The game of collecting classics isn’t for everyone. It usually requires a lot of dedication and commitment on the owner’s part, and taking on an old project car is an even bigger undertaking. The end result of restoring and building a classic muscle car is a feeling like no other, though. It is something to be proud of when showing off to friends and family. It is definitely a story that can be told over dinner or a campfire with buddies and colleagues.
If collecting cars that are already completed and in pristine condition is more the style wanted, it can be expected to pay a little more, but it saves money in the end because repairs and builds will not be needed. Classic muscle cars are more popular than ever, thanks to their old-world charm and ability to retain or increase value. But this also means that some old muscle cars can cost well over six figures, so below is a curated list of 10 affordable muscle cars that can kick-start your classic car journey without breaking the bank.
Updated June 11, 2023: The used muscle car markets change so often that as soon as a list is published, something on it changes, which is why this list is getting refreshed and made more relevant. Keep in mind that the market can change within minutes, so do some research before committing to a specific make and model of classic muscle car purchase. If building or restoring is in the future many more options will be available when compared to buying a classic performance car that is already top-notch.
1988 Chevrolet Camaro Can Be Picked Up For A Mere $4,600
Like most other models after the early 1970s, the Camaro was redesigned to reduce emissions. This means that the base engine in the 1988 Chevy Camaro was a small six-cylinder with some decent power, but it could not compare to the base level 305 that could be opted for. The good thing about either engine size is that it is easy to remove and replace with a bigger, more powerful engine. Of course, it can always be left original, which will increase its value when the time comes to sell it off to gain back a good return on the investment. The bonus of buying an ’88 Camaro is that it can be picked up for as little as $4,600 to $11,600.
1975 Dodge Dart Sport Can Be Bought For As Little As $5,000
The Dart Sport 360 added a new lease on life to the lineup in 1974. The most impressive version was powered by a 5.9-liter V-8 engine rated at 245 horsepower. It was sold until the end of 1976 when Dodge decided to move it up a notch by turning it into an option for the Sport V8. Since the Sport 360 is among the rarest and most expensive Darts from the era, they are somewhat sought after in the market, with prices starting at around $20,000. However, if the power and exclusivity are unnecessary, a basic Dodge Dart with the less powerful 5.2-liter V-8 can be picked up for about $5,000 to $9,400.
1986 Ford Mustang 5.0L Is Priced Low, Beginning At $3,900
Over the years, Fox Body Mustangs have received a bad wrap. Granted, the lightweight 5.0L may not have the massive big blocks that previous models had, such as the 1970 Mustang Boss 427, but overall they had a powerful 302 linked to a unique muffler system. The H-patterned exhaust creates a distinctive rumble from the tailpipes, making onlookers look twice. 1985 was the last year for the SVO, but since it had extremely low production numbers, it is not a model that could be picked up cheaply. On the other hand, the basic level 5.0L is a great starting point for collectors and muscle car builders, and it can be bought for $3,900 to $15,600.
1996 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS Can Be In Your Driveway For $8,700
Launched back in the 90s, the fourth-gen Chevrolet Camaro, fondly called the catfish Camaro, is yet another example of the punk era and bold designs making it to the mainstream. The Catfish never garnered the same love and fan following as its predecessors, but that’s good news for budget-conscious classic car shoppers. Nonetheless, the fourth-gen Camaro did get a few special editions that continue to be sought after in the used market, and the 1996 Camaro Z28 SS is one of them. Essentially an upgrade over the Z28, it featured a V-8 engine rated at 305 horsepower, 30 horses more than the regular Z28. You can buy one of these for as low as $8,000, although some versions will fetch close to $15,000.
1975 Ford Maverick Grabber Can Be Snatched Up For A Low $3,400
The Maverick isn’t a true-blue muscle car, but the Grabber package made it look like one. The six-cylinder engines that Ford offered with this car were far from powerful, but the 5.0-liter V-8 that powered the 1975 Ford Maverick Grabber got 129 horsepower from the factory. Also, far from impressive, but you should keep in mind that the Maverick tipped the scales at less than 3,000 pounds. Prices for Maverick Grabbers usually start at around $3,400, but be prepared to pay up to $18,300 for a well-optioned and well-maintained example.
1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport Can Be Spendy But Starts At $10,450
The Ford Gran Torino Sport from 1972, also sold as a rebadged Mercury Cyclone GT, was a stunning transformation story that took the regular Ford Torino, which is a cool classic, to get a new lease on life. Prices vary greatly depending on trim and engine, but you can find some for as low as $10,450. However, expect six-digit odometer readings and bad paint on such examples. If you want a pristine example with low miles, expect to shell out close to $36,800. Still, the Ford Gran Torino is a surefire way to get started on the classic muscle car game.
1969 Mercury Marauder Starts Off At $7,900
The 1970 Mercury Cyclone is one of the best-known classic muscle cars produced by the company, but since this list is about affordable performance cars, it will be skipped. Instead, one of the next best choices can be picked up for as little as $7,900. Of course, that will not get a car in pristine condition because that would run well over $16,000, depending on what is being looked for. Since the Marauder is one of the less sought-after Mercurys, it is a great starting point for anyone wanting a classic muscle car.
1972 Mercury Comet Can Be Picked Up For $8,100
The Mercury Comet may not look like much on the outside, but they all came with engines from a small 170 inline six to the 302 that could push a little more power out. Depending upon the car being considered, the 1972 Mercury Comet is a great starting point for classic muscle car building, especially if planning on fitting an engine from a Ford Thunderbird or Mustang. The bottom line price of $8,100 may seem a little high to start with, but considering the fact that a car in pristine condition can cost up to $18,600, it is a steal when one can be found.
1988 Pontiac Firebird Is A Steal At $4,200
The 1988 Pontiac Firebird with a V-8 already under the hood can be picked up for as little as $4,200. Even cars that are in pristine condition go for half what an early 70s model would cost, running right around $13,800. The style of the Firebird has changed throughout the years, just like the Chevy version, but an appealing look can be found, or the ’88 can be modified. Either way, this car is one of the best to have in the driveway as a project or showpiece.
1971 Ford Ranchero Is A Car/Truck That Is Priced At A Low $6,500
Based on the Ford Torino/Fairlane, the Ranchero isn’t as famous as the Chevrolet El Camino, but that comes as an advantage for that shopping for underrated muscle cars. The 1970 or 1971 models were available with both six and eight-cylinder engines, and the V-8 versions can be had for less than $10,000, but expect well-used examples with obvious signs of aging. But, if you seek the very best, you can find low-mileage examples in pristine condition for as high as $20,000. The record-holder was from 1971 that sold for $90,200.
1975 Pontiac Grand Am Was Recently Bought For $9,075
The Pontiac Grand Am was not just another car that GM produced to add to the muscle car lineup. In fact, it was built to compete with the European luxury sedans that were taking over the majority of the sales in the American markets. For that reason, the car came off the assembly lines with the choice of two different 400 engines or a larger 455, along with plush bucket seats, sport-tuned suspension, and a high-beam switch on the steering wheel instead of the floor. The ’75 Grand Am can currently be picked up anywhere from $7,700 to $24,400, with recent auctions showing around $9,075.
1979 Pontiac Firebird Esprit Can Be Had For A Mere $5,900
The Pontiac Firebird Esprit is not as commonly heard about as the basic Firebird or Trans-Am, which you would think would make it more expensive when found. However, that is not the case because these cars can be picked up anywhere from $5,900 to $29,900, with the average sales price being around $9,700. Be aware that the Esprit came with two engine options, the 2.8L V6 and the 5.7L V-8, so depending on the level of project that you may want, the power can fluctuate, as will the price.
1995 Chevrolet Impala SS Can Go For As Little As $13,300
By looking at the 1995 Chevrolet Impala SS, you may not think it is more than a car that was common on the police force for a few years, but with some rims and a cool paint job, they can look pretty fine. The thing is, with the Impala SS, that under the hood is already a 260 horsepower 350 V-8 that has the potential to be built into a beast (with a few Chevy 350 mods) that could be the biggest sleeper car in town. Unfortunately, these cars are no longer off the radar, so they can cost a little more than the others, ranging from $13,300 to $67,700, so the Chevy Impala SS is best left as a complete project car unless money is not an issue.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda Is Expensive Unless Caught For $6,325
Since the Plymouth Barracuda launched a few days earlier in ’64 than the Ford Mustang did, many classic car enthusiasts claim it was the first pony car on the scene in America. It came straight off the assembly lines with a 2.8L, 3.7L, or 4.5L, with the biggest offering pushing out up to 180 horsepower. Since these cars are classic muscle cars, they can cost a substantial amount, ranging from $14,400 to $39,500, according to Hagerty. However, if you keep an eye on the auctions, they have been known to go for as little as $6,325.
1972 Chevrolet Vega Can Still Be Found For $7,150
If you grew up through the ’80s and ’90s, you know how easy and cheap it was to build a Chevy Vega into a muscle car that simply blew the doors off the competition. The Vega is still one of those project cars that builders love to get their hands on, but because they have become less common in the used car world, they can cost you up to six digits when built to the max. There are times when an auction lets them go for cheaper, though, so if the Vega is the project car you have been looking for, have some patience and keep a close eye out because they have sold for as little as $7,150 in the past.
FAQ
Q: Which muscle car is cheapest?
The lowest recorded sale price for a Ford Ranchero on Hagerty was $550, and that’s as cheap as they come if they still have the wheels on.
Q: What’s the best muscle car for the money?
The best new Muscle car for the money is the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach 1 which is offered with an optional 6-speed Tremec manual transmission and a starting price of $56,270.
Q: What is the #1 muscle car?
The #1 modern-day muscle car has to be the Dodge Challenger Hellcat thanks to its party piece which is its 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 with 707 horsepower.
Q: What is a good beginner muscle car?
A 2022 Camaro or the S650 2024 Ford Mustang are great beginner muscle cars that offer everything from frugal engine options to big V-8s and the option of choosing a manual transmission.
