That depends entirely on how you define "Muscle Car". While it's true
Pontiac had a marketing campaign second to none, it was NOT Pontiac who
designated the term "muscle car" to the GTO. In fact, The term "Muscle
car" didn't even exist until the 80's..And that term was defined as a
regular production, large V8, mid sized car...By this definition the
"limited production" 413/426 Dodges, which were produced in very small
numbers, do not fall into this category. The GTO was the first car of
it's kind to be produced in mass. Also keep in mind that while the
413/426 Dodges were cleary monsters, they were still turning low 14's
at the track in stock form, exactly what the GTO was running. This was
most likely due to the weight the 413/426 had to push..The GTO was a
much lighter car than the Dodges. With little work and the right tires
the GTO's could run low/mid 13's, the Dodges with the same treatment
could run high 12's..This is a far cry from "Blowing" the GTO
away......

Cheers Ron,

Jeff Foglietta

1967 Pontiac GTO
1971 Dodge Challenger