Whether we like it or not, modern muscle cars are a long way from their classic counterparts. The 2020 Mustang GT continues the legend of the iconic pony car, a story that began way back in 1964 with the launch of the first-generation Mustang. Today, well over 10,000,000 units have rolled off the production line and the model shows no signs of slowing down. The latest models still represent the essence of muscle cars but the experience has arguably been diluted somewhat - the result of advanced automotive technologies.

The 2020 V8 Mustang GT starts at around $35,000 and comes with a load of driving aids and tech gadgetry. This is not necessarily a bad thing but for the same price or less, you can get to experience the raw emotions that come with driving a thoroughbred classic muscle car. Thankfully, these muscle cars are still available today and can be bought without breaking the bank.

10 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport

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In a roster packed full of classic muscle cars produced by the American carmaker, the Gran Torino Sport will easily rank among its best mid-size muscle cars. The first Torino model was launched in 1968 and it was not until 1972 that the Gran Torino Sport was introduced, alongside a model redesign.

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The one to get would be one of the 351 cubic-inch Cleveland options, with a V8 engine that delivered as much as 266hp and 310 pound-feet of torque. It may not be as fast as a modern Mustang GT but you will definitely not be short of drama behind the wheel.

9 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix

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This big car emerged during the glory days of muscle cars and the Pontiac brand was right up there with the best muscle car manufacturers. The car has a lot of macho presence with its huge size and excessive overhangs.

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There was enough power under the hood too to provide some bite. The range-topping Tri-Power spec had a V8 engine that cranked out up to 350hp at 4,600rpm. Prices vary widely but you can still get a well-maintained example for about $20,000.

8 1968 Plymouth Fury

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The Plymouth Fury is another option to consider for some classic muscle car magic if you are tired of the modern muscle car powerhouses. The car had a production run that spanned from 1959 to 1978 but the best ones to consider are the 1960s model years. That was when classic muscle car power peaked.

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via classicnation

The 1968 Plymouth Fury could be had with a big-block V8 engine that had 365 horses under the hood. They are still available today and a patient search can land you a very decent example.

Related: These Classic Muscle Cars Are More Expensive Than Modern Sports Cars

7 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler

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The ‘Spoiler’ tag was reserved for the high-performance variants of the mercury Cyclone. According to Bring A Trailer, you can get one of these today at a bargain price of $22,000.

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The 1970 model launched before stricter emission laws kicked in and was kitted out with a powerful 429 cubic-inch Cobra Jet V8 engine. That translated to a power output of 370hp at 5,400rpm. The car had enough power to hit 60mph in just 5.7 seconds, only about 1.5 seconds behind the 2020 Mustang GT.

6 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass

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Oldsmobile is long gone now but we are still left with cars like this that remind us of how good the brand once was. The Oldsmobile Cutlass was produced from 1961 to 1999 in different model variants.

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via classiccars

The 1972 model was part of the third-generation lineup; a proper muscle car with a range of powerful engines that kept the car at par with some of the most powerful muscle cars of that era. The 1972 Cutlass also had that classic muscle car styling, long flowing lines and an aggressive grille, that will make it stand out even today.

5 AMC Javelin

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The AMC Javelin is one car that often slips through the cracks in discussions that involve classic muscle cars. However, this was still a very capable car with plenty to offer.

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It was a muscle car in every sense with its V8 powerplant and trademark styling. You will not have to break the bank to buy one of these today. The special-edition Javelin SST once popped up for sale on a used-car website for an asking price of $19,500.

Related: 10 Most Underrated Muscle Cars Ever

4 1964 Ford Mustang

Navy Blue 1964 Ford Mustang Parked Outside
Ford

The iconic car arrived on the muscle car scene in 1964 and it did not take too long to make its mark. One million units of the car were produced before it had completed 2 full years on the market.

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The 2020 Mustang GT is a great machine but there must be something magical about being able to have a first-hand experience of the car that started it all. Thankfully, that should not be too hard as you will find decent 1964 Mustangs that cost an average of $20.000.

3 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 WS6

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Unfortunately, this pointy-nosed muscle car was shackled by emission controls and the fuel crisis during the 1970s. However, it was still quite potent in stock form, with a naturally aspirated V8 engine that could put out 186hp and 320 pound-feet of torque.

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via cincyclassiccars

It was enough power to smoke tire rubber and rocket on to a 112mph top speed. Handling was above-average too and its elegant styling will still turn heads today. With many sub-$20,000 examples available today, the car provides a great entry point into the cool world of classic muscle cars.

Related: You Can Buy These Classic Muscle Cars For Dirt Cheap

2 1968 Mercury Cougar

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The Mercury Cougar lived perpetually in the shadow of its much more successful sibling, the Ford Mustang. In some ways, that’s a good thing because it means you can get an excellent example today for less than $20,000. The Cougar shares most of its underpinnings with the Mustang and offered a similar handling experience.

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The base model came with a 210bhp engine but there were also power plants that put out as much as 390bhp in the high-performance GT-E models. The Cougar has a bold design finished off by that unique grille design with cleverly hidden headlights.

1 1969 Buick Riviera GS

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1969 was the fourth year of the second-generation Buick Riviera. The muscle car underwent only minor styling changes that included a redesigned grille and headlights. Power was still supplied by a hulking 455 cubic-inch V8 that pumped out 370bhp and 510 pound-feet of torque.

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It was a lot of power but then the Buick Riviera weighed almost 2 tons. The Buick Riviera has no hope for matching the new mustang GT in terms of speed or performance but when it comes to swagger and raw appeal, the Buick easily takes the prize.

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