studebaker Manta Ray
The 1951 Studebaker Manta Ray was a one-of-a-kind custom build inspired by Harley Earl’s 1951 XP-8 Le Sabre. Designed by Glen Hire and Vernon Antoine, the car looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. In fact, the jet intake of the classic F-86 Sabre of the American Aviation Company is what inspired the front end of the vehicle. As for the back of the car, it’s safe to assume that it was inspired by its namesake: a manta ray.
From the sleek tri-point rear paneling to the detailed dashboard - it really is any muscle car enthusiast's dream. We know that we wouldn’t mind giving this beauty a spin.
Donald Duck’s 313 Real-Life Version
If you’ve ever seen Donald Duck's red car from the cartoon and thought to yourself, ‘I want that car,’ this muscle car is exactly what you’ve been looking for. Also known as the 1934 Belchfire Runabout, this unique build honestly looks like it is straight out of a cartoon. With comically large wheels, it also looks like it would offer a rather comfortable ride. That is unless it starts raining…
Just look at how happy this man is to be driving such a unique and iconic vehicle. He even added a ‘313’ number plate in an ode to his favorite cartoon character.
1966 Custom Crafted Pontiac GTO
While there are a few telltale signs that indicate that this is a 1966 Pontiac GTO, just about every detail is custom. After all, how many factory-built cars have two sets of front wheels? For starters, the custom build features an extended hood that covers two axles, giving it its elongated appearance. The ‘trunk’ also happens to be in the front of the car, which makes sense considering just how big the hood is.
We must admit that this car looks a little tricky to drive and steer. However, it undoubtedly still provides a wild ride, which is all you can ask for from a muscle car.
1952 SOCEMA-Gregoire
The 1952 SOCEMA-Gregoire was created by a French automobile engineer by the name of Jean-Albert Gregoire. Other than its unique and aggressive design, it features a single-rotor kerosene-fuelled ‘cematurbo’ turbo engine that can pump up to 100 bhp at 25,000 rpm. Built around a Hotchkiss Gregoire with an aluminum platform, the vehicle was originally supposed to be an experimental prototype. However, it quickly gained attention for its inspired aerodynamic shape and two-door body.
The car has a maximum speed of 124 mph, which was pretty impressive for its time. If you are thinking of buying one yourself, you are out of luck, as only one model was ever created. Sad times, indeed.
1980 4-Door Corvette Sedan
Looking at this photo, we wouldn’t blame you for thinking that it is photoshopped or AI-generated. However, you’ll have to take our word for it when we say that it’s 100% real. For a period of time during the 1980s, this unique muscle car was made available to the public. With that being said, a total of six cars were ever made, making them just as rare as they are impressive.
Interestingly, each car was built by cutting two cars in half and extending the wheelbase of the vehicle by 30 inches when joined back together—knowing that it’s easy to understand why only 6 were ever made!
El Corvette Camino Charger
Judging by the name, you can probably deduce that the El Corvette Camino Charger is a custom vehicle that includes elements of various cars. Isn't that just the way these things go? The C5 rear end has been grafted onto the back of a 5th-generation El Camino, with Corvette tails and roll pans. If you ask us, it kind of looks like a pick-up truck and muscle car hybrid. We're not sure where we land on this one.
It probably doesn’t go all that fast, but that’s obviously not what the owner was going for. After all, sometimes aesthetics is more important than speed.
1957 Aurora Safety Car
The 1957 Aurora Safety Car was dubbed the world’s safest vehicle ever to grace the roads of the United States. It was designed by a man named Father Alfred Juliano and featured a fully fiberglass body, as well as advanced safety features that had never before been seen at the time. In fact, in his pursuit of optimal safety, he invented 10 brand-new features that are still used to this day.
Only one Aurora Safety Car was ever constructed, but it served Juliano well. We must admit that it also looks pretty snazzy and futuristic, even though it wasn’t designed to go fast.
1956 Buick Centurion
The 1956 Buick Centurion looks like something straight out of a futuristic sci-fi movie. From the glass roof to the extended rear panels - there’s no denying that it simply looks like a one-of-a-kind classic. In fact, it represents a single model within the extensive collection of Buick concept cars. Buick has garnered a reputation for its deep-rooted dedication to concepts, show cars, and cars of the future. In other words, it’s no surprise that they came up with this unique design.
This particular model made its debut in GM’s Motorama in 1956 and generated a ton of interest in the brand. It is now on display at the Buick Gallery and Research Center Museum.
1969 Dodge Charger Daytona + Camino
The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona + Camino was created for one sole purpose: to win high-profile NASCAR races. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, considering its name. This high-performance and limited-edition version of the Dodge Charger won a total of two races in 1969, as well as an additional four in 1970. Equipped with a 440 cu in Magnum engine, along with a heavy-duty suspension and brake setup.
With very few made, it is now a highly rare and collectible muscle car. For top-of-the-range versions, you can expect to pay upwards of six figures.
1966 Rolls Royce FAB 1
If you are a classic car enthusiast, you might remember the Rolls Royce FAB1. However, for a long period of time, it was simply a model. Then, in 1966, a replica of the car was constructed based on the ‘Chinese 6’ model (four front wheels and two rear wheels). As you can imagine, it quickly made history. Not only does it look incredible, with its glass roof and aggressive design, but it also performed pretty well.
One important detail to note about the car is that it was wide. The axles even had to be widened in order to fit the width of the body. Good luck parking this thing next time you go to Walmart!
Ford Torino GT
Between 1968 and 1976, Ford produced the Ford Torino GT for the North American market. While most were conventional vehicles, with the most popular model being the 4-door sedan and 2-door hardtop, a number of high-performance models were also manufactured. These were equipped with huge, powerful engines that allowed for an impressive top speed. More so, the car had an incredibly aggressive design that appealed to drivers of the time.
The GT was also made available as a 2-door SportsRoof and convertible. However, the Torino Cobra only came as a 2-door SportsRoof.
1954 Desoto Adventurer II Concept Coupe
Like many of the incredible vehicles on our list, the 1954 Desoto Adventurer II Concept Coupe was a concept car built way before its time. For example, it was one of the very first cars to feature a retractable sunroof that slid into the trunk—just like many modern-day convertibles. The design was based on a Chrysler Imperial chassis. It featured a 271 V-8 Hemi engine, allowing for impressive performance in addition to its obviously attractive appearance.
Designed by Ghia, this car is still considered to be one of the top 10 concept vehicles of all time. We don’t know about you, but we’d do just about anything to take it for a spin.
1931 Wikov 35 Kapka
If you’re looking for a real classic and original muscle car, then you’ve found it. While the Wikov35 Kapka may look a bit strange, it’s safe to say that it’s aerodynamic. Released in 1931, it’s actually a Czechoslovakian car that bears a lot of resemblance to the American Studebakers of the 1930s. However, the unique design at the front end made it stand out from most other vehicles at the time.
Most Czech vehicles looked almost identical during this era, which made this model even more iconic. This unusual 2-door was a first for the time in terms of both aerodynamics and performance.
1964 Tasco
We wouldn’t blame you if you thought this car was AI-generated or photoshopped. However, it’s definitely real, and it caused quite a stir in the 1960s. This one-of-a-kind American sports car was designed as a TASCO (The American Sports Car Company) prototype in 1948. According to Gordon Beuhrig, the brains behind the operation, he took most of his inspiration from an aircraft design, which led to its unique shape.
The Tasco was built using a 1947 Mercury chassis and engine. Perhaps more notably, it featured a fully aluminum body, an airplane inspired control panel, as well as the world’s very first T-top roof.
1948 Playboy Convertible
The 1948 Playboy Convertible is a classic muscle car that stood out for many reasons. For starters, it included a retractable hardtop that folded behind the seats when manually activated. It also had only one row of seats, which was fairly unique for the time. The car, designed and manufactured by Playboy Automobile Company founder Lou Horwitz, was created specifically to provide Americans with a more affordable yet still functional car post-WWII.
However, only 97 cars were manufactured before Howrwitz filed for bankruptcy in 1951. Of the 97, only 43 still exist today.
1954 Dodge Firearrow
In 1950, Dodge approached Virgil Exner to help them create a striking vehicle. As a result, the 1954 Dodge Firearrow was born. It’s safe to say that they definitely achieved their goal, as everything about this car is striking. It made its first public appearance at the 1954 Detroit Automobile Show and quickly gained attention for its unique appearance and impressive performance stats. The body was constructed by Carrozzeria Ghia in Italy, and the car was fitted with a 150-horsepower Red Ram Hemi v8 engine.
The body of the car was also noticeably smaller than other Dodge vehicles at the time. This 2-seater was popular for many years and, to this day, it will still fetch a high price amongst car enthusiasts.
The Nash Metropolitan
The Nash Metropolitan was designed and constructed in Wisconsin by the British Manufacturer Austin Motor Company. The idea behind the car was for it to be a family car that still looked and felt luxurious. Many people considered it to be the US’s very first sub-compact vehicle, even though this achievement was never confirmed. The first model was created in 1953, with a total of 95,000 cars in total.
Not only was it incredibly rare, but it was also less than 13 feet tall and had only two doors, a new concept for the time. Following its success, major companies such as Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler were motivated to create their own compact car models.
1948 Wimille Prototype
The 1948 Wimille Prototype was created by a French Grand Prix motor racing driver by the name of Jean Pierre Wimille. He had a passion for aerodynamics, which led to the creation of this rather unique muscle car. Inspired by the pre-war Auto Union, the car was manufactured with assistance from Parisian associates between 1946 and 1950. Appropriately titled the J-P Wimille, the cars included a mounted 22-horsepower Ford V-8 engine.
The very first prototype was displayed at the 1948 Salon de l'Automobile. Here, Wimille described it as ‘today’s car for the future.’
1964 Ford P68
In 1967, Ford was forced to withdraw from sports car racing because it did not have a vehicle that complied with the new FIA rules. As a result, Ford was forced to create something new, and designs for the Ford P68 were created. Also known as the 3L GT, the car was designed by research engineer Len Bailey and constructed by Alan Mann Racing. It made its race debut at the BOAC 500 race in 1968 but did not finish.
Even though the car is undeniably attractive in appearance, it did have a few performance issues. While it started robustly, it suffered mechanical and electrical problems once it reached top speeds.
1950 Chrysler Camera Car
During the 1950s, Chrysler built two cars designed to be used specifically for filmmaking - hence, they were called ‘Camera Cars.’ After their release, they were provided to Hollywood studio RKO, which was owned by Howard Hughes at the time. With a convertible top and under-bed counterweights, the unique design made it easy for the driver and crew to communicate. But that's about all that was impressive with this muscle car.
With a top speed of just 95 mph and a horsepower of 180, these cars were not designed for performance. However, they still looked pretty cool.
1942 Desoto Coupe
The 1942 Desoto Coupe came about after many years of trial and error for Chrysler. In 1929, they created just over 81,000 Desoto Sixes, which went on to be very successful. This model was then modified to feature a smaller wheelbase and released as the Desoto Airflow. A few years later, the Desoto Airstream model was released, which became their most popular design. They clearly did things differently in the 40s.
In 1942, however, they made one final change to the car by incorporating pop-up headlights. This was the very first mass-produced vehicle in America to include this feature.
1959 Scimitar All-Purpose Sedan
The 1959 Scimitar All-Purpose Sedan was designed by Brook Stevens. He wanted to create an all-purpose family vehicle that still had the luxurious feel of a muscle car. It’s safe to say that he achieved this goal. With a Chrysler New Yorker chassis, the roof could slide open to reveal a cargo area that could then be used to transport large objects. The car made its debut in 1959 at the Geneva Motor Show, where it was a resounding success.
Of course, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise. How many cars out there are both functional and look this good? Not many.