Few things are as American as a quarter-mile drag race between two classic muscle cars. The YouTube channel Cars and Zebras is providing us, on a regular basis, with some of the most exciting muscle car drag races, most of which are between classic V-8 beasts from the 1960s and early-1970s. This time, we have the pleasure of seeing a 1967 Pontiac GTO versus a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. Place your bets.

1967 Pontiac GTO

The Pontiac GTO came out in 1963 and, effectively, began the muscle car era. For 1967, the Pontiac GTO came with a 400 cubic-inch (6.55-liter) V-8. This particular one is the High Output version, which has a “hotter” camshaft and 10.75:1 compression ratio. With this setup, the engine was rated at 360 horsepower at 5,100 RPM and 438 pound-feet (594 Nm) at 3600 RPM.

In this particular 1967 GTO, power goes to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and 3.90 rear gears. Despite its size, the 1967 Pontiac GTO tips the scales at 3,720 pounds (1,687 kg) with the driver inside. Out of the 13,827 GTO 400 H.O. produced in 1967, only 8.555 had the four-speed manual. Back in 1967, MotorTrend managed a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.9 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 14.21 seconds at 102 mph (164 km/h), with the same setup.

1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport

The 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle came with a 396 cubic-inch (6.5-liter) V-8. In base form, it produces 325 horsepower, but this particular SS has the L78 version, which is underrated at 375 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 415 pound-feet (563 Nm) at 3,600 RPM. The L78 comes with a Holley 780 carburetor, forged rotating assembly, four-bolt mains, mechanical valve lifters, and an 11:1 compression ratio.

Like the GTO, the Chevelle sends power to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual, but it has more aggressive 4.56 rear gears. It is a bit heavier, however, tipping the scales at 3,798 pounds (1,722 kg) with the driver. Over 86,000 Chevelle SS were sold in 1969, but only 9,486 had the L78 package. Back in the day, a Chevelle 396 SS L78 with 4.10 gears could do the quarter-mile in 14.07 seconds at 101 mph (163 km/h).

The Drag race

It’s a traditional, two out of three, heads-up drag race between these two classic muscle cars. Despite the weight and torque disadvantage, the more aggressive gearing of the Chevelle SS allows it to take first blood. It completes the quarter-mile in 13.13 seconds at 106.87 mph (172 km/h). The GTO manages a still respectable 13.70 seconds at 104.59 mph (168.32 km/h).

In the second race, the GTO ran a red light, giving an automatic win to the Chevelle. Still, the GTO was closer this time, with a 13.43-second quarter-mile time at 104.89 mph (168.8 km/h) while the Chevelle SS did a 13.34-second run at 109.26 mph (175.83 km/h).

A third run was made, for the sake of sportsmanship. Chevelle, once again, won by completing the quarter-mile in 13.28 seconds at 107.28 mph (172.65 km/h). The 1967 GTO manages a 13.63-second run at 104.88 mph (168.7 km/h).

Regardless of who won, both cars proved they are still peak performers, even after more than 50 years since they left their respective production plants. At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun, and I would be happy to take either of these V-8 pieces of American automotive history for a drive.