The "Coke bottle" design, characterized by its curvaceous body that mimics the silhouette of a classic glass Coca-Cola bottle, stands as a testament to the golden age of American automotive design. This design ethos was especially popular in the 1960s and 1970s, a period that saw the birth and evolution of some of the most iconic pony and muscle cars. Here, we explore the top 10 "Coke bottle" designs that have left an indelible mark on automotive history.

Honorable Mention – The originator of the breed – 1962 Studebaker Avanti – Designed by Raymond Loewy

Above: Most American pony cars and muscle cars of the 1960's owe their Coke bottle styling to an industrial designer named Raymond Loewy. Mr. Loewy originated the Coke bottle shape with his design of the 1962 Studebaker Avanti. The Avanti's silhouette is characterized as having a narrow midsection where the doors are located and curvaceous bulges atop the front fender located where the front wheel is and the rear wheel atop the quarter panels. One can almost see a Coke bottle lying on its side in this view of the sporty 1963 Studebaker Avanti. The iconic Coke bottle shape is also characterized as having a long hood and a short decklid (or trunk lid), which pretty much every pony car and muscle car from the 1960's into the 1970's has.

10) 1971 Oldsmobile 442

The 1971 Oldsmobile 442 embodies the "Coke bottle" design with its flowing lines and sculpted bodywork. The car's flared wheel arches, bold grill, and muscular stance make it an icon of the muscle car era. The 442's combination of style and performance solidified its place in automotive history as one of Oldsmobile's most celebrated models.

9) 1968 AMC AMX

The 1968 AMC AMX is a unique entry in the muscle car arena, featuring a compact, two-seat configuration and a distinct "Coke bottle" shape. Its short wheelbase, wide stance, and pronounced curves give the AMX a sporty and aggressive look. The AMX's innovative design set it apart from its competitors and remains a cherished classic. If you have a family, the 1968 AMC Javelin has a bit longer wheelbase and includes a back seat, as shown below. (Although, this particular Javelin is a one-of three specially prepared Bonneville Salt Flats land speed record holding muscle car, so it probably doesn't have a back seat.)

Above: The 1968 AMC Javelin pictured above is actually:

• 1 of 3 Javelins specially prepared by Craig Breedlove and Edelbrock Engineering in 1968
• Winner of the “Car Craft” magazine contest known as the “Bonneville Speed Spectacular”
• Craig Breedlove drove it to a flying mile speed of 161.733 MPH on the Bonneville Salt Flats
• This C-Production class record stood for years afterward
• Driven only at Bonneville Salt Flats for 29 miles total
• Trailered before and after the contest
• Modified chassis and safety modifications by Breedlove's shop
• 304-cubic inch V8 engine
• Vic Edelbrock designed special prototype 2x4-barrel aluminum intake
• Special heads built by Joe Mondello
• 4-speed manual transmission
• October 1998 issue of “Car Craft” magazine
• Several 1968 “Car Craft” magazine issues included
• April 1970 “Hot Rod” magazine

8) 1970 Buick GSX

The 1970 Buick GSX took the "Coke bottle" design to a new level with its bold and muscular appearance. Its flared fenders, aggressive front fascia, and sporty stripes made it a standout in the Buick lineup. The GSX's design not only conveyed power but also sophistication, appealing to a more upscale muscle car audience.

7) 1969 Pontiac GTO

The 1969 Pontiac GTO, often referred to as "The Judge," exemplifies the "Coke bottle" design with its curvaceous bodywork and pronounced shoulder lines. The GTO's aggressive styling, combined with its potent performance, made it a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts. The car's distinctive design continues to be celebrated by collectors and fans alike.

Above: 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge interior

6) 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is a muscle car legend, and its "Coke bottle" design is a big part of its allure. The SS variant, in particular, features a powerful and imposing stance, with its bulging fenders, wide grill, and high-performance cues. The Chevelle SS's design balances aggression with elegance, making it a standout in the muscle car crowd.

Above: Chevelle SS 396-cubic inch big block V8 engine

5) 1967 Ford Mustang, Shelby GT350, and GT500

As one of the pioneers of the pony car segment, the Ford Mustang adopted a more pronounced "Coke bottle" design with its 1967 model. The concave side panels, top upswept rear fenders, and overall sleek silhouette of the '67 Mustang contributed to its sporty and youthful image, cementing its status as a cultural icon. In terms of high performance and high style, the Shelby GT500 Mustang variant is the pinnacle of pony car expression for the Ford Mustang in the 1967 model year.

Above: The interior of the 1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang shows that it has the rear seat folded down in this photo.

Above: Here's a 1967 Mustang GT390 convertible sporting a four-speed manual transmission that's wearing her Candyapple Red paintwork proudly.

4) 1971 Plymouth Barracuda

The 1971 Plymouth Barracuda is a prime example of "Coke bottle" styling taken to the extreme. With its exaggerated curves, flared wheel arches, and muscular profile, the Barracuda is a visual powerhouse. Its aggressive stance and bold design elements have made it a sought-after classic in the muscle car world.

Above: A 426 Hemi V8 mill powers this particular 1971 Plymouth Barracuda convertible.

3) 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is often considered the pinnacle of first-generation Camaros, and its "Coke bottle" design plays a significant role in its enduring appeal. The car's sharply creased fenders, sculpted body sides, and slightly pinched midsection create a sense of motion even when stationary, making it a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts.

2) 1970 Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger entered the muscle car arena in 1970, sporting a bold "Coke bottle" design that emphasized power and performance. With its long hood, short deck, and flared fenders, the Challenger conveyed an aggressive yet refined image. This design helped establish Dodge as a formidable player in the muscle car market.

1) 1967 Chevy Corvette C2 TIED - 1st Place with 1968 Chevy Corvette C3

Above: An L88 spec, 427-cubic inch big-block V8, 430-horsepower, M21 four-speed Muncie manual transmission backed 1967 Corvette convertible with its optional removable hardtop poses for one of Mecum Auctions' professional automotive photographers at Mecum's Monterey 2024 Auction, held during mid-August's Monterey Car Week.

The second and the third generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, known as the C2 (model years 1963-1967) and C3 (model years 1968-1982), culminated in 1967 and debuted in 1968 (respectively). Both generations embraced the "Coke bottle" aesthetic with enthusiasm. The Corvette's sweeping curves, bulging fenders, and dramatic waistline pinch give it (or her or him as you're inclined) a dynamic and aggressive stance. The C2's design was based upon young American automobile designer Peter Brock's creation. While the C3's design was heavily influenced by the Mako Shark II concept car and remains one of the most recognizable Corvette shapes.

Above and below: A 1968 NCRS Top Flight, 427-cubic inch/400-horsepower V-8 equipped Corvette convertible that is backed by a four-speed Muncie manual transmission wears her Safari Yellow paint while posing for Mecum's January 2024 Kissimmee, FL auction. All photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

Conclusion - Parts Unlimited Interiors Has Interior Items for These "Coke Bottle Design" Muscle Cars

The "Coke bottle" design represents a pinnacle of automotive styling, capturing the essence of speed, power, and beauty in a single silhouette. These top 10 pony and muscle cars exemplify how this design philosophy created some of the most memorable and beloved vehicles in history. Each car on this list has earned its place through a combination of innovative design, performance, and cultural impact, ensuring their legacy for generations to come. If you own, are restoring, or are restomodding pony cars or muscle cars like these beauties or other American pony and muscle cars, Parts Unlimited Interiors is the place to find American top-quality manufactured interior items.