Some of the most legendary muscle cars didn’t just have powerful engines—they had names that captured their wild, untamed spirit. Automakers took inspiration from fierce creatures, turning these cars into symbols of strength and speed. Curious to see which beasts made their mark? Here are 10 muscle cars with animal names that stand out.

Ford Mustang

A cultural icon on four wheels, the Ford Mustang made its debut in April 1964, selling over 418,000 units in its first year. Named after the wild horse, rather than the P-51 fighter plane, it sparked a new era of performance cars. Decades later, the Mustang continues to evolve, with the seventh generation making its debut in 2024.

Buick Skylark GS

A sleeper muscle car, the Buick Skylark GS packed serious power under its refined exterior. The 1970 GSX model came equipped with a 455 cubic-inch V8 producing up to 360 horsepower. In a 1970 road test, a GS Stage 1 equipped with a four-speed manual transmission achieved a quarter-mile time of 13.38 seconds at 105.5 mph and a 0–60 mph acceleration in 5.5 seconds.

Plymouth Barracuda

In 1964, the Plymouth Barracuda swam into the muscle car battle ahead of the Mustang. The 1970 HEMI Cuda, with its 426 HEMI V8 and 425 horsepower, became a dream for collectors, now fetching eye-watering prices at auctions. It came with a distinctive wraparound rear glass that made it easy to spot.

Mercury Cougar

Fierce yet refined, the 1967 Mercury Cougar was a mix of European luxury with American muscle. It boasted hidden headlights and sequential taillights alongside a 390 cubic-inch V8. Awarded the 1967 Motor Trend Car of the Year, this feline namesake featured plusher interiors with woodgrain accents and optional leather upholstery.

Pontiac GTO Tiger

The Pontiac GTO, aggressively marketed as “The Tiger,” stormed into the muscle car scene in the mid-1960s. Packing a 389 cubic-inch V8 with the legendary Tri-Power carburetor setup, it delivered up to 360 horsepower. In 1968, it was honored with the “Car of the Year” award by Motor Trend magazine, and NASCAR driver David Pearson piloted a 1971 Pontiac GTO during the 1971 Winston Cup Series.

Dodge Coronet R/T

A heavyweight contender in the muscle car wars, the 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T brought a blend of luxury and raw power. It came standard with a 440 Magnum V8 producing 375 horsepower, while adrenaline junkies could opt for the 426 HEMI (425 hp). The Coronet R/T could run a quarter-mile in the low 14-second range as one of Dodge’s fiercest muscle machines.

Plymouth Road Runner

Plymouth didn’t just name a car after a cartoon—it paid Warner Bros. $50,000 to license the actual character and use the Road Runner name and likeness. The 1968 Road Runner featured a signature “beep-beep” horn and a budget-friendly 383 V8. Focused on speed and power rather than luxury, it quickly became a favorite among street racers.

Dodge Super Bee

A working-class hero, the 1968 Dodge Super Bee took the barebones Coronet and packed it with a 383 Magnum V8, producing 335 horsepower. It allowed the Super Bee to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph within about 7.1 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in around 15.0 seconds at 96 mph. The Super Bee was a cost-effective option in the sports car market.

Chevrolet Impala

With its iconic 409 cubic-inch V8, the Chevrolet Impala SS was immortalized in the Beach Boys’ song “409” and packed 360 horsepower. Its 1994 revival, featuring a powerful 5.7-liter V8, cemented its reputation as a true powerhouse. Big, bold, and full of muscle, the 1961 Impala SS brought raw power to full-size cars, all while maintaining the grace of the wild Impala.

Ford XY Falcon GT

An Australian muscle car legend, the Ford XY Falcon GT-HO Phase III was a beast built for speed and dominance. Equipped with a 351 Cleveland V8 producing 370-380 horsepower, it was the fastest four-door production car in the world in 1971. Designed for Australian Touring Car racing, it became a Bathurst 1000 champion.