Whether you were an enthusiast back in the 60's or a more recent admirer, these cars are guaranteed to impress. Mopar is actually the auto parts division of Chrysler. The name refers to (MO)tor (PAR)ts and has been around since the 1920's and is still in use today.
Auto enthusiasts however, normally think of Dodge and Plymouth Muscle Cars from the 60's and into the 70's when using the term Mopar. Those of us that were involved in drag racing in the 60's will remember Mopar as dominating the S/S (Super Stock) classes with Dodge and Plymouth 440 Hemi engines.
On the oval tracks Mopar racked up over 400 NASCAR wins before retiring from factory sponsored racing. The Hemi engine proved not only to be powerful but also reliable.
American automobile manufacturers, realizing the appeal of a faster more powerful car, were quick to jump on the muscle car bandwagon. Chrysler introduced the Charger, Road Runner, Super Bee, Dodge Daytona, Dodge Polara and the Plymouth Sport Fury.
The Polara and the Sport Fury were more the economy models sporting big engines but few luxury options. They were made to order for the young drag racer that needed an everyday car, but was also a drag strip "weekend warrior".
We at Leland West Insurance found that the mid seventies saw higher gas prices, gas rationings and the beginning of automobile emission concerns. Coupled with the less than average handling and braking abilities and the rise in insurance, cost for the high powered sport sedan, interest in muscle cars began to dwindle.
Along with lack of interest comes lack of sales. The Big 3 auto manufacturers began to pull out of the muscle car business. This prompted a withdrawal from factory sponsored racing and from the factory high performance engineering.
Muscle cars tried to make a comeback in the mid to late eighties, but most were watered down with option laden attempts to give the consumer both speed and comfort. Although cars like the Camaro and TransAm were successful, they never reached the lofty status of the Muscle Cars.
Now in the new Century, muscle cars have become collector cars bringing amazingly high prices when restored to their original condition. It's not unusual to find a Plymouth Barracuda or Superbird bringing $100,000.00 at the premium collector car auctions. Dodge Daytona's are in the six-figure range consistently. These prices and the high demand for Mopar Muscle Cars make them great investments as well as wonderful.
Also read: Restoring Classic Cars: Things To Know