Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (1968)

This is not to be confused with the dozens of useless imitations that followed. The original was genuinely developed for track use, with a 5.3 litre V8 engine, a four speed manual (very rare for a US model) and a top speed of 140 mph plus. The engine was apparently safe up to a Ferrari-like 7,500 rpm - about 2,000 rpm more than most American performance cars of the time. The only problem with this surprisingly handsome American car was the endless stream of Z28 versions that came later which were basically standard Camaros with extra stickers.

Chevrolet Camaro Z28 | Top 20 French cars