Cool Fast Cars

CNN just released an online article about the most expensive muscle cars: these classics have risen in value faster than any other classic muscle cars. But there are still buys at the bottom.

A list of the fastest-rising muscle cars in terms of auction values includes many cars that are rare and valuable today because, when they were new, nobody wanted them. The list was compiled by the collector car editors at Kelley Blue Book.

Of the top 10, four are convertibles with big race-tuned engines. Today, most collectors aren’t interested in racing these cars. They are bought to be seen (and heard) in. Bigger engines are more desirable than smaller ones and convertibles are more desirable than hardtops. The combination can send prices right through the canvas roof.

The list includes:

1971 Plymouth “Hemi” Cuda convertible

Value in 2000: $49,600

Value today: $2 million

Source: Kelley Blue Book

The ‘71 “Hemi” Cuda convertible is the “Holy Grail” of muscle cars today. You could count up all the surviving models on your fingers. The 1970 model, though not quite as rare, is also a very valuable gem.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS-454/LS-6 convertible

Value in 2000: $28,700

Value today: $369,000

Source: Kelley Blue Book

A favorite of stock-class drag racers, this car’s Chevrolet 454 engine put out 450 horsepower.

1969 Pontiac GTO “Judge” convertible

Value in 2000: $36,750

Value today: $205,200 Source: Kelley Blue Book

The original 1964 Pontiac GTO is generally credited with being the first muscle car. In 1969, surrounded by a bumper crop of competitors, Pontiac came up with a new trim-line, “The Judge.” The name was inspired by a famous bit on the TV show “Laugh In.” Under the hood was a 366-horsepower 400-cubic-inch V-8 engine.

1964 Shelby Cobra 289 Roadster

Value in 2000: $175,000

Value in 2006: $329,100

Source: Kelley Blue Book

The Cobra makes KBB’s list even though, by most definitions, it’s not really a muscle car. For one thing, Muscle cars are supposed to be able to seat four.

Also on the muscle car list: 

1969 Dodge Charger R/T-440 hardtop with Hemi engine

1968 Shelby GT-500-KR convertible

1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28/SS coupe

1970 Oldsmobile 442/W-30 hardtop

1970 Plymouth Superbird-440 hardtop

1969 Ford Torino-Talladega hardtop

To read more details about the top 10 muscle cars auction you can go to Top 10 muscle-car stars ( and also the muscle car gallery is available)

This entry filed under Car News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.