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As the year comes to an end, many companies are counting down their top cars of 2011. We’ve seen some pretty cool rides this year and were excited to see that AMCar Guide ranked some of the cars we’ve taken a look at here among their top ten. Here are our favorites, both new and old.
2011 Retro Ford Mustang GT, Created by John Heerman
Sliding in at number 10 is the 2011 Retro Mustang GT created by John Heermann. We first caught sight of this unique Mustang at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show (SEMA) in Las Vegas. At only 23 years old, Heermann bought the GT and welded parts from a‘68 and ‘69 Mustang onto his modern pony car, giving it a unique retro look. While the latest Mustang generations have turned to the earlier model years for design ques, we can’t help but like this Retro Mustang more than the rest.
2011 Pontiac Banshee Trans Am Concept, Created by Hermance Design and Restore a Muscle Car
Many of us want Pontiac to come back so when we saw this Pontiac Banshee created by Hermance Design and Restore a Muscle Car in the eighth position on AMCar Guide’s list, we were hooked. Unlike some of the other Trans Am recreations we’ve seen, the Banshee was designed with all the Trans Am generations in mind.
Retaining the 6.2L LS3 Camaro engine, the Banshee is equipped with a ProCharger L99 supercharger, Baer Extreme brake kit, Pedders Super Car Xa performance suspension and Nitto tires for an extreme performance boost. This is definitely the Trans Am Pontiac should have built.
2010 Plymouth ‘Cuda Challenger Conversion, Created by HXC Performance
Sticking with the modern muscle car turned retro remake theme is a ‘71 Cuda recreation created by HXC Performance. Built off of a modern Challenger, this ‘Cuda features a retro grille, taillights and rear valance, along with a Shaker hood and fender “gills” specifically made for HXC’s ‘Cuda Accessories line.
Although the car maintains its original engine and gearbox, a KW Suspensions performance suspension was put in place of the stock system, making this ‘Cuda drop-top a looker with full performance capabilities.
1967 Chevrolet “Innovator” Nova, Created by The Roadster Shop
In the third place position is Innovator- the 2011 Goodguys Street Machine of the Year. In November we took a look at this pro-touring ‘67 Chevy Nova created by the Roadster Shop. The Nova is completely redesigned from the bumper to the rear, featuring reshaped body lines, hand crafted bumpers, a custom grille, chopped roof, unique paint job and matching interior. Powered by a 700hp GM LSX engine, this Nova is the epitome of a custom ride.
1969 Plymouth “Roadkill” Road Runner, Created by Brad Riepe
Although we haven’t seen AMCar Guide’s number two pick, it is one impressive car. Nicknamed “Roadkill,” this ‘69 Road Runner is the result of 11 years of work and customization by Brad Riepe.
Powered by a very noticeable 1,300hp National Hot Rod Association 99 ProStock HEMI engine, the goal was to create the ultimate Road Runner. Riepe accomplished this by also adding a Dana 60 rear end, coil over front suspension, five-speed manual transmission and a custom front end. Custom saw blade rims add a finishing touch to this killer car.
1967 Chevrolet “Vengeance” Camaro, Created by John Lewis and Garage Zero
Topping AMCar Guide’s list is the Vengeance Camaro. Powered by a Vengeance Performance-prepped 427cui LS7 engine, this bad boy takes American muscle to a whole new level.
As the creation of John Lewis and the Garage Zero team, the Vengeance Camaro makes use of modified RX-7, Corvette, early GTO, ’70 ‘Cuda and Chevy truck components, making the Camaro more of a Frankenstein vehicle than a traditional build. While it may have components from many other vehicles, the Camaro is one sexy machine. This car is definitely worth the top position on anyone’s list.
This year has been full of powerful cars, unique builds and high-performance rides. With this many unique rides all in one year, we can’t wait to see what 2012 brings.
