Rare Classic Muscle Cars Quiz: Can You Name These Iconic American Performance Machines?

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What do classic muscle cars and PB&J sandwiches have in common? Two things: they're American as hell and everybody loves them. 

You don't have to be a car fanatic to appreciate the style and the performance of classic muscle cars. They are a shining testament to a bygone era in car manufacturing.  The phrase "they don't make them like they used to" might be too dramatic in most cases, but it's absolutely true for muscle cars. 

Don't get us wrong - we love modern muscle cars and sports cars. But there is just something special about cars such as the Pontiac GTO or the Plymouth Barracuda with their simple lines, boxy bodywork, and brawny V8 engines. 

And if you are as nostalgic about these iconic automobiles as we are, you will love this ultimate muscle car quiz! From legendary nameplates to lesser-known limited edition models, we will cover some of the most influential and beloved vehicles in history. 


Vasilii Kulev is a digital marketing specialist during business hours and a trivia writer in his spare time. His areas of interest range from cars and music to science, history, and food. Whenever he's not busy writing quizzes, you can catch him at the local used records store or the newest craft beer bar. He also wrote this entire bio himself in third person.

Classic Muscle Cars Quiz Questions

70 Questions · 1.4K Plays · 7 Comments

Question 1

It wasn't the first muscle car ever, but it surely was the one that got everyone crazy for power. Released in 1964, this iconic model is one of the most sought-after classic muscle cars today. What is the car in question?

  • A
    Chevrolet Chevelle
  • B
    Buick GSX
  • C
    Pontiac GTO
  • D
    Pontiac Tempest

Question 2

This classic muscle car is as iconic as it is weird. Weird, because it combined the performance of a muscle car with the practicality of a pickup truck. Can you name this oddball?

  • A
    Chevrolet El Camino SS
  • B
    Chevrolet Corvair
  • C
    Ford Ranchero
  • D
    AMC Rebel

Question 3

Name this economy car that competed against the Chevrolet Vega and Ford Pinto, as well as foreign vehicles like the Beetle and Toyota Corolla.

  • A
    Saleen S281
  • B
    Dodge Magnum
  • C
    AMC Gremlin
  • D
    Buick Gran Sport

Question 4

What muscle car was introduced in 1971 and based on the Belvedere?

  • A
    Oldsmobile Jetstar
  • B
    Plymouth GTX
  • C
    AMC Rebel
  • D
    Ford Fairlane

Question 5

When this car first came out, it was advertised as America's most powerful automobile. Although it doesn't perfectly fit the muscle car definition, it still packed some serious power under the hood. What is its name?

  • A
    Cadillac DeVille
  • B
    Chevrolet Impala
  • C
    Chrysler C-300
  • D
    Pontiac Catalina

Question 6

When this car was introduced in the fall of 1958, it was believed that it would save America's oldest car manufacturer from bankruptcy. Name it.

  • A
    Studebaker Lark
  • B
    Buick Gran Sport
  • C
    AMC Javelin
  • D
    Oldsmobile Jetfire

Question 7

Name this muscle car with the Gran Sport option added, featuring a 4.9 liter V8 — the largest engine permitted by GM.

  • A
    Buick GSX
  • B
    Buick Skylark Gran Sport
  • C
    Buick Riviera GS
  • D
    Buick GS California

Question 8

What coupe-utility vehicle did Ford manufacture between 1957 and 1979?

  • A
    Ford Puma GTB
  • B
    Ford Catalina
  • C
    Ford Ranchero
  • D
    Ford 7-Liter

Question 9

This car was introduced in 1970 originally as a two-door sedan employing a rear-wheel drive platform. Name it.

  • A
    Ford Ranchero
  • B
    Buick Gran Sport
  • C
    Saleen 302 Series
  • D
    Ford Maverick

Question 10

Although this car it's technically an Australian version of a Chrysler, it is still considered an iconic car of the 1970s. Name it.

  • A
    Chrysler 7-Liter
  • B
    Chrysler Catalina
  • C
    Chrysler Valiant Charger
  • D
    Chrysler C-300

Question 11

When the malaise era hit, most muscle cars became a shadow of the performance legends they once were. Except for one. Its distinct styling and countless movie appearances made it into a bonafide muscle car classic. Can you name this icon?

  • A
    Dodge Super Bee
  • B
    Pontiac Grand Prix
  • C
    Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
  • D
    Plymouth Fury

Question 12

Hollywood titan Steve McQueen is known, above all, for his love for cars. In his famous 1968 movie Bullitt he drove a now-iconic classic muscle car. Can you name it?

  • A
    Dodge Charger R/T 440
  • B
    Ford Mustang GT390 Fastback
  • C
    Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
  • D
    Chevrolet Chevelle

Question 13

Name this special and more aerodynamic version of the Torino/Fairlane Cobra created to increase Ford's competitive edge in NASCAR racing.

  • A
    Ford Ranchero GT
  • B
    Ford Mustang Cobra
  • C
    Ford Torino Talladega
  • D
    Ford 7-Litre

Question 14

With the 383 and 426 wedge cu in (7.0 L) Chrysler RB engines, muscle car versions of this car were first available in 1965. Name it.

  • A
    Ford Galaxie
  • B
    Dodge Coronet
  • C
    Chevrolet Caprice
  • D
    Pontiac Tempest

Question 15

This modern classic was based on the Mustang 4.6L GT and served as the company's flagship model. Name it.

  • A
    Mercury Cyclone
  • B
    Saleen S-281
  • C
    AMC Javelin
  • D
    Dodge Magnum

Question 16

Introduced in 1970, this iconic muscle car had a 626 cubic inch (7.0-litre) V8 that produced 425 horsepower and had a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds. Name it.

  • A
    Buick GSX
  • B
    Oldsmobile 88
  • C
    Pontiac GTO
  • D
    Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda

Question 17

What Pontiac featured the Super Duty engine for the 1962 model year?

  • A
    Pontiac G8 GT
  • B
    Pontiac Firehawk
  • C
    Pontiac Catalina 421
  • D
    Pontiac Le Mans

Question 18

Inspired by drag racing, in 1961 Chevrolet introduced its now-legendary Super Sport package as an option for a mass-produced full-size sedan. Needless to say, the result was an instant classic. Which Chevy model was that?

  • A
    Chevrolet Impala
  • B
    Chevrolet Nova
  • C
    Chevrolet Camaro
  • D
    Chevrolet Silverado

Question 19

In the early 1960s, automakers stuffed the largest and most powerful V8 engines they could fit into regular production vehicles. That's what happened with this muscle car. Name it.

  • A
    Chevrolet Impala
  • B
    Dodge 330 Ramcharger
  • C
    Puma GTB
  • D
    Pontiac Firehawk

Question 20

Name this rebadged, barely distinguishable version of the Plymouth Road Runner, and Dodge's budget-friendly muscle vehicle.

  • A
    Dodge Coronet
  • B
    Dodge Super Bee
  • C
    Dodge Rebel
  • D
    Dodge Dart

Question 21

What 1970s muscle car served as an experimental platform for alternative fuel and other technologies?

  • A
    AMC Hornet
  • B
    Puma GTB
  • C
    Dodge Viper
  • D
    Chevrolet Nova

Question 22

This classy full-size sedan is widely considered to be the first muscle car ever. Name it correctly and we'll tell you why.

  • A
    Chevrolet Bel Air
  • B
    Oldsmobile 88
  • C
    Ford Fairlane
  • D
    Dodge Challenger

Question 23

What model represented the pinnacle of the Chevy II range, introduced in 1962?

  • A
    Chevy Bel Air
  • B
    Chevy Biscayne
  • C
    Chevy Caprice
  • D
    Chevy Nova

Question 24

This car had the same body and many of the same basic components as the Nova, but it had a distinctive nose and tail and was perceived as slightly more opulent. Name it.

  • A
    Chrysler C300
  • B
    AMC Hornet
  • C
    Rambler Rogue
  • D
    Oldsmobile Omega

Question 25

It might not have looked that much like a muscle car, but its engine and performance are not so different from other cars in this quiz. Can you name this short-lived crossbreed between American muscle and European style?

  • A
    AMC AMX/3
  • B
    Mercury Cyclone
  • C
    De Tomaso Pantera
  • D
    Pontiac Firebird

Question 26

Name the compact-sized version of the Plymouth Valiant manufactured from 1970 to 1976.

  • A
    Plymouth Belvedere
  • B
    Plymouth Duster
  • C
    Plymouth Cuda
  • D
    Plymouth Road Runner

Question 27

In 1970, Motor Trend magazine called this muscle car "the quickest American production car we've ever tested." What was the name of this unlikely muscle car hero?

  • A
    Buick GSX
  • B
    Buick Skylark
  • C
    Ford Torino
  • D
    AMC Javelin

Question 28

This modern classic featured a Lamborghini V10 engine, specifically built for the model's debut in 1991.

  • A
    Pontiac G8 GT
  • B
    Dodge Magnum
  • C
    Dodge Viper
  • D
    GMC Sprint SP

Question 29

Name this convertible introduced in 1953 as a concept car that shared a "halo status" with Cadillac Eldorado and Buick Skylark.

  • A
    Pontiac Venture
  • B
    Oldsmobile Starfire
  • C
    AMC SC/ Rambler
  • D
    Chevrolet Nova

Question 30

The Mercury Cougar was introduced in 1967 as a more elegant, classy alternative to the Ford Mustang. However, there was one trim level of the Cougar that wasn't about elegance at all, but meant raw power and muscle. What was it called?

  • A
    Mach 1
  • B
    Destroyer
  • C
    Eliminator
  • D
    Performance Pack

Question 31

Name this model introduced in 1963, featuring a high-performance 325 hp version of the 401 cu in (6.6 L) Nailhead V8 engine.

  • A
    Plymouth Cuda
  • B
    Chevrolet Caprice
  • C
    Buick Wildcat
  • D
    AMX AMX/3

Question 32

What 1957 car did Chrysler promote with the catchphrase "Suddenly it's 1960!" due to the groundbreaking nature of the car's design?

  • A
    Chrysler C-300
  • B
    Plymouth Belvedere
  • C
    Plymouth Road Runner
  • D
    Chrysler Saliant Charger

Question 33

What Ford coupe was introduced in 1966, loved for its styling with superbly detailed, razor-sharp lines that were somewhat evocative of the Pontiac GTO?

  • A
    Ford Maverick
  • B
    Ford Fairlane
  • C
    Ford 7-Litre
  • D
    Ford Ranchero

Question 34

This was the most popular car in the U.S. during the 1960s and 1970s. Name it.

  • A
    Chevrolet Caprice
  • B
    Ford Mustang
  • C
    Dodge Charger
  • D
    Pontiac GTO

Question 35

What high-performance version of the Ford Mustang was manufactured in 1969 and 1970 for the Trans Am racing series?

  • A
    Ford Mustang SVO
  • B
    Ford Mustang Mach 1
  • C
    Boss 302 Mustang
  • D
    Shelby GT 350

Question 36

Name this front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-door hardtop manufactured across two generations.

  • A
    Yengo Camaro 427
  • B
    AMC Rebel
  • C
    AMC Javelin
  • D
    Plymouth Duster

Question 37

What full-size muscle car did Chevrolet introduce in the late 1950s as a cheaper alternative to the Impala?

  • A
    Chevrolet Biscayne
  • B
    Chevrolet Malibu SS
  • C
    Chevrolet Bel Air
  • D
    Chevrolet Caprice

Question 38

Initially called the Deluxe Styline, this Chevrolet model is arguably one of the most iconic American cars. Name it.

  • A
    Chevrolet Biscayne
  • B
    Chevrolet Bel Air
  • C
    Chevrolet Caprice
  • D
    Chevrolet Impala

Question 39

What heavily altered and short-lived variation of the Road Runner was introduced in 1970?

  • A
    Plymouth Hemi Cuda
  • B
    Plymouth Fury
  • C
    Plymouth Superbird
  • D
    Plymouth Duster

Question 40

Often regarded as the "gentleman's muscle car," the Oldsmobile 4-2-2 was never quite as popular as its competitors. Perhaps that's due to its peculiar name. What exactly is the meaning behind the numbers 4-2-2?

  • A
    442 cu in V8 engine
  • B
    442 horsepower
  • C
    4-wheel-drive, 4-speed manual transmission, dual carburetors
  • D
    4-speed manual transmission, 4-barrel carburetor, dual exhaust pipes

Question 41

Name the 1961 Tempest trim upgrade car that eventually became its own distinct model.

  • A
    Pontiac Catalina 421
  • B
    Pontiac LeMans
  • C
    Pontiac Firehawk
  • D
    Pontiac Venture

Question 42

This car was built to commemorate Buick's 50th anniversary in 1953. Name it.

  • A
    Buick Wildcat
  • B
    Buick Riviera
  • C
    Buick GNX
  • D
    Buick Skylark

Question 43

In 1978, this muscle was unveiled as an alternative to the Dodge Charger. It was the final car to use the long-running Chrysler B chassis and was offered in two versions: the "XE" and the "GT." Name it.

  • A
    AMC Hornet
  • B
    Ford 7-Liter
  • C
    Dodge Magnum
  • D
    Buick Wildcat

Question 44

Name this two-door pony car manufactured from 1964 to 1974, based on the Chrysler A platform.

  • A
    Buick GSX
  • B
    Dodge Charger Daytona
  • C
    Plymouth Barracuda
  • D
    Buick Wildcat

Question 45

What swift, high-performance muscle car did Oldsmobile introduce for the model years 1964 and 1965?

  • A
    Oldsmobile Firehawk
  • B
    Oldsmobile 442
  • C
    Oldsmobile Omega
  • D
    Oldsmobile Jetstar

Question 46

Name this V8-powered muscle car, which debuted in 1956 and had sharply angled tail fins and a logo like a Cadillac.

  • A
    Plymouth Fury
  • B
    Ford Galaxie
  • C
    Mercury Marauder
  • D
    Pontiac Venture

Question 47

Name this front-engine, rear-wheel drive touring car based on the Brazilian GM Chevrolet Opala.

  • A
    Pontiac Firehawk
  • B
    Dodge 330 Ramcharger
  • C
    Yengo Camaro 427
  • D
    Puma GTB

Question 48

What luxury vehicle did Buick offer from 1963 through 1999?

  • A
    Buick Riviera
  • B
    Buick Wildcat
  • C
    Buick Skylark
  • D
    Buick GSX

Question 49

Name this top-of-the-line full-size Dodge vehicle that made its debut in 1960.

  • A
    Dodge Charger Daytona
  • B
    Dodge Dart
  • C
    Dodge Polara
  • D
    Dodge Viper

Question 50

Name this muscle car, often considered a replica of the Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt.

  • A
    Pontiac G8 GT
  • B
    GMC Sprint SP
  • C
    Mercury Cyclone
  • D
    Ford Torino Talladega

Question 51

This vehicle shared its unibody Y platform with the Buick Special/Skylark and Oldsmobile F-85/Cutlass. Name it.

  • A
    Plymouth Duster
  • B
    Pontiac Venture
  • C
    Ford Fairlane
  • D
    Pontiac Tempest

Question 52

Name the first factory-produced lightweight muscle car and the first indication that muscle vehicles would be a part of the company's future.

  • A
    Mercury Marauder
  • B
    Chrysler C300
  • C
    AMC Rebel
  • D
    Ford 7-Litre

Question 53

This vehicle was displayed for the first time as a 1956 Chrysler with a sleek body created by the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia. Name it.

  • A
    Dodge Dart
  • B
    Chevrolet Bel Air
  • C
    Mercury. Marauder
  • D
    Dodge Magnum

Question 54

This classic muscle car evolved from being a luxury version of the Ford Fairlane to a true gem that combined power and elegance. And as far as classic muscle goes, it remains very underrated. Can you name this unsung muscle hero?

  • A
    Ford Galaxie 500
  • B
    Ford LTD
  • C
    Ford Torino GT
  • D
    Ford Thunderbird

Question 55

Sadly, the golden era of American muscle is long over. But not only the muscle cars themselves are gone from the market - even some of the most prominent muscle car companies don't exist anymore. Can you name the muscle car manufacturers that are now defunct?

  • A
    Plymouth
  • B
    Pontiac
  • C
    Oldsmobile
  • D
    AMC
  • E
    All of the above

Question 56

Name this muscle car sleeper, popular for its power and flexibility.

  • A
    AMC Rebel
  • B
    Mercury Marauder
  • C
    Oldsmobile 442
  • D
    Chevrolet Biscayne

Question 57

Even though their glory days are now over, classic muscle cars are still beloved for automotive aficionados. As such, some of them sell for insane amounts of money. What is the most expensive muscle car ever sold?

  • A
    1962 Shelby Cobra CSX2000
  • B
    1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible
  • C
    1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake
  • D
    1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda Convertible

Question 58

This car was manufactured on the same assembly line as the El Camino. Name it.

  • A
    GMC Sprint SP
  • B
    Pontiac G8 GT
  • C
    AMC Rebel
  • D
    Dodge Dart

Question 59

When muscle cars started to get expensive, this cartoon-inspired performer swooped in with a roar of its massive V8 to save the day. What was this affordable, high-performance muscle car called?

  • A
    Plymouth Barracuda
  • B
    Dodge Dart
  • C
    Pontiac GTO
  • D
    Plymouth Road Runner

Question 60

Speaking of the Aero Warriors - even though their life was short, they are still among some of the most recognizable classic muscle cars. Can you name this iconic silhouette?

  • A
    Ford Torino Talladega
  • B
    Plymouth Superbird
  • C
    Mercury Cyclone
  • D
    Dodge Charger Daytona

Question 61

What top-of-the-line mid-size car, a subseries of the Chevelle, was introduced in 1964?

  • A
    Chevrolet Malibu
  • B
    Chevrolet Nova SS
  • C
    Chevrolet Impala
  • D
    Chevrolet El Camino SS

Question 62

NASCAR had a very big impact on muscle car design and drove the manufacturers to compete in making their cars faster. What was the nickname for muscle cars that were heavily modified to achieve maximum speeds at the circuits?

  • A
    Rocketships
  • B
    Aero Warriors
  • C
    Speed Warriors
  • D
    Hypercars

Question 63

From 1958 to 1961, the moniker of this car was applied to Ford's best full-size models in an effort to capitalize on the enthusiasm generated by the Space Race. What name are we talking about?

  • A
    Ford Galaxie
  • B
    Oldsmobile Jetstar
  • C
    Mercury Marauder
  • D
    Ford Fairlane

Question 64

With its unassuming looks, this underrated classic muscle car is a perfect definition of a sleeper. It didn't look like much on the outside, yet it packed the power that made it the second fastest-accelerating production car in the world at the time. What was the name of this beast?

  • A
    Oldsmobile Toronado
  • B
    Buick GNX
  • C
    Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda
  • D
    Dodge Challenger R/T

Question 65

In the early 1970s, American muscle cars started suffering from serious performance issues. The 1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra is a perfect example. Despite the bulky 302 cu in Windsor V8 engine, it only had a handful of power - can you guess how much exactly?

  • A
    195 horsepower
  • B
    60 horsepower
  • C
    139 horsepower
  • D
    170 horsepower

Question 66

This sport version of the full-size Ford was built specifically to display their new engine - namely the 428. What's the name of the model?

  • A
    Ford Maverick
  • B
    Ford Fairlane
  • C
    Ford Ranchero GT
  • D
    Ford Galaxie 500 7-Litre

Question 67

Name this high-performance variant of the Fourth Generation Pontiac Firebird, introduced in 1993.

  • A
    Pontiac GTO
  • B
    Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
  • C
    Pontiac Tempest
  • D
    Pontiac Firehawk

Question 68

Name this modified Chevrolet Camaro model that featured a 7.0L V8 engine.

  • A
    Dietrich Inc. Camaro
  • B
    Yenko Super Camaro
  • C
    Equs Super Camaro
  • D
    Fisker Camaro

Question 69

Based on the brand's F-85 this small two-door hardtop had a V-8 engine upgraded with a Garrett turbocharger. Name it.

  • A
    Dodge Dart
  • B
    Pontiac Tempest
  • C
    Oldsmobile Jetfire
  • D
    Chevrolet Nova SS

Question 70

This limited-edition muscle car was designed to tear drag strips apart. Only 100 examples were built, none of which were suitable for road use due to the sheer amount of brutal power. What was the name of this beast?

  • A
    Plymouth Duster I
  • B
    Shelby Mustang GT500KR
  • C
    Ford Thunderbolt
  • D
    Dodge Charger Daytona

Comments (7)

We want to hear your feedback! Share your scores and discuss the quiz, but keep it civil.

I had a 61 Super Sport. It was a bit on the small side for Chevy, but when I let the hammer down, it would LEAP.

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My 2 Favs are the 1987 Buick GNX and the 1970 Buick GSX!

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@CrownStar Love the original C-300! Thank you for the amazing pictures, by the way :)

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@CrownStar Sadly, that's the case! Would love to see some of these brands resurrected!

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All of the above except Dodge. AMC, Pontiac, Plymouth, Oldsmobile are gone. Dodge still makes a Muscle Car the Challenger

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GSX kinda/sorta is a performance packaged Skylark.

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The car in the picture (my picture) is a 1955 Chrysler C-300 and had a 331 CI Hemi with 300 HP. In 1959 the 300-E had 380 HP 413 CI Wedge Head. The first of the 300 series not to have a Hemi.

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