The Most Expensive Muscle Cars Of All Time

A Rapid Look

Muscle cars are big, bad, and beautiful. First popular in the 1960s, many of these performance cars with attitude attract top dollars. We’ll look at the more expensive muscle cars, some stratospherically so, others more reasonable. Get ready for some “speed reading”!

Ford Shelby Cobra 260 CSX2000 (1962)

Famed car designer Carroll Shelby’s prototype put a 260 ci V8 Ford engine in a lightweight English sports car, the AC Ace. Interest was high at the auction, as this is the car that would spark a series of Shelby Cobra production models throughout the 1960s and beyond.

1962 Shelby Cobra Mk I 260 car on display at an exhibition Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ford Shelby Cobra 260 CSX2000 (1962)

And the CSX2000 did not disappoint, redlining to $13.75 million, a record for a muscle car. And it really was one of a kind, despite Shelby’s habit of repainting it different colors in the early days. He wanted the press to think he’d built up a fleet of these amazing Shelby Cobras.

A close-up photo of a Shelby AC Cobra, CSX2000 car on display at an exhibition Jaydec, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Shelby Cobra 427 “Super Snake” (1966/1967)

Some time in 1967, Shelby took a 1966 Cobra Competition roadster and latched on dual Paxton superchargers and an automatic transmission. This super-rare car sold for a hammer (pre-fee) price of $5.5 million in 2007 and 2021, with a dip to $5.1 million at a sale in 2015.

Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake car on display at an exhibition SOLD! - Carroll Shelby's Super Snake - BARRETT-JACKSON 2021 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION, Barrett-Jackson

Shelby Cobra 427 “Super Snake” (1966/1967)

Owned by Shelby until his death in 2012, the 800-hp CSX 3015 (as it was coded) was his personal car that he took on tours. It was once referred to as “The Cobra to end all Cobras,” but there used to be another Super Snake, whose powerful engine might have ended that Cobra.

Screenshot of a Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake car in motion FIRST LOOK - 1966 Shelby

Shelby Cobra 427 S/C (1966)

The only other Super Snake ever was tagged the CSX 3303. Its original owner, Bill Cosby, returned the car after just one drive, perhaps unnerved by its 200-mph max speed. The next owner ended up in the Pacific Ocean, perhaps the victim of the Snake’s overpowered engine.

1966 Shelby Cobra 427 car on display at an exhibition TaurusEmerald, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Shelby GT350R (1965)

The “Flying Mustang” is a Mustang tweaked for the racetrack. Put up for sale was the first of two prototypes Shelby created, which was driven to racing victory in Texas by designer and driver Ken Miles. With that pedigree, it’s no surprise the winning bid galloped all the way to $3.85 million.

A close-up photo of a Shelby GT350R (car on display at an exhibition Michael Gil, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Shelby GT350R (1965)

Only 36 of the vehicles were made. Designed to beat Corvettes in SCCA races, the GT350R could reach 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds, and do a quarter mile in 13.6 seconds. A race where Miles got all four wheels off the ground would give the car its “Flying Mustang” nickname.

A close-up photo of a Shelby GT350R 1965 car on display at an exhibition Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Corvette L88 (1967)

Chevrolet made just 20 examples of this limited run, aiming the Corvette L88 at die-hard racing enthusiasts who would appreciate the 7-liter 427 V8 engine with a real-world peak of 574 horsepower. In 2014, one of only 16 units still around sold for an enthusiastic $3.85 million.

Chevrolet Corvette L88 1967 car on display at an exhibition Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Corvette L88 (1967)

As a street-legal racing car, the L88 could make its mark both on and off the racetrack. Called the “crown jewel of Corvettes,” the L88 had a limited run of just 20 vehicles, and one auctioned example was particularly rare: the only one made with a red/red interior/exterior color combo.

A close-up photo of a Chevrolet Corvette L88 1967 car on display at an exhibition sv1ambo, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible (1970)

It’s great that the Hemi is a terrific performance car, but in the world of supply and demand, being rare definitely helps the price too. Only 11 ‘Cuda convertibles were built for 1970, so scarcity plus the powerful Hemi engine helped drive one example’s auction price to $3.5 million.

1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible car on display at an exhibition Pokemonprime, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible (1970)

The 7-liter Hemi engine could put out 425 hp, with the high-performance car offering deft handling and very competitive power. Each unit offered unique trim, color, or transmission, making it a collector’s dream. High insurance premiums could be a problem, though.

1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible car on display at an exhibition Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible (1971)

While an older model fetched $3.5 million, this 1971 unit scored only $2.2 million. Again there’s a 7-liter V8 engine offering 425 hp, and again scarcity is a factor, with just a dozen units sold. Also, this unit was one of only three that came with a factory-installed Hurst Pistol Grip shifter.

Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible 1971 car on display at an exhibition Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible (1971)

The ‘Cuda began modestly as the Barracuda in 1964, when Plymouth was trying to compete with the long-established Corvette and the soon-to-be-launched Ford Mustang. Plymouth’s pony car really took off only in the 1969 racing season thanks to Hurst Performance’s work on them.

Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible 1971 car on display at an exhibition Greg Gjerdingen, USA, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible (1970)

Dodge made just nine of these convertibles in 1970, which explains why one of them sold for $1.65 million. The base model featured a 6.3-liter Magnum V8 producing 300 hp, but upgrades went up to 425 hp with a 426 Hemi. And the speedometer went up to 150 mph (240 km/h).

Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible 1970 car on display at an exhibition Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible (1970)

Convertibles cost more than hardtops due to the structural strengthening required, so combining that premium with the most expensive Hemi motor points to why only nine in this configuration were sold that year. And air conditioning was not an option—but hey, it’s a convertible!

Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible 1970 car on display at an exhibition Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dodge Charger Daytona (1969)

Designed to dazzle NASCAR with its superior airflow, the Charger Daytona sported a unique rear wing and an unusually pointy front end. Its 426 Hemi V8 engine ensured the car got up to speed and darted off. It definitely catches the eye, as does the winning bid of $1.32 million.

A close-up photo of a Dodge Charger Daytona 1969 car on display at an exhibition Jeremy, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dodge Charger Daytona (1969)

The previous year’s Dodge Charger 500 failed to rack up the wins, so Dodge came up with an “aero-car” that won six races total in 1969 and 1970. Buddy Baker was in a Charger Daytona in 1970 when he became the first driver ever to break 200 mph (322 km/h) in a NASCAR race.

A close-up photo of a Dodge Charger Daytona 1969 car on display at an exhibition Jeremy, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 (1970)

Top of the line for Chevrolet’s muscle cars was the LS6, renowned for its powerful 450-hp engine. Fewer than 20 in the convertible category are still around. In 2006, one of them sold for around $1.2 million, but could only reach $260,000 when auctioned again in 2009.

Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 1970 car on display at an exhibition Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 (1970)

Production documentation is spotty, but it seems 4,475 LS6 Chevelles were produced, all for the 1970 model year, though subgroup numbers aren’t known. With paperwork hard to come by, fake LS6 vehicles abound, making it even harder for the dedicated collector to find the real gem.

Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 1970 car on display at an exhibition Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible (1970)

Again it’s the battle of the specs, as only seven examples in 1970 were fitted with a Ram Air IV engine and automatic transmission, out of 40,000 total units made. In 2023, the Judge reached a verdict of $1.1 million at auction, with a factory-installed eight-track thrown in at no extra cost.

1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible at a local car show. Gestalt Imagery, Shutterstock

Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible (1970)

The Ram Air IV engine offers 370 horsepower and an impressive 500 pound-feet’s worth of torque, so the power steering and power front disc brakes, again all factory installed, should come in handy. And the Orbit Orange paint job will ensure your new purchase gets noticed.

Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible 1970 car on display at an exhibition 1970 GTO Judge Ram Air IV Convertible. 1 of 7 produced, scott warnick

Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1 (1969)

Likely the best Chevrolet muscle car ever, only 69 ZL-1 Camaros were built in ‘69. Cue the $1.1 million winning bid in 2020, and the proud owner can admire the lightweight aluminum 427 ci big-block V8 cranking out an unofficial 500 hp before heading to the nearest dragstrip.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1969 car on display at an exhibition Mustang Joe, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1 (1969)

The ZL-1 could go from zero to 60 in around 5.3 seconds and do a quarter-mile in just over 13 seconds. This power package was not to be repeated in later model years, adding to the model’s appeal. However, maybe skip the long road trips. Performance beats comfort here.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1969 car on display at an exhibition Jeremy, Wikimedia Commons

Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR (1968)

There’s no false humility when “KR” stands for “King Of The Road,” and the 1968 model was the first to come with a Ford 428 “Cobra Jet” FE engine, a V8 rated at 335 hp, but in the real world putting out more than 400 hp. In 2025, a fastback sold for $495,000, a record for this model.

Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR 1968 car on display at an exhibition Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR (1968)

Also available as a convertible, the KR offered stylish features such as a more prominent front grill and air scoops. Only around 1,400 of the 1968 models were sold. But don’t get too alarmed by that high sale price. It seems to be an outlier, with $200,000 closer to the average.

Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR 1968 car on display at an exhibition Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 (1966)

Though a 1970 example sold for $1.2 million, the period from 1966 to 1970 is filled with popular models featuring front fenders jutting ahead, redline tires, and blackout grill. Only 100 units of the 1966 Chevelle SS 396 were produced, with one example selling for $168,000 in 2023.

Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 1966 car on display at an exhibition Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 (1966)

The SS 396 offered various 6.5-liter V8 engine options, ranging from 325 hp to 375 hp. Buyers could choose between coupes and convertibles, and could admire the simulated hood scoops, sturdier suspension than earlier years, and tires with red stripes—plus lots of bright trim.

Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 1966 car on display at an exhibition Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dodge Charger R/T (1968–1970)

The 1968 model featured in Bullitt’s famous chase scene (the bad guys were driving it), the 1969 model was among the cars in The Dukes of Hazzard, and the 1970 model shows up in the Fast and Furious films. Prices average $100,000, but a 1970 model fetched $352,000 in 2021.

A close-up photo of a 1968 Dodge Charger R-T car on display at an exhibition Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dodge Charger R/T (1968–1970)

The R/T version (“road/track”) offered a 440 ci V8 that put out 375 hp, but you could supersize it to a 426 ci Hemi engine producing 425 hp. Either option was a clear improvement on the base model’s 235 hp. But whatever the configuration, the Charger was definitely pretty to look at.

A close-up photo of a 1970 Dodge Charger R-T car in motion Reinhold Möller, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Pontiac GTO “Goat” (1965)

Pontiac’s GTO lineup didn’t make a splash in the muscle car market until the 1965 “Goat” rocked the field. It did zero to 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds, and helped speed the interest in muscle cars across the US. Winning bids range from $32,500 to $132,000 nowadays.

Pontiac GTO “Goat” 1965 car on display at an exhibition JOHN LLOYD, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chrysler Turbine Car (1963)

Chrysler produced 55 units of this test car that never got the greenlight for full production. Its two-stage A-831 turbine engine could run on gasoline, kerosene, or jet fuel. The President of Mexico even got it to run on tequila. Jay Leno is one of just two private collectors who own one.

A close-up photo of a 1963 Chrysler Turbine car on display at an exhibition Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Pontiac Bonneville (1957)

Pontiac produced just 650 units of its initial foray into the performance-car world. The Bonneville’s fuel-injected 347 ci V8 engine put out 310 hp, and the interior was eye-catching, with avant-garde features such as power windows and seats. Prices average around $120,000.

A close-up photo of a 1957 Pontiac Bonneville car on display at an exhibition MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dodge Hemi Coronet WO23 (1967)

Only 55 of these specialized drag racing cars were put up for sale. A 426 ci Hemi V8 engine offered 425 hp, and the WO23 incorporated a lightweight suspension and torsion bars to improve drag performance. They’re rare, with one selling for $102,000 at a 2015 auction.

1967 Dodge WO23 Street Hemi Coronet car on display at an exhibition TaurusEmerald, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Plymouth Road Runner (1969)

Starting in 1968, Plymouth courted a younger crowd with a $3,000 (and up) car that honked like a certain cartoon character. The 1969 convertible is a collector’s favorite, as only 2,200 units were produced. One sold for $38,500 in 2024, and the next year, a seller hoped to get $63,000.

Plymouth Road Runner 1969 car on display at an exhibition Joe Ross, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Buick GSX (1970)

Featuring the body of the Buick Skylark and a serious engine upgrade, the 1970 model had a 7.5-liter engine offering (with tweaks) 400 horsepower. It could cover a quarter-mile in under 14 seconds, and came in just two colors. Resale prices vary, but average around $125,000.

A close-up photo of a Buick GSX 1970 car on display at an exhibition nakhon100, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Oldsmobile 442 (1971)

The L69 option, sold only in 1971, is particularly favored by muscle car fans. A hotter camshaft and better carburetors helped get the motor to 360 hp, and smoother suspension made hitting the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds easier to take. As for the price, how’s $50,000 to $150,000?

A close-up photo of a 1971 Oldsmobile 442 car parked in a parking lot dave_7, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Price To Be Paid

High performance with sleek but sturdy aesthetics launched the muscle car into the world of drag and road racing, “democratizing” it by letting more people compete. But time will tell if an electric future and rising resale values muscle out these cars for most fans on the road ahead.

A close-up photo of a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner car parked in a parking lot GPS 56, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ford Mustang GT 390 “Bullitt” (1968)

Steve McQueen co-starred with a dark green GT 390 in the 1968 film Bullitt. In the process, he launched the model into American pop culture, particularly thanks to a pivotal chase scene. In 2020, the iconic car sold for $3.4 million, with auction fees pushing the total to $3.74 million.

Ford Mustang GT 390 “Bullitt” 1968 car on display at an exhibition David Merrett, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ford Mustang GT 390 “Bullitt” (1968)

The fastback pony car featured a 390 ci V8 delivering 325 hp, powering an enlarged chassis introduced the year before. The car for the movie had several modifications that McQueen insisted on—rumor has it that he threw a fit when the stock car couldn't keep up with the Dodge Charger that was also featured in the film. Bizarrely, the very car that McQueen drove disappeared for decades before reappearing in 2018, the 50th anniversary of the movie that gave it such a boost.