The recent news that Chevrolet will introduce a new “LT1” Camaro trim with the V8 but at the lower LT packaging levels got me thinking about a topic I have often pondered: is there a market for stripped-down muscle cars in today’s market? While the new LT1 trim is a step in that direction, I would hardly describe it as a “stripper.”
So what would constitute a stipped-down musclecar in 2020? Most enthusiasts would agree that a musclecar’s main objective is acceleration in a straight line. Given that objective, a stripped down musclecar would remove or delete any hindrance while maintaining some level of civility. Additionally, musclecars tend to fall on the affordable end of the spectrum, so cost should be minimized where possible. So here’s my list of what that might look like in a Camaro today:
- V8
- Hardtop
- Manual Windows/Seats/Locks
- Vinyl Seats/Floors
- Reduced interior sound dampening
- 15”-16” steel wheels
- Small Brakes and Rotors
- Minimal Audio System – (Basic Radio with two Speakers)
- HVAC – (Heater Only)
- No unnecessary air-dams, good effects or body skirting
I know some of you are already thinking, “who would buy that or drive it everyday?” Therein lies the crux of the issue. While I’ve had many conversation with other car guys about how cool a stripper car like this would be, how many would actually drive a new one off a dealership lot? From my viewpoint, there are two likely buyers of this type of car.
First is the entry-level buyer that only cares about the performance but is youthful enough to put up with a car this rowdy (or basic —Ed.) as a daily. Think 18-25 year-old’s spending more on their car than their home. Second is the established buyer looking for a weekend dragstrip or roll-race toy (likely planning power adders from the beginning – warranty or not).
While there may actually be a small market for this type of car, the obvious competition is the used car market. In the Camaro’s example, a buyer could purchase a car 2-3 years old and do most of the “stripping” substantially cheaper than what the LT1 Camaro would sticker for new.
Many older fellow enthusiasts will brag about the musclecars they bought back-in-the-day, with no power steering or brakes and just a big-block between the fenders. Sadly today, big-brother government has mandated safety, emissions, and sound requirements to the extent that manufacturers can only strip a car down so far.
Chevrolet seems to think a move in this direction is feasible. How far could manufacturers strip down musclecars before market appeal is so small that it’s no longer profitable? The simple answer is whatever we demand, via purchases. If Chevrolet sells 50K units of the LT1 in 2020, you might see 15” steelies and crank windows by 2022. So who’s up for a 2020 LT1?
Fascinated with anything on wheels since he could walk, Colby’s obsession quickly narrowed to late-model GM muscle. Modifying, breaking, and fixing project cars over the past 15 years has been his hard knocks education toward a BS degree in Car Guy.
