20 Muscle Cars That Made History

A muscle car by definition is a standard intermediate sized two door sedan with an optional performance package. Most credit the Goat with that distinction but I beg to differ.

The '55 300's were full size sedans, and while impressive with the Hemi, they don't fit the definition. IMO the first muscle car offered as a complete package of engine, drivetrain and upgraded brakes and suspension is the '56 Fury.

The standard Plymouth V8 engine was a 260ci 4bbl V8, but with the Fury you got the Canadian designed 303 4bbl, or later in the year the 303 with 2-4bbls, special air cleaners, even hotter cam, higher compression etc. became available as well. Upgraded brakes, suspension and drivetrain in a "mid-sized" car.

You also got a factory 6000 rpm tach, Fury only interior and Fury trim that set the car apart from Granny's 6 banger Plaza.