Hemi Muscle 70 Years is the complete illustrated story of the legendary engine and the cars it powered. Author Darwin Holmstrom explores how Chrysler's Hemi engine became the number one choice for drag racers and stock car racers across the country, campaigned to great success by drivers like Richard Petty, Don Garlits, David Pearson, Sox and Martin, and more. In 1950, Chrysler debuted a potent high-performance overhead-valve V-8 engine. Originally called the FirePower, it would soon be better known by the name “Hemi.” Intended to power Chrysler’s luxury cars, the Hemi found a higher calling: humiliating its competitorson the street and at the race track. On top of learning how the Hemi engine came to be, you'll also see how the Hemi remained the engine to beat on the street, stuffed into some of the most desirable performance cars in automotive history: the ‘Cuda, Road Runner, Charger, GTX, and Challenger, to name a few. The Hemi made such a lasting impact that Chrysler revived it as the top engine for the twenty-first century Challenger and Charger. Today, Hemi is a household name, known to enthusiasts and consumers alike, often imitated, never duplicated. Having found its way into both sports cars and luxury cars, you'll often hear: “Hey, has that thing got a Hemi in it?” This book answers “yes”…and offers the full exciting story!

A breed unlike any seen before or since, the powerful, stylish American muscle car defined an era in automotive history. This history traces the rise and fall of these great performance cars from their precursors in the 1950s through the seminal appearance of the Pontiac GTO in 1964 and then year by year to the end in the 1970s. Approachable and nontechnical yet deeply informative, it puts the bygone muscle car in its cultural and aesthetic contexts, describes developments in styling, performance and marketing, and revels in the joys of muscle car ownership in the 21st century.

Now in paperback, this book covers Chrysler's incredible series of muscle cars. In 1955 Chrysler introduced the first of its famed 300 "letter series" cars. The company designed a stylish, sporty car, stuffed in one of its potent Hemi engines, and gave birth to the American muscle car. The C-300's combination of style and performance put the Mopar brand ahead of its competitors in the postwar performance race. When the Detroit performance wars began in earnest during the 1960s, Chrysler was well positioned to build the most outragous, bodacious cars of an outrageous, bodacious era, cars like the famed Charger, Hemi Cuda, Road Runner, Superbird, and Challenger T/A. These cars dominated the dragstrips as well as the NASCAR ovals, and with color combinations guaranteed to burn out the corneas of your eyes if you stared at them directly, they ruled the streets of America; they ruled not just the streets, bu the drive ins and parking lots. Nothing was cooler than Mopar muscle. Over the years these legendary Mopar muscle cars were the fastest, baddest assed, most outrageous machines to rip up American pavement. "This lavishly produced book is definitely a feast for all fans of this line of cars: the photography (by David Newhardt) is absolutely stunning. Not only are the pictures big, and of the highest quality, but the thought that has gone into their composition is plain for all to see. It could be argued that given the striking nature of these cars, and the wonderful backdrops, it would be hard to go wrong, but Newhardt went the extra mile here, and it shows. The story is also very comprehensive, listing all of the cars from the line, and taking time to tell the story in a well-researched, yet caring way. It is obvious that Robert Genat knows the subject well and loves it even more. . . . This book is a must-have for all lovers of American muscle, and thanks to the sheer depth of its coverage and drop-dead-gorgeous photography, the asking price of £34.99 is something of a bargain." - Classic Car Weekly (UK)

From 1963 to 1974, muscle cars were the kings of the road--no other American automobiles have ever inspired as much passion as these classic performance cars. Muscle Car Source Book is a one-stop resource for muscle car fans. Heavily illustrated with vivid color photography of all the muscle cars from the classic era (1963-1974) and chock full of data and historical facts, this is a reference book you will not want to put down! All of the manufacturers--Ford, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick AMC, Dodge, and Plymouth--are covered, and so are the cars, including the Camaro, Mustang, Charger, GTO, and many more! Statistics: All the performance data available for each car is presented in easily read tables. Specifications: Detailed specifications, including horsepower and torque ratings, curb weight, fuel capacity, stock wheel and tire sizes, and other key technical data unique to each model is given. Production numbers: Production information is broken down across all the performance variants and major features. Options: Major performance options available for each car including engine options, comfort features, gauge packages, and wheel-and-tire options are all outlined.

Expanded and updated, The Complete Book of Dodge and Plymouth Muscle Cars details all of the classic Mopar muscle cars from 1960 to 1974 plus the 21st century Charger (2006–2023) and Challenger (2008–2023) performance cars.