American Muscle Cars

I don't buy Chevy's explanation of why the new Corvette is NOT available with a third pedal. Their excuse is that the aluminum transmission tunnel tube going up the middle of the frame between the front and rear wheels is much stronger without the hole that would be necessary where the manual shift would be located.

To be fair, that's the only thing that keep the Nissan GT-R from being perfect. Available only with paddles, which are not better than a traditional manual IMO. Would still take one over a Corvette - without hesitation.

The Corvette is proof that the domestics can build something worthwhile, but that the beancounters cripple too many of their other offerings and, for far too many years, the domestics wouldn't bother to make improvements until much better alternatives from the Japanese forced them to do so. So ... reactive instead of proactive. A recipe for disaster.

The Big Three can do better - and should - but too many crap offerings have long turned me off. Do better. Now.

 

I decided to get a true roadster instead,



Factory turbo in a true fun car to drive.

 

I’ve had classic cars with horsepower in the past (1968 El Camino 396 bored and stroked to about 460 ci and 600+ HP was my favourite) but have a 2003 SE Miata, with engine and exhaust work done, racing clutch and suspension, and I can’t imagine a better sports car. An absolute blast to drive on the country roads in Alberta and bulletproof reliability. Yours is a real looker, too. The Mazdaspeed option is a fantastic addition.

 

After driving the Mustang GT I figured I wanted more of a true roadster; I really wanted the top down and clutch experience. Wifey got upset but acknowledges she doesn’t understand. I have driven clutches for over 40 yrs and missed it so bad plus haven’t had a convertible for 12. The Miata shifting is easy and effortless plus the turbo’s nice.

 

Yeah the reliability is huge, didn’t want to think about possible $5k repair on a boxster or Beemer.

 

Admittedly if I had $65k just dying to be spent I’d consider the new Vette, looks awesome.

 

'66 GTO.

A nearly perfect muscle car.

 

My personal favorite: 1970 Chevy Chevelle:

 

I've been seeing some Boxsters and 911 Carreras ranging from 2000-2010 in good shape on Facebook Marketplace running for $10K-$40K that have me itching, repairs be damned.

 

Two good candidates for original muscle car.

Chrysler C-300



Oldsmobile Rocket 88