13 Iconic Muscle Cars and Their Collectible Value
Muscle cars are known for their raw power, bold designs, and significant place in automotive history. These high-performance vehicles continue to captivate collectors due to their unique blend of speed, style, and rarity. Whether it’s the roaring engine or the iconic look, these cars represent a golden era of American automotive engineering. As time passes, their collectible value increases, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts and investors alike.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Ford Mustang GT 500 (1967)
The 1967 Ford Mustang GT500, designed by Shelby, is a symbol of American muscle with its powerful 428-cubic-inch V8 engine. Its bold styling, highlighted by racing stripes and a signature Shelby grille, sets it apart from other cars of its era. Known for its strong performance on both the street and the track, the GT500 continues to capture the hearts of car enthusiasts. Its distinctive appearance and raw power make it a true classic.
As of 2025, the value of a 1967 Shelby GT500 varies depending on condition, with prices ranging from around $120,000 to over $2 million for well-preserved models or those with low mileage. Its scarcity and role in automotive history ensure that it remains highly sought after among collectors.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (1969)
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is a rare performance powerhouse, equipped with a 427-cubic-inch V8 engine capable of producing 430 horsepower. Only 69 units were produced, making it one of the most sought-after and valuable muscle cars on the market today. With its aggressive design and track-ready capabilities, the Camaro ZL1 was designed to outperform its competitors and leave a lasting impact on the muscle car scene.
The most recent assessed value for a 1969 Camaro ZL1 in excellent condition is around $622,000. Its rarity and the combination of its racing heritage and high-performance engine have contributed to its increasing value over time.
Dodge Charger R/T (1969)
The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T is one of the most iconic muscle cars, known for its aggressive stance, distinct grille, and powerful 440-cubic-inch Magnum V8 engine. This car offers a perfect balance of power and design, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors. Its role in American pop culture, especially through The Dukes of Hazzard, only adds to its appeal.
As of 2025, the value of a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T typically ranges between $60,000 and $100,000, with exceptionally restored models commanding even higher prices. Its classic design, coupled with its cultural significance, ensures it remains a highly valuable collector’s car.
Pontiac GTO (1966)
The 1966 Pontiac GTO is credited with starting the muscle car era. With its 389-cubic-inch V8 engine, it offered unparalleled performance for its time. The GTO’s bold design, combined with its raw power, made it an instant classic. It became the benchmark for future muscle cars, representing a perfect combination of speed, style, and affordability.
In 2025, the value of a 1966 Pontiac GTO is typically around $40,000 to $70,000, depending on the car’s condition. This car’s place in automotive history, combined with its legendary status, ensures it remains a valuable piece for collectors.
Shelby GT350 (1965)
The 1965 Shelby GT350 is a performance-oriented muscle car that was created to dominate the racetrack. Featuring a 289-cubic-inch V8 engine, it offered an impressive 271 horsepower, making it a quick and agile car for its time. With its lightweight construction and racing stripes, the GT350 became a symbol of speed and style, representing Carroll Shelby’s passion for motorsports.
The recent assessed value of a 1965 Shelby GT350 in excellent condition is approximately $990,000. Its rarity, combined with its iconic design and racing legacy, makes it one of the most desirable muscle cars among collectors.
Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 (1970)
The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 is a performance monster, equipped with a 454-cubic-inch V8 engine producing 450 horsepower. This muscle car stands out with its aggressive styling, bold lines, and powerful engine, offering thrilling acceleration and road presence. It represents the peak of American muscle during the early 1970s, appealing to collectors who crave both performance and visual impact.
As of 2025, the value of a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 in good condition is typically around $90,000 to $150,000, depending on the car’s condition and provenance. Its powerful engine and iconic status continue to make it one of the most valuable and sought-after muscle cars on the market.
Buick GSX (1970)
The 1970 Buick GSX is a rare gem in the muscle car world, equipped with a 455-cubic-inch V8 engine that generates 360 horsepower. Its bold design, including a distinctive rear spoiler and unique color options, made it stand out in the crowd. With only a few units produced, the GSX has become a highly coveted collector’s car, offering a mix of power, style, and rarity.
The current market value of a 1970 Buick GSX in excellent condition is around $148,000. Its rarity and powerful engine have made it a desirable collector’s item, and well-maintained examples are highly prized in the muscle car community.
Oldsmobile 442 (1969)
The 1969 Oldsmobile 442 is a muscle car that blends performance with comfort, offering a 455-cubic-inch V8 engine that delivers impressive horsepower. Its sleek design, paired with a powerful engine, made it a favorite for those who wanted both speed and luxury. The 442 was built for enthusiasts who appreciated both performance and refinement in their muscle cars.
As of 2025, the value of a 1969 Oldsmobile 442 ranges from $45,000 to $85,000, depending on its condition. Its combination of power, design, and rarity has made it an attractive option for collectors seeking a piece of muscle car history.
Mercury Cougar Eliminator (1969)
The 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator is a high-performance version of the Cougar, featuring a 428-cubic-inch V8 engine that delivers incredible power. Its sleek, fastback design and bold styling set it apart from other muscle cars of its time. The Eliminator was built with performance in mind, offering the perfect blend of speed and visual appeal.
The value of a 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator in good condition is typically between $50,000 and $75,000. Its rarity, combined with its performance capabilities and unique design, makes it a desirable collector’s car. (Note that a 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator is pictured above.)
AMC Javelin (1970)
The 1970 AMC Javelin is a unique muscle car that combines performance with affordability. With its 390-cubic-inch V8 engine, it offered impressive horsepower and a thrilling driving experience. The Javelin’s distinct styling and smaller size compared to other muscle cars of the era made it an appealing choice for those looking for something different.
In 2025, the value of a 1970 AMC Javelin in good condition is typically around $35,000 to $50,000. Its rarity and distinctive appeal continue to make it a sought-after muscle car for collectors who appreciate its performance and unique design.
Dodge Dart GTS (1968)
The 1968 Dodge Dart GTS is a compact muscle car known for its powerful 340-cubic-inch V8 engine. It was built for speed, with a lightweight body that made it one of the most agile muscle cars of its time. The Dart GTS was designed to be a street performer, offering impressive acceleration and handling without the bulk of larger muscle cars.
The value of a 1968 Dodge Dart GTS is typically around $40,000 to $60,000 as of 2025. Its compact size, paired with a powerful engine, ensures that it remains a popular and valuable choice for muscle car enthusiasts.
Plymouth Barracuda (1970)
The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda is an iconic muscle car known for its powerful 440-cubic-inch V8 engine that generates up to 390 horsepower. Its unique design, complete with a fish emblem and aggressive body lines, made it stand out among other muscle cars. The Barracuda represents the peak of the muscle car era and continues to be highly sought after for its performance and styling.
The value of a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda in excellent condition is typically between $75,000 and $100,000. Its iconic status, powerful engine, and bold design have made it a top choice for collectors looking for a piece of muscle car history.
Ford Torino Cobra (1970)
The 1970 Ford Torino Cobra is a powerful muscle car with a 429-cubic-inch V8 engine producing 360 horsepower. Its aggressive styling, including muscular body lines and a distinctive rear spoiler, makes it one of the most visually striking muscle cars of the era. The Torino Cobra was built for speed, offering impressive acceleration and performance.
The value of a 1970 Ford Torino Cobra in good condition is estimated at around $75,000 to $110,000. Its powerful engine and limited production make it a highly desirable collector’s car, with its value continuing to rise as time passes.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.