Muscle Car Madness

February 24, 2018 – June 25, 2018

The muscle car era started its evolution in the late 1940s and 50s with the introduction of cars such as the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88, 1955 Chrysler 300, and 1958 Chevrolet Impala.

By the 1960s, powerful big block engines were being built on assembly lines across America. Rivalry between manufacturers was fierce, and the goal was clear: “Build the biggest engine, with the most horsepower, in the lightest body.” With the release of the Pontiac Tempest GTO in 1964, the muscle car era had officially begun.

Detroit’s “Big Three” opted to validate the power and handling of their popular muscle cars to the public by entering the cars in stock car racing series, including the Trans-Am Championship race series. Manufacturers could take a show room car, and with minor modifications, go racing. The marketing slogan “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday” was born.

In the post-war era, enthusiasm for modifying older automobiles also swept across America. Since then, aftermarket tuning and customization has become an integral part of mainstream car culture.

Displayed are many noteworthy stock, custom, and resto-mod cars. Each vehicle demonstrates the ferocity of an era before its descent following the oil crisis and implementation of more stringent emissions standards in the early 1970s.

These cars represent what has become an iconic period in automotive ingenuity and mechanical brilliance. It was through innovation and design that pushed the limits leading to what we now know as “The Muscle Car.”