Wallet threatening classic cars are way cooler than modern designs. But, can they be cheaper to own and maintain?
As the saying goes, you only get out of something what you're prepared to put in. Invest some time researching a German classic, and you'll be richer, wiser and happier, too. Why a German? Better build quality, higher levels of kit, there are many reasons all of which can be had cheaper than a Mustang. Sure you can get a Volkswagen Beetle, but even this fan favorite in the right year can be expensive. Better, then to choose another car, one for the weekend that doesn't entail hours of spanner work.
We'd play it safe, go for something more sensible to begin with. While this might not give you the fastest thrill ride, it does lessen the risk of roadside breakdowns.
These German Classics will stand you in good stead, both on the road, and with your bank manager.
10 Mercedes 350SL (R107)
---Front.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
Mercedes' second-longest running model, the R107 lasted eighteen years making it one of the most common classic Mercs money can buy. Good news for buyers, and better news for those on a budget. Finding one is easy, choosing between engine options less so.
---Side.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
For our money, we-skip the thirstier high-end models and take the 350SL. Opting for the smaller engine isn't that big a compromise. At under $30k, you still get the more desirable V8 engine. These aren't balls out sports cars, instead, open topped luxury cruisers where 197 hp is plenty.
9 BMW 840Ci (E31)
If you like your gadgets and prefer a sleeker fixed roof coupe, the BMW 840Ci is sure to whet your appetite. Incredibly advanced for its time, the 8-series still looks modern now. BMW spent millions of Deutschmarks ensuring the 840 was lacking for nothing. Picking up one today has to be the bargain of the century with prices kicking off under $18k.
With massive financial investment comes BMW's legendary build quality. Under the hood of this cruiser, you'll find a 4.4-liter V8 chucking out 282hp with a six speed box driving the rear axle. The only negative in an otherwise timeless classic is fuel bills. Treat the throttle with kid gloves and 20 MPG is doable.
8 Mercedes-Benz 230GE
And the bargains keep on coming. Made popular by influencers, Mercedes G-Wagen in recent years has undergone a resurgence. Yet, with little changes between models, an early W463 will attract as much attention. How much? Including auctions fees, this restored example went for $10k.
In 230GE guise, that cheap ticket to G-Wagon ownership nets you a 2.4-liter straight four putting down 125 hp. Speed for sure won't be a high priority, as it tops out at 90 mph. But, if you want a classic 4x4 that will likely outlast the apocalypse, you could do a lot worse than a G-Wagon.
7 Opel GT
European gearheads tempted by an Opel GT should walk away. Rust kills these classics faster than a slasher-movie villain. Stateside, where the climate is a little warmer and drier, the GT makes a sounder choice. However, giving the Opel GT a thorough check over is time well spent.
Engine choice makes all the difference. Opting for an earlier high-compression 1.9-liter car will deliver 118 hp and more thrills. But, beware, most U.S. spec cars shipped with a detuned engine turned cranking out 88 hp. Corvette-esque in appearance, the Opel GT can be had for under $10k.
6 Porsche 944 turbo
Sitting between the 924 and 928, the 944 was Porsche's mid-range front-engined coupe. Better by a long shot than a 924, and much cheaper than the 928, gearheads would be unwise to overlook a 944 turbo. Launched half-way through the 944s life, turbo models used a revised M44/51 engine.
Displacing a mere 2.5-liter, power gains came via an intercooled KKK turbocharger running at 10.9 psi. But, despite this less than exotic engine, the 944 turbo is quicker than you might think. Sixty comes up in 5.9-seconds, with a top speed of 162 mph. Both quicker than a 911 Carrera 3.2, and cheaper too.
5 Audi Ur-Quattro
Quattro is enough to pique any gearheads attention, and we're not talking of Audi's regular all-wheel drive range. Rather, "THE" Quattro that changed the face of rallying forever. In 1980, Audi's UR. Quattro did more for everyday performance car ownership than any other car. Combining turbocharged engines in an all-wheel-drive chassis put premium sports cars on notice.
Without question, a mid-engine exotic is quicker in a straight line. On public roads the superior grip of a quattro is hard to beat, but the Quattro is far from being a one trick pony. Under the hood, Audi fitted the 2.1-liter five pot engines with a turbocharger raising output to 197 hp. Built for the harshest motorsport arena, the Audi feels bombproof.
4 Borgward Isabella Coupe
Older and simpler, the Isabella Coupe is ideal for gearheads who enjoy driving. Getting on in years, the Borgward is easier to live with than you might think. At its launch in 1958, the aluminum monocoque based Isabella was state of the art.
However, it's never going to achieve any speed records. At best, the TS spec 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 75 hp topping out at 81 mph. As for maintenance costs, despite being 50+ years old, parts availability in Germany is pretty decent.
3 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Bug mania hasn't passed the VW Karmann Ghia by. It might be a Beetle wearing the equal of a posh party dress, but the Karmann Ghia is in high demand. Despite a huge following, the Karmann Ghia is more accessible than you might think. Armed with a $20k budget, landing a well-sorted example is easy. In part due to large numbers built with just shy of half a million cars made by 1975.
Yet, it's the simple air-cooled engines that make any Bug derivative so dependable. In the worst case scenario, any part that does give up the ghost, it won't cost a fortune to put right.
2 Volkswagen Corrado VR6
Every gearhead recognize the VW Karmann Ghia. Yet, most will be unaware of another VW Karmann tie-up. Launched in 1988, the Corrado is a grown up Golf gunning for lesser specced Porsche 944s. Aiming for the sky came to fruition in 1991 with a narrow block V6 engine update.
Actually, make that two. Volkswagen offered both 2.8-, and 2.9-liter versions with up to 188 hp on tap. While Porsche client chasing dreams didn't quite pan out, the Corrado VR6 is worth seeking out. Aside from routine maintenance, the VR6's engine is bulletproof, good for 200k miles.
1 Mercedes-Benz S600 Coupe
Big Mercedes often find their way to auction sites due to high running costs. But, opting for a later production year can yield some stunning bargains. Production of the W140 ran from 1991 through to 1998 covering sedans and coupes with a range of engines. Avoid the earlier examples, and you'll reap the benefits of Mercedes finest cars.
The best deals are a mixed bag with range-topping cars that once sold for $100k+ making less than $20k at auction. A late Mercedes S600 with a 6-liter V12 despite the fuel costs will be cheap to run if maintenance is up-to-date. It's a lot of car for your money, and still looks imposing today.