Car: Ford Fairlane

Year: 1962

What makes it special: Manufactured and sold by Ford for model years 1955 through 1970, the Fairlane went from a full-sized to intermediate family car by the 1962 model year.

What made it famous: Moved to the new intermediate models for the 1962 model year, Fairlane was the fill-in between the compact Falcon and the full-sized Galaxie. It was competition for General Motor’s A-Body senior compacts, Plymouth’s Belvedere and AMC’s Rambler models. Standard was the 170 cu in inline-6, but the new, lightweight, 145hp 221 cu in Windsor V8 was optional, along with a 164hp, 260 cu in Challenger V8 mid year. Also, a Sport Coupe option arrived mid-year, that featured bucket seats and floor console.

Why I would want one: I actually have a 1963. Huge fan of the Fairlane line.

Fun fact: The Fairlane name comes from Henry Ford’s estate, “Fair Lane” which was situated bear Dearborn, Michigan.

Car: Plymouth GTX

Year: 1970

What makes it special: The GTX was introduced as the Belvedere GTX in 1967 by the Plymouth division. It was positioned as a mid-sized upscale-trimmed performance muscle car through the 1971 model year. The 1970 GTX received a minor redesign with a new grille and rear taillights. Sales were low as the car did not look much different from the Road Runner. Stylists made the lines smoother, and a “power bulge” hood was introduced, as well as non-functional rear brake air scoops. The convertible body style was no longer available. 

What made it famous: The Air Grabber hood returned, but instead of having two narrow openings running length-wise as in 1969, it had one opening scoop located on the power bulge. The GTX was available with the standard 440 4-barrel carburetor. Optional were the 440+6 barrel, consisting of three 2-barrel carburetors, and the 426 Hemi V8’s. In keeping with the GTX marketing strategy, the 1970 model included many standard features.

Why I would want one: I love the Road Runner for it’s raw, factory Hot-Rod design, but for that same power but creature comforts, I love the GTX, even though the added comforts slow it down slightly due to added weight.

Fun fact: The GTX was positioned as a “Gentleman’s Muscle Car.”

Car: Dodge Magnum GT

Year: 1979

What makes it special: Dodge’s Magnum model debuted for the 1978 model year to supplement the Charger model, and was available in either the “XE” or “GT” versions. Magnum was the last of Chrysler’s B-platform models. It featured four rectangular headlights that sat behind clear, retractable covers, narrow Opera style rear quarter windows and your choice of optional T-bar or power sunroof.

What made it famous: The Dodge Magnum was a well-appointed car that featured power steering, brakes and seats. It was a performer with adjustable longitudinal torsion bars, lower trailing links and front and rear anti-sway bars. Base powerplant was the lean-burn 318 V8, with either a two- or four-barrel 360 or 400 cu in V8 were optional. The GT model sported a rear “GT” stripe.

Why I would want one: I like it because it’s not very common. It being a GT model makes it even cooler.

Fun fact: The Magnum was kind of a rounded-off Charger, and was created in response to getting a car eligible for NASCAR qualification, seeing as the Magnum was more aerodynamic while the Charger wasn’t.