You will undoubtedly see some muscle cars at the Pomona Swap Meet and Classic Car Show on August 11, however, there are arguments over the definition of a muscle car. Musclecarclub.com says that the term wasn’t used until the late 1970’s.

“A muscle car, by the strictest definition, is an intermediate sized, performance oriented model, powered by a large V8 engine, at an affordable price. Most of these models were based on “regular” production vehicles…If there was a high performance version available, it gets the credit…Examples: Buick GS, Chevrolet Chevelle SS, Dodge Charger R/T, Ford Torino/Cobra, Plymouth GTX, Plymouth Road Runner, Oldsmobile 442, and Pontiac GTO.”

We didn’t see intermediate size cars as muscle cars until 1964, says the web site. Prior to that, extra performance was added to full-size cars and these are considered muscle cars. Fitting this category are the Chevrolet Impala (SS only), Ford Galaxie (with 390 + cid engines only), and Dodge Coronet (R/Ts only).

According to musclecarclub.com, compact or “pony cars” like the Chevrolet Camaro (SS and Z28 models only), Ford Mustang (GTs and Boss only), Plymouth ‘Cudas (no Barracudas), and AMC Javelin are considered muscle cars because they have the top of the line performance engines and options.

The heavy weight and high cost of luxury cars eliminates many of them from muscle car status, while contrary to belief, the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Thunderbird are not considered a muscle car in the two-seat sport car classification because of its expense and uniqueness.

To add more interest to the argument, Consumer Reports says this is the best era for muscle cars after testing the 6.2 liter, V8 engine with 500 horsepower Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger with 5.7 liter V8 engine, 375 horse-power, and Mustang with 5.0 liter V8 engine 402 horsepower. “All three muscle cars are vast improvements over their storied predecessors offer better performance, safety, amenities, and even fuel economy. Any one of them can deliver nostalgia in a bold package, certain to transform a routine drive into an adventure,” wrote Mike Quincy.

Whether nostalgic or modern, muscle cars are getting a lot of attention this year. On February 22, the United State Postal Service issued five Forever Stamps honoring muscle cars. They are the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, 1966 Pontiac GTO, 1967 Shelby GT-500, 1970 Chevelle SS, and 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda.

Jeff Tate, who writes about cars for MSN, released the results of a reader’s poll of the top 10 muscle cars. In ascending order: 10. 1970 Buick GSX; 9. 1968 Pontiac Firebird Coupe; 8. 1969 Dodge Charger; 7. 1970 Boss 302 Mustang; 6. 1965 Pontiac GTO; 5. 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda; 4. 1970 Chevelle 454 SS; 3. 1969 Z28 Chevy Camaro; 2. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427, and the winner, the 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500. There are plenty of other lists out there.

With all the differing definitions and opinions, these cars always give us plenty to talk about. Whether you are interested in buying or selling muscle cars, or just want to look, come out to a future Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show where there are always thousands of vehicles that may inspire you continue the conversation. Always feel free to contact us for event information.