The demand for classic cars, especially in America has not waned, as many collectors are willing to part with millions of dollars just to get their most coveted vehicles. While many classic car collectors see it as a form of investment or a way of showing off their wealth, some simply want to preserve the past or do it for the thrill and excitement.
Regardless of the reasons why you collect, you don’t have to remortgage your home just to get something you want. Whether it’s land yachts of the 1970s, hot hatches of the 1980s, or performance-oriented cars of the 1990s, there are affordable options that meet the taste of the most hard-to-please collectors.
10 1975 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna Type S3 - $24,100
When muscle cars were losing their appeal due to stringent restrictions on emissions and safety in the early 1970s, Chevrolet introduced the third-generation Chevelle to revive the dying spirit of American muscle cars. The 1975 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna Type S-3 coupe uses a 454 cubic-inch V8 engine that delivers 215 hp.
Although Chevrolet didn’t officially support racing, the aerodynamic nose of the Laguna Type S-3 tells you it’s designed for NASCAR. With Chevy making just 32,680 copies, you won’t find many Laguna Type S-3s around today.
9 1989 Buick Riviera - $5,300
The 1989 Buick Riviera is quite different from the 1988 model, with a more pronounced chrome grille, swooper flanks, and a more chiseled rear end. It is also about 11 inches longer than the previous iteration.
With just about $5,300, the Riviera would make a great addition to your American luxury car collection. In terms of performance, the 1989 Buick Riviera delivers 165 horsepower from a 3.8-liter 90-degree V6 engine that’s paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
8 1990 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT - $12,100
Ford introduced the 1990 Mustang with a number of updates including the addition of a driver’s side airbag, and the removal of the tilted steering wheel. The Mustang GT has a performance-driven suspension as well as a front air inlet and side fender air scoops.
A 5.0-liter V8 engine powers the 1990 Mustang GT, and it makes up to 225 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 1990 Mustang GT is by no means the fastest car of its time, but a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds isn’t bad for a $12,100 sports car.
7 1995 Mitsubishi 3000 GT - $8,000
The 1990s saw the rise of some of the most serious performance cars including the Mitsubishi 3000 GT from the land of the rising sun. The 3000 GT feels like a cheaper alternative to a Lamborghini or Ferrari, especially the VR4 trim.
It works with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that dispenses 222 hp. The 3000 GT offers most of the comfort amenities that come with a 1990s sports car, and it’s cool for long-distance trips. In terms of collectibility, the VR4 Spyder is more desirable, but the base model goes for less than $10,000.
6 1970 Cadillac DeVille - $24,300
The Cadillac DeVille is more powerful and handles much better than the Lincoln Continentals of the 1970s. With a 7.7-liter 472 cid V8, the DeVille is a beast! It produces 375 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque.
For a land yacht, the steering of the DeVille is superb. You can confidently drive the DeVille on curvy roads and tight corners. Although the DeVille is not as plush as the Lincolns and Imperials, it is more ergonomically designed. You can find a 1970 DeVille convertible for less than $25,000.
5 1990 Toyota Supra Mark III - $11,700
The Mark III is the first Toyota Supra to be completely detached from the Celica lineup. The Supra Mark III is one of the few classic JDM cars that still look aesthetically appealing today. The 1990 Supra Mark III has a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six engine with an output of 200 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque.
Standard features on the Supra Mark III include power windows, an electric driver’s seat, and a sunroof. The Supra is affordable and enjoys a good enthusiastic following, meaning there are many parts and support forums available.
4 1970 Oldsmobile Toronado - $15,900
The Ford Thunderbird and the Studebaker Avanti took the American sports car market by storm, so Oldsmobile quickly joined the race with the Toronado. At the time of release, the Oldsmobile Toronado was the second American production vehicle with a front-wheel drive configuration since the days of the Cord 812.
The 455 cu in (7.5-liter) OHV V8 engine on the 1970 Toronado makes up to 375 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, which is pretty good for a car that costs less than $20,000 today. For a car of its proportions, the Toronado handles quite well and moves very fast.
3 1987 Nissan 300ZX Turbo - $15,100
The Z cars solidified Datsun’s reputation for building great sports coupes in the 1970s and Nissan took it a step further by introducing a sportier 300ZX in 1984. With the “X” nomenclature on the 300ZX, Nissan was not only bringing high performance to the table but also a healthy dose of luxury.
With a 3.0-liter V6, the 1987 Nissan 300ZX Turbo pours out 200 hp and 227 lb-ft of torque. Nissan brings in a new hood and headlamp doors for the 1987 model. Also, bigger wheels and larger front brakes found their way into the 1987 Nissan 300ZX.
2 1973 Mercury Cougar - $10,100
Debuting the second-generation Cougar in 1971, Ford ensures the pony car is sportier and more luxurious than the previous generation. The Cougar takes exterior styling cues from the Lincoln, with its traditional vertical front grille. The 1973 Mercury Cougar was powered by a 351 cubic-inch V8 making 168 hp.
The second-generation Cougar is essentially a bridge between the performance-driven first-gen Cougar and the luxury-oriented 2-door Cougars that would eventually follow. If you want to get a taste of both worlds—acceleration and luxury—in the 1970s, the Mercury Cougar offers all that for $10,100.
1 1973 Pontiac Grand Am - $16,800
Mashing up the Grand Prix and Trans Am nameplates, Pontiac offers a lively performance with a decent amount of luxury in the first-generation Grand Am. The most striking feature of the midsize Pontiac is its swooping rear end, which kind of reminds you of the Lamborghini Miura.
The base 400-cid V8 churns out 170 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. But if you desire more power, this 230-hp 1973 Pontiac Grand Am can be yours for $16,800. Collectors will appreciate the brilliant road manners of the Grand Am.