Posted by Craig Selvey on June 13, 1998 at 09:48:48:
In Reply to: Answer: What is a Musclecar??? posted by T.L. on June 13, 1998 at 02:32:50:
Actually, a muscle car started out as and is considered a "full-size" car. These would be the mid 60's GTO's, Chevelle SS's, Dodge GTX, etc. The "ponycars" is derived from the name of the car itself, which is named after a horse or "pony", like the Mustang and Camaro. These cars were considered mid-size and compact compared to the other lines that were out at the time (Galaxies, Caprices, etc.) Using this line of logic, a "Maverick" is actually a ponycar....try that on the next Mustang guy to come around.
: Someone recently asked what a "real" musclecar is.
: A Musclecar is basicly ANY *mid-size* American car with a big engine (V-8 of course) that is very quick. A Ponycar is basicly a smaller, slightly less powerful version of a musclecar (i.e. Mustang, Camaro, Dart GT, Nova SS). There are two types of these vehicles: 1-That which the factory builds (GTO,Torino GT, Barracuda, Olds 4-4-2, Chevelle SS, Buick GSX) which in stock form is "ready to rock" right off the dealer lot and 2- that which we build ourselves (Maverick, fill in the blank) with engine swaps and factory & aftermarket parts. The first "factory" musclecar was the '64 Pontiac GTO. From a collectable or investment point of view, the factory musclecars are worth more. However, it can be quite a rewarding experience for one to build his/her own hot-rod instead of drive the typical "cookie cutter" mold cars that every one else drives. Plus, one can decide just how radical or mellow their car will be...