While the thought of owning a muscle car is enough to get most gearheads’ motors running, these few models just aren’t worth the hassle.
When naming American cars, most gearheads immediately think of popular muscle car models like the Pontiac GTO, Ford Mustang, and Dodge Challenger. That’s not by accident, as muscle cars have been popular across the US and the world at large since the ’60s.
Although automakers are still producing muscle cars to date, it’s undeniable that they are not as popular as they used to be and that options are limited. As such, you’ll have to get a used muscle car if you don’t fancy any of the options still being produced today. However, before you start shopping for one, it’s important to know which models to avoid at all costs.
10. 1982 Chevrolet Camaro Iron Duke
1982 was an exciting year for Camaro fans, as gearheads were finally getting a new generation after a disappointing second-generation model. Unfortunately, everyone was disappointed when the third-generation Camaro finally debuted.
Although it had a new design, the 1982 Camaro was equipped with a small Iron Duke four-cylinder engine producing less than 100 hp. It took almost 20 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph, making it one of the worst performance cars of the ’80s.
9. 2006-10 Dodge Charger SE
In 2005, Dodge caused a huge wave of excitement when it announced that it would be reviving the Charger after a 20-year hiatus. However, not many were impressed when they saw the new charger, as it was an ugly four-door sedan.
Things got even worse for those who bought the entry-level ‘SE’ version. Equipped with a 2.7-liter V6 making less than 200 hp, the Charger SE wasn’t a muscle car in many gearheads’ eyes.
8. 1975 Ford Maverick Grabber
The Mustang is Ford’s most famous muscle car model, but it wasn’t the only one. Ford had many muscle car models on offer for different markets. The Maverick Grabber is one of them, but many gearheads don’t remember it as it was a failure.
The Maverick Grabber was built in the late ’60s and was intended to be a cheaper alternative for gearheads who couldn’t afford the popular Mustang. Early models were quite popular, but by the mid-’70s, the Maverick Grabber had lost all its power.
7. 1994 Ford Mustang Base
Ford has been producing the Mustang since 1964, and with its popularity still high, it will likely be around for many years to come. With so many generations, model years, and versions, there are bound to be several bad Mustang models. The 1994 Base Mustang is one of them.
Although it was a new generation model, the 1994 Mustang was still using an outdated Fox platform. To make matters worse, it was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 generating a measly 145 hp.
6. 1980 Dodge Aspen R/T
The Aspen R/T almost changed Chrysler’s fortunes in the ’80s. For one, it was among the best-looking muscle cars of the day. It also had some decent power despite being built during the horrible malaise era.
Unfortunately, Chrysler was facing financial challenges at the time and had to cut many corners during the Aspen R/T’s development process. As a result, the Aspen R/T had many build quality and reliability issues.
5. Mercury Montego GT
Mercury doesn’t exist these days, but it used to be among the top American automakers of the 20th century. Mercury built several awful cars during its lifetime, one of which was the Montego GT.
Produced in the early ’70s, the Montego GT was initially a hit thanks to its stylish design and range of V8 engines. Unfortunately, the Montego GT had a huge problem—rusting. It’s almost impossible to find a rust-free example of this car.
4. 1982 Pontiac Firebird
The ’82 Firebird has lots of positives. It had a superb design and was quite a hit in Hollywood, landing a vital role as the original K.I.T.T in Knight Rider.
The only reason we’ve included the 1982 Firebird on this list is its engine. Just like the aforementioned 1982 Camaro, the 1982 Firebird was equipped with a 2.5-liter Iron Duke engine making just 90 hp. Calling this car slow is an understatement.
3. 1977 Plymouth Volaré Road Runner
The Road Runner was extremely popular during its production run, helping Plymouth put up a strong fight against the top muscle cars of the day. The Road Runner would probably have helped Plymouth stay in business for long, but one version ruined its name and led to its discontinuation—the Volaré.
Although the Volaré had ‘Road Runner’ in its name, it didn’t feel like the muscle car gearheads had fallen in love with. It also suffered from the build quality and reliability issues that plagued Chrysler vehicles at the time.
2. 1977 Chevrolet Monza Mirage
In 1977, Chevy hired Michigan Auto Techniques to create a body modification package for the Monza in an effort to boost sales. The result was the one-year-only Monza “Mirage” package, which had an eye-catching design featuring a white paint job with racing stripes, a special spoiler, and flared body panels.
Although the Monza Mirage looked cool, it had one big problem—it was based on the Chevrolet Vega, which is considered to be one of the most unreliable GM cars ever made.
- 1980 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo
In 1980, strict emission restrictions forced Pontiac to do away with all its large-displacement engines. To compensate, buyers of the 1980 Firebird could buy one with a turbocharged V8 engine.
Although the 1980 Firebird did have a turbocharger, it didn’t provide a noticeable boost in the power department. The car was so slow that the producers of Smokey and The Bandit II had to use Nitrous Oxide to achieve the desired speed. Also, since turbocharging technology was fairly new at the time, the 1980 Trans Am Turbo also had many reliability issues.
10 Best Bang-For-The Buck Used Muscle Cars On The Used Market
We compile 10 amazing used muscle car deals, each offering the very best of performance and thrills in their price range.
At some point in our lives, we have probably all wanted a classic muscle car, or indeed a muscle car in general. But one thing has probably put us off them more than any other: their price. With so many iconic muscle cars and so many that are getting that bit rarer year after year, the costs will inevitably go up. And modern examples really do not come cheap, even if they are more affordable than most supercars and sports cars.
But does it have to be like that? It might seem crazy, but there are some fantastically priced muscle cars out there that are within easy purchase for a lot of people, who perhaps want a powerful muscle car on a budget. You might say that you can get your bang for your buck with them, and not something a bit overpriced. This list features 10 amazing used muscle cars that offer the best possible performance and thrills in their price range.
10/10
1971 Ford Torino GT
The Ford Torino might not get the recognition of the Mustang, nor have lasted that long as a muscle car. But despite that, it is still an authentic muscle car and one of the few classics out there that won’t break the bank, potentially costing just $12,000.
The high-performance GT version was top of the tree and could be powered by bigger engines such as the 429 ci V8 that produces a fantastic 370 hp. There is plenty to look out for when buying a Torino GT, and it is one of the best classic muscle cars money can buy.
9/10
1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
Somehow, it feels like Camaros of this generation don’t get the attention they deserve. Named after the International Race of Champions, the IROC-Z of 1990 was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that peaked at 245 hp, with some examples going for $10,000 and is not too shabby condition either.
Plus, the styling of the car still looks quite modern even to this day and is surely one of the most popular iterations of the third-generation Camaro.
8/10
2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Surely, the 2020 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is one of the most underrated muscle cars of its day. With a value of $11,500 and a V8 engine that produces 310 hp, how can you go wrong?
The 2002 edition is of course a fourth-generation Firebird, and therefore the last generation of Firebird. Plenty of trim packages and special editions were available and it’s arguable it looked much cooler than the Corvette and Camaro of the time.
7/10
2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Throughout its long history, the Chevrolet Camaro has had quite a checkered life with some models being better than others. However, there is nothing wrong with the 2014 Camaro ZL1.
How can you complain about a 580-hp V8 engine in a car that costs less than $30,000 and an engine that is supercharged as well? It might sound like a safe choice, but a used Camaro is a great bang for your buck muscle car.
6/10
2009 Ford Mustang Bullitt
Everyone loves a good Ford Mustang, with various special editions being made over the years. No matter what generation, the Mustang always seems to be able to captivate the muscle car world. The 2009 Bullitt Mustang is certainly no exception to that rule, with its V8 engine producing roughly 315 hp.
Some examples can go for a pretty solid price, potentially being as affordable as $15,000. Maybe this Mustang isn’t on everyone’s radar, but it is one to look out for.
5/10
2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Chevrolet is going to have more than one Camaro feature on this list. Possibly one of the very best bang-for-the-buck muscle cars is the 2015 Chevy Camaro SS.
With the coupe version sporting a mighty 426-hp V8 engine, the fact that this car can be bought for as little as $15,000 makes it a bit of a bargain. Still fast and powerful in 2021 and with that glorious muscle car V8 soundtrack we all know and love.
4/10
2006 Pontiac GTO
It might seem a bit odd to put the 2006 GTO on the list, especially as you could just call it a rebadged Holden Monaro. But that belied how solid the Monaro was, and the value for money that comes with a 2006 GTO.
Its V8 engine produces 400 hp, which is certainly nothing to cry about. And when they can now be bought for around $12,000, that’s not bad value for money at all. Perhaps quite the underrated muscle car.
3/10
1969 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ
What isn’t to love about a car called the Grand Prix? Given this car is from the 1960s it might sound odd that it can feature on this list.
But that 428 ci V8 engine produces 390 hp, in a car that can be bought for under $25,000. For a car that looks as good as this and is quite collectible, that’s not bad.
2/10
2014 Ford Mustang GT
The Mustang GT is here for very good reason. When space is so vital in modern-day cars, the Mustang GT provides plenty of it despite being a fully-fledged muscle car. The 2014 version comes with 420 hp, plenty to satisfy your muscle car cravings.
A dual exhaust and 18-inch wheels certainly make the thing stand out, and what’s more, you will be owning a Mustang, one of the coolest names ever created. What could be better than that?
1/10
1999 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT
The Fox Body generation of the Ford Mustang doesn’t really get the attention it deserves. When a lot of cars at the time could look quite drab and dull, the Cobra SVT Mustang really did not.
The 1999 SVTs could produce 320 hp from their V8 engine and with a value of $11,200 today that represents a great bang for your buck. Powerful, fast, and very good-looking.
The 10.4-Liter Chevy Crate Engine In The COPO Camaro Is Simply Insane
This insane 10.4L COPO-powering mammoth is by far the largest factory-built V8 crate engine the United States has ever seen.
If you spend a great deal of time scouring for parts and lusting after high-capacity engines, General Motors’ latest COPO build might be of interest to you. For one, it houses the largest V8 engine Chevrolet has put in a car, albeit non-street legal. And two, the 10.4L naturally-aspirated behemoth is by far the largest factory-built crate engine the United States has ever seen.
Big claims. However, there’s more. Chevrolet Performance has brought their A-game when designing the 10.4L ZZ632 engine. Of course, the 632 in its name stands for the displacement in cubic inches. But if that didn’t excite you, wait till you hear the power output—1,004 raw American horses. That’s more horsepower than Mopar’s Hellephant supercharged V8.
But what makes it even better is that the 1,000-plus horsepower and 876 lb-ft of torque are available with pump gas. Ladies and gentlemen, GM’s ZZ632 crate engine has no hesitation gulping down 93-octane fuel while spitting out monstrous power figures.
The largest and most powerful engine in Chevy’s history sits atop the brand’s crate hierarchy as the king of performance. Let’s take a closer look at this insane COPO-powering mammoth of an engine, now available to order for 2023.
Witness The Birth Of America’s Largest V8 Crate Engine
It’s hilarious that in times like these, GM’s flipping off every environmentalist by showcasing what is possibly the most wasteful yet electrifying (no pun intended) reveal of this decade. Although, a similar kind of emotion was seen during the unveiling of the 572 cu.in or 9.4L naturally-aspirated V8—the previous big daddy of Chevy’s crate lineup.
The two engines, however, share a few things in common. The ZZ632’s iron block shares a mold with Chevrolet’s ZZ572 crate engine, but the castings are machined to accommodate the massive 632-cubic-inch displacement. Also, engineers bored the 632 engine by 0.04 inches and increased the stroke length by about four-tenths of an inch.
Compared to the 572, the ZZ632 has few other mods to accommodate the added stroke and improve reliability. Engineers modified the block and the connecting rods, adding four-bolt main caps and a forged rotating assembly to ensure strength and durability.
Peak power and torque, as mentioned, are otherworldly. The 1,004 horsepower and 876 lb-ft of thrust are incremental upgrades over the ZZ572’s 727 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque. According to GM, the Big Block V-8 reaches peak power at 6,600 rpm and revs to a recommended maximum of 7,000 rpm.
The engine also features symmetrical ports, both on the intake and exhaust side. This symmetry ensures individual cylinders all produce similar power. While Big Blocks have traditionally been designed with variations in port shape from cylinder to cylinder, all eight intake ports of the ZZ632 have the same length, volume, and layout. Similarly, all of the exhaust ports are identical in their dimensions.
The 10.4L ZZ632-powered Camaro Should Deliver Insane Quarter-mile Times
The COPO Camaro with the 572 engine can run the quarter mile in about eight seconds or thereabouts, indicating the possibility of mid-seven-second runs in the 632-equipped Chevy Camaro. Is that realistically possible? Why not? Since the supercharged 350 COPO set a time of 7.7 seconds, it’s not impossible for the more powerful ZZ632 Camaro to time a sub-7.6 second run. The latter happens to be the current factory stock NHRA record set by a Dodge Challenger Drag Pak in 2022.
For a while, the Dodge Drag Pak has been the car to beat in factory stock classes at the NHRA. We won’t be surprised if Chevy sets a new record, given that the ZZ632 is far more powerful and the Camaro is an excellent platform with an established history.
In terms of pricing, the ZZ632 big-block V8 crate engine costs nearly $38,000. That’s a significant chunk of money for an engine. But perhaps an alternative in the form of the COPO ZZ632 would be of interest. After all, if you can buy the latest and greatest at a discount, why would you hesitate?
The ZZ632 COPO Camaro is more affordable than the COPO with the supercharged 350. Prices for the ZZ632-equipped Camaro start at $135,900, whereas the supercharged 350 starts at $141,225. For a factory-built drag racer, that’s not particularly absurd, considering the 2021 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak started at over $140,000.
Yes, $135k for a Camaro might seem super-expensive, but bear in mind this is the ZZ632 COPO Camaro, a non-street legal racer built specifically for straight-line abuse. This is among the rare cars you take ownership of without a VIN number, housing an engine the size of a medium-sized mountain. For context, a single cylinder in the 10.4L ZZ632 is the same size as the entire engine in a top-trim Chevy Trailblazer.
Source: Chevrolet
Tim Allen’s 1968 COPO Camaro 427 Is A Burnout Monster
As far as custom restorations go, Tim Allen’s 1968 COPO Camaro is as good as it gets, says Jay Leno without a hint of hesitation.
Hollywood is full of celebrities with fancy car collections, but very few can honestly call themselves “car people.” Tim Allen, on the contrary, belongs to that rare class of people and is the sort of person you’d call a genuine petrolhead.
Allen has been into cars his whole life and is incredibly knowledgeable about them. He has a stunning car collection to his name and is in possession of several icons. Some of the notable standouts include a one-of-a-kind Cadillac DeVille DTSi, a 1986 Ford RS200, a 1966 Mustang GT350H, a 1968 COPO Camaro 427, and many more. Our discussion, however, focuses on the COPO Camaro, in particular.
This top-tier Chevrolet muscle car is a special commission by Tim Allen with help from Bodie Stroud, Classic Industries, and Detroit Speed and Engineering. What we can confidently say about Tim’s Camaro is that it’s the perfect combination of old-school American muscle with modern precision technology.
On top of that, his 1968 COPO Camaro is a well-presented automobile. Sensors and wire harnesses are tucked away so that everything looks simple and neat under the hood. Tim’s Camaro 427 celebrates simplicity with clean lines, a new LS7 engine, and all forms of modern chassis technology. Let’s take a closer look at this burnout monster.
Let’s Dive Into The 1968 COPO Camaro’s Specifics
Before we get started, we ought to mention that Tim’s Camaro isn’t actually a factory COPO build. If you didn’t know, COPO stands for Central Office Production Order, which in the ‘60s, was used by people with connections at the top to special order Camaros with a larger displacement engine. Chevrolet’s top executives at the time didn’t want to upset Corvette sales, as supplying a Camaro with a big-block V8 would make the Corvette less attractive. Factory COPO Camaros carry a pretty premium in today’s market and are extremely sought-after automobiles.
The COPO Camaro started after Don Yenko’s performance shop had trouble keeping up with all of the special requests for Camaro upgrades. Yenko used the COPO process to get Camaros to roll off the line with the L-72 427 motor already installed. Allen had the COPO nameplate put on his ‘68 Camaro out of admiration. Early COPOs inspired his build, and the spirit of these great automobiles left a lasting impression on the stand-up comedian turned movie actor and Home Improvement lead.
As for the build, Allen worked with the legendary Bodie Stroud of Bodie Stroud Industries to customize his ‘68 Camaro. The chassis and suspension were taken care of by Detroit Speed and Engineering, while most of the other parts of the vehicle were provided by Classic Industries. In terms of engine, Allen and his team selected a 505-horsepower 427 LS7 engine for this first-generation F-body Camaro. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.
Inside, it’s a well-organized affair. There is no console, per se, and the dash is neatly designed with digital gauges that perfectly replicate the original units. This 1968 Chevy Camaro COPO took seven months to build, and you can see the time that went into it in all the little details. Tim wanted a car that was a combination of a 1968 Camaro that a friend of his had in his youth. At the same time, he took inspiration from Smokey Yunick’s Trans-Am racer and the 427 COPO Camaros of yesteryears.
Jay Leno Drives Allen’s Impressive COPO “Burnout Monster”
The video goes into detail about some of the car’s chassis specifics. Tim goes on to explain how the brakes are special items from Brembo, with custom 17-inch rally wheels so as to provide a cozy fit. He also explains how the bodywork is sculpted and custom-made to his specifications. The hood is more raked, and the fenders are flared to add that bit of style and uniqueness.
The 427 moniker is nicely integrated into the front fender, and the rest of the car is basically kept “stock.” Of course, if you put an OG COPO next to Tim Allen’s car, you will find differences. But as far as standalone items go, this 1968 Camaro 427 is as good as it gets, which Jay Leno points out without hesitation.
When it comes to driving, the Camaro—according to Mr. Leno—felt incredibly stable and planted. He further goes on to compliment Allen for building a car that handled how it would have had Chevy made it today, which ties in perfectly with how Allen wanted the car to feel. The Sitcom star wanted his ‘68 Camaro to resonate the feelings of a new car that you could buy off the lot today. The video ends as Tim Allen lays elevens in a smokey burnout session near Jay’s garage. Allen’s facial expression—as he performs the burnout—is a testament to how incredibly capable his ‘68 COPO Camaro is.
Sources: Jay Leno’s Garage
15 Sick Cars Tim Allen Has Owned Over The Years
Starring as Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, Tim Allen catapulted to fame and earned enough dough to seriously satisfy his car cravings.
Tim Allen got his big-time start as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s. It wasn’t until 1991 that Tim began the most important role of his life, starring as Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor in the TV show Home Improvement. Shortly after the premiere of his show, he starred in The Santa Clause, which only further launched Allen to fame and notoriety. He now stars in his own TV show, Last Man Standing, and has done continuous voice-over work for Pixar-Disney.
Tim Allen’s personal life has stayed out of the papers, for the most part, but the part of him that he doesn’t shy from is his enthusiasm for automobiles. Tim is well-known for his car collection, one that consists of more older cars than newer. This is because, as Tim puts it, “I’m old!” Tim has also had big corporations build cars for him, a couple of which come to mind as the Cadillac Deville DTSi and the Saleen Windstar, both of which we’ll go over shortly. Tim is also currently building a custom hot rod named Viktor which you can check out the build status of on his online video streaming channel.
We hope you enjoy this short list of 15 cars that the famous Home Improvement star Tim Allen has owned throughout the course of his long career.
15/15
2018 Dodge Challenger Demon
Why wouldn’t the man who loves power, muscle cars, and has the money to buy one of the most powerful muscle cars of the decade go ahead and do so? Tim took the keys to the very first Demon back in May of 2018 and we’re sure he’s enjoyed every minute of it afterward. Though we couldn’t find much in the way of information or pictures of Tim with the Demon after receiving it, the 2.3 second 0-60 is certainly the fastest accelerating car he owns, even above that of the custom COPO Camaro that he built himself with a little help from a crew. The Demon is a very welcoming addition to his collection of classic cars as the Demon itself is bound to become a classic for future generations.
14/15
1968 Chevrolet Camaro 427 COPO
This car was inspired by a mix of Tim Allen’s friend’s 327 Camaro, Smokey Yunick’s Trans-Am Camaro, and his interest of the 427 COPO Camaros that came out at the time. With this amount of old-school inspiration and a few modern-day amenities to ensure ease of maintenance and enjoyment for many years to come, the motor is a modern day 427 from a 2013 Corvette rather than being the carburated 427 that has become so sought-after by builders and collectors. This custom Camaro looks almost as if it rolled off of the showroom floor yesterday, with all the muscle intact. You can learn more about this Camaro on Jay Leno’s Garage.
13/15
1962 Chevrolet Bel Air 409
Does anyone else have The Beach Boys ringing in their ears? Just me? Well, either way, Tim swears by this car. The 409 Bel Air is a beautiful example of early muscle and stands out among the crowd with its bright red paint. Not only loved by Allen, the 409s were also some of the fastest cars of the time before muscle cars really took hold, often finding their home on a drag strip with the likes of Dave Strickler and “Grumpy” Jenkins behind the wheel. Tim’s Bel Air may not be as fast as those race-prepped stars, but with a four-speed hooked up to the truck motor, it’s bound to be two tons of fun.
12/15
1932 Ford Moal Roadster “Licorice Streak Special”
Starting off as a 1932 Ford, Allen got Moal Coachbuilders to build this project of his and the outcome is nothing short of awesome. He owned the car for a while before it was sold on eBay back in 2010. The listing stated that not one penny was spared creating this car and that it would easily cost over half-a-million dollars to replicate. The Licorice Streak carries a 351 SVO motor with heads from a GT40 giving the car about 400 horsepower, all getting put to the ground through a T-5 five-speed transmission. The car has been in various magazines and was owned by Tim for a long while before he sold it.
11/15
1996 Chevrolet Impala SS “Binford 6100”
One of the cars that was built for Tim, this late-model Impala SS looked mean off of the showroom floor. Tim’s Impala is a little meaner, though, as it comes with a 6.3-liter, 32-valve LT5 out of a ZR1 Corvette. With over 450 horsepower on tap, the car isn’t short coming off the line and never misses a shift with a custom automatic transmission installed. Tim states the car was fast in its day and is still very powerful in today’s power-hungry automotive world. It was presented to Tim after being shown at SEMA and Tim did a short video displaying the cars interior and engine bay. Also, he did a little show of the Impala’s substantial power output, which is something any musclehead could get a smile from watching.
10/15
1986 Ford RS200
The Ford RS200 is a spectacle of engineering from the company and although it fits Tim Allen’s US-built collection, it stands apart from the rest being the only model that was made for racing offroad. A story he tells with the car is that one day he was driving it to the set of Home Improvement and got pulled over by a cop. The cop stated he could just take it since it wasn’t DOT certified. We can presume he didn’t but Tim hasn’t driven the car in public for a while after this—which is a real shame since it’s one of the most awesome cars ever made.
9/15
1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
One of the little deviations from Tim Allen’s all-US image is this beautiful Karmann Ghia. Tim explains that this Karmann Ghia is something you get when you mix a 1957 Porsche with a 1971 Volkswagen. The little Ghia coupe isn’t much different on the surface but instead, has its Porsche features tastefully hidden throughout the interior, as well as under the hood, I’m sure. This sleek piece of Volkswagon history sits nicely in a garage full of classics which also includes an equally beautiful Volkswagen Beetle that looks as cool as it must sound (with 200 horsepower motor snugged in behind the seats).
8/15
1996 Saleen Windstar
Saleen has done some strange Fords, especially in the 1990s. Where today they mostly stick to F-150s and Mustangs, in the 1990s, Saleen was turning out Explorers, Rangers, and apparently, at least one Windstar minivan. This is the only one and it served only as a prototype to a plan that fell through. Since they couldn’t build it, they gave the only one to Tim who had helped in the development. He has since gotten rid of this one-of-a-kind minivan, which was last sold in 2011 at the Mecum Auction in Kissimmee. Since it was sold, it seems the Saleen has fallen out of the public eye, which is probably how it will stay given how out-of-place the van is—that’s until it comes up for sale again, anyway.
7/15
1946 Ford Convertible
Anyone who has seen Home Improvement knows about this Ford because it was seen throughout the show while Tim Taylor restored it. In the show, Taylor had bought it off of a friend (who was played by another famous car buff, Jay Leno) and proceeded to work on the car in the garage opposite the kitchen for the next few seasons until it was done. Allen really owns this car and had put it together and taken it apart a bunch of times while filming the show. The car now sits among the others in the garage and I’m sure he takes it out from time to time to go to events surrounding the 20-year-old TV show.
6/15
1955 Chevrolet Nomad
This is another car that you’d easily recognize if you were a fan of Home Improvement, though in the show this beautiful Nomad was crushed by a steel beam. In real life, however, the Nomad survives and has changed hands a couple of times since Tim sold it back in 2001 on eBay. The Nomad is mostly original, with a traditional 350 motor under the hood and a 350 Turbo automatic transmission. You can find a video of the car on the MyHotRodTV channel, which shows the car in its current state, as perfect as it was when it was filmed on the famous TV show.
5/15
Jaguar XKE
The Jaguar XKE is one of (if not the) most beautiful cars ever made, and it takes a nice spot in Tim’s garage, which is otherwise mostly filled with US-made steel. Though catching some flak with the car for simply being seen in it while he was the spokesperson for Chevrolet, no one can deny that Tim’s little deviation away from form is in any way a bad one. The Jaguar still stands as a cornerstone in any collection, so it only makes sense to be a part of Tim’s collection that has very little in the way of foreign automobiles.
4/15
1955 Ford “Triple Nickel”
Another car that was commissioned by Moal Coachbuilders, this 1955 Ford was built for more than just show. The supercharged 5.4-liter from a Ford GT tucked under the hood is definitely giving the car plenty of go for the show. To help with airflow, a custom Thunderbird-inspired hood scoop was added alongside air vents that replaced the old turn signals. The secrets are in the details with this car, as the overall look is very unassuming, especially for something that can dish out 850 horsepower when set up right. This 1955 coupe serves as another great example of the types of cars Tim’s carries in his collection—tastefully done on the outside with loads of power on the inside.
3/15
1956 Ford F100
Tasteful in a different sense of the word is this insane Hemi-powered 1956 Ford F100. According to Hot Rod Magazine, this truck breaks Tim’s own restrictions on his hot rods but he loves it all the same. Tim had bought the truck when it rolled onto the auction floor at Barrett-Jackson. He ended up buying the truck for $78,300, a steal that even Tim couldn’t turn down. It has not been seeing much drive time by Tim—with the exception of pulling it out of the garage and blipping the throttle a few times, subsequently setting off every car alarm in the vicinity—we’d say he’s not going to be able to drive this one very much without the police poking around.
2/15
2004 Porsche Carrera GT
One of only 604 cars delivered to the US, this Carrera GT stands as one of the only supercars he’s ever owned. With 605 horsepower on tap and almost no assists, the Carrera GT is often proclaimed to be the last of the true supercars and the best since, perhaps, the Ferrari F40. Though the car may be pretty extreme, it served as Tim Allen’s daily driver for about a year after he bought it. He states that the car is “unmistakably the hardest car to drive” in his whole collection! He bought the car new in 2004 and owned it right up until last year, when he sold it for $715,000—most likely to buy the Ford GT we mentioned earlier.
1/15
2016 Ford GT
One of the few new cars that Tim Allen owns, the GT stands as Ford’s newest and most advanced car to date. Of course, such a great car comes in limited production numbers and Ford is only producing 250 of these a year. So, of course, Tim Allen has a beautiful silver example of the rare beast, which he gladly goes through in a video he posted up onto his channel. In another video we discovered, a car full of guys spotted Tim Allen in his GT, and though you couldn’t see it, you could hear the twin-turbo V6 stretch its legs a bit going down the road.
Why Joe Rogan’s 1965 Corvette Stingray Restomod Is Automotive Perfection
Joe Rogan’s 1965 Corvette-Stingray Restomod is the epitome of panache and power resulting in the ultimate driving experience
Joe Rogan is a multimedia icon and is known across the globe for his popular podcast and as an MMA commentator. Joe’s podcasts garner an impressive 11 million viewers per episode due to his straight-talking, contentious topics and comedic timing. He is also known for his extreme fitness workouts and his love of classic custom-built cars. Joe has an impressive net worth estimated to be in the region of $80 million, which certainly makes it easier to compile a fantastic car collection.
While the collection is extensive, his 1965 Corvette Stingray Restomod is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown. Joe purchased the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, a very desirable classic car from RK Motors in Charlotte, North Carolina. Not only is Joe fortunate enough to have a car collection that the rest of us could only dream of, but he also has a $4 million luxury mansion with its own wine cellar and pool.
The original 1965 Corvette Stingray was fitted with a new V8 marketed as the Turbo Jet. The new engine had three options: two 396-ci versions and the heavier 427 version. The fastest of the lot boasted an impressive 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds. The most notable thing about this Vette Restomod is that Joe has succeeded in making it more unique and striking than the original Stingray.
Joe’s 1965 was featured on an episode of the Jay Leno’s Garage, who is also arguably the ultimate car enthusiast and has an extensive collection of his own. If you have yet to see the youtube video, it is worth checking out. Joe and Jay are muscle car fanatics with a severe penchant for American muscle cars.
1965 Corvette Stingray Is A Car Lover’s Dream
The 1965 Corvette Stingray is known for its clear lines and “narrow fastback look’’, but Joe has revamped his car to keep the classic design while bringing a modern feel to it. It is easy to see why the 1965 Corvette Stingray was considered a genuine rival to Ferrari and Aston Martin in the mid to late 1960s.
The stunning silver Stingray has it all; from its streamlined looks, elegant interior, and unmatchable power, it almost seems unfair to the other cars he has in his collection. Joe credits Steve Strope of Pure Vision, who revamped the car to Joe’s exact modifications requirements, and the result is pretty spectacular. Steve previously worked on Joe’s Sick Fish Barracuda.
The stunning Stingray Restomod is in immaculate condition and has a powerful LS1 engine featuring a Magnuson supercharger that delivers an impressive 425-horsepower. The engine sits on top of a tube chassis and sports a self-sufficient front and rear suspension, equipped with a modern braking system. The superb exterior look is finished with the most solid-looking wheels you will ever see fitted to a Corvette. The handling of this Stingray is not too shabby, and Jay Leno praises it on this point when they both take it for a spin on the episode of the Garage.
Rogan’s 1965 Stingray Restomod Features Significant Upgrades
The interior color was changed entirely and revamped. The roof was changed to a sporty black color, which gave the car an extra oomph look while maintaining its classic look. The black leather upholstery has a classy look and feel to it that is broken up by a white Hurst long throw shifter to give it an edgier look.
Joe states, “the car and, in particular, the interior was in very poor condition when I purchased it, but thankfully Steve did a great job in revamping and restyling the entire interior.’’ Joe was particularly pleased with the redesign of the “hideous original steering wheel’’. Joe disliked the original steering wheel so much that he rarely drove the car.
Joe’s Stingray is reportedly worth in excess of $100,000, but Joe has no immediate plans to part ways with this epitome of driving excellence.
How Joe Rogan’s Stingray Compare To Other Cars
Other cars in Joe Rogan’s impressive collection include the 1969 Chevy Nova; a custom revamped 1971 Ford Bronco and a 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser. Joe has also claimed that he once upset a neighbor who is a car purist and owns his own Corvette Stingray by saying that he kept very little of the original 1965 Corvette Stingray.
While Joe adores his Stingray, he has stated that it is his Tesla S model that is, in fact, his fastest car, but that the 1965 Corvette Stingray is his favorite car and that he doesn’t envisage changing it anytime soon.
10 Of The Coolest Cars Featured On Jay Leno’s Garage
The Primetime Emmy Award-winning series features Jay Leno reviewing the most wonderful vehicles ever made and meets the people behind them.
If ever you are asked to define what obsession is, you can unequivocally say that it is what Jay Leno has for automobiles. The legendary comedian owns a massive collection of 286 automobiles, 169 of which are cars. He turned his passion into a profession by hosting the American web and television series, Jay Leno’s Garage.
If ever you are asked to define what obsession is, you can unequivocally say that it is what Jay Leno has for automobiles. The legendary comedian owns a massive collection of 286 automobiles, 169 of which are cars. He turned his passion into a profession by hosting the American web and television series, Jay Leno’s Garage.
10/10
1956 Jaguar XKSS
The Jaguar XKSS is one of 16 Jaguar D-type sports car versions that was transformed into a streetcar in 1957. It was owned by the famous American actor, Steve McQueen who was also referred to as the “King of cool.” He had purchased the car for the second time in 1977 after he initially sold it in 1969.
The car was originally white with red interiors, but Steve got it painted in British racing green. The astounding car is now displayed at the eclectic Peter Automatic Museum in Los Angeles. The extremely fast car has a history of running at a mighty speed of 180 miles/h. The futuristic and modern design of the car remains unmatched.
9/10
2015 Porsche 918 Spyder
One of the most advanced models of Porsche, the 918 Spyder is a plug-in hybrid hypercar unveiled in 2013. It is strategically designed for speed, comfort, and luxury simultaneously. The powerful car has a highly efficient front and rear electric motor and a gas-powered 4.6L V8 engine.
It is the pioneer Porsche car that came along with a Weissach Package that reduced its weight by 90 pounds. The incredibly stylish steering wheel with knobs allows quick access to all essential menus including the navigation system. The car has a brawny appearance with its 20-inch front wheels. The 2-piece removable roof is ideal for an open-top ride.
8/10
McLaren F1
McLaren F1 is considered the greatest car of the 20th century and Jay Leno himself couldn’t agree more. The three-seater masterpiece by Gordon Murray has the driver seat in the middle, which offers a panoramic view. The BMW powered engine uses gold foil as a heat shield and it ensures superior performance.
Although the car was unveiled back in 1992, it possesses modern features like dihedral doors and is extremely light with a curb weight of 1,138 kg. It is also credited as the first production car to use the carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. Top Gear magazine listed it as one of the fastest naturally aspirated cars available in the world in 2017.
7/10
1,000 HP ‘Vicious’ 1965 Ford Mustang
The unbelievable transformation of a 1965 Mustang coupe into a magnificent 1000 horsepower Mustang fastback is aptly named the “Vicious.” A dedicated team led by Jason Pecikonis at Timeless Kustoms spent 10,000 hours to build this beast and the result is impressive to the core. The thunderous car features a Ford 5.2 Aluminator engine boosted by twin precision turbos and it has a Magnuson 2.3L supercharger.
The Brembo Carbon Ceramic brakes and the Sparco seats with DJ safety harnesses are some of the other interesting features of the car. Apart from being the most extreme Mustangs ever, the ultra-stylish look and the red interiors are beyond perfection.
6/10
1930 Bentley 27-Liter
The 1930 Bentley GJ 400 designed by Bob Petersen displays class and mass all at once. It has a massive 27-liter Merlin V12 engine, the same engine that was used on fighter planes like the Spitfire in World War II. It is mounted on a Rolls Royce Phantom II frame and can undeniably be called a behemoth.
The blend of vintage looks and modern features makes this four-seater car an iconic model. Jay Leno couldn’t stop appreciating how meticulously the car is crafted with precision reflecting in even the tiniest part of the car. It was also featured on Top Gear in March 2012.
5/10
2018 Koenigsegg Regera
The luxury Mega Car Koenigsegg Regera is referred to as the most powerful and fastest-accelerating hybrid production car. It also has the world’s most downsized fully homologated core engine. It is the pioneer vehicle to use the Direct Drive System for power delivery.
The car has many other firsts to its credit like being the first fully-robotized car with a system known as the Autoskin that just adds 5kg to the weight. It operates all body closures at the touch of a button making it a preferred option. The car vouches to give a soothing driving experience and two-door Targa top adds to the style quotient.
4/10
1937 Fiat Topolino
A little gem in between the giant monsters, the Fiat Topolino featured on Jay Leno’s Garage is awe-inspiring. The Fiat 500 is named after Mickey Mouse but in Italian. The “little mouse” that was launched in 1936, has a 13 1/2 horsepower and a speed of 65 miles an hour.
In the tiny door-door saloon car, the generator is bigger than the motor itself. Topolino is a perfect example of extraordinary engineering skills. Considering the size of the car, it’s incredible that the seating is comfortable even for a seven-foot-tall driver. The compact engine also deserves the credit for the extended legroom.
3/10
1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Coupe
The legendary Mercedes that Jay leno confesses that he loves to drive is the 300SL Gullwing Coupe. The car was introduced in 1954 at International Auto Show in New York City, it was also voted as the Sports Car of the Century in 1999.
Although Jay Leno, who is only the third owner of the car, is still getting the car restored, the amazing features of the car bring it to this list of coolest cars. The spectacular design with Gullwing doors is combined with a light tubular frame, that makes the car Super Light justifying the “SL” in the car’s name.
2/10
1969 Lamborghini Miura S
Miura P400s, a slightly revised version of the world’s first-ever Supercar P400 was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in November 1968. The bare chassis was introduced three years earlier and it captured many eyeballs due to the radical mechanical layout. The car is immensely glamorous and highly innovative with electric windows and has a 365 horsepower engine.
Another interesting feature of the car is its low height, 41.3 inches to be exact. In an era of giant and masculine cars, this car stood out and offers a most classic Italian interior. The car is still identified as one of the most desirable of all Lamborghinis of all time.
1/10
Light Car Company Rocket
Jay Leno describes the LCC as the most fun car to drive in his garage. The unbelievably lightweight car weighs only 859 pounds and is the only model produced by Light Car Company from 1991 to 1998. It is the brainchild of the legendary Gordon Murray, who is a designer of Formula 1 cars and Chris Craft, a British racing driver.
The model is named Rocket and it is visually stunning. It features a 1000 cc Yamaha engine and 165 horsepower that ensures that the sensation of speed is felt. The surprising element of the doorless car that it has a second seat which is visible only after the cover is taken off.
