Detroit Motor Show

American muscle car gallery

Launched in 1964 the GTO is considered to be the definitive muscle car. Co-created by John DeLorean, the Pontiac featured a 5.4-litre V8 and a name inspired by Ferrari race cars. The final version was based on the Australian designed Vauxhall Monaro and ceased production in 2006.

The Stingray is probably the most famous Corvette to hit the road. Introduced in 1963, its design is said to be influenced by the Jaguar E-Type and a Mako shark caught by stylist Bill Mitchell when he was fishing. High performance 427 version produced an incredible 560bhp.

Originally set to be called the Panda, the Barracuda first appeared in 1964. It wasn't long before engines got bigger and performance increased. Fitted with the legendary 390bhp 440 Hemi it would cover the quater-mile in a rapid 13.8 seconds.

This is arguably one of the most famous Mustangs ever built. Driven by Steve McQueen in the film Bullitt, it is based on a 325bhp 390GT. However, in order to cope with high speed chase scenes around San Francisco it featured toughened suspension, bigger brakes and a tuned engine.

Designed to go racing, these special Mustangs were modified by famous American driver Carroll Shelby. The first GT350 cars boasted 325bhp and were only available in white. In 1966 car rental firm Hertz ordered 1,000 examples to hire out. Unfortunately many were damaged when customers took them racing at the weekend.

The 1968 Charger was the first of the 'Coke bottle' influenced designs. In R/T form it featured the powerful 440 'Magnum' V8 with 390bhp. The car gained fame as the bright orange General Lee, the automotive star of American TV series The Dukes of Hazzard.

This is one of the most outrageous muscle cars ever produced. Just 503 were built to satisfy American NASCAR racing regulations. The massive rear wing was an incredible 584mm high and helped keep competition versions stuck to the road as they raced at speeds in excess of 200mph.

The Challenger was the first Dodge produced for the affordable 'Pony car' market. Essentially a sector for affordable muscle motors, it still produced some potent machines with range-topping versions producing 425bhp. 2008 will see the name revived for an all-new Ford Mustang rival.

The latest Corvette is the fastest ever. In range-topping Z06 guise it can compete with the best in Europe. Under the long bonnet is a mighty 500bhp 7.0-litre V8, which results in a sprint from standstill to 60mph in 3.7seconds and a top speed in excess of 190mph.

For the most recent Mustang, Ford has looked to the past. The retro-styled result is one of the most charismatic American cars you can buy. It's not short of performance either. The Shelby tuned GT500 uses a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 to produce 500bhp.

The present Dodge Charger started out as sober-looking saloon. However, by inserting a 425bhp 6.1-litre Hemi V8 under the bonnet, the company has rekindled is muscle car heritage. As a result the SRT-8 has the most powerful eight-cylinder motor parent company Chrysler has ever put in a production car.