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.
Updated March 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 to 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.
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.
1988 Chevrolet Camaro Can Be Picked Up For A Mere $4,600
The Chevrolet Camaro may be one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time, ranking right up there with the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Charger. However, 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.
| Engine: | 5.0-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power: | 230 horsepower |
| Torque: | 300 pound-feet |
| 0-60 mph: | 7.4 seconds |
| Top speed: | 149 mph |
| Quarter mile: | 15.5 seconds |
1975 Dodge Dart Sport Can Be Bought For As Little As $5,000
The 70s was the era of excess. Cars were at the forefront of this design revolution, with cutting-edge shapes and massive engines defining the vehicles of the day. Amidst all the Impalas and Chargers of the decade, there was an affordable family sedan called the Dodge Dart Sport. The Dart started life as a full-size automobile in 1960, but it was relegated to a compact in 1963 and remained small until it was discontinued in 1976. The fourth-generation model joined the muscle car wars with exciting engine options, but the Dart also fell victim to the 1973 oil crisis, and subsequent models were all equipped with lackluster engines.
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.
| Engine: | 5.2-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power: | 145 horsepower |
| Torque: | 255 pound-feet |
| 0-60 mph: | 10.3 seconds |
| Top speed: | 112 mph |
| Quarter mile: | 19 seconds |
1986 Ford Mustang 5.0L Is Priced Low Beginning At $3.900
Over the years, Fox Body Mustangs have received a bad wrap. People claim they were not true Mustangs because Ford moved away from the traditional Mustang look. If looks are the most important aspect of a classic 'Stang, then the 1986 Ford Mustang 5.0L may be a disappointment until climbing into the driver's seat and going for a cruise. 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.
| Engine: | 5.0-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power: | 210 horsepower |
| Torque: | 265 pound-feet |
| 0-60 mph: | 6.3 seconds |
| Top speed: | 145 mph |
| Quarter mile: | 14.7 seconds |
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 Camaro was perhaps the largest departure at least from a design standpoint than all of its predecessors, and this was in a bid to tackle the low sales after the takeover of the declining sports car. Unfortunately for Chevy, modern America was more interested in fuel-efficient imports from Japanese automakers and that led to the demise of the Camaro in 2002.
The Catfish never managed to garner 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. I know old muscle cars are cooler, but you can have a lot of fun with the Z28 SS too. You can buy one of these for as low as $8,000, although some versions will fetch close to $15,000.
| Engine: | 5.7-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power: | 305 horsepower |
| Torque: | 335 pound-feet |
| 0-60 mph: | 5.5 seconds |
| Top speed: | 150 mph |
| Quarter mile: | 13.9 seconds |
1975 Ford Maverick Grabber Can Be Snatched Up For A Low $3,400
The 70s witnessed some competent and jaw-dropping muscle cars rolling off the assembly lines in Detroit, including the Pontiac Firebird and Oldsmobile 442, among other greats. But, it was not all glorious cars for Detroit; they also had to make more work-a-day cars, and the Ford Maverick was intended to be one of them. The Maverick isn't a true-blue muscle car, but the Grabber package made it look like one. The stripes, the bulge on the hood, and the white wall tires all came together to transform the Maverick's silhouette into something more desirable.
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.
| Engine: | 5.0-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power: | 129 horsepower |
| Torque: | 208 pound-feet |
| 0-60 mph: | 10.6 seconds |
| Top speed: | 106 mph |
| Quarter mile: | 18.2 seconds |
1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport Can Be Spendy But Starts At $7,300
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 of life. What started life as an upmarket Fairlane was now dangerously close to threatening big-boy muscle cars, thanks to the bigger V-8 engines. The Torino is a stunning piece of design, especially the coupe, which is the sought-after body style in the used market.
Prices vary greatly depending on trim and engine, but you can find some for as low as $7,300. However, expect six-digit odometer readings and bad paint on such examples. If you are looking for a pristine example with low miles, expect to shell out close to $30,700. Still, the Ford Gran Torino is a surefire way to get started on the classic muscle car game.
| Engine: | 5.8-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power: | 248 horsepower |
| Torque: | 299 pound-feet |
| 0-60 mph: | 6.4 seconds |
| Top speed: | 150 mph |
| Quarter mile: | 13.9 seconds |
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.
Either way, the Mercury Marauder came with several engine choices, including the 390, 428, and 429, all with a two or four-barrel carburetor. Since the Marauder is one of the less sought-after Mercurys, it is a great starting point for anyone wanting a classic muscle car.
| Engine: | 7.0-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power: | 425 horsepower |
| Torque: | 480 pound-feet |
| 0-60 mph: | 7 seconds |
| Top speed: | 113 mph |
| Quarter mile: | 15.1 seconds |
1972 Mercury Comet Can Be Picked Up For $8,100
The Mercury Comet may not look like much on the outside, especially the base-level trim designed more for leisurely trips to the store than a trip to the track. Other models were available, and they all came with the choice of 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.
| Engine: | 4.9-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power: | 143 horsepower |
| Torque: | 242 pound-feet |
| 0-60 mph: | 8.7 seconds |
| Top speed: | 99 mph |
| Quarter mile: | 16.3 seconds |
1988 Pontiac Firebird Is A Steal At $4,200
Pontiac Firebirds belong to a small group of muscle cars that do not get the recognition they deserve. Because of this, they can usually be found dirt cheap because collectors and builders do not value them as highly as they should. For example, 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.
| Engine: | 5.7-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power: | 225 horsepower |
| Torque: | 330 pound-feet |
| 0-60 mph: | 6.5 seconds |
| Top speed: | 141 mph |
| Quarter mile: | 15.3 seconds |
1971 Ford Ranchero Is A Car/Truck That Is Priced At A Low $6,500
Back in the day, Chevy took the absurd idea of turning a muscle car into a pickup truck, and to everyone's dismay, the concept was hot. Ford, of course, wanted a piece of the action, so they introduced the Ford Ranchero in 1959. 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 do seek the very best then 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.
| Engine: | 5.8-liter V-8 |
|---|---|
| Power: | 240 horsepower |
| Torque: | 350 pound-feet |
| 0-60 mph: | 9.0 seconds |
| Top speed: | 115 mph |
| Quarter mile: | 16.8 seconds |
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.