| I thought it would make sense to answer the big | | | | models came in many different fantastic colors |
| question that seems to come up more often than | | | | and paint schemes. Do take note that a |
| not when shopping for a muscle car: just how | | | | particular model of car may be EXTREMELY |
| do I buy a muscle car anyway? For some, | | | | different from year to year (a 1966 Charger vs a |
| there's not a lot to it – it's just love at first | | | | 1971 Charger, for example). |
| sight, a price is agreed upon, and the car has a | | | | Step 2) From the previous step, you may be |
| new owner. For others, it can be a bit more | | | | interested in a half dozen to a dozen models at |
| intimidating. | | | | this point. Now it's time to do a little more |
| We'll assume that you're starting at the ground | | | | homework and see what trim levels, engine |
| floor and have decided to buy a muscle car as an | | | | combinations, and the like were available on those |
| investment and for enjoyment, but don't have a | | | | cars. Start with the Make and Model page in our |
| lot of experience or historical knowledge of the | | | | Resource Vault and then move on to automotive |
| muscle car era. We'll also assume that you want | | | | magazines (Hot Rod Magazine, Super Chevy, |
| to really personally like the car you plan to buy | | | | Mustang Monthly, etc.). These magazines will be |
| and that you're not simply planning to buy it | | | | plentiful at your local shopping center, library, and |
| based on it’s investment potential only. Now | | | | so forth. Nothing will beat the benefit of seeing |
| what? | | | | these cars first hand though, so attending a local |
| The best method period in determining the make | | | | car show is an absolute must – and try to hit |
| and model of car you want is to first start looking | | | | a big one (like a Good Guys show) if you can. |
| at all of the options available. GM, Ford, Chrysler, | | | | Step 3) After completing the first two steps, it's |
| and AMC all made some incredible muscle cars | | | | time to get more specific. You've likely whittled |
| during the 1960's and '70's, and they all had their | | | | the list down to 2-3 at this point, and now it's |
| own style. Go through these steps to clarify the | | | | time to start looking at those cars, and only |
| car of your dreams. Remember – there is a | | | | those cars. Look again through the Classifieds |
| muscle car out there for you….and it’s been | | | | section of The MuscleCar Place, and hit the other |
| waiting a long time for you to find it! | | | | online sites as well. Look for color combinations |
| Step 1) Begin looking through the Classifieds | | | | of cars that you like, taking specific note of the |
| listings of cars here at The MuscleCar Place and | | | | options they have or don't have. If you're a |
| on other sites as well. The more you see, the | | | | stick shift guy and you plan on keeping the car |
| better. Take note of the shapes you like first. | | | | original, only look at manual transmission cars. |
| Nothing more. See which one grabs your fancy | | | | The same goes for engine combination, wheels |
| and jot it down. Having a lot on your list at this | | | | tires, etc – even paint colors can be changed |
| point is a good thing. Look at the stance of the | | | | if you're not inclined to keep the car original. |
| car. Look at it from every angle – not just | | | | Revert back to the Make and Model page in The |
| the front. Do you like cars with bulging fenders, | | | | Resource Vault if you need more details or get |
| or do you prefer something a little straighter? | | | | lost in things that seem similar but aren't (as an |
| Do you like something that looks like a race car, | | | | example, Chevy made 3 different versions of |
| or a street car? Do you dig hidden headlights? | | | | their big-block 396 ci engine). If a particular |
| Take note of all of these factors. Don't get too | | | | couple of cars keep coming up (or that you keep |
| hung up on the colors at this point, as almost all | | | | coming back to), that's a good thing. |