Don’t be fooled by their classic curves or understated profiles—these muscle cars pack serious power under the hood. While they may not scream speed at first glance, each of these machines can leave competitors in the dust.

We’ve rounded up some muscle cars that look deceptively tame but deliver jaw-dropping performance where it counts.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is a rare muscle car built for performance. It features a powerful all-aluminum 427 cubic inch V8 engine designed for drag racing.

It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.1 seconds and complete a quarter-mile in roughly 13 seconds. This made it one of the quickest muscle cars of its era.

Its lightweight construction and high horsepower gave it an advantage in straight-line speed against many contemporaries.

1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

The 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda is a notable muscle car known for its powerful 426 Hemi engine. It produces significant horsepower, allowing it to achieve a quarter-mile time of approximately 14 seconds.

This car combines impressive speed with a shorter wheelbase, improving its handling compared to similar models. Its design and performance helped it compete effectively against many contemporary sports cars.

1989 Pontiac Trans Am 20th Anniversary Edition

The 1989 Pontiac Trans Am 20th Anniversary Edition is known for its blend of classic style and performance. It features a turbocharged V6 engine delivering strong acceleration.

This model achieved 0-to-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and completed a quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds at 101 mph. Its balanced design helped it compete effectively against modern performance cars on both track and street.

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429

The 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 is a rare muscle car with just 857 units produced. It features a powerful 429 cubic inch engine designed for high performance.

This Mustang delivered 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, making it competitive with many sports cars of its era. Its four-speed transmission and aggressive gearing enhanced acceleration and speed.

The Boss 429 stands out for its engineering focus on power and durability. It remains a respected example of classic American muscle.

1987 Buick GNX

The 1987 Buick GNX is a distinguished muscle car known for its turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine. It produced around 300 horsepower, making it among the fastest American muscle cars of its era.

Only 547 GNX units were made, emphasizing its exclusivity. It was designed as a high-performance version of the Grand National, featuring upgraded suspension and brakes.

The GNX earned a reputation for strong acceleration and solid handling, outperforming many sports cars available at the time. Its sleeper appearance masked its impressive performance capabilities.

Dodge Charger Hellcat

The Dodge Charger Hellcat features a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 707 horsepower. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.6 seconds.

Its power and torque allow it to compete with many sports cars in straight-line speed. The Hellcat balances classic muscle car styling with modern performance technology.