The American classic car market has gone crazy. Prices of once-affordable models like have rocketed. Cars like the 1969 Dodge Charger 500 and the 1987 Buick Grand National now fetching a premium. Interest grew through the raft of television shows. Each relates to hunting out barn finds, renovation, and flipping. The classic scene is hotter than ever before.
Outside the mainstream classic car heroes lies a plethora of still reasonably-priced metal – cars that have a fantastic air about them. These range from overlooked muscle cars to special edition flops and resurrected treasures. It is these vehicles that the clever collector spies out and buys.
The majority of these gems are still at bargain prices but are very much affected by the ever-rising value of the classic car market. So, there is hope for those looking to get a foothold within classic car ownership. These are 10 affordable classic American cars every self-respecting collector should buy.
10 Ford Maverick Grabber (From $5,000)
Introduced as a compact car to battle against Japanese competition. The Ford Maverick Grabber is almost a decent-looking car. The front end lets it down a little, but from there on, it’s all classic fastback. It was never as cool as a Mustang, but that’s what makes it great today.
The Grabber came fitted with the 5.0-liter Windsor engine making a healthy 210 hp and 296 lb/ft of torque. This provided decent performance. Giving a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds. Flat out, it could hit 120 mph. The Grabber is a compact, lively, yet cheap muscle car.
9 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z (From $7,000)
The Dodge Daytona Shelby smacks of the ’80s, from its pop-up headlights to the optional side decals and digital dash. It was a cutting-edge design for the time and very in keeping with what the motoring world was becoming used to. It also had an in-vogue turbocharger.
Boasting an all-new 2.2-liter turbocharged engine. The impressive Shelby Z had 174 hp and 200 lb/ft of torque. Capable of a 7.2-second 0-60 mph run, it suffered from torque steer. Later versions made more power. The Shelby name alone gives a collector a reason to buy one.
8 3rd Gen Chevrolet Camaro RS (From $14,000)
The early Chevrolet Camaro has shot up in value. This means eyes have now fallen on the later cars. The RS model became the base model in 1989 and offered a superb package. The 2.8-liter V6 made 135 hp whilst the 5.0-liter V8-equipped version hit 170 hp.
The larger engined Camaro RS could hit 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. Handling was very good for the time. Fast becoming an eighties motoring icon, The Camaro RS is easily spotted. Decent examples are also becoming rare. As a lot of RS cars were bought cheap and hammered.
7 Chevrolet Impala SS (From $12,000)
A big butch sedan rocking a mighty V8. The Chevrolet Impala SS is essentially a civilian version of a cop car, offering plenty of power and acres of interior space. It is a well-equipped model with luxurious leather-clad seating. An ideal street cruiser that can haul when needed.
Under the hood lies a 5.7-liter V8 pumping out 260 hp and 330 lb/ft of torque. Stamp on the throttle and 60 mph appears in 7.1 seconds. This makes it something of a sleeper. The Chevrolet Impala SS is a modern classic that has a dedicated cult following already.
6 Mercury Cougar XR7 (From $6,500)
The Mercury Cougar is an underrated muscle car. Its muscular looks and exciting styling are being ignored by many classic car fans. Which is a shame because what is on offer impresses. Think of it as a more mature version of the Mustang – with concealed headlamps.
A selection of V8 engines was offered, but the one to look for is the 6.4-liter 390GT. A car packing a mighty punch. Blending power and pace, it makes 320 hp while being capable of hitting 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. That’s a decent turn of speed for a useable classic car.
5 1988 C4 Corvette (From $8,000)
The C4 Corvette was considered revolutionary at launch. It mixed modern technologies with futuristic styling. Despite being well-loved, it dated quickly. Prices took a hit and examples could be bought cheaply. This led to many C4 Corvettes being trashed or neglected.
A retro classic, the C4 Corvette is once again on the rise. They conjure up memories of youth for a lot of people and belong on the list of dream cars that are now affordable. Unabused examples are becoming rare – especially ones with fully working digital dashboards.
4 Gen 1 Ford Mustang (From $10,000)
Not all classic Mustangs come with a hefty price tag. Staying away from the special editions, the Shelby tweaked cars, and the movie legends, classic Mustangs can still be bought for sensible money. Meaning, a slice of American motoring history on the driveway for cheap.
Any car collector worth their salt will own a ’60s-era Mustang. It is an American classic car icon; a vehicle that has global recognition and a following that is hard to beat no matter what engine configuration, body style, or condition. The Ford Mustang is a ticket to instant cool.
3 Jeep CJ5 (From $7,000)
The CJ5 will go anywhere, which is something the majority of classic cars can’t boast. Hugely capable off-road, the CJ5 is best experienced with a V8 under the hood. Numerous other engine options were, however, available, including a low-powered diesel and a peppy V6.
Opting for the 5.0-liter V8 saw a power output of 125 hp with 220 lb/ft of torque. Relatively light for a Jeep, the CJ5 V8 could scamper to 60 mph in 11 seconds. But this is no muscle car, and its road manners are passable. For off-roading and posing in, you can’t do better.
2 Pontiac Trans Am (From $4,000)
Fans of Smokey and The Bandit will need deeper pockets as examples of that 6.6-liter Trans-Am have seen bumper increases in resale values. But those looking for the same style on a lower budget can still get in on the action. Just don’t expect big power outputs.
Once ignored for their lack of performance, the ’80s Pontiac Trans Am offers collectors on a budget access to an iconic car. The 4.9-liter turbocharged V8 version generated around 200 hp. It may have only dished out moderate performance., but it is still collectible.
1 Dodge Dart Swinger (From $7,500)
Despite its unfortunate name, the Swinger is an interesting car. A two-door sporting hardtop coupe, it could be ordered with a 5.5-liter V8 that put out 275 hp and 340 lb/ft of torque. Off the line, it would hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Keeping the throttle pinned saw 128 mph.
It never carried the kudos of some of its muscle car brethren. This means getting a good Dodge Dart Swinger isn’t going to be as costly. They’re starting to become collectible, and are a surefire hit with buyers. All the muscle car thrills look and sound at a bargain level
