10 Quickest Cars of 1970: Muscle Car Of The Week Episode

[@ericynot]

My stodgy old civil engineer dad, Jake, was convinced by my younger brother to buy a 1970 396 Chevelle, metallic blue with white upholstery. It was not quite as fast as any of these cars, but it was still quite the pucker-inducer back then. Dad, known as a sensible, conservative Republican in those days, overnight became known as "Jake the Ripper", later shortened to just "The Ripper". Dad died in 2018 at age 96 and that car figured prominently in his very joyful sendoff service. RIP, Ripper -- you made your sons proud, and not just for being subversive enough to buy that wonderful car.

[@bobwhite5440]

nice story.

[@jlo13800]

A 70 chevelle with a 667 CID 2 stroke v8!

[@packingten]

RIP to Yours and my Father....Dad was in a WW2 Destroyer. Your story made me think of my Daddy as well,So cheers brother😊

[@quincee3376]

RIP. Best wishes. Great story.

[@MrDeaweber]

Kick Ass story , thanks for sharing.

[@TheNicko773]

My dad had a 69 442. He was the original owner. Every time we were going home from baseball practice, he used to mash the gas pedal, and go through the gears on this long stretch desolate road. I loved every minute of it..

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

great memories !

[@MrDinger60]

My buddy had a 70 HemiCuda with 850 Holly double pumper carb that did the quarter in 12.5 seconds. That thing was a BEAST!

[@larrybone4565]

Only 1 carb or 2 ?

[@wayneh9232]

As a teen, I used to oogle at the 70 hemi challenger convertible from episode # 86 when Mr. Lynch owned it. Thank you for sharing. Now I can take a trip down nostalgia lane any time, with a click of the button.

[@Blueknight1960]

I don't care which is faster, I would take any one of these cars.

[@jlo13800]

nice cars but unfortunately powered with crap 4 stroke motors, not one of these v8 will servive oil injection total loss but they could, i had my 69 caddy 472 on tcw3 in the sump and ran premix at 60:1 . i revved the hell out of it and it servived, its a well buillt motor like a Rotax

[@davidkilpatrick7547]

Blue knight - I totally agree with you. I'm a mopar fan myself but EVERY car in this video is awesome in their own right. I'd be a proud owner of any of them.

[@jlo13800]

nice cars but it is too bad they are propelled by crap 4 stoke motors. i hate the way they sound

[@jlo13800]

i never cared for the automotive 4 stroke design even though it has its place

[@jlo13800]

If they had a BB 2 stroke motor, otherwise nice cars but i hate the engines in them, just imagine a rotax 850 scaled up to 470 to 580 cubic inches or more of direct injected 2 stroke ETEC power.

[@LatestHour]

1970 Chevelle SS454 has been my dream car since I was 10. The hard part about that is when you grow up and find its everyone elses dream car too.

[@SurplusLlama0]

Baldwin-Motion or Yenko.

[@Georgespicedaddy]

Can everyone just say this real quick these are all damn good cars and in my opinion a cars value is how much it means to you, the joy it brings you

[@justmike5402]

It was the best years we had the best cars also best Rock and Roll music

[@deadinsidemcgee411]

Just Mike cars, yes. Rock n roll? Hell the fuck no. 1990’s on is the best of rock

[@DJ_Force]

@@deadinsidemcgee411 1990?! That's the year "the music died". Except for a few notable exceptions, rock descended into a whiny, self loathing trainwreck that saw rap and 'techno' eclipse it as the cool music to party to.

[@justmike5402]

@Marcos Colon Amen

[@DJ_Force]

@@deadinsidemcgee411 Metallica and Megadeth were a shadow of their former selves by the 90s, even though their popularity soared. Dave Lombardo of Slayer said he threw the Black album down the stairs. Pantera et el. were OK I guess, but I can't get into music with no discernible melody or Dr. Claw vocals. The double whammy of Nirvana and Dr. Dre killed rock. The girls partied to hip hop while the guys pretended to be gangsters. Rock was no longer dangerous or fun.

[@Torch4Life]

While they were good years, I'm guessing you haven't been out w/someone having at it in their 2019 ZR1 :)

[@chejlr]

I got my license in 1975, my 1st car was a 68 Chevelle SS396 and my 3rd car was a 70 Chevelle SS396. Those were great days cruising and look for an excuse to leave a patch of rubber. The day before i went to boot camp i came out of a Friendlys ice cream like bat out of hell and boom. Blew the rear end, ended up storing the car at a friends house. After technical school i came home replaced the rear end and drove it from Massachusetts to Georgia. Sold my beloved 70 in 81 for $1200. Everytime i see a 70 black with white stripes im reminded of those great days as a teen in the 70s. Great cars, great music and great friends.

[@williamtaylor5922]

Sounds like you got the '68 Chevelle I got rid of in late 1974. See my post above.

[@johnwilkerson2195]

My all time favorite is the 70 LS 6 454 CHEVELLES

[@unclemikeb]

I can testify to how poor the traction was with factory tires in 1970. I had just been discharged from the army and bought a new Road Runner. It had the 2 ply biased tires that were so easy to smoke it was unreal. The factory tires were so bad I could go 25 in second gear, push the clutch in, rev the engine and pop the clutch to smoke the tires. But the Mickey Thompson tires were awesome. Most races I won in the first 100 feet. I would rev the engine to 2500, pop the clutch and there was a BANG as if someone hit me from behind and that car would lunge forward, then I would mash the gas and I was already four car lengths ahead. Two weeks after I bought the car I took it to a guy who tuned race car engines. He put the distributor on a sun machine. Changed the weights and the springs and he put different jets in the carburetor. He fine tuned it after he reinstalled the distributor and it ran way better. It came from the factory with a dual point distributor which he was surprised to see. That was a big help managing the spark above 4,000 RPM. He added a good 30-35 horsepower to that car. It was really fast. With the factory tires it would beat a GTX with 440 engine through the 1/4 mile but the GTX was factory tuned and was at least 400 pounds heavier. Then I put on the Mickey T's tires and wow. I was blowing away 427 Fords and 396 Chevelles. I learned later it had the big valves from the magnum heads. One guy insisted we race from 30 and punch it to rule out my sticky tires. I was running away from him at the start and just kept getting farther ahead even at the half mile. So it wasn't just the tires, it was the tune job that made it so fast. It was a great time to be 22 years old and have money for cars. The Mustangs had the 390 by then, and as this video showed there were the Buick and Olds with the huge engines. Even the Chevelle 454! I never got to race one of those, probably would have caught me before the 1/4 mile but he would have been real nervous when I leaped away from the start line! There was a long stretch of blacktop south of town with nothing but corn field on both sides. It was an awesome place to race. Some would volunteer to stand watch at both ends of the road in case cops came, they would flash the headlights three times. There were a few custom built cars around. Imagine a 1954 Chevy pulling in to the hang out with a 327 Chevy engine bored to 355 and four speed trans from a wrecked corvette. It was hot. Or a 64 Chevelle with a 327 and four speed. The Ford with the 427 was a big car, I think Galaxy so it was heavier than my Road Runner. He hated getting beat by a 383, accused my of having a hot cam and headers so I opened the hood and let him look. There were still several 289 Mustangs around. If they had hot cams and headers they could fool even the big block cars. I test drove a Dodge Charger 440 that had been prepped by Mr. Norm of Chicago. That thing was ferocious. I took it back right at closing time and thought I would get a better price by pretending I didn't want it. I went back right after work the next day and it was sold, DAMN! Those were great times. Now the cornfields are gone, replaced by houses so the old drag strip can no longer be used, the people call the cops right away. We suffered through some pathetic cars in the 1980's that were detuned by the feds and thankfully now cars are getting hot again, but damn, they are expensive. I'm glad I was 22 back in 1970.

[@anridapu]

Mike B Thanks for your memories, they were great to read! Well done 👍

[@kevinburk1670]

nothing better than fond muscle car memories.... thanxs for making it home and sharing

[@melodigrand]

I have similar memories, got my license in 66. Bob Stirling, who I heard later built winning chassis for top fuel dragsters, was in high school with me. He and his dad built an injected Hemi A Gas dragster when Bob was 16, so there was no point at high school bragging about how quick your GTO was. Half Moon Bay was a half mile then, I heard Bob drove 180 there. Street cars. there was a local who drove a 67 Firebird with a built 454, ran mid 11s on slicks. I liked the 383, never blew up dad's car like my friends did. In theory the 383 had the shortest stroke and longest rods and should have been harder to blow up, I guess it was.

[@stevelockhart1198]

I am a Serious Mopar fan! I've owned 3 challengers, one70 Superbee and a 71 Charger. I do however appreciate the 70 Chevelles, GTOs , the70 Torinowas a good looking car. The Buick Gransport455 also looked good in1970. Ithink 1970was the pinnacle for body styles on all these cars....Cuda..Superbird..the CycloneSpoiler

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

Except for Camaros. They peaked in '69.

[@BillyMaguire-h3y]

Graduated in 1971 ,ordered a 1972 Chevy nova 350 ss ,411 no a.c ,4spd Muncie,posi traction..My brother had a 1970 Chevelle s.s.loved those muscle cars..😊

[@jerrysmith372]

As a young man back in '78 - I had a '73 Mustang coupe with a 351 SCJ, 4 speed, 3:73 rear limited slip. A few mods done to it to push around 400 hp and I pulled a track time of 12.93 at 121mph. Those were fun times then. I still have a toy in the garage, An '86 Camaro with a ZZ4 with a 950cfm spread bore carb, reworked 700R4, 3:23 rear gear with a Power Pro limited slip and up graded 4 link, 3" dual cat Flowmaster exhaust, 145 mph speedo head and Z28 gauge cluster, and much more. Best track time was 13.22 at 102 mph. (with street tires) It surprises a lot of unsuspecting Vet and Mustang owners. I did have it to 135 mph once but since I don't have the ground effects on this sleeper the front end started coming off the ground. That was fast enough. I still take it out sometimes for a little fun but mostly drive a 2013 Highlander Limited now. Have to haul all the grandkids around for ice cream on the weekends now. Ya - fun times.

[@jerrysmith372]

@Moon Pie Well first that was 40 years ago and that car is long gone. I just know what the parts counter at the dealer told me at the time. 351 SCJ = "Super Cobra Jet". Don't know the engine code. I do know it was a Cleveland motor.

[@ap8409]

Had a 70 Roadrunner, 383, 4 speed, B5 Blue. God I miss that car! 😢

[@rampar77]

That was surprising. My stock 1968 Chevelle with 396/325 HP and 4:11 ran 14 second at 102 MPH.

[@craiggraves1819]

My mom had a 1972 Chevelle. I remember people always offering to buy it. I loved that car 😎

[@unknown-co3hu]

Craig Graves if it’s still in the family please don’t sell it!

[@stevengorum5486]

Very very very very very very very very very NICE!!!!!!!!!!

[@mikekellum6238]

I am a geezer. I own a 1970 Mach1, which I have owned since I was 18. I hate to burst the bubbles of some, but today’s cars ,such as Mustang, Camaro, run 12’s out of the factory. They handle better, are more reliable, and can be tuned to go even faster, while wearing khakis. Today, 460 hp from the factory is a standard on performance vehicles.

[@kurtsherrick2066]

I had to sell my 71 LeMans Sport I had since I was 17. I had it for 39 year's. Had 86,000 miles. As long as it had good battery she cranked everytime without fail. Broke my heart she had a small block 400 and was fast. Had a 70 LeSabre with a Buick 350 four barrel. It beat some muscle and a brand new 82 Iroc the last night I drove it. Sure wished I held on to that car. But back then your grandparents car was rocket fast. Good thing gas was 35 cent's a gallon.

[@marc7491]

Loved my "70" Chevelle 454 SS! Hurst 4sp with Hooker headers. Unfortunately, it was declared "totaled" sitting on the street while I was at work.

[@fungus_am0nguz644]

WHATT??? No way, out of the bunch in the vid that is my favorite car, im sorry that happened, btw how the hell did that happen anyways??

[@electriccreamman1374]

@@fungus_am0nguz644 he bullshit

[@msh6865]

Top 3 spots were within .02 of each other as tested. That could be down to variations in shifting RPM, air temp or even engine oil weight. Basically a tie. What an exciting time 1970 was to be buying a new car! I own a '70 SS454 Chevelle LS5. Not as strong as the LS6, probably a high 13 second car but, always get looks and thumbs up when out in it. The new Camaros, Challengers, etc are much faster and more comfortable to ride in. But, cars of the late 60's and early 70's just had so much more character IMO.

[@chocolatte6157]

MSH68 And frankly, I would suggest it was the tires that made it a tie, not the drive trains.

[@domingosmundo4138]

amen , just look at the tire size on a beast 454 LS6 , 14 inch bias ply narrow as heck and managed to get these times, very impressive.

[@christopherfranklin4760]

The reality about these magazine test runs was that when they asked the factory to provide a press test mule that they knew they were going to run at the track, they "massaged" the engine and drivetrain to where they performed better than the ones on the showroom floor. After all, the reason they provided these cars was to get some media stories about how great they were. And, as someone in this thread has stated, these cars had 14 inch bias ply tires. Just by switching street tires with some cheap 10 inch slicks could get you a full second quicker.

[@romdre81]

Don't forget the driver the driver could be biased toward 1 car or another just sayin

[@MrJeffcoley1]

I've read some of the magazine writers confessing they were abominable drivers who didn't get the most out of the cars they tested. That said, however, it's probably a more authentic test of how the average owner who isn't a professional would drive.

[@charliechristie2949]

I admit,after racing a 69 RoadRunner in B/MP back in the day,I am partial. I was privileged to be at Raceway Park in Englishtown,N.J. when they staged a "factory shoot-out". It was a day of ONLY pure stock,head to head racing in 1970. Allowed were 1) 7" slicks,any height. 2) Open Exhaust,NO headers. 3) Carburetor jetting of your choice,no other carb modifications- ORIGINAL carburetors ONLY. 4) Any timing adjustments,but, NO advance curve kits,original coil and distributor ONLY. That was about it. If anybody out there wants to add to this,please reply....Two Hemi Cudas fought it out for first. Second place,believe it or not was a 396/375 Nova. I think it was one with the factory aluminum heads!. It was a beast ! If you ask me the 396/375 was a terrific engine. A great combination.If memory serves me correctly,there were a few GS 455 buicks next.Just because they allowed 7" slicks, the monster torque 455's (510 ft lbs from the factory!!) almost hooked-up.They flew........I thank God for my young racing days. I was 17 when they had this event. It was one of the best times of my life with cars !

[@redneck400m3]

People in these comments need to learn the difference between a "muscle car" and a "sports car". Muscle Cars- Brute Force. Period. They didnt stop well, didnt handle well, but if you want a 1/4 mile thrill ride, these are the ticket. Nothing like dropping the hammer, hearing that big V8 come to life, as the tires beg for mercy and your ass gets planted firmly into a vinyl bench seat. They were designed for stop light to stop light brawls. Not road racing Sports cars- Are made for road racing. Tight handling, stiff suspension, and mid-upper RPM power to turn good lap times.

[@bobfuller6171]

redneck400m. and then came the 427 Cobra S/C, a NASCAR Ford engine in an aluminum British sports car..(history says the rest)

[@redneck400m3]

bob fuller I forgot about carroll shelbys creation. Those things went like hell and still could handle. To bad there were so few made

[@sammoon2906]

redneck400m That's why "muscle car" is such a useless term; A Mustang fastback GT 390 is considered a "muscle car", yet add a Shelby nameplate, and a warmed up small block, and remove the back seat, and it fits into SCCA sports car rules. What funny is that Steve McQueen proved a 1968 Mustang GT 390 can still handle, and it's said that the massive 1968 Charger was even faster. Personally, I hate the term "muscle car" becuase, depending on who you ask, it's so narrow it only applied to 2-3 cars ever, or it was so broad, it applied to every American V8 car made from 1964-1972...

[@marcusrussell8660]

I cannot agree more. That is why I drive a corvette.

[@73dustpan]

Tell me more grandpa!

[@nephetula]

It's a shame that these cars were so limited by the skinny tires used back then. Any of them would have probably picked up another half-second with better tires.

[@louispolidura2300]

I would burn rubber for ever in my 1970 nova ss

[@billbammerlin4666]

First thing we did was put bigger tires an better wheels on them.

[@davidstella7224]

@Muscle car of the week. Good job I enjoyed your top ten list for 1970 fastest cars.

[@Buckarooskiczek]

I loved my'70 Z28 but those 454 Chevelles were Bad. Ass!

[@anthonynelson9136]

Two of my friends growing up they were twins born two years before me each got a new 1970 LS 6 454 Chevelle for graduation. Their dad owned a big construction company. Anyway, they were both identical cars except for the color, 4 speeds with 4.10 rear gears. In 72 I bought a 70 Z28 with 8000 miles on it. I put on a set of headers by ED with 2/1/2 inch exhaust and turbo mufflers. Changed out the 4.10and put in a set of Richmond 4.56 gears, got rid of the polyglas Goodyears and put BF Goodrich TA radials on it. We never raced each other at the drag strip But stop light to stop light I could beat them by about a car length. Forty-seven years later I still have the car and it now has 52000 miles on it and still looks and runs like new. I have a small collection of muscle cars but out of all of them, my 70 Z28 is still my favorite.

[@timeless6964]

@@anthonynelson9136; Z-28 Great Cars!!!....My Best is the 69 Z-28 with the 302 cu.in. Very Fast!!!!

[@vickydurham8527]

OLDER CARS R BADASS GOT 2 LOVE CAMAROS THEY R MORE THEY R AWESOM!!!!

[@vickydurham8527]

@@timeless6964 LOVE CAMAROS!!!!! THEY R MY FAVORITE CAR OF ALL!!!!

[@vickydurham8527]

@@timeless6964 U SAID U HAD THE CAR 4 47 YEARS WOW!!!! THAT IS AWESOME MAN !!!! WISH I COULD DRIVE I WOULD HAVE A 67 CAMARO IN A HEARTBEAT!!!! KEEP TAKEING CARE OF THAT CAR!!! SEND ME A PHOTO IF U WHAT 2 !!! LOVE 2 C IT THANKS

[@billmay7364]

Beautiful Cars. Have Soul. Looks Smell Sound . Those were the days. New Muscle have there place. Scary fast. Not all about how fast. Those Cars back in the Day. Will and still grab your attention.

[@mannyrosado9887]

Beautiful collection of phenomenal cars from the great days of the old muscle cars.

[@christinebrunton1489]

I miss the cars in the 70's!! They were awesome and Beautiful!!! They had the best sound! The Rumble, I miss! I had a 1972 Dodge Demon, I wish I had it now! I Would love to have any of these Car's!

[@mattbenko3486]

1970 Duster 340

[@sw-fd4ty]

@@mattbenko3486 Cubic inch wise, the 340 was the fastest car I ever saw. The 340 would give a 440 all it wanted.

[@stan9670]

I still love the 1970 CUDA Mopar Plymouth made some great muscle cars in 69 & 70

[@doudoune8035]

Wow, beautiful cars!! So awesome. And kudos for keeping them the way they should be. No thin tires and low profile bullshit.

[@chesbailey9321]

it was fun time ..each and everyone of these cars where kick in the ass ..too own one I had 68 383 roadrunner 4 speed and 69 383 4 speed ..it was a high

[@rons9197]

Worked at a Chevrolet dealership in the Chicago Suburbs in 1971. We got to drive every car Chevrolet rolled out. Corvettes, Z28's,396 Nova's, 454 SS Chevelles. But the fastest car that came through was a stock 396/375 Chevelles. These cars ordered from factory came out all a little different in performance, but on ocassion a stock freak would come out. My first ride in it was total shock a true stock drag car. Boy I miss those late 60's Chevy's great time in cars.

[@jonesy4588]

then you never drove a 1970 Chevelle SS 454 -455 HP

[@markbarboza1407]

Damn these cars are still beautiful to look at today, what a great time to be a kid and lust after these rockets!!!

[@charlesfleming2389]

There all great cars take's me back to the good old of the 1960s and 1970s love them all. (: thank you for showing(:

[@williamkacensky1069]

Nice trip down memory lane. Love to have anyone of these now. I have fond memories, crazy as they were of my 1964 Plymouth Belvedere, with a 426, phase 2 wedge motor, that was not stock. Never lost a race on the street. Interesting though on the cars listed here, as the top 10, I would think the 427 Shelby Cobra should be added in the #1 spot along with the 1969 L88 and the monster ZL1 Corvette accordingly. Race times mean very little. Why? Weather, track conditions for that day, driver, automatic or stick, rear gearing, tires and so on. Also, you can have two of the same cars but one will always outperform the other do to different clearances in just the engine alone. Anyways, nice article.

[@radioguy1620]

That Torino was a lot faster than I expected, they were HEAVY, lots of power from that 429

[@amazin1827]

That being said it's funny that MACH1 didn't even place...

[@davidroberson8030]

I'm a Chevy guy but that's Torino looks pretty damn sharp especially convertible man.

[@CoyoteFTW]

@@amazin1827 - August 1968 issue of Super Stock & Drag Illustrated magazine, the XR7-GT 428 Cobra Jet ran a best of 13.23 seconds at 103.4 miles per hour in the quarter-mile.

[@amazin1827]

@@CoyoteFTW my dad had the XR7 390 from a 68 mercury cougar. The valves were twisted like a Cleveland head. I prefer the M400 w Aussie 2v's.

[@danielfair4675]

@@CoyoteFTW magazines correct times ,& speed back throughout the 70's to atmospheric & sea level specs. They were actually mid- high 14 second cars, and those were the "IU" Police Interceptor Specific 428's. Cobra Jets.

[@davehoward2791]

I had a 1970 Torino GT with the 429 CJ & 4:30 nodular iron Detroit Locker. Glad to see a Torino made the list. GM, Mopar, Ford, I loved them all and they were all super cars, just glad I was around during that era. Great show!

[@ericgilhart5951]

I've always been in love with that 70 Chevelle ss

[@Dld1985]

I drove many of these type cars in that era and find these test about where you would expect. What surprises me is that they didn’t have a 428 SCJ Mustang in the group. Those cars ran mid 13’s with no problem. They were all a lot of fun to drive. Wish I had anyone of these today.

[@rickvelocity5578]

Yes, I do too! I believe that the “FOMOCO” back in the day were also testing & experimenting with safety being built in the car as well as high performance, & speed.

[@melodigrand]

The 68 notchback Mustang with 428 CJ and 4 speed had the fewest pounds per cubic inch of any muscle car. However the 428 CJ was not available in 1970 and Ford made sure the 429 Super CJs that replaced them were just a little quicker, even in a heavier car.

[@MoltenFungus]

the stage 1 was the one to beat, coming from a division of gm known for making doctor's cars

[@zion795]

Michael LiVolsi Dr dre ?

[@stevelorince5520]

Nothing like American Muscle cars,like them all.

[@ITILII]

Fastest car of the 60s/70s (no Corvettes or AC Cobra) Fastest Chrysler Corp.- 1969 Road Runner 440 6 pack-12.91; Fastest GM- 1970 Chevelle 454-13.12; Fastest Ford- 1969 Boss 429 Mustang- 13.6

[@socialismsux2261]

I love my 1970 Buick Gran Sport 455 stage 1 4-speed car.

[@jeffdarnell7942]

I do/would to!! One of my favorite Muscle Cars. I had an 87' GNX, and I loved THAT Buick too. Nothing but a V-6 turbo, and it would smoke anything I raced from that era (later 70's, and all 80's... alot of the 90's!!!). And all I did to her was put a performance exhaust, performance intake, and she was running around 325h.p., and 450ft.lbs.torque or more. I couldn't understand all the torque from that little V-6!! It had a 4-speed Automatic with overdrive, and if we were sitting on flat ground, pointing straight at s complete stop, and stomped it, you'd almost always have to get off the gas before it quit roasting the tires because the positive traction, when it was really roasting, made it fishtail something unreal. And it was better to get off the gas than lose it in a ditch, or head-on into another car!! That bitch was MEAN!! Sometimes if you stomped it the backend would start bouncing it was shredding the tires so insanely. I suppose it all depended on the surface. But I miss it terribly. My '82 280ZX Turbo. My '79 Trans Am T.A. 6.6/4-speed. Had an '86 Mustang GT 5.0 that I wanted more out of, and sent it off to this company out of Chattanooga call Race Engine Design, and $2,000 later it came back having went from 225 h.p., to 325 h.p. It was like night and day, and just from the outside, you could tell nothing had been done to it. Looked plain stock, and we won alot of money with her. But I miss those days...I guess I just miss being younger.

[@kurtzimmerman1637]

Love the old brutes! How could you not!

[@socialismsux2261]

Jeff Darnell I had an 87 GN. Loved that car... Got married and had kids so all my toys went bye bye. I'm rebuilding my toys now. I have 10 Old buicks and 2 chevelles now. The stage 1 car is my favorite but my 65 skylark grand sport convertible is a close 2nd!

[@jeffdarnell7942]

@@socialismsux2261 Those Grand Sports were gorgeous...

[@lewdecker1442]

It took 30 years or more before any american car could beat the stage 1 in the strip. Had 500 ft pounds of touque

[@CJColvin]

Beautiful looking Classic muscle cars man.

[@greggfridline4260]

Has there ever been another year like 1970, they made all the big boys that year. best 442, best Buick GS, best Chevelle SS with an LS6. So awesome

[@MechanicalTrader]

Excellent presentation.. 'Cuda is King among Royalty ; the 1969-1970 muscle car years were the tippy top of design/performance/value of the mighty Muscle Car Era imo !!

[@chha6439]

My first car was a Chevelle SS 454 ,411 rear end. 11 to 1 domed pistons ,roller cam with a duel line carb .a holly duel line chromed fuel pump . forget the size of the carb .. 980 4 barrel?? Maybe??But you Brought me back some great memories ! Thanks! it was such a wonderful ride ! I had to chain the rear end down and put N 50/15 tires on back at the time! It kept it from wheel hopping ha ha !now i wish I had it ,with the tires and suspension of today ! That car was extremely fast in the quarter! Was scary fast at 16 years of age. Only have 4 pictures of it today! I get them out some times to reminisce , thanks again !

[@that70sschwinn]

Pretty Sweet cars, I had a 1970 440-6 Pak Shaker hood 'Cuda and a 340-6 Pak AAR Cuda, those were some great times for Mopars.

[@sw-fd4ty]

That 70's Schwinn Vint how did the 340 6-pack run ?

[@phillipneal9289]

Excellent work,really enjoyed that piece. I have watched a good few of these guys videos,this is one of the best. Enjoyed them all but the content in this episode l find most interesting . Keep up the good work

[@looseele]

I'm a big fan of stock cars, there's something really cool about a fast factory car. Some of these monsters that people build end up hardly resembling the factory original.

[@tmklunk]

Looseel Scott amen

[@LR-my2di]

I bought a 1970 B-5 blue Hemicuda brand new. 4.10 gears and a Torqueflite. I had a few close street races with 440-6 pack cars and against friend Bob Tuck's 1970 LS6 with 3.73's and TH400. My only loss back then was against a GS Stage 1 that was so quiet that you couldn't even hear it run. I was so surprised and never forgot that one.!

[@threeballedtomcat9380]

What a blast from the past ! Great job on the video and thanks for the memories......

[@hanc37]

The 1970 Chevelle SS is a masterpiece.

[@chevyguy1422]

71 and 72 looks better

[@tomcherry7029]

It is just a copy of the GTO, just take a look at the 1968-1971 models of GTO and Chevelle

[@bgone4979]

In 1971, I returned to civilian life. I bought a 1968 charger with a --383 (corrected) 4 speed. I know it was the fastest car in Denver. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[@V8TV]

We're sure the streets of Denver were never the same! We're glad you were able to return to civilian life and enjoy your Charger. Thank you for your service, and we bet you have some great stories from those days!

[@peteshea8010]

Sounds like there were a lot of slow cars in Denver in 1971. In anything resembling production line stock state, you'd have been lucky to get that out of the low 15s.

[@bgone4979]

@@peteshea8010 @ too bad you weren't there to experience it Mopars forever!

[@peteshea8010]

@@bgone4979 The historical archives (in the form of period magazine tests) prove how the old cars actually ran, realizing that specially prepared ringers were commonplace back then. This article greatly expands on that point: sixpacksixbbl.homestead.com/a12roadtestspage11.html The Plymouth Road Runner was a lighter car than the Dodge Charger, yet the best this '68 383 Road Runner could manage was a 15.37 @ 91.4 MPH quarter mile. wildaboutcarsonline.com/members/AardvarkPublisherAttachments/9990618431817/1968-05_CL_1968_Plymouth_Road_Runner_Test_1-4.pdf CAR LIFE had a reputation for testing production line stock cars, per Roger Huntington. (You'll need to Google his name.) This modern 4 cylinder Honda Accord would blow that Road Runner into the weeds with plenty of room to spare: www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a29380144/2020-subaru-legacy-vs-2019-honda-accord/

[@normedwards5305]

I had a '66 Charger with a 383. Perfect car for a 16yr old, eh?

[@4406bbldb]

69 Dart Hemi. My first project at chrysler was to help develop the 1970 440 6pack. I really loved my job.

[@TheNextGoogification]

No shit! Tell us more! Did you work in engineering?

[@kenbtheman]

It was introduced in 69. What changes were made in 70. None that I know of, but there could be. I worked for Chrysler too (1969 - 2011)

[@robertbusack2100]

my school teacher went to school in detroit and worked at chrysler his name was Carl Siegel He was an engeneire and best friends with John Delearorian True story!!!! I went to New Riegel Ohio Cathlic school. and am 57 now He was a very good teacher!!!!!! bob

[@60viking]

@@TheNextGoogification i missed your reply.yes i was in the engine lab most of the time but did performance road and track driving also, got the job in 69 after the Navy. Wonderful experience. Thanks.

[@60viking]

@@kenbtheman hi i missed your comment. The first day at Chrysler engineering i got my own Dynamometer room and my first order was to install a aluminium 6 bbl intake and then they would show me how to do a power run. That was one difference cause it went to production. No2 was a new style cam timming set, 3 bolt cam gear, double roller chain. No3 rocker arms from Toledo, we had about 4 supplier's for them. But the 6 pack had 500 more RPMS with tougher valve springs. Some people poked push rods through all the supplier rockers. I noticed the rockers with "T" for manufacture so those became 6 bbl production. Also piston scuff improvement and more power. My old brain thinks the 69 package was 390 hp. And the 70 was also 390hp. But i know the 70 picked up a solid 25 hp. At the high end. I'm missing running those cars on Woodward now.

[@shookchris]

I personally like the Dodge Challenger always have and always well

[@dizzywow]

That Hemi Challenger at the beginning of the video is insanely cool.

[@60viking]

I agree with you by the way I worked a Chrysler Central Engineering in Highland Park Michigan from 69 on and I was basically an engine specialist but I did whole car development so this is good for me to hear all the positive input.

[@darknightbegins85]

USA 1970, just got to the moon, muscle cars everywhere. Damn. What a country

[@albertcastilla1385]

loved the video...1970 Cuda owner. back in 1974 ..wish I had it today..

[@elijah2078]

In a Chevy vs Ford world those Mopar's sure kicked butt.

[@beezergene69]

Bh

[@davidwilson1341]

the only thing a Chevy or Ford see of a Mopar is their tail lights.

[@ryanmcnabb306]

@@davidwilson1341 Lol. MOPAR= MOSTLY OLD PARTS AND RUST. I'm a die hard Ford guy but those old Mopars ran good and looked good. I'd still take the Torino though. All muscle cars were part of a cool era.

[@victorpetroff830]

I don't care if it wasn't the fastest I'd have a challenger any day ever since I saw one in the movie vanishing point (original movie)the best looking car of that era in my opinion

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

I love them all, but the mopars have become the most collectible

[@audieconrad8995]

Kowalski lives...

[@anridapu]

victor petroff The original Challenger is a great looking car!👍

[@johnanderson5760]

Agreed. Had a 70 RT 383 Mag with pistol grip. Dearly regret not keeping it.

[@actthree34]

That certainly shows how comprehensive the Brother's Collection is. It takes a lot of skill to collect wit such precision. A great addition to the video series.

[@GlassTopRX7]

Not sure about skill, but one must be well read and have lots of money.

[@michaelm00n88]

I love this site. Great cars and great information. Keep up with your fantastic site. You all are definitely on top of your videos. Take care. Later.

[@juliebroussard9892]

I love old cars and love to watch the garage races. (Wow. Wow). Love these beautiful cars😉😉 keep the old cars coming.

[@6StrngWzrd]

In 1994 Car Craft Magazine did a test of the quickest cars of the "Muscle Car" Era. The 1970 Buick GSX 455 Stage 1, 4-speed with 3.73 traction loc rear ran the quickest time @ 12.76...111 mph. A 1970 AMC AMX with a 390 "Go Pack" (4 spd, 3.70 posi-rear) came in 2nd running 12.88 @ 109 mph.

[@audieconrad8995]

Thank You thank you thank you...AMC = acronym for pissing off the Big 3 guys. Those 390's were awesome.

[@dalewalker4614]

The AMX was a real sleeper. Who wanted to admit that they got aced by a Rambler!

[@soxfunny98]

Those are BOTH EASY REASONS TO KNOW THEY WERE RINGERS

[@soxfunny98]

For sure! Not only was i old enough to see and drive them ( friends 390 Amx) but when Chrysler bought them we all decided since we are UNDER the same " umbrella" so to speak that AMC CARS, 4X4s( Eagle etc.) Should come to mopar shows, the Nationals etc. We get ALOT of cool Amx,s and javelins and even built Eagles😌 At all the big events. We love it. They have some very fast cars. Very underlooked. The 69 AMC,S AND THE 70'S ARE WELL REPRESENTED I CAN TELL YOU THAT. FAST AND COOL LOOKING. I am glad That so many came with us at 1st and STAYED TILL NOW!!!

[@russmarasheski7005]

Buick...Buick...Buick!!!!!

[@rolandocurro8842]

All these muscle cars from the late 60's will always be breathtaking. Personally if i was able to have the money to buy one .. I would buy the 73 buick century gran sport stage 1. The last of the great two door buicks with the legendary buick 455 V8 w/bigger valves. Angled distributor . The 4 barrel quadrajet . The 4 speed to smoke almost anything else on the road that wanted to flex muscles against it. Swivel seats to get in and out easily. Simple front end design sleeper with the giant hood. Love that car. Although i have never had the chance to drive one in my lifetime 😒

[@davem4193]

@Rusell Shaw in 1973 they changed the way they measured horsepower. I'm not sure if they did it to satisfy the insurance companies or what but they changed from SAE gross (horsepower measured at the flywheel) to SAE net (horsepower measured at the back of the transmission with all accessories running). This is why there seems to be a big difference between the years you mentioned but the reality is there actually isn't much difference if any especially between 1971 to 1974. There was a big drop in horsepower beginning in 1975 though, that's when catalytic converters were added along with other smog junk.

[@georgelockard3399]

@@davem4193 Not trying to start an argument, but 1971 was the last year with high horsepower engine. In fact they cut the horsepower from 350hp on a 1970 LT1 350 Chevrolet to 330hp on a 1971 LT1 350 Chevrolet engine. GTL4HIRE

[@davem4193]

@@georgelockard3399 they changed from SAE gross to SAE net horsepower measurement in 1972. That's why it appears that the horsepower ratings dropped so much after 1971 but the reality is there's little to no horsepower difference from 1971 to 1972. The only thing that changed is the manner in which horsepower was measured. SAE Gross horsepower was measured at the crankshaft with no accessories installed, no air cleaner and long tube headers. SAE Net horsepower was measured at the back of the crankshaft with all accessories installed, air cleaner and factory exhaust manifolds installed. If you don't believe me look up the part numbers for the engine internals on a 1971 350 Chevy 4 barrel vs a 1972 350 Chevy 4 barrel in the same model Chevelle. Same compression ratio pistons, camshafts, same sized valves, etc. The engines are basically identical. The only difference is the way they measured the horsepower from year to year.

[@eddiebarnett2217]

Almost 800 commits, but as a live witness watching my dad, "of course there will be flack" nothing, mean nothing that was so called "stock" ever beat the old man's LS6.. he had them all starting with a 380hp 409 in 62. He owned and operated a Texaco service station near Richmond Va.and was smart enough to take advantage of the oncoming muscle car explosion that other service station's didn't want anything to do with. When his 09 got put down by a fresh 440 he upped his game with a 427 camaro. When a deal came to him in late 1970, camaro was sold and a green LS6 chevell took over. I have seen street hemi's get blown, I mean blown away by 327, 350 small blocks again and again. In 1979 I myself tried to take the by then old and tired LS6 with a dam good Chevy11 that had bested many, but not that LS6.. when a Buick V6 grand national took the green machine by a bumper, 3 Times in a row the LS6 was retired.. But for over 6yrs that old Chevy showed many a muscle car what the ass end of a chevell looks like..

[@mr.rem2609]

All ten of those cars are serious works of art. Yea a lot of newer cars are faster but these cars pack an attitude. Pure raw naturally aspirated tire shredding power. I love it. My grandpa and his friends always said "no replacement for displacement". Very nice video, thank you!!

[@johnlambkin4299]

Your grandpa and his friends are solid. My 440 Interceptor could attest to that whenever I kicked the 4 barrels in.

[@bobforpples]

Thank you for knowing the difference between quickest and fastest. I had a discussion with a guy that said a Buick GN was the fastest production car in 1987.

[@bultacowally]

don't recall a 1970 Buick GN...another dumbass

[@mikenagy9408]

@@bultacowally ....Who said there was a Buick GN in 1970? Wasn't mentioned in the video. The only mention of a Buick GN, was by onother person commenting on a 1987 Buick GN, which would be well beyond the time frame of this video. You do realize that 1970, and 1987 are different years,right?... Dumbass.

[@charlesdouglass2996]

i would have really enjoyed a 70 goat in there but oh well...me and my dad restored a 69' Judge and man..does that thing have balls!!

[@scottbambam]

I firmly agree, and my 70, With yes some alterations used to run 11.0 second flat at Englishtown, N. J. Back in the day. With 50s "cheater" street slicks, Holley 850dbl pumper, the Ram Air 4 engine built by the Famous Nunzi Romano (from Brooklyn) only guy to get a naturally aspirated 68 Firebird at 8.0 seconds. He was a master. Plus I had a Doug Nash 5spd, 4.56 rear gear (1st-4th & 5th was 3.90) ok so that & much more would definitely give me an edge though at least they had the 454 Rat motor Chevelle well represented. I'm a Goat lover & 2nd place Chevelle until the end! Though that Buick GSX was nice. Lil GTO!!

[@douglynn5906]

@@scottbambam not the only guy look up nhra top stock on drag central in stock form there are 400 ci Pontiacs running 8 second quarter mile times with a quadrajet carb

[@michaelreilly1310esq]

Pontiac lit up the nights in 1970. I was there

[@billyjack8119]

I like some of the superstock racing when the 68 firebird 400s beat the hemis. Pure stock as they call it.

[@glennhynes5185]

All VERY interesting, and thank you for your time documenting the lineage of every one of these beautiful cars. I'm 48 years old now and as a kid or young man I would always have a bias toward my favorite car of that particular week, but know with my old age and experience I can look back, remember and realize just how much I loved each and every one of the cars you showed and mentioned. What a great time in American automobile history even with the pending fuel crisis that ruined the fun for us all for some time, at least with the advancements in today's technology it is back and badder than it ever was! But the lines and the beauty of the cars that came out of the sixties and seventies can never be reproduced. You can't paint the Mona Lisa twice, right. I must say though, the most original shape and design to come out of North America since the sixties and seventies that is truly stand alone and gorgeous , is the Dodge Viper. Speaking specifically from an aesthetic design point of view. At least that's my opinion. Thanks again for your time.

[@clooperman3745]

While the Viper does look good l think it should have had a thumping great big V8 under the hood, V10 is just too European!!!!!

[@nuversion8673]

I miss those days. Cruising the Sonic on a Saturday night with my brother in his 1968 Plymouth GTX 440. Someone would start their car and rev their engine, and it was ON! We would drive down to the old industrial park where there was a perfect 1/8th mile stretch of road and show those guys our tail lights! Golden memories.

[@earli3693]

WOW...congratulations on a great show with so many comments. Took my Father to a car show and some kids pulled up next to my Javilin with my Dad sitting quietly and ask" What kind on car is that old man." Dad looked over and said" boy this car burns lead and twist steel: what have you got?"

[@johngary5898]

No mention of the Swinger 340 or Demon or Duster 340, shame.... They taught us light weight, lots of tourque wins races, My '71 340 Demon, qt. mile, 13.6 and the Swinger was faster.

[@chadklotz5494]

Moon Pie, my 70 340 Duster with 3:55’s ran mid 13’s in the mid 80’s. It had over 100,000 miles on it at that point. And with the skinny 5.5 inch rally wheel, I could only get G60 14’s on it. I’m sure the G60’s bit better than the factory tires did. Once I rebuilt it and put headers on it, it ran high 12’s.

[@michaelmaddy278]

I liked the small blocks, I liked my 70 340 Duster. I was no slouch. Anyone remember all the jacked up novas, Dusters, Road Runners etc. Some with wide tires. The Tiger Paw tires (red line) anyone have them on their car?

[@lewisshepard9239]

Moon Pie I’m with you. I’ve never seen a stock 340 run better than a high 14.

[@berserkerjack2230]

I'll take that Stage 1 Buick please and thank you. I got a soft spot for them Skylarks.

[@gs1971stage1]

Make that a Stage 2 GS with a 4-speed! Low 10 second quarter mile times with no modifications.

[@bman99ss]

@@gs1971stage1 😂😂

[@NewtonWashinton]

Great memories for me, yes tires were the big factor back then. I really enjoyed this video. Thanks

[@ziggymorris8760]

The challenger track time is incredible considering how colossal that car is. That thing weights as much as my blazer.

[@jackperry9369]

love this stuff man when auto makers made cars right lol ty sir

[@davidmethvin1705]

The 3 best factory motors in factory cars you could not get from dealers would be the 440 in a duster, 454 in nova,and 427 tunnel port Fe in a mustang fast back these would have been the most bad ass cars to hit the street

[@joehollywood538]

Not to mention the 3 most dangerous..

[@user-vq6ue5ki4e]

I had an L78 1970 SS Nova. 402 co 375hp ran Pure stock nhra A/S back in the early 1970s running low 12s at 116mph on m&h street tires 4.88 gear m22 4spd

[@Sky1]

When I listed my 70 Skylark 350 convertible for sale I had 103 calls the first day

[@C.S.Sensei]

Love anything with a shaker hood. 👍 Surprised We didn't see the time of a Boss 429 or 351 Cleveland. Factory spec times though.

[@stefanovichmichael9686]

Uh,because they were lead sleds.

[@wjnahuy]

I appreciate the honest actual numbers as it was back them. Thank you.

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

I was always under the impression that the Buick GSX was the street king back in the day.

[@commonsenseapproach101]

it was my dad said, but no one wanted to admit it. The stage one was hands down the fastest and quickest.

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

@@commonsenseapproach101 I know. The stigma of being a Bankers car lol!

[@FrostyBob99]

I cloned a 70 GSX and I used 3.91 gears. That thing was pretty quick for stock. It ran 13 flat at 105 mph.

[@josephmercurio1024]

I really like ur episodes, what about the 69 Mach 1 with the 428 scj ? I read about it being the quikest car to come out of Detroit .

[@s.hooper4683]

Funny how they not only missed that one but also the '70 Torino 429 SCJ and of course the '70 Mustang Boss 429. Why were the "Car" magazines so afraid of these street killers?

[@mlogan9929]

I grew up in Flint Michigan and saw the American Muscle Car as a thing of beauty. I have owned All the one's I really loved. I don't care what motor or how fast. I love the look and the sound. It's part of me. I wish I could be put to rest in my 71 Chevelle.

[@ebrahimismail4165]

Myron Logan hi i like your idea 😘😘

[@bailey9r]

Myron; But since you cant you can just will it to me ;

[@dalewalker4614]

@Juggernaut Z there are cemeteries that will take BOTH of you. They do have to drain all fluids first however.....

[@cincyspin178]

You owned all the cars you really loved? You are one really lucky and I'll bet hard-working guy. I'd be happy just to say I've driven all the cars I've really loved....Something tells me you have very high standards and not just any muscle car could get in your good graces and on your list of "loved ones".

[@bman99ss]

@@bailey9r 😂

[@GOBRADON502]

Man they're all nice but I've got to go with my favorite muscle car of all time and thars the 1970 ls6 chevelle.

[@trombettafamily9008]

As far as chevelle go the 66 and 67 were the best looking. 1970 ugly as hell in my opinion

[@joycemeadows1821]

What do u guys & gals think of the 71 454-365, 4 in floor (came with Muncie & changed to Hurst) with AC, SS package with Cowl Induction, bench seats, Posi rearend. Took off catalytic converter & changed carb to HOLLEY instead if Rochester Quad. Changed tires to Goodyear Eagle GTs I think. Later yrs put Rochchestor QJ back on as original. Blk stripes & Blk vinyl top. Windshield with tint & radio antenna built in. #s match. Original 101500 orig miles. Kept original as possible. In good to very good condition. Not show A plus condition but doesnt need that much done. Runs very strong. Taken care of. Have orig window sticker, build sheet, protecto plate. Only owner. How much is it worth Jan 2020? Just wondering. So attached to it. Best car ever had. Whats going price. Estimate? Just curious? Its my baby.

[@sw-fd4ty]

@@trombettafamily9008 oh really, never heard anyone say that before, each to his own I guess. I owned a 1970 SS Chevelle, had a 396ci, cowl induction with a turbo 400 transmission. When I drove my car and wanted some alone time I knew better than to stop anywhere because people flocked to my car. It wasn't in progestin shape but good enough...lol...take care man.

[@gasparpuentes6201]

@@sw-fd4ty which is better and faster a 1970 chevelle 454 ls6 or a 1969 chevelle 396 deluxe 300 l89

[@sw-fd4ty]

@@joycemeadows1821 I'm not sure of your cars value, but if you ever consider selling the car, I'm a potential buyer...lol...let me guess your cars value, from what your telling about the car, without seeing and the work your saying it still needs done about $50,000.

[@Wildkat-1]

1970 was the last year of higher compression engines , I was 16 and at the drag-strip every Fri. & Sat. night ...the best years of my life !

[@josephmercurio1024]

Actually 1971 was the last year of high compression engines, Ford 351,429 had 10.5 for the 351 and 11.7 to 1 for the 429.

[@josephmercurio1024]

The 1971 Boss 351 Ford had 11.7 to 1, the 429 scj had 11.3 to 1.

[@winbrown444]

my cobrajet was a monster.

[@robertklacza1160]

Which Corba-Jet did you have ?????

[@ollehaggman70]

Love it

[@Garage28_28]

MOPAR #1

[@user-sk5cv7hj2m]

442 w-30 was quick. 1964 389 tri power. 427 impala, nova 427. Like to see those cars in the line up just for recognition.

[@1titties1]

It was 1970

[@charlesbohman9447]

Oh how the world has become so dull. These cars were beautiful. The colors, curves. Built tough. Even the music then ,compared to toodays, was actually great

[@Tony-nj9de]

man 1970s muscle cars are beautiful

[@davidharris2178]

Was hoping to see a GTO ram air IV on the list. Good video though thanks!

[@michaelwallbrown3726]

# 1 hemi cuda knew that before watching video

[@chhandaray5661]

Love you muscle car from India🇮🇳

[@livinginh]

My sister had a 70 Buick GS back in our teens, that car was a beast