Today we have a lot of special editions of popular models, but the practice is nothing new. Even six decades ago, when muscle cars dominated American roads, manufacturers released a lot of them, and in this article we'll remember five that you probably didn't even know existed.
High-performance versions of standard, mass-produced American cars became extremely popular after Pontiac introduced the GTO package for the Tempest/LeMans in 1964.
That year, Ford launched the Mustang, and while it wasn't yet available in a high-performance version, it came with an unprecedented variety of options.
In the years that followed, both high-performance and optionally equipped recipes were employed by every major U.S. automaker.
In addition, automakers have begun launching special and limited editions of their high-performance vehicles, such as the five listed below.
1968 Ford Mustang Golden Nugget Speciale
Photo: Bring a trailer
As I mentioned earlier, the Mustang debuted in 1964 with an unprecedented array of options. This, combined with its timeless European GT-inspired design, made it a sales phenomenon from the start.
Over the next few years, the model was continually improved. More options, more power, and two high-performance versions developed with the help of Carroll Shelby led to even better sales than any other pony car could come close to.
Additionally, several Ford dealers have begun ordering special editions for their respective sales areas.
In 1968, the Seattle District Sales Department introduced the Golden Nugget Special and made it available for the same price as a base Mustang.
Essentially a standard six-cylinder hardtop, the Golden Nugget was made special by custom Sunlit Gold paint contrasted by black stripes on the louvered hood, black stripes on both sides, and unique gold dash plates (not real gold) engraved with the original owner's name.
The car also received a vinyl roof, whitewall tires, and wheel covers. It was basic, but at the same time, special.
Although advertisements indicated that 525 units would be sold, the Seattle District Sales Department ordered only 481.
1968 Dodge Charger Bengal
Photo: Mecum
In 1968, the Dodge Charger was completely redesigned. Although the second-generation B-body mid-model was less sophisticated than its predecessor, the overall styling made it more modern and aggressive, which is why it is now one of the most beloved Mopars from the golden age of muscle cars.
In addition to the debut of the second-generation Chargers, 1968 also marked the debut of the Cincinnati Bengals, who at the time became the newest member of the American Football League (AFL).
To celebrate both occasions, Tom Kneer, owner of a local network of Dodge dealers, decided to sell a special edition of the redesigned midsize car, which he called the Bengal Charger.
Legend has it that Kneer was friends with someone on the new football team's management team and so found out several months in advance that the official colors were orange and black.
The Charger wasn’t available in orange for the 1968 model year, so Kneer placed a special order for 50 units finished in an orange that closely resembled the Bengals. He also installed R/T-inspired dual black stripes on the rear, gave the cars black vinyl tops, and even had special Bengal Chargers badges made.
In addition to the unique exterior finish, Bengal Chargers had black or white interiors. As for powertrains, Kneer ordered most of the special-edition Chargers with the 318ci (5.2-liter) V8.
Some also received the base 225 ci (3.7-liter) inline-six engine, while others got the 383 ci (6.3-liter) V8. There were no Bengals with the 440 ci (7.2-liter) or 426 ci (7.0-liter) HEMI.
1970 Mark Donohue AMC Javelin SST Edition
Photo: Mecum
American Motors Corporation (AMC) lurked in the shadows of Detroit's Big Three and managed to hold out admirably until 1988.
In 1968, the company introduced the Javelin, an affordable alternative to the Mustang, Camaro, or Firebird.
The underdog did not break any sales records, but he managed to hold his own against his rivals both on the road and on the track.
In 1970, AMC successfully lured team owner Roger Penske and his star driver, Mark Donohue, away from Chevy by entrusting them with Javelins to race in the popular Trans-Am series, which led to a championship in 1971.
To celebrate the occasion and also homologate a modified version for the series, AMC has launched the Javelin SST Mark Donohue Edition.
Featuring a custom Donohue-designed rear spoiler that significantly improved aerodynamics, as well as dual exhausts, powerful front disc brakes, wider wheels, a handling package, and an AMX hood with a functional Ram-Air induction system, the SST Mark Donohue Edition was truly special.
Under the hood, the special edition could be equipped with either a 285-hp 360ci (5.9-liter) four-cylinder V8 or a 325-hp 390ci (6.4-liter) four-cylinder V8.
A total of 2,501 units were built, all featuring special decals and Mark Donohue's signature on the custom spoiler.
1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Hurst Sunshine Special
Photo: AJ Mueller/Chevrolet
Launched in 1967, the Camaro was Chevrolet's answer to the popular Mustang. Although it was a great pony car, it failed to outsell its rival, so in 1970 Chevy introduced a completely redesigned model.
Legend has it that three of the very first second-generation Camaro Z/28s built were used in a joint Chevrolet/Hurst program to test various aerodynamic modifications, including front and rear spoilers, as well as Hurst's new dual-stick shifter, which was the first time it was adapted to a Camaro.
In addition to these prototype changes, the cars received Hurst emblems on the front fenders, but otherwise were normal factory-built Z/28s.
Information on this special edition prototype is scarce. What we know for sure is that one was purchased by drag racing legend Dick “Mr. Unchangeable” Jesse, and even today, a single example is in circulation.
Dodge Ram 1971
Photo: Matt Litwin via Flickr
In 1970, Plymouth launched a compact, high-performance car called the Duster.
Based on the Valiant but featuring an all-new semi-fastback rear end, the Duster was available with a 340ci (5.9-litre) 275bhp small-block V8 engine that gave it considerable power.
The recipe proved successful, so in 1971 Dodge borrowed it, combining the Duster's custom rear end with the Dart's front end, creating the Dart Demon.
Even though the coolest Demon was, as you guessed it, powered by the 340 small-block engine, Dodge wanted to offer customers a special, affordable edition that paired the flashy colors and decals of the top-of-the-line 340 Demon with the V8 of the more affordable, base Demon.
The special edition was called Demon Sizzler, but although the idea seemed good, the car was not a commercial success at all.