Many car fans want to own a classic car but worry about high prices. Classic cars from the 1960s and 1970s still catch eyes on the road today. This guide shows you ten amazing classic cars that you can buy for less than a new Ford Mustang.
These timeless beauties will make you the star of any car show.
1968 Plymouth Barracuda
The 1968 Plymouth Barracuda stands as a true muscle car icon. This classic automobile packs a strong 225ci slant-six engine paired with a four-speed transmission. Car collectors prize this vintage vehicle for its mix of power and style.
The Barracuda offers great value in today’s market. Prices range from $5,600 to $258,500 on Classic.com, while Hagerty lists values between $11,300 and $37,200. Buyers can find good deals starting at $10,750.
The bigger 318ci V-8 engine model brings extra power and higher prices, ranging from $11,300 to $37,200.
1968 Mercury Cougar
1968 Mercury Cougar stands as a prime classic car that draws attention on roads today. This muscle car packs a strong 302ci V-8 engine and sells for $17,500 in restored condition. Car lovers prize this model for its mix of power and style.
Mercury Cougar: Where muscle meets luxury in perfect harmony
Market values show how much people want this vintage automobile. Prices range from $7,100 to $165,000 on Classic.com. Most buyers can find good deals in the low to mid-$20,000s. Bring a Trailer sales hit up to $157,000 for top models.
Smart collectors grab these cars fast since their value keeps rising in the car market.
1970 Plymouth Duster
The 1970 Plymouth Duster stands as a true muscle car icon. This classic automobile draws attention at car auctions with its sleek body and powerful engine options. Restored Dusters can fetch between $15,950 to $99,000 in today’s market.
The most common factory model came with a 340ci V-8 engine and sells for about $20,300.
Car collectors prize the Duster for its drag racing history and strong performance. A fully restored drag car with a rebuilt 440ci engine sold for $18,750, making it a great value for vintage car fans.
The Duster remains popular among car enthusiasts who want both style and speed in their collector cars.
1971 Dodge Charger SE
The 1971 Dodge Charger SE stands as a mighty muscle car in American auto history. This classic car packed a strong 383ci Magnum V-8 engine that made 300 horsepower. Car fans love its bold style and raw power on the road.
Market prices for this vintage vehicle vary across different sources. Bring a Trailer lists prices from $22,000 to $86,000. Hagerty values range from $13,900 to $37,100. J.D. Power shows lower prices between $7,025 and $26,900.
Smart buyers can find good deals around $22,000 for this high-performance vehicle. Classic car collectors often spot these at auto auctions, where some rare models have sold for up to $550,000.
1970 Pontiac Firebird Esprit
The 1970 Pontiac Firebird Esprit stands as a stunning muscle car from the golden age of American automobiles. This classic sports car draws attention with its sleek fastback design and powerful engine setup.
Car collectors prize this vintage vehicle, with prices ranging from $22,000 to $175,000 at top auctions.
Fully restored Firebird Esprits sell for around $26,500, making them an attractive option for classic car fans. Most models need simple upgrades like new carburetors and rear spoilers to run perfectly.
This collector car offers great value compared to other muscle cars from the same era. Performance upgrades can boost its power while keeping its original charm intact.
1971 Chevrolet Chevelle
Moving from the Firebird’s grace to raw power, the 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle stands as a mighty muscle car. This classic car draws big money at auctions, with prices ranging from $5,600 to $264,000.
Car fans love its bold style and strong engine options.
Today’s market shows varied values for this vintage Chevy. A well-kept 350ci model costs around $27,770. Models with the bigger 454ci engine fetch about $50,100 on average. Many buyers seek restored Chevelles, which often sell for $27,150 after updates to SS specs.
This American car remains a top pick for classic car fans who want both style and muscle.
1971 Chevrolet Nova
The 1971 Chevrolet Nova stands as a top muscle car choice for collectors. This classic coupe packs power with its 396ci V-8 engine, making it a star at car auctions. Recent sales show strong market value, with restored models fetching up to $36,071 on Bring a Trailer.
The Nova’s current value range spans from $6,575 to an amazing $117,700 on various market platforms.
Car experts rate this vintage Nova as a smart buy for restoration fans. A fully restored 1971 Nova with a rebuilt V-8 engine sells for about $28,500 in 2024. The average price for a 1971 coupe sits at $13,900 according to J.D.
Power. Many car buffs love this model for its mix of style and muscle car power.
1970 Dodge Coronet
Moving from the Nova’s legacy, muscle car fans fell in love with another American classic – the 1970 Dodge Coronet. This powerful V8 machine stands out in classic car auctions today.
Car collectors pay good money for this vintage automobile, with prices ranging from $13,599 to $247,500 at recent sales.
Dodge made the Coronet special with its 318ci V-8 engine. Clean models sell for $8,600 to $29,600 based on Hagerty ratings. A rare 440 engine version sold for $29,000 in January 2024.
This classic vehicle draws crowds at car shows and meets. Its bold style and strong engine make it a top choice for people who love American muscle cars.
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
The 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 stands out from other muscle cars of its time. This classic sports car draws high prices at auctions today. Car buyers pay between $9,900 to $462,000 for this rare model.
The Boss 302 remains a top choice for car collectors who want American muscle.
The value of this performance vehicle varies based on its condition. Hagerty lists prices from $7,500 to $25,000. J.D. Power shows higher values from $16,200 to $61,300. Bring a Trailer sales range from $12,250 to $301,000.
Good deals start at $30,000 in 2024. This collector car keeps its worth strong in the market.
1971 Pontiac GTO
The 1971 Pontiac GTO stands as a true muscle car legend. This classic American car packs a mighty 400ci V-8 engine that makes car fans smile. Many people see it as the last great GTO before power went down in later years.
Today’s car buyers can find good deals on this retro beauty. Clean GTOs sell from $32,000 to $140,000 on Bring a Trailer. Some rare models have sold for up to $440,000 at special sales.
A well-kept GTO with its V-8 engine costs about $32,000, making it a smart choice for classic car fans.
Bottom line
Each of these classic cars, with their distinctive styles and historical significance, continue to make an impact, proving that true style never fades. These vehicles are more than just modes of transportation; they are moving pieces of history that still capture the imagination of car enthusiasts around the world.
Vintage cars from the muscle car era still grab attention on roads today. These amazing machines show us why car lovers spend big money to own them. The 1971 Pontiac GTO stands tall as a prime example of muscle car greatness.
Many of these cars now sell for over $100,000, proving their lasting value.
These old beauties offer more than just good looks. Cars like the Chevrolet Chevelle and Pontiac Firebird pack strong engines and unique style features. They stand apart from today’s cars with their bold designs and raw power.
Some models remain within reach for buyers who want to own a piece of car history. Each model tells its own story of American car making at its best.
Discover the essential accessories every classic car owner should have to elevate your driving experience.
