I agree with You Dave ! If a 64 GTO gets the credit for starting the Muscle Car Era, What would you call the following?

63 Fords equipped with a 427--11.5 to 1 compression -2 holley 4 bbls. 425 hp @6000rpm.They also had the 405hp-406 ci. 11,4 to 1 compression with 3-2 bbl holleys.

63 Impalas and Biscaynes with 409s -425 hp. with 2 -4bbls

63 Plymouths and Dodges with the Super Stock II -426ci.Wedge engine 425 horsepower .Before that it was the 413ci.

63 Pontaic Catalinas with the 421 HO Tri Power 3-2s -370 horsepower-10.75 to 1 compression.( very conservative ratings)

The First Muscle cars , if thats what you want to call the cars from 64 GTOs on were bad,but its Super Stock big brothers were
Pretty Bad Too!