We’re going to get real candid about American muscle cars for a moment here, because if you take an objective look at them, some of the veneer and mystique starts to fade away. With the exception of a handful of top-end models, most muscle cars weren’t that fast, especially by modern standards.

In factory form, a 1969 Shelby GT500 with a 427 cubic-inch side oiler V8 was only good for mid-14s at best, similar to what a modern Toyota Camry V6 could achieve. But no Camry ever sounded like this, we tell you what.

Because when you get right down to it, the real appeal of American muscle cars today boils down to nostalgia and sound. There are far faster cars for the money today, loaded with gadgets, convenience, and safety features that make day-to-day driving a breeze compared with the finicky carburetors slow-to-warm heater cores. But there are only a few cars on the planet that side like a Ford 427 FE side oiler, and if you ask us, this is the epitome of what makes muscle cars so uniquely great.

That sound. That roar. The unrestricted horsepower. That sound of an entire generation coming of age, a time before America’s post-war glory was interrupted by gas shortages, high interest rates, and choking emissions equipment. The 1969 Shelby GT500 may not be the most valuable Mustang to come out of Carroll Shelby’s shop, but it was in many ways the pinnacle of engine sound and technology for the era.

If you ever need to convince somebody of the appeal of classic American muscle, just show them this video. If this doesn’t change their mind, nothing will.