1970 Maximum Muscle: The Pinnacle of Muscle Car Power

In 1970, the American muscle car reached its peak with powerful and stunning machines, but factors such as gasoline shortages, rising fuel prices, insurance-industry bean counters, ecological concerns, and new fuel-efficient imports led to its decline. 1970 Maximum Muscle explores the factors that led to the decline and details some of the new models and model options that made 1970 the climax of the muscle car era.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: Motorbooks International

In the vibrant decade of 1970, the American muscle car reached its apex of speed and audacity. However, the curtains were drawing close, signaling the imminent end of an era. 1970 Maximum Muscle takes a thrilling dive into the tumultuous storm before the serene calm. Whether you trace the origins of the muscle car era to Oldsmobiles 1949 Rocket 88, Chryslers 1951 FirePower engines, or the iconic 1964 Pontiac GTO, one undeniable fact remains: in 1970, the era that had showcased a parade of gloriously powerful, stylish, and brawny cars capable of igniting the hearts of even the most impartial individuals reached its twilight. Gasoline shortages, soaring fuel prices, insurance-industry bean counters, growing ecological concerns, and the arrival of new, more fuel-efficient imports combined to write an unflattering chapter for the American muscle car. Yet, amidst this decline, 1970 witnessed the zenith of the cars themselves. Manufacturers unleashed their full potential, crafting the most powerful and stunning machines the automotive world had ever seen. 1970 Maximum Muscle delves not only into the factors that contributed to the decline of the most exhilarating era in the American automotive industry but also highlights some of the new models and model options that arguably made 1970 the pinnacle of the muscle car era from engineering, styling, and cultural perspectives. As the titanic battle between General Motors (GM), Ford, Chrysler, and AMC unfolded at dealerships, drag strips, and drive-ins, eager gearheads embarked on exhilarating journeys in formidable behemoths such as the Buick GSX, Oldsmobile 4-4-2, and Ford Torino Cobra. Muscle car icons like the SS Chevelle, Pontiac GTO, and Plymouth Cuda became available with optional LS-6, Stage 1, and Hemi engines, respectively. Manufacturers simultaneously heightened the advertising hyperbole, offering performance packages adorned with evocative names like "Six-Pack," "Ram Air," and "Cobra Jet," while adding stylish spoilers to their offerings.

Weight: 1166g
Dimension: 357 x 284 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780760366783