Classic Cars Don't Have To Break The Bank
Many of us associate classic cars with high price tags; however, you don't have to be a millionaire to own a piece of automotive history. Many cars have earned their classic status through their eclectic uniqueness more so than their fanciness or rarity. Here are our 20 favorite classic cars for collectors on a budget.
1. 1970 Ford Mustang
The quintessential American muscle car is also pretty affordable. The original Mustangs were meant to be accessible, so there is an abundance of them, making them cheap and easy to work on because of their ample aftermarket.
2. Autozam AZ-1
The Autozam AZ-1, Mazda's adorable mid-engine sports car with butterfly doors, can easily be found in good condition on the used market for anywhere from $20,000 to $35,000. What's more, it'll likely go up in value.
Tobias ToMar Maier on Wikimedia
3. Porsche 944
If the Porsche 911 is out of your price range, look no further than the 944. It may not be quite as agile as its fancier cousin, but it still handles beautifully and looks great with a timeless design, all for under $20,000.
4. Toyota Celica
Known as Japan's Mustang, the first-generation Celica from the 1970s offers super cool vintage styling and reliability. It's also incredibly agile and fun to drive, with good performance.
5. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
The 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is highly sought-after because it was the model's final year in production. Despite that, they still generally go for a relatively low price of under $30,000, unless it's in immaculate condition. It's a classic sports car with style and performance.
6. 1986 Toyota Supra
The last-generation Toyota Supra features a vintage design that screams 1980s. It's a beloved and unique classic car that you can expect to pay less than $20,000 for, just don't expect supercar performance.
7. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D
The 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D was the epitome of luxury back in the 1980s. In addition to its timeless look, it's also known for being extremely reliable, just don't expect it to go incredibly fast.
8. Alfa Romeo GTV-6
Not only is the Alfa Romeo GTV-6 a stunning car, but it's also a joy to drive. It comes equipped with a powerful and glorious-sounding V6 engine and balanced handling, all for around $30,000.
Marvin Raaijmakers on Wikimedia
9. Pontiac Firebird Esprit
Lovers of classic American cars go gaga for Firebirds. The Esprit often plays second fiddle to the Trans Am, but it's just as good, with many of the same stylistic choices, for a lower price tag.
10. Honda CRX
The Honda CRX was known for being a fun drive. It's lightweight, agile, and has a distinct sloped back design that makes it memorable. You can snag one for under $20,000.
11. Toyota MR2
The Toyota MR2 is very much a car of the 90s. It offered a fun, mid-engine driving experience and good mileage for the relatively low price of around $20,000.
12. BMW 3-Series E30
BMW 3-Series E30s have become sought-after vehicles on the collectors' market, desired for their 1980s appeal and simple mechanics that make them accessible to work on. Because they're such hot items, the price range for them can be anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000, but models like the 325i can still be found for cheap.
13. Fiat 124 Spider
You can find a 1970s Fiat 124 Spider for around $20,000. That's not much considering the class, elegance, and classic roadster handling of this old beast.
14. Volkswagen Beetle Type 1
It doesn't get much more iconic than the Volkswagen Beetle Type 1. You can still find them for around $15,000, and their huge fan base means parts and support are easy to find.
15. Datsun Z
The Datsun Z is the first generation of Nissan's Z-series sports cars. They were known for their incredibly striking design and sporty handling. You can find them today for around $30,000 in very good condition.
16. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda Miata is now over 30 years old, meaning it's old enough to be classified as a classic. This car was always celebrated for its handling and cuteness, and the first gen was full of awesome 90s styling. Given that there were so many made, the price remains low.
17. Chevrolet El Camino
While the Chevrolet El Camino wasn't a massive success when it came out, it garnered a cult following and quickly gained "classic" status for its unique styling. While some are sold for hundreds of thousands in pristine condition, you can easily snag an imperfect one for a few grand.
18. Acura Integra
The Integra is known for being a fun car to drive, and it boasts classic '90s styling that makes it appealing to car enthusiasts. You can get an Acura Integra from the 90s for less than $10,000.
19. MGB GT
Who doesn't love a tiny British sports car? The MGB GT is one of the more accessible models, coming in at around $10,000 to $15,000. There's also a dedicated community of MGers, so parts and support are easy to find.
20. Plymouth Valiant
The Plymouth Valiant has long been praised for its ease of maintenance and reliability. Although not the fastest or most agile car, collectors today covet it for its unique design. They tend to be easy to scoop up, going from a few thousand dollars to around $15,000.
