Top 10 Muscle Cars 1967 — Best Overall + Best Value
The 10 best muscle cars 1967 are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1. Plymouth GTX
The Plymouth GTX ranks first because it delivered the most complete muscle car package of 1967, with a standard 375-hp 440 Super Commando making 480 lb-ft of torque—the highest standard torque in the mid-size class. Its $3,178 base price included this performance engine, and the optional 425-hp 426 Street Hemi for $546 pushed quarter miles to 13.5 seconds at 105 mph. Only 720 Hemi cars were built, adding rarity.
This car is for buyers who want the definitive 1967 muscle experience with the highest power ceiling and strongest collectibility. It trades away the lower entry price and lighter handling of pony cars like the Firebird 400, costing $401 more up front. Compared to the Dodge Coronet R/T below, the GTX offers the same drivetrain but with a more distinctive, gentlemanly image and stronger first-year nameplate premium. It is the benchmark against which all others are measured.
2. Dodge Coronet R/T
The Dodge Coronet R/T ranks second because it matched the GTX's standard 375-hp 440 Magnum and 480 lb-ft of torque but added heavy-duty suspension, bucket seats, and a console as standard equipment for $3,199. Its quarter-mile times hovered around 15 seconds, with the optional 426 Hemi available for those seeking more. The R/T was a new 1967 nameplate, sharing the B-body platform with the GTX. This made it a direct, slightly more aggressive sibling.
This car suits buyers who prefer Dodge styling and standard equipment over the Plymouth's more refined persona. It trades away the GTX's slightly lower price and the cachet of the 'gentleman's muscle car' label. Compared to the GTX above, the R/T offers essentially identical performance and the same Hemi option, but its values often trail slightly due to lower brand recognition. It is a pragmatic choice for those wanting Mopar muscle without the GTX premium.
3. Chevrolet Camaro SS 396
The Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 ranks third because it brought big-block power to the new F-body platform, offering a 325-hp 396 V8 with 410 lb-ft of torque for a base price of $2,572, before the SS group. The optional L78 version boosted output to 375 hp, with quarter-mile times around 14.9 seconds. As a first-year model, it carries blue-chip collectibility and iconic status.
This car is for buyers who want a first-year pony car with big-block muscle and strong investment potential. It trades away the sheer torque and straight-line dominance of the GTX and Coronet R/T, and its handling is compromised by the heavy engine. Compared to the Firebird 400 below, the Camaro offers similar performance but a higher price point once comparably equipped, and its values today run higher.
4. Pontiac Firebird 400
The Pontiac Firebird 400 ranks fourth as the Best Value pick, delivering GTO-derived 400-cubic-inch power with 325 hp and 410 lb-ft in a lighter F-body package for just $2,777. This undercut the GTO by $158 and provided quarter-mile times in the mid-14s to low 15s, depending on gearing. It was the cheapest route to genuine big-inch performance in 1967. Its first-year status adds to its appeal and value retention.
This car is for budget-conscious buyers who want 90% of the muscle car experience for 87% of the money. It trades away the higher torque and top-end power ceiling of the GTX, as well as the Camaro's stronger brand recognition. Compared to the Camaro SS 396 above, the Firebird offers lighter handling and a lower current average price in the mid-$40,000s. It is the smart choice for those prioritizing value without sacrificing performance.
5. Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO ranks fifth because it remains the icon of the muscle car era, offering a 400 V8 with 335 hp and 431 lb-ft of torque for a $2,935 base price. Quarter-mile times ranged from 14.2 to 15 seconds depending on tune, with H.O. and Ram Air versions pushing harder. Its legacy and badge recognition are unmatched in the segment, driving strong collector demand. Well-optioned examples have fetched over $100,000 at auction.
This car is for buyers who value heritage and name recognition above raw performance numbers. It trades away the standard-equipment power of the GTX and the lighter handling of the Firebird, and its performance is slightly behind the top Mopars. Compared to the Firebird 400 above, the GTO offers more torque and a larger trunk, but it is heavier and costs more.
6. Shelby GT500
The Shelby GT500 ranks sixth because it was the ultimate expression of 1967 muscle, featuring a 428 Police Interceptor V8 rated at 355 hp and 420 lb-ft, with quarter-mile times around 14.6 to 15 seconds. At $4,395, it was the most expensive car in the field, and only 2,048 were built, making it rare and highly collectible. Its big-block power and Shelby heritage set it apart from all other pony cars.
This car is for collectors and investors who want a rare, high-value asset with proven auction performance. It trades away affordability and everyday drivability, as its price and rarity make it a garage queen rather than a daily driver. Compared to the GTO above, the GT500 offers more power and exclusivity but at a significantly higher cost. It is the top-tier choice for those who want the pinnacle of 1967 muscle, not a practical one.
7. Oldsmobile 442
The Oldsmobile 442 ranks seventh because it combined strong performance with superior braking and handling, featuring a 400 V8 with 350 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque, priced around $3,080 as equipped. Quarter-mile times were near 15.5 seconds, but its better brakes and suspension made it a more capable all-around driver. The optional W-30 package boosted output to 360 hp with cold-air induction, and these cars now reach well into six figures.
This car is for drivers who prioritize braking and handling over straight-line bragging rights. It trades away the top-end power of the Hemi cars and the iconic status of the GTO, but offers a more balanced and safer driving experience. Compared to the Shelby GT500 above, the 442 is far more affordable and practical, yet still delivers respectable performance. It is the choice for those who want to actually drive their muscle car hard, not just show it.
8. Ford Fairlane GT 390
The Ford Fairlane GT 390 ranks eighth because it offered a potent 390 FE V8 with 335 hp and 427 lb-ft of torque, with a $3,064 base price for the convertible. The GT/A automatic version ran low-to-mid 14-second quarter miles in lighter trim, making it a strong performer. Its mid-size body provided good balance and everyday usability. Standard cars today average in the high five figures, offering a relatively accessible entry into 1967 muscle.
This car is for Ford enthusiasts who want a solid, well-rounded muscle car without the premium of a Shelby. It trades away the raw torque of the 440 Mopars and the handling of the F-body cars, but it is a competent and reliable performer. Compared to the Oldsmobile 442 above, the Fairlane offers similar performance but lacks the 442's superior braking package.
9. Buick GS 400
The Buick GS 400 ranks ninth because it delivered 340 hp and 440 lb-ft from an all-new 400 big-block, with 0-60 mph in about 7.6 seconds, priced near $2,956. Its finned alloy drum brakes resisted fade far better than the plain drums on most competitors, making it a safer and more capable driver. Quarter-mile times were not recorded in the source, but the car's torque and braking made it a strong all-rounder.
This car is for buyers who want a reliable, well-built muscle car with excellent brakes and a reasonable price tag. It trades away the top-end power and iconic status of the GTO or GTX, but offers a more refined and practical driving experience. Compared to the Fairlane GT 390 above, the GS 400 provides more torque and better braking, but it has less brand recognition.
10. Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396
The Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 ranks tenth because it offered a versatile 396 V8 in three states of tune—325, 350, and 375 hp—with quarter-mile times from 14.4 to 14.9 seconds, starting at $2,825. The L78 version matched the Camaro's top output, and values span from the mid-$20,000s to over $210,000 for documented L78 cars. Its mid-size platform provided a roomy interior and a smooth ride. This made it a popular and practical muscle car choice.
This car is for buyers who want a classic mid-size muscle car with a wide range of performance options and a broad price spectrum. It trades away the lighter handling of the F-body cars and the standard-equipment power of the GTX, but it is a solid, dependable performer. Compared to the Buick GS 400 above, the Chevelle offers more tuning options and a larger collector following, but it lacks the GS 400's superior brakes.
How we ranked these
We measured straight-line performance (30%), iconic status and legacy (20%), engine character (15%), value in period (15%), style (10%), and modern collectibility (10%). Period road tests from Car and Driver, Motor Trend, and Car Life supplied performance data; Hagerty valuation tools plus Mecum and Barrett-Jackson results supplied current money. We ranked cars on documented, gross-rated figures, not nostalgia or hearsay.
We deliberately ignored subjective brand loyalty, restoration costs, and rarity as standalone factors. Rarity matters only when it drives collectibility, and brand loyalty is a buyer preference, not a quality metric. We also ignored aftermarket modifications and unverified claims, since period-correct stock performance is the only fair basis for comparison across a single model year.
What to look for
What actually matters is the power ceiling versus the price spread. The GTX gives you the highest standard torque (480 lb-ft) and the only 13-second option (Hemi) for $3,178. The Firebird 400 delivers 90% of the street experience for 87% of the money at $2,777. Decide your budget first, then your intended use: driver or appreciating asset. Torque and brakes favor the 442 or GS 400 for real mileage; Hemi GTXs and L78 Chevelles favor garage queens.
The mistake most buyers make is chasing badges instead of documentation. A Hemi badge on a 440 car is worth six figures less than a verified Hemi. Clones of SS 396, GTO, and 442 cars are everywhere because they shared bodies with base models. Always demand the fender tag, build sheet, and engine stampings before you pay a premium. No paper, no premium.
Related questions
What was the fastest 1967 muscle car?
The 426 Street Hemi cars—the Plymouth GTX and Dodge Coronet R/T—were quickest in stock trim, running quarter miles around 13.5 seconds at roughly 105 mph. The rest of the big-block field clustered between 14.2 and 15.5 seconds, with the Chevelle SS 396 L78 and GTO H.O. near the top of that range.
Was the GTX actually better than the GTO?
On performance per dollar, yes. The GTX came standard with a 375-hp 440 making 480 lb-ft and offered the 426 Hemi; the GTO topped out at 400 cubic inches and 335 hp base. The GTO still wins decisively on legacy and badge recognition, which is why it commands comparable or higher prices today.
Which 1967 muscle car is the best buy today?
The Buick GS 400 and standard Pontiac Firebird 400 remain the most attainable relative to what they deliver. Both offer 400-cube big-block performance and first-year or near-first-year status, with clean cars still available in five-figure to mid-$40,000s territory. The GS 400, in particular, is the most underrated car in the group.
Did the 1967 Shelby GT500 use a 427 or a 428?
Production GT500s used the 428 Police Interceptor V8 rated at 355 hp and 420 lb-ft. The 427-powered Super Snake was a single prototype, never a regular-production car, and it sold for $2.2 million at Mecum. That prototype price is not indicative of production GT500 values, which are far lower.
How much more did the Hemi option cost in 1967?
The 426 Street Hemi added $546 to a GTX—roughly 17% on top of the $3,178 base price. Only 720 buyers ordered it, and that scarcity now separates Hemi cars from 440 cars by a factor of several times at auction. A documented Hemi GTX can reach deep six figures, while a clean 440 car trades in the high five figures.
Why is the Firebird 400 a better value than the Camaro SS 396?
At $2,777 versus the Camaro's $2,572 base, the Camaro looks cheaper—but that base price is before the SS group. Once equipped comparably, the Firebird 400 delivers the same 325 hp and 410 lb-ft in a lighter package with GTO-derived hardware, and its current mid-$40,000s average is below comparable SS 396 money.
What are the key differences between the GTX and the Coronet R/T?
The Coronet R/T is the GTX in Dodge sheetmetal: same 375-hp 440 Magnum, same 480 lb-ft, same optional Hemi, plus heavy-duty suspension, buckets, and console as standard equipment. The GTX is priced at $3,178, the Coronet at $3,199. They are mechanically identical, so brand preference and styling are the main differentiators.
FAQ
Why does the Plymouth GTX rank above the Camaro SS 396 and Chevelle SS 396?
Standard equipment. The GTX's 375-hp 440 with 480 lb-ft was the base engine, while both Chevrolets started at 325 hp and 410 lb-ft and required the L78 option to reach 375 hp. The GTX also offered the 426 Hemi, a power ceiling no GM mid-size could match in 1967.
Is the Firebird 400 really a better value than the Camaro SS 396?
At $2,777 versus the Camaro's $2,572 base, the Camaro looks cheaper—but that base price is before the SS group. Once equipped comparably, the Firebird 400 delivers the same 325 hp and 410 lb-ft in a lighter package with GTO-derived hardware, and its current mid-$40,000s average is below comparable SS 396 money.
What should I budget for a driver-quality 1967 muscle car?
Roughly the mid-$20,000s gets a driver-grade Chevelle SS 396 or Buick GS 400. The Firebird 400 averages in the mid-$40,000s. Documented rare cars—Hemi GTX, W-30 442, L78 Chevelle, Shelby GT500—run from six figures to well past $200,000. Set your budget before shopping, and stick to it.
Which 1967 cars had the best brakes?
The Oldsmobile 442 and Buick GS 400. Oldsmobile gave the 442 better brakes and suspension than the segment norm, and Buick's finned alloy drum brakes resisted fade noticeably better than the plain drums fitted to most of the field. Neither was the quickest in a straight line, but both stopped best.
How do I avoid buying a clone?
Demand the fender tag and build sheet, verify the body and cowl codes rather than trusting badges, and check engine and transmission stampings against the VIN. Clones of SS 396, GTO, and 442 cars are common because the performance models shared bodies with base Chevelles, LeMans, and Cutlass models. No paper, no premium.
Why is 1967 considered such an important model year?
Five landmark performance nameplates launched at once: the Plymouth GTX, Dodge Coronet R/T, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, and Shelby GT500. No other single year in the muscle era introduced that many models simultaneously, and first-year status still commands a premium on all five.
What is the torque spread across the 1967 field?
The torque spread is narrow—410 to 480 lb-ft covers everything except the Hemi, which is not listed with a torque figure. The Firebird 400, Camaro SS 396, and base Chevelle SS 396 all share 410 lb-ft, while the GTX and Coronet R/T lead with 480 lb-ft. This narrow spread makes price the key differentiator.
How does the 1967 Shelby GT500 compare to the GTX?
The GT500 is far more expensive at $4,395 versus $3,178, and its 428 Police Interceptor makes 355 hp and 420 lb-ft, less than the GTX's standard 440. The GT500 runs quarter miles around 14.6 to 15 seconds, slower than the GTX's 15.2. It wins on rarity (2,048 built) and collectibility, not performance.
What should I check first when buying a 1967 muscle car?
Documentation before inspection. Ask for the fender tag, build sheet, and any registry or Marti-style report before you drive anywhere. For a Hemi GTX, L78 Chevelle, W-30 442, or Shelby GT500, documentation is the value. No paper, no premium—walk or price it as a clone.
Sources
- https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools
- https://www.mecum.com/
- https://www.barrett-jackson.com/
- https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1967-plymouth-belvedere-gtx.htm
- https://www.motortrend.com/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/
- https://www.hemmings.com/
- https://bringatrailer.com/
- https://www.curbsideclassic.com/
- https://www.automobile-catalog.com/
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