1964 Pontiac Grand Prix
At the beginning of the muscle car era, one model that stands out is the Pontiac Grand Prix. It was introduced in the year of 1962, but really came into its own as a performance vehicle two years later. The 1964 model of the Grand Prix featured many of the same options as the 1963 model, but there were some engine changes that increased the power and performance for the car's drivers. The slight cosmetic adjustments included a change in the grill design, tail lights that were hidden beneath the trim of the rear deck, and new logos for the Grand Prix model.
The new engine that was placed under the hood was a V8 with 421 cubic inches and a total power of around 370 horsepower. This engine marked the highest that the Grand Prix would ever have and Pontiac further placed the emphasis on performance by changing the transmission as well. The top end version of the 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix came with a Hydra-matic transmission or buyers could opt for a Muncie transmission that was a four speed manual option. The Muncie transmission came with either a wide ratio M-20 setup or the M-21, which used a close ratio. Consumers that were not as concerned with power could choose a smaller engine and drivetrain that lowered the cost of the car as well as increased fuel efficiency.
As the automotive industry was just beginning to pay more attention to the potential for increased performance, the 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix was a large success. However, the subsequent years of the Grand Prix saw Pontiac change the design countless times in an attempt to match customer demand. The Grand Prix is still in production today, but many car experts believe that the 1964 and other models from the early 1960s represented the best years of the car.