Muscle cars serve as the cornerstone of American performance vehicles. From the iconic Pontiac GTO to the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 regarded as the last true muscle car the evolution of powerful V8 engines and exhilarating torque has been remarkable.
Over the years, brands such as Dodge, Chevrolet, Buick, Plymouth, and Shelby have experimented with and installed monstrous V8 engines into vehicles that have since become rare and highly sought after.
During the 1960s and 1970s, certain muscle car engine options came with staggering price tags, sometimes costing more than the cars themselves.
This high cost is one of the primary reasons why many of these vehicles were produced in limited numbers, with some models having fewer than ten units ever made.
However, these once “expensive” muscle cars have now become prized collectibles, fetching millions at auctions. Here’s a closer look at some of the most desirable and costly classic American muscle cars.
The vehicles are listed in ascending order of rarity, with the rarest model appearing last.
12. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1
Units Sold: 69 Units
While the Camaro nameplate might seem less exciting today, the 1960s and 1970s were a completely different story.
During that era, the Camaro stood alongside Ford, Plymouth, Buick, and Dodge as one of the most sought-after performance cars in the American muscle scene. The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1 stood out as the pinnacle of this golden age.
With only 69 units produced, its exclusivity made it highly desirable. However, what truly set it apart was its legendary 427 cubic-inch all-aluminum ZL-1 big-block V8, originally developed for racing.
This engine closely resembled the L88 427 but featured a unique camshaft with slightly more lift and a shorter duration on the intake.
The most expensive 1969 Camaro ZL-1 ever sold went for $1,094,500 at a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2020. This particular model was a ZL-1 COPO Camaro finished in a striking Hugger Orange paint with a special ducted hood.
11. 1971 AMC “Matador Machine”
Units Sold: 68
The AMC Rebel Machine was a standout muscle car of the 1970s, but its successor, the Matador, remains relatively obscure.
Even rarer was the 1971 Matador equipped with the sporty “Machine Go Package.” Its robust 6.6-liter V8 already packed a punch, but this package further enhanced its performance credentials.
This special package introduced key upgrades such as a four-barrel carburetor, front disc brakes, dual exhausts, wider tires mounted on 15-inch slot-style wheels, and a handling package that included a rear sway bar.
A total of 68 AMC Matador Machines were produced, and according to Hagerty, only 24 of them came with a 4-speed manual transmission, making those variants particularly rare.
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10. 1963 Chevrolet Impala Z11
Units Sold: 57
The 1963 Chevrolet Impala Z11 was engineered with drag racing in mind. Chevrolet developed the Z11 model as a direct competitor to the Ford Thunderbolt on the drag strip.
This high-performance Impala introduced the Regular Production Option (RPO) Z11, featuring a Big-Block V8 with an extended stroke, a two-piece lifted aluminum intake manifold, dual four-barrel carburetors, and a redesigned intake system.
The compression ratio was cranked up to 13.5:1, making it a powerhouse for its time.
Weight reduction was another key focus. To shed excess pounds, Chevrolet replaced many steel components including the fenders, bumpers, hood, brackets, grille, and braces with aluminum.
Additionally, the radio, heater, sound-deadening materials, and front sway bar were all removed. These changes resulted in a 300-pound weight reduction compared to a standard Impala.
The most expensive 1963 Impala Z11 sold to date fetched $524,000 at auction in 2017. This specific model held historical significance, being the first serial-numbered RPO Z11 Impala ever built and driven by Dave Stickler.
9. 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona With Four-Speed Manual
Units Sold: 22
The original Dodge Charger Daytona was produced for just one model year, adding to its rarity and desirability. Of the 503 Daytonas manufactured in 1969, only 70 were fitted with the high-performance 426 HEMI V8.
However, even within that exclusive group, only 22 units came equipped with the more engaging and sought-after four-speed manual transmission.
This combination makes the Daytona a quintessential ’60s American muscle car that delivers an exhilarating driving experience.
The most expensive Dodge Charger Daytona sold to date was a stunning copper-colored example that fetched $1.43 million at a Mecum Auctions event in 2023.
Before this, the record belonged to a meticulously restored model finished in Dark Green Metallic, which also sold for $1.43 million.
Interestingly, this Dark Green Metallic Daytona is now back on the market, aiming to surpass its previous record.
8. 1966 Dodge Coronet 440 Convertible
Units Sold: 6
The Dodge Coronet was a classic example of an American muscle car, though it often got overshadowed by the sheer number of V8-powered cars rolling out of Detroit during the 1960s.
However, Mopar elevated the Coronet’s status by offering an optional 426 HEMI V8. This monstrous engine transformed the seemingly ordinary Coronet into a sleeper powerhouse, marking what could be Dodge’s first true sleeper car.
A total of 738 units of the 1966 Coronet were equipped with the HEMI V8, but only twelve of them were convertibles. Among these, Dodge offered two trim levels: the Coronet 400 and the Coronet 500.
While the 500 was the more luxurious version, the 400 is even rarer, with only six units ever produced making it one of the scarcest HEMI-powered convertibles of its era.
According to Hagerty, the highest recorded sale of a Coronet Convertible HEMI was in 2017, when a Coronet 500 trim sold for $176,000 at an RM Sotheby’s auction.
However, the rarer Coronet 440 convertible models have appeared infrequently at auctions, making it difficult to determine their top market value.
Nevertheless, the strong demand for rare American muscle cars suggests that a 440 model could command an even higher price if one were to surface for sale.
7. 1972 Buick GSX 455
Units Sold: 4
The Buick GSX was a well-rounded muscle car that combined power, striking looks, handling, and comfort qualities rarely found together in muscle cars of the era.
Despite its strengths, the GSX was produced in limited numbers, which has only increased its value over time.
The 1971 model year saw just 124 units built, but it is the 1972 version that stands out as one of the rarest, with a production run of only 44 units.
Buyers in 1972 had three engine options, but the rarest of them all was the 250-hp 455 V8-powered GSX, with just four units ever produced.
Even more exclusive, only one of these four cars came equipped with a four-speed manual transmission. While there are no known auction records for this ultra-rare 250-hp GSX, other GSX models have been making waves in collector circles.
The most expensive 1972 Buick GSX sold to date was a 350 CI V8-powered variant, which fetched $90,200 at a Mecum Auctions event in 2021.
Given the increasing demand for classic American muscle cars, it’s likely that if one of the elusive 250-hp GSX models ever surfaced, it would command a significantly higher price.
6. 1970 Dodge Super Bee 426 HEMI
Units Sold: 4
The Dodge Super Bee was a direct competitor to the Plymouth Road Runner, offering a more budget-friendly and stripped-down alternative to the Coronet R/T.
The 1970 model year holds particular significance due to its rarity. Out of the 3,650 two-door coupes sold in the U.S., only four were fitted with the legendary HEMI V8 engine.
Buyers also had the option to choose between two other powerful engines: a 335-hp 383 V8 and a 440 Six-Pack.
Dodge provided two transmission choices a manual and an automatic but recent auction results indicate that the manual variant is the more sought-after of the two.
The most valuable 1970 Super Bee to date was a 440-equipped model, which fetched $187,000 at a Mecum Auctions event. This particular car featured a desirable 4-speed manual transmission.
However, automatic versions have also commanded high prices, with a 383 V8-powered Super Bee selling for $110,000 through Mecum in 2022.
5. 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Convertible
Units Sold: 3
The Plymouth Road Runner was a major success in the late 1960s, but by 1970, sales had declined significantly. Ironically, this decline has made the 1970 model highly valuable today due to its low production numbers.
The convertible versions of the Road Runner were already rare, but the HEMI-equipped variants were even scarcer.
According to Hagerty, only three 1970 Road Runner Convertibles with the HEMI V8 were ever built and sold. Among them, just one came with the coveted 4-speed manual transmission, complete with a Pistol Grip shifter.
The highest recorded auction price for a 1970 Road Runner Convertible was $214,500, achieved at a Mecum Auctions event in 2013.
Interestingly, this was not even a HEMI model but a 440-powered version with an automatic transmission. A HEMI-powered 1970 Road Runner Convertible has yet to appear at a major auction.
However, a non-original 426 HEMI-powered Road Runner, fitted with a Mopar 426 crate engine and an automatic transmission, was sold at Mecum for $93,500.
4. 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T Convertible
Units Sold: 3
In an effort to compete with the Pontiac GTO and Chevrolet Chevelle SS, Dodge introduced the Coronet R/T in 1967.
This performance-oriented model stood out with hood scoops and distinctive badging, reinforcing its aggressive stance.
The highlight of its powertrain options was the formidable 426 HEMI V8, which produced an impressive 425 horsepower.
At the time, this engine upgrade was offered as a $457 option, roughly equivalent to $4,500 today, making it a costly addition. As a result, only three Coronet R/T Convertibles were ever equipped with the HEMI engine.
Among the three, one was fitted with a 3-speed automatic transmission, while the other two came with a 4-speed manual gearbox.
The most valuable ’67 HEMI Coronet R/T Convertible sold to date was a manual-equipped example, which fetched $220,000 at a Mecum Auctions event.
While Hagerty currently values a Concours Condition example at $260,000, it is highly likely that future sales will surpass this figure, given that the record-setting auction occurred in 2016.
3. 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T Convertible
Units Sold: 2
The 1970 model year of the Dodge Coronet R/T Convertible is an exceptionally rare find.
While competitors such as the Chevy Chevelle LS6 were produced in lower numbers, Dodge took exclusivity to another level with only two units made in 1970.
The primary reason for such limited production was the costly HEMI V8 engine option, which also contributed to the low production numbers for the 1967 model year.
In 1970, opting for the HEMI V8 came with a hefty price tag of $718 (equivalent to approximately $5,600 today), making it a premium 425-hp upgrade.
This exclusivity has significantly driven up the value of the ’70 Coronet R/T Convertible over time. A HEMI-equipped Coronet hardtop coupe fetched $305,000 at a Mecum auction in 2014.
Given that this sale took place over a decade ago, it’s highly likely that a 1970 HEMI Coronet Convertible could surpass the $1 million mark in today’s market.
2. 1969 Chevrolet Corvette ZL1
Units Sold: 2
The 1969 Chevrolet Corvette ZL1 is among the rarest Corvettes ever built, with only two units produced a convertible and a coupe.
The primary reason for this extreme rarity was the exorbitant cost of the ZL1 engine package, which was priced at $4,700 (equivalent to nearly $40,000 today).
This price tag meant the engine alone was more expensive than an entire base model 1969 Corvette.
Despite Chevrolet officially rating the ZL1 engine at 430 hp, many experts argue that it was significantly underrated and likely produced around 500 hp.
Due to its exclusivity and performance, the 1969 Corvette ZL1 has become a legend among collectors. The convertible variant recently went under the hammer at an RM Sotheby’s auction, fetching an astounding $3.14 million.
Notably, this particular car was meticulously restored by Kevin Mackay of Corvette Repair, Inc. in 2014 and retains its original tank sticker, sales invoice, and historical images.
1. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake
Units Sold: 2
The 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake is one of the most extreme American performance cars ever built, blending muscle car power with sports car agility.
With its unmatched power-to-weight ratio, the Super Snake was known for its raw, unfiltered driving experience so much so that even comedian Bill Cosby, who was gifted one, found it too intimidating.
He famously sold the car after a single drive and humorously recounted the experience in his 1968 album 200 MPH.
Only two Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snakes were ever produced. Tragically, one was involved in a devastating crash and was deemed beyond repair, making the surviving example even more valuable.
The last remaining 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake went under the hammer at a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2021, selling for a staggering $5.5 million.
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