The American public's love for speed and power has inspired generations of muscle cars. The rising popularity of street racing, stock-car races, and quarter-mile drag races in the pre-war years led to the formation of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing in 1947 and the National Hot Rod Association in 1951. These organizations and the growing plethora of specialist auto magazines (including Hot Rod and Motor Trend) stimulated America's fascination with speed and performance. In turn, this resulted in the development of the first production muscle cars. These powerful models took their heritage from the street racers of earlier days, with small bodies equipped with large and potent engines. The Illustrated Directory of Muscle Cars celebrates the complete history of the muscle car, from its earliest inception through to the sophisticated beasts of today. Beautifully illustrated throughout in full color, this book includes full technical specifications for each car featured.