I started driving in the late 50's so I grew up with the muscle cars of the 60's and 70's. I never had a true muscle car but did have some big V8's. Back then you either had a stick or a 3 speed auto...
Those infamous "SLIP-O-MATIC" GM transmisisons of the 50s sure didn't win many street races... Had to build up the fluid pressure first then slowly engage the GO mode.. Engines screaming like heck and not moving at all...