Do you love cars? Have you always wanted to explore more about America’s automotive past? If this is on your mind, then I’m sure you’ll be very interested in knowing what some of the rarest and fastest muscle cars that the United States has ever produced were.
There are a few things that can make a car truly special. One of those things is a rarity. The fewer units manufactured, or the harder it is to find one, means that demand will drive prices up well above what an entry-level model would normally be worth. As for American muscle cars, these are especially tough to find in good condition. Many of these cars were only produced for a short time, so the chance of finding one in good condition is even slimmer.
– Lady Gaga –
So without further ado, here’s a list of some of the rarest and fastest American muscle cars ever made.
1. 1950 Plymouth Rebel Convertible – Fastback (Fury Road)
In 1950, the Plymouth Vehicle Division was tasked to build a coupe that would compete with other popular models such as Mercury and Ford. After considering many different ideas, Mayflower decided on building a fastback version of their people’s car (Rebel). This model was based on the same platform as the Plymouth Fury.
In order to provide a unique design, Plymouth produced the Rebel Convertible. This model was equipped with an innovative automatic transmission and V8 engine. In 1952, this model received a new hood and tail fins inspired by the 1949-1950 Lincoln Zephyr. As of today, only 959 of these models were made, with 50 of those being convertibles. It only takes $200k to buy one, which makes it more affordable than any other muscle car ever built in America. In terms of rarity, this car is at the top along with its brother model: the Plymouth Fury Street Hemi Convertible.
2. 1956 Chevy Bel Air – Fastback (Biscayne)
The Bel Air was a care package that the Chevrolet division of General Motors produced for the 1956 to 1958 model years. This coupe came equipped with the option of either a 150 horsepower or a 200 horsepower V8 engine. In 1957, this model was given an all-new nose, and it received hubcaps that featured a chrome center and white center circle. In total, there were only 2,977 cars produced, and of those, only 963 were fastback models. The remaining ones were wagon models.
Being one of the most expensive muscle cars ever built in America, you can see why it’s highly coveted. The average value of this car is $190k, which makes it one of the rarest muscle cars ever made.
3. 2nd Generation Pontiac GTO – Fastback (Trans Am)
The Motorama, which was a series of cars that were all designed within a period of 2 days, was released in July 1962, and it featured the newly designed Pontiac GTO. While the original GTO vehicles had been based on the Chevy Nova platform, this model received a completely new chassis. In addition to its wider stance and American-made V8 engine, this model also came with rear-wheel drive that gave it more power than models equipped with a manual transmission.
In total, there were only 2,248 models of the Pontiac GTO produced during its lifetime. All of this makes this model very rare and very desirable. In terms of value, it’s been estimated that one of these cars can sell for as much as $100k above the average price.
4. 2nd Generation Pontiac LeMans – Fastback (Grand Prix)
The 1963 Pontiac LeMans was a fastback coupe that was equipped with a 220-horsepower V8 engine. It came equipped with disc brakes and fuel injection. This model received major updates from 1964 to 1966, such as new fenders and a new hood.
In total, 1,289 of these models were produced, and only 955 of those were fastback variants. If you can find one that’s in perfect condition, you’ll be able to get one for as much as $100k above the average price.
5. 1967-69 Pontiac Firebird – Fastback (Trans Am)
The Firebird was a coupe that the Pontiac division of GM produced for one or two model years in 1967 and 1968. The following year, this vehicle started being sold as a fastback version which included a more powerful version of the previously mentioned 220 horsepower V8 engine. In total, there were only 3,658 American muscle cars produced from 1967 to 1969. Only 2,363 (nearly 80%) were fastback models out of those.
Being such a desirable model for car enthusiasts, you can see why this is one of the most expensive American muscle cars ever made. It’s been estimated that one of these cars will cost you as much as $200k.
6. 1970-1972 Plymouth Superbird – Fastback (Road Runner)
In 1970, Plymouth decided to give the Road Runner model a facelift by designing a new nose and adding spoilers on both sides of the car. In addition to many other updates, they also tweaked the original Hemi V8 engine so it could make 425 horsepower or 475 horsepower. In total, there were only 648 models produced from 1970 to 1972. Out of those, only about 300 units were fastback variants. This makes this model extremely rare and very valuable. It’s been estimated that one of these cars will cost you as much as $250k.
7. 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda – Fastback (Duster)
In 1970, Plymouth introduced a new version of the Road Runner. The vehicle was given new headlights in the front, an all-new nose and back, and larger tires. In addition to many other changes, the original Hemi engine was tweaked so it could produce 425 horsepower.
This model was sold until 1974, when it received another facelift with a new grill and wing in the back. Despite being sold for several years, this model was only produced for two years: 1970 and 1971. In total, only 2,825 models were built, and of those, only 1,507 were fastback variants. This is one of the most sought-after American muscle cars in terms of rarity. The average price for a Hemi ‘Cuda today is $200k.
8. 1971 Plymouth Duster – Fastback (Road Runner)
In 1971, Plymouth decided to give the Road Runner model a facelift by redesigning the front end and giving it a new grill with pointed headlights. In addition to many other changes, they also tweaked the original V8 engine so it could make 425 horsepower or 475 horsepower. In total, there were only 3,431 models produced from 1971 to 1974. Out of those, only 1,350 were fastback variants. Being such a desirable car, it’s no surprise that this is one of the most expensive muscle cars ever made. The average price for a Plymouth Road Runner today is $200k.
After reviewing all the models above, it’s pretty obvious why American muscle cars are so rare and Fastest. Of course, these aren’t all the expensive muscle cars ever made in America, but these are just some of the rarest and fastest ones that you can find for sale today due to their rarity and high price tags.
