Wow...interesting debate. It's often said that the "first musclecar" is the '64 Pontiac GTO, supported by the basic argument that a "musclecar" by definition is a mid-sized body with a full sized engine. By that definition I suppose the GTO has bragging rights. I'll agree that the Corvette shouldn't count because it's always been a 2 seater "sports car" regardless of it's engine size or performance capability. However, in my own personal opinion, and feel free to agree or disagree, that's the beauty of opinions, everyone's entitled to their own, I think a "musclecar" by definition, should be any car that was designed and factory produced with the intention of providing a high performance/race oriented vehicle at a low cost, particularly at the expense of comfort or luxury features. Under that definition, I think '57 150 "Black Widow" or '62 409/409 Bel Air. Also, 427 Fairlane/Galaxie, Wedge/HEMI Super Stock Dodge/Plymouth and so on and so forth. If it's main purpose was goin' fast more than lookin' pretty, it's a musclecar in my book. Now that's not to say the expensive loaded up cars like the '65 Z-16 SS396/375 Chevelle shouldn't be called a musclecar, it's just that a stripped heater/radio delete 409 car more fits the nomenclature for me.
As far as "Supercars" go...to me that's a bit grayer. Usually it means anything above and beyond what a "regular person" could get as a "regular production option." A "Supercar" typically must have some specially ordered or dealer added high performance equipment. Here's where we fence sit on RPO'd cars like '70 LS-6 Chevelles, and Charger Daytonas/Superbirds and the like. While undoubtedly performance oriented and significant in their own rights, I personally don't lump these cars into the "Supercar" category. I'm sure many will present an excellent argument to disagree here. I will say I don't think these terms should be written in stone, nor do I deny there being exceptions to these simple rules, this is just my personal take and personal definition of the terms. I guess I'm saying use these guidelines loosely, and decide for yourself. One thing I can say with certainty is that "Musclecars" are purely American.
