The European automotive industry has always been the center of attention when it comes to building mind-blowing vehicles. Classic cars released decades ago are great and have proved over time that they live up to their reputations.

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European classics tend to cost an arm and a leg. The same applies to Japanese cars. Luckily, there are affordable cars that will make anyone classy, since that is pretty much the goal of obtaining a classic car. With coupes being the name of the game, European and Japanese classic coupes that are actually really affordable are widely available.

10 European: 1972 Citroën DS

The French are not particularly known for their cars. Though very popular in some developing countries, current French cars have yet to spark the interest of anybody in the domestic market. With the merger between Fiat-Chrysler and Groupe PSA (the super-conglomerate will be named Stellantis), automotive enthusiasts may stumble upon a Peugeot or two.

The Citroën DS is among the most gorgeous classic European cars. Featured in several international movies, the car became known globally. The 2.3L 4-cylinder found in the presidential car produced 141hp, which is not bad at all for an old French car. The DS was mostly known for its innovative features, such as the directional headlights. For about $30,000, a DS in good condition can become yours.

9 Japanese: 1965 Honda S600

The Honda Motor Company started off as a motorized bicycle company. Its bikes became so successful that the company moved on to become a car manufacturer. The S500 was the predecessor of the S600, which was in turn the predecessor of the S2000. Despite the size and old school look of the S600, it is easy to see what really inspired the S2000.

The S600 was the perfect car for somebody looking for an affordable convertible or coupe. The 606cc 4-cylinder engine develops just 57hp. People with a need for speed may want to look elsewhere. However, given the fact that only 8,780 units were manufactured in 1965, the S600 is definitely a collectible. It is possible to get one for about $41,000 in mint condition.

8 European: 1973 BMW 2002

BMW cars in the 1970s were very attractive. From the M1 to the super rare 530 MLE, BMW defined the classy and fast cars of the 1970s. Also very popular in professional racing, BMW became synonymous with success. Despite being minuscule and somewhat dorky, the BMW 2002 was surely ahead of its time.

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The 2002 comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that develops 130hp. The Tii version is the sportiest trim available. Needless to say, it is quite difficult to find one terrific condition at low price. However, the Ti is available with a similar engine but lower power output. It is possible to get this classic for about $12,000. It may require some diligent research, but it is possible.

7 Japanese: 1970 Datsun Skyline

The Nissan Skyline needs zero introduction. Thanks to movies like Fast And Furious and videogames like Need For Speed: Underground, the legendary Nissan sports car became one of the best vehicles ever produced in Japan. However, the Skyline was not always a Nissan. Datsun came up with the idea.

For obvious reason, the Datsun Skyline is one of the most important classic Japanese cars. As it paved the way for the legendary R30-something, the Hakosuka logically became an icon over time. Equipped with a 2.0L straight 6-cylinder engine, the Skyline cranks out 160hp. It is very impressive given the fact that it is a tiny vehicle. An original Skyline GTR can go for over $235,000. A clone? About $20,000.

6 European: 1982 Ferrari Mondial

1982 Ferrari Mondial
Via-Mecum Auction

Ferrari has dominated racetracks in both Europe and America. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Ferrari cemented its reputation in the automotive industry. As a result, the company never had to change its target market. For over five decades, Ferrari caters exclusively to a minority of people: the financially fortunate ones.

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The Mondial is the type of classic cars that will make anyone look rich. However, the Mondial is far from being a stellar Ferrari. Compared to some of Ferrari's more prominent cars, the Mondial is somewhat of a disappointing car. At best, the Mondial came with a 3.2L V8 producing 300hp. At least, it has the Ferrari badges on it! It is possible to find a Mondial for as low as $25,000 in good condition. Yes, it is the cheapest Ferrari ever.

5 Japanese: 1971 Mitsubishi Galant

Mitsubishi is a weird car company. They released amazing vehicles such as the Eclipse and the Evo. Those two cars are well-known among car fans. Outside of these two, most Mitsubishi vehicles are not making the cut. Back in the days, The Galant was more than a sluggish and boring looking sedan.

The Mitsubishi Galant MR, like the one shown in the pictures, looks like a Japan-made muscle car. Since it was released in the 1970s in the midst of the oil crisis, the 1.6L 4-cylinder engine stuffed under the hood cranks out 125hp. Since only 835 units of the MR were produced, it is quite hard to find one in great condition, at a good price, and in America. The MR, a Mitsubishi, is far cooler than some of the cheapest Ferraris out there.

4 European: 1982 Porsche 924

In the 1950s, Porsche cars were already regarded as some of the best import sports cars. The notoriety of the German manufacturer led its cars to become extremely valuable. As a result, Porsche understood that it was necessary to create a Porsche for the less wealthy driver.

The 924 is the sort of classic cars that make perfect daily drivers. It is neither a gas-guzzler nor an overly powerful vehicle. With its 2.5L 4-cylinder producing 123hp at best, the 924 is what could be referred to as the entry-level Porsche. The best part about the 924 is that they can be found for less than $10,000.

3 Japanese: 1974 Datsun 240K GT

Datsun was a highly underrated carmaker that is now defunct, sadly. The vast majority of its cars are today considered as the best Japanese classics for restomod projects. They have that very old school look, but with a very Japanese touch at the same time. Needless to say, the 240K GT (also known as the Skyline) is a pure monster that anyone would love to drive at least once.

When tuned, the 240K GT is the kind of Japanese cars that can produced a ridiculous amount of power. The 2.8L 6-cylinder engine is the perfect base to create a beast. Though only producing 111hp stock (ouch), the 240K GT already looks like a cool classic muscle car. All it needs is some serious work under the hood. The Datsun, in terrific condition, can be found in Australia and New Zealand for less than $20,000.

2 European: 1993 Audi S4

In the German automotive landscape, four companies really stand out when talking about innovation and speed. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, and Audi are the leaders in Germany, but also in the rest of Europe. At Audi's, vehicles such as the Quattro or the R8 blew the minds of car fans globally. The Audi S4, though perceived as a wealthy mom car, is anything but that.

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The underrated Audi S4 is a modern classic in the making. Its 2.2L 5-cylinder engine was not bad at all, producing 227hp at the crank. With such a modular engine, it is quite normal that several amateur and professional tuners took a liking to the S4. The most amazing thing about this 1993 S4 is its price. For less than $5,000, it is possible to get one in average condition.

1 Japanese: 1980 Toyota Celica

Older Celicas were actually quite nice cars, but unfortunately, as time went by, other Toyota models such as the Camry and the Tacoma became more popular, and Toyota moved away from the Celica.

Though the car is only forty years old, it has a very retro look to it. As with most Japanese cars from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, extremely powerful engines were not the name of the game. The 2.2L 4-cylinder engine produced 122hp, which is really not all that thrilling. However, given the history associated with the older Celicas, it is best to get one while the price is still under $10,000.

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