Almost everyone loves a good classic. Depending on one's choice of a classic, it is always better to go for the one that is easy to maintain, reliable, and durable. Sadly, finding an affordable classic car in great shape can be a long and daunting process.

From the pony cars and sports cars, and even to luxurious ones, America sure has a rich history of cars that have stood the test of time. And some of them have grown to become legendary classic cars that now command price tags higher than their modern counterparts.

But while that may be the case, we've filled this list with eight gorgeous American classics that are surprisingly affordable despite their recognizable looks and status and compared them to two classics almost no one is able to purchase.

10 1996 Chevrolet Camaro: $11,000

Red 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
Via Chevrolet

The fourth-generation Camaro was produced as a pony car between 1993-2002 by the General Motors Company (GMC). Many reasons, such as poor sales and low demand for sports cars, led Chevrolet to halt production; regardless, it is a pretty decent car.

Via Barrett-Jackson

It has a 3800 series II V6 engine, delivering 200 horsepower and could run over 150,000 miles. It is an excellent car choice, mainly because it is reliable and would not put a dent in one's wallet. Some extreme cases of used Camaros have the car going for as low as $1,746, although one should be wary of such deals.

9 1978 Lincoln Mark V: $11,500

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The Lincoln was sold as a personal luxury vehicle in the late 70's and was very successful, garnering over 250,000 sales in its three-year reign. These days, it could go for as low as $8,250.

RELATED: 10 Of The Best Lincoln Car Models On The Market

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This one-time trendy coupe features a standard 6.6-liter V8 engine with 179 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an optional engine that serves to lighten the overall car weight. With a tremendous exterior package but a limiting double door, it swept through the '70s.

8 1976 Dodge Dart Sport 360: $18,500

Via superstreetonline.com

The dart sport 360 is one of the more interesting fourth-generation sports cars from Dodge. It was quickly among the expensive cars of the seventies, but now, getting a sports 360 could be less than $20,000. The Dart production spanned through 1960-1976.

1976 Dodge Dart Sport 360
Via Pinterest

This two-door coupe came with a 5.9-liter V-8 engine that produced about 220 horsepower, and sprints from 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds with a top 123-mph speed. Little wonder that it was one of the best sports cars to own at the time. Some models offered a police package that included firmer shock absorbers, high capacity batteries, and larger brakes.

7 1975 Ford Maverick Grabber: $14,500

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The Ford Maverick was marketed and sold as a performance car, but it was riding at the tail end of the performance market. It was not exactly a muscle car, more of a sports car. People often forget that the Ford grabber exists; however, it deserves a second look and not just because it is cheaper than most.

1975-Ford-Maverick-Grabber
via DailyTurismo

The Ford Maverick has a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, which produces 129 horsepower; although that is far from spectacular now, for a 70's car which weighed less than 3,000 pounds, it was quite outstanding. It also provided power front disc brakes, which were not present in the earlier models.

6 1975 Cadillac Eldorado: $12,497

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The Eldorado has one of the most flashy designs for an automobile that graced the road in the '70s. It was made for luxury and comfort and looked the part. This convertible had rectangular headlamps, a new egg-crate grille, crisper lines, all of which resulted in a sleeker appearance and could be recognized right away.

Via Auto-Database.com

It offered a three-speed automatic transmission with 190 horsepower output, Electronic Fuel Injection, Illuminated Entry System, and Glass Astro-roof. Cadillac marketed it along with the 1976 model as the last American convertible, which led many to purchase it as an investment.

5 Plymouth Barracuda: $14,000

via WhichCar

The Plymouth Barracuda is the first car to sell as a pony. The barracuda had a compact design and decent sales, but buyers quickly moved to the legendary Ford Mustang, which came two weeks after it. Depending on the model you want to acquire, the barracuda could go for $5,000 for a 1966 model or as high as $100,000, especially if it is the 1970-1971 model.

RELATED: This Is Why The 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Is One Of The Rarest Muscle Cars

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The more desirable 1970 model offers a high-performance experience with a six-cylinder engine that packs 335 horsepower—little wonder why most people regarded it with admiration.

4 Mercury Cougar: $15,000

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The Mercury Cougar was Mercury's first introduction to the pony market, and it remains their best selling car to date. It was an excellent alternative for the Ford Mustang and even more affordable.

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The cougar offers a V8, which can produce up to 200 horsepower. There is the option of the "Marauder" V8 that produces up to 320 horsepower. It provides a great driving experience, but its fuel economy is a bit poor, and it can be challenging to get maintenance and car parts.

3 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix: $16,000

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One of the magnificent Pontiacs ever made. It is a full-size two-door coupe similar to the Chevrolet Impala. It is a reasonably priced car, selling for less than $20,000.

RELATED: How Much Is The 1985 Pontiac Firebird Worth Today And Should You Buy One

Via Premier Auction

It features a 389 four-barrel V8 that produces 230 horsepower. The 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix has a top speed of 117 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 11.8 seconds. The vehicle operates a three-speed automatic transmission.

2 1962 Shelby Cobra CSX 2000: $13.75 Million

Via Autoevolution

This is the first Shelby Cobra ever built and one of the most uncommon globally. The cobra waltzes in with a whopping $13.75 million. It was built by Carroll Shelby and was owned solely by him, adding more prestige to its legacy.

Via Classic Car Auctions

It features a naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 355 horsepower and 459 pound-feet of torque, an incredible feat for a 60's car. The Cobra has a top speed of 153 miles per hour and goes from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

1 1931 Duesenberg Model J Long-wheelbase coupe: $10.34 Million

Via WallpaperUP

Model J is one of the oldest and most elegant looking vehicles to compete in the luxury car market. Duesenberg introduced it in 1928 and stopped production in 1937. A significant deterrent to sales was the great depression that hit in the late '20s, causing a series of happenings that led to the Duesenberg Company pulling the plug.

Via Alphacoders

Its naturally aspirated J-460 engine form produces 265 horsepower and has a top speed of 119 mph, which is more potent than some cars with more significant engines. In 1931, it sold for $8,500; in a recent auction, the Model J sold for $10,340,000.

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