They're Back- Automakers Wise Up!!

For many years I've been saying that US car makers could make a killing if they brought back some of the classic 60s cars, only put the good new stuff inside them, but keep the design or mimic it.

Looks like someone heard me. Ford has done a great job with the redesigned Mustangs and sales are great. GM is coming back with a new Camaro in 2009. However, I was always more of a Firebird guy, but I can live with its sister. Now Dodge is coming out with a 2008 Challenger. Dodge already has the Charger in the showrooms.

John Fitzpatrick, marketing manager for Camaro and Impala says, "I'm not sure it's a return of muscle cars or a return to a sports car niche." He expects them to attract a wide range of buyers.

The original Muscle Car Era kicked off in 1964 when John DeLorean put a big V-8 in a Pontiac Tempest and created the GTO. I once drove a '67 Tempest (the poor man's GTO) and even that was fast.

Comparisons- 1963.5 Mustang: 170 cid, 6, base price $2,368= 2007 Mustang: 4.6 liter, 300 hp, V8, base price $19,250.

1967 Camaro: 230 cid, 140 hp, 6, base price $2,400= 2009 Camaro: 6-liter, 400 hp, V-8, base price est. $20,000.

1970 Challenger: 340 cid, 275 hp, V-8, base price $2,851= 2008 Challenger: 6.1 liter, 425 hp, V8, base price est. $20,000.

Chicago Tribune April 29- "Muscle Cars They're Baaack" by Jim Mateja- Tribune Auto reporter

Salivating Just Thinking About Them. --RoadDog

THIS DAY IN AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY- 1947- Sweden's Saab company introduced their first vehicle. The 1950 version looked a lot like a VW Beetle.