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Total Car Score Names Top 10 Classic Muscle Cars


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The increasing price of vintage models is raising the value of modern muscle cars

LOS ANGELES--Sept. 25, 2012: Total Car Score, the most comprehensive automotive ranking and comparison website, has identified the Top 10 Classic Muscle Cars. The site has also identified 10 modern-era muscle cars that offer excellent performance capabilities at a much lower cost, as well as the potential to be future classics.

Additional analysis and muscle car photos, both classic and modern, are available on the Total Car Score site.

"We're seeing a general rise in auction and listing prices of classic muscle cars as market interest in these models picks up," said Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief of Total Car Score. "Rare older models, in original or properly restored condition, are increasing in value even as the general economy continues to struggle. At the same time, the capability of modern muscle cars has skyrocketed over the past 12 years. For value seekers, several models produced between 2000 and 2010 offer excellent performance at a relatively low purchase price."

As the 2012 automotive auction season winds down Total Car Score has identified the following classic American muscle cars that not only represented the pinnacle of automotive performance when new but also offer strong market value today. Vintage car collectors consider these must-have muscle cars, which is undoubtedly driving up their prices.


Model

Market Value

1.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

$425,000

2.

1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda

$425,000

3.

1969 Dodge Hemi Charger Daytona

$400,000

4.

1969 Ford Boss 429 Mustang

$220,000

5.

1968 Ford Mustang GT500KR

$130,000

6.

1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV

$80,000

7.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6

$75,000

8.

1970 Buick GSX Stage 1

$75,000

9.

1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SD455

$75,000

10.

1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30

$35,000

For buyers who prefer American muscle cars that can also turn and stop, the last decade has seen an explosion in V8, rear-wheel-drive capabilities. The following 10 models are between 3 and 12 years old. This means they are selling for far less than their original MSRP and represent excellent value in modern muscle car performance.


Model

Market Value

1.

2000 Ford Mustang Cobra R

$30,000

2.

2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS-6

$21,000

3.

2004 Mercury Marauder

$15,000

4.

2006 Pontiac GTO

$16,000

5.

2007 Dodge Charger Super Bee

$22,000

6.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8

$27,000

7.

2008 Dodge Magnum SRT-8

$18,000

8.

2009 Ford Mustang Bullitt

$25,000

9.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

$30,000

10.

2010 Chrysler 300 SRT-8

$25,000