Peter Fink is a devout car guy. After all, he's made a living working on them as owner and CEO of Certified Transmission in Omaha, Nebraska. "I love all '67-72 American muscle cars," he says. "I began collecting around 20 years ago and set a goal of owning 100 cars." At last count he's up to 86, and that includes some of the most desirable performance vehicles to ever come from Detroit.

When purchasing vintage muscle cars, Peter has a very discerning eye. "I collect only big-blocks with the exception of the early Z28 and AAR 'Cuda. I want bucket seats only and like a center console, too. All the vehicles are documented originals with number-matching drivetrains. All are in their born-with colors and I won't buy one that has been undercoated. All have been restored to a very high level and while they're all trailer queens and mostly for show, I do drive them occasionally. Everything about them works as it should, and I am very picky about that."

Around 2013, Peter decided it was time to display his collection. "I spent years finding the rarest GM, Ford, and MOPAR performance cars out there and felt it was time to have them in one great place," he said. He transformed an office building into a museum that consists of two 4,200 sq-ft rooms where portions of his collection are displayed.

The American muscle cars are gathered in one room and there's space for approximately 15 vehicles at any given time. With so many desirable examples to choose from, it's difficult for Peter to decide what to display. "I tend to keep the rarest cars on display and rotate others in and out once in a while, but I hope to build a bigger place where I can display them all someday." Although Peter's museum isn't open to the public for walk-ins, he does host a number of charity events each year that allows enthusiast access. This month we will sample Peter's American Muscle Car Collection. Next month we will look at his modified vehicle collection.

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1

The eye-popping 1970 Buick GSX is one of 491 painted Saturn Yellow. The optional Stage 1 455-ci V8 with four-barrel carburetor, rated at 360 hp and 510 lb-ft, was installed into 400 GSX's that model year, and just 118 of them were backed by a Muncie four-speed manual. Peter says the Buick's 510 lb-ft torque rating was the greatest of any American production performance car until it was surpassed by the Series 2 V10 Viper in 2003.

2

This 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is equipped with the R-code 428-ci Cobra Jet V8 rated at 335 hp and 440 lb-ft. The R-code designation denotes the optional shaker hood scoop. Peter's Red Mach 1 is equipped with a number of options including a C6 automatic transmission, air conditioning, AM/FM radio with 8-track, and a tilt-away column like that found in the sport-luxury Thunderbird.

3

Pontiac's "The Judge" package introduced in mid-year 1969 for the GTO boasts the 400-ci Ram Air III V8 with four-barrel carburetor rated at 366 hp and 445 lb-ft as standard equipment. Peter's Judge is backed by the TH400 automatic. The orangey Carousel Red exterior has become an iconic hue among collectors.

4

The popularity of SCCA's Trans-Am racing series during the late '60s forced Plymouth to develop its All-American Racer (or AAR) Cuda for 1970. The standard 340 Six-Barrel was rated at 290 hp and 345 lb-ft and could be de-stroked by racers to comply with class rules. Peter says his AAR Cuda is one of 117 in Lemon Twist and is equipped with a A727 TorqueFlite automatic.

5

The 1969 Daytona was Dodge's successful attempt at improving the otherwise-boxy Charger profile for NASCAR competition. A total of 503 Daytonas were produced, and Peter says that ten were equipped with the SE package. Only three were in Dark Green. His Daytona SE is equipped with the 440-ci V8 with four-barrel carburetor rated at 375 hp and 480 lb-ft. It's backed by an A727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission. It was sold new by Ron Olson Dodge in Omaha, Nebraska and has remained in the area since.

6

Plymouth adapted a version of Dodge's aerodynamic treatment to its Road Runner to create the 1970 Superbird. Fewer than 2,000 were produced that model year. Peter says that 408 were equipped with the 440 Six-Barrel V8 rated at 390 hp and 490 lb-ft backed by an A727 TorqueFlite automatic. The Vitamin C Orange wing-car features bucket seats and center console. When people ask Peter what his favorite muscle car is, he says, "I have to say it's this car. It's so fun to drive and man, do people look at you. If it's attention you're after, buy a Superbird!"

7

Peter's 1970 Plymouth Cuda boasts the vaunted 426 Hemi V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors rated at 425 hp and 490 lb-ft. He says it's one of 368 equipped with an A727 TorqueFlite automatic. Reportedly, less than nine percent were painted code-B5 Blue Fire Metallic and the front seat console adds to the rarity.

8

E-body Mopars remain hugely popular, and few are as desirable as this 1970 Challenger R/T equipped with the 426 Hemi V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors, rated at 425 hp and 490 lb-ft. Peter says his Plum Crazy coupe is one of 150 produced with the A727 TorqueFlite automatic. He loves the exterior finish so much that he ordered his new Dodge Demon in that same color.

9

Those within the Blue Oval circle are quick to understand the term "Boss 9." For those less in tune with Ford's ponycar, that moniker refers to the Boss 429—a special Mustang hand-built by Kar Kraft. Peter says his Grabber Orange 1970 "Boss 9" is one of 499 produced that model year. Like all Boss Mustangs, it's equipped with four-speed manual transmission.

10

In addition to two 440-ci V8s, Plymouth also offered the 1970 Superbird with the 426 Hemi with dual four-barrel carburetors rated at 425 hp and 490 lb-ft. Peter's Alpine White Hemi 'Bird is one of 58 produced with the A833 four-speed manual transmission. It's also equipped with bucket seats and a center console with Pistol Grip shifter.

11

The Yenko Super Camaro is among the most coveted first-generation examples. Peter says that 201 Super Camaros were produced in 1969. His is one of 30 in Daytona Yellow and one of just two that were double-COPO cars. It's equipped with the L72 427-ci rated at 425 hp and backed by a Muncie 4-speed manual. He adds that while it's equipped with bucket seats, it doesn't have a center console—the only such car in his collection without one.

12

Chevrolet developed the Z28 package in 1967 for Camaro racers competing in SCCA's Trans-Am series. The DZ 302-ci in Peter's 1969 Hugger Orange Z28 is equipped with the cross-ram intake manifold with dual Holley four-barrel carburetors that Chevrolet developed for its internal Camaro racing program. The small-block V8 is backed by a Muncie four-speed manual. It's also equipped with the rare and desirable JL8 Rear Disc Brake option, of which Peter says only 208 Z28s received.

13

Peter is a devout GM F-body fan and his 1969 Camaro SS in Marina Blue is equipped with the optional L89 396-ci V8 rated at 375 hp. He reports that 311 were produced with the aluminum-headed big-block. It's backed by a Muncie four-speed manual transmission. Inside it features bucket seats with center console and optional gauge package.

14

Many enthusiasts consider Chevrolet's 1970 Chevelle with the optional LS6 454-ci V8 the holy grail of muscle cars. With attractive styling and 450 hp and 500 lb-ft, what's not to like? Peter holds his Cranberry Red LS6 Chevelle in high regard. It's equipped with a Muncie four-speed transmission and 12-bolt rear axle with 4.11:1 gearing. He says its very fun to drive!