Classic cars are the closest thing to a time machine that we have access too. Cars evolve with the time, and as the technology behind these automobiles changes and advances, the entire experience the car gives changes too. This is why stepping into a vintage car after driving a modern one makes it feel like an entirely different type of machine, taking you back to the time when it was made.
But these are machines, after all, and time takes its toll on each of them, leaving fewer and fewer on the road every year. Consequently, the demand for vintage cars slowly goes up, as they become an increasingly unique experience.
With dwindling supply and skyrocketing demand, the market for classic cars has become prohibitively expensive for the average car enthusiast. However, there are still plenty of affordable classics out there, especially from the 1970s. So, if you're looking for a vintage driving experience without the massive price attached to it, read on!
15 MG MGB
There's a reason small, lightweight, and simple sports cars are so popular, just look at the success of the Miata. Many automakers have used this formula, but none in such a special way as the classic British roadsters. One such roadster is the MG MGB. These are thrilling little pocket rockets that offer a truly classic experience for an affordable price.
14 Triumph TR6
If you're looking for a classic British roadster, but want something a bit more aggressive than an MGB, the Triumph TR6 is your car. Still quite affordable, but with styling that has a much greater "wow" factor, it's hard to beat a TR6 for classic motoring value. Best of all, they can be had for less money than most used sports cars, with a much higher fun factor than almost anything else at the price range.
13 Fiat 124 Spider
If you're longing for the British classic roadster experience, but can't live without some Italian flair, the Fiat 124 Spider is the car calling your name. There's a good reason Fiat revived the 124 based on the modern Miata. It's a snappy and lightweight little sports car that is guaranteed to leave a smile on your face. The perfect choice for someone who dreams of owning a fun Italian roadster.
12 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Nothing screams freedom like a big V8, long wheelbase, RWD, and some plush leather seats. While the price of freedom may be high with earlier Camaros, the V8 beasts of the late 1970s remain affordable. Be it the "love it or hate it" styling, or the reduction in power from emissions controls, these 1970s Camaros remain under 15 grand while still offering a powerful classic driving experience.
11 Chevrolet Corvette
Legendary for allowing America entry into the world of proper sports cars, early Corvettes can be quite expensive. But, the transitional C3 offers some great classic bang-for-your-buck. With all the hallmarks of earlier Corvettes, the late 1970s C3 Corvettes can be found for around the $10k mark - hard to beat it if you want a true classic sports car.
10 AMC AMX Hornet
The Muscle car was born when the big three of America decided it would be fun to install big engines into their small cars. While cars like the Pontiac GTO made their mark as wild powerhouses, AMC took a slightly calmer but still fun approach with the Hornet. Still a proper muscle car, the Hornet offered great value for the money back when it was new and it still does today, with clean examples selling for less than $9,000.
9 AMC Gremlin
Do you like ugly cars? Do you like your car's body styling inspired by a door stopper? Well, the AMC Gremlin is the perfect car for you. These haven't really been considered classics due to how ugly they are, but people are now starting to see the fun in its out-of-the-box design, especially when you get a classic car experience to go with it. So pick one of these ugly ducklings up today, before their prices reach beautiful swan levels.
8 Lincoln Continental Mark V
Big land yachts are to American cars what efficient small hatchbacks are to Japanese cars: what built their reputation. The biggest and baddest of all the classic land yachts, though, is the Lincoln Continental. Earning its luxury credentials through being the most comfortable vehicle possible, this absolute unit is known as a land yacht for a reason. But the price is far from being similar to a yacht at only $10,000.
7 Jeep CJ
It could be argued that the most classic of all American cars is the humble yet mighty Jeep. Originally developed as a machine for war, the Jeep went on to spawn its own brand and kept with its original formula for decades. Offering the perfect blend of 1940s simple ruggedness and combining them with the advancements of the 1970s, the Jeep CJ is a real bargain classic at roughly $10,000 for a clean one.
6 Volkswagen Scirocco
When Volkswagen set out to create a sportier accompaniment to their legendary Golf, they created this gorgeous piece of angular design. Named after a hot gust of wind, the VW Scirocco is one of the best looking boxy cars of the 1970s and '80s. Being produced in a high volume, affordable sports car mean prices have stayed affordable, low mileage examples can be found for under $15k.
5 Toyota Celica
The Toyota Celica can rightfully be considered a Japanese classic, as its lineage lasted until the 2000s and spawned legends like the Supra. The earlier Celicas, especially the late 1970s ones, remain faithful to their original purpose: providing unbeatable value for the money as a sports car. Clean examples can be found for under $7k, so why not treat yourself to one of these proper classics.
4 Opel GT
Just because a car is cheaper than it seems, doesn't mean it's bad. The Opel GT is one such example. The value proposition here is incredible, and you can find a clean GT in great condition for under $10,000. What you get is a sleek and stylish classic sports car. But, why are they so cheap? Not many people in North America dream about owning an Opel, so take advantage of the ignorance and score a deal on one today!
3 Subaru BRAT
Most cars are considered classics because they stand out as shining examples of the class they're in, or for inventing a class of vehicle all-together. The Subaru BRAT can be considered a classic for being in a class of its own. These quirky mini trucks were some of the weirdest Japanese cars to be sold in North America, while they're coming into popularity now, they can still be found for dirt cheap with a bit of searching.
2 Volkswagen Beetle
A classic among classics, the Volkswagen Beetle is a legend most people are familiar with. Since supply and demand decide prices and VW Beetles are one of the best selling cars of all time, classic Beetles can be found for some great prices. Having a completely classic driving experience, in a unique-looking car is highly appealing, prices under $10,000 for a clean one make it even more appealing.
1 Lotus Esprit
While, compared to the other classic cars on this list, the Lotus Esprit is rather expensive, compared to supercars of the same era and performance, its quite a good deal. Wedge-shaped supercars are the epitome of cool, and the Lotus Esprit is no exception. With a turbocharged four-cylinder, it puts out some respectable power and has the agility to keep up with some of the greats. The best part is that you can still find them for less money than a new Toyota Corolla.