Collector interest is returning to old-school pony cars that challenged the Ford Mustang.

The Mustang opened the affordable sporty compact segment in 1964, and rivals followed quickly.

Chevrolet’s Camaro arrived for 1967 on the rear-wheel-drive F-body, with small-block and big-block V8s.

The Pontiac Firebird shared that platform and used Pontiac V8s.

The Plymouth Barracuda debuted weeks before the Mustang in 1964 and later became known for E-body cars.

Dodge’s Challenger launched for 1970 with a longer wheelbase than its Plymouth stablemate.

Mercury’s Cougar was the plusher Mustang alternative, and AMC’s Javelin took on Detroit’s Big Three.

The article says scarce Hemi Cudas and Pontiac Trans Ams have outpaced ordinary Mustang fastbacks in price growth.

Heavy-duty parts such as Chevrolet’s F41 suspension and Plymouth torsion bars addressed weak handling.

Read the full article on the pony cars that competed with the Mustang.