After years of both literal and figurative saber rattling, the United States and Iran reached a historical agreement that reduces strict economic sanctions that has hurt Iran’s economy. By giving inspectors access to nuclear power plants, Iran’s borders are now open to a number of new exports. But one of the items that remains on the no-no list are American muscle cars, though that hasn’t stopped the wealthiest Iranians from getting the rides they really want.

Reuters reports that hundreds of American muscle cars have hit the streets of Iranian cities, thanks to a newly-formed free trade zone near Armenia and Azerbaijan. Besides being a reflection of how sanctions often fail, it also showcases the potential the Iranian market has for American automakers.

You’d be surprised at just how Westernized Iran remains, even decades after the fall of the U.S. backed Shah. This includes a built-up demand for American automobiles that were popular in the years before the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

For years only the wealthiest and best-connected Iranians have been able to smuggle American muscle cars into Iran, but there are increasing signs that cars like the Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Chevy Camaro SS are making it over the border thanks to the recent allowance of the sale of automobiles in the aforementioned free trade zone. Over 1,500 American vehicles are estimated to have been sold in Iran since the second half of 2012.

If America and Iran can come to a more permanent agreement that sees the elimination of economic sanctions altogether, it’s possible Iran could become one of the biggest Middle East markets for American automakers.

Unlike tiny Dubai, Iran has a large, young, and very educated population, and many of them have quite a friendly view not just of America, but of the cars we build. If you want to see more American muscle in the Islamic Republic, just check out the aptly-named Iran Best Cars Facebook page.

Maybe we have more in common with Iran than either government wants us to realize. If anything can bring America and Iran together, it just might be our mutual love of muscle cars.