Muscle cars from the '60s are some of the coolest cars around. The presence they have on the road is incredible and you can't help but picture Hollywood car chases whenever one passes by. Plus, who doesn't love the awesome sound of a classic American V8?
However, old muscle cars can often be pricey nowadays due to how desirable and rare they are. Certain examples will even set you back north of $100,000, which is a lot to stomach for most people.
So, some cheaper options are needed: a selection of badass muscle '60s muscle cars that can be bought on a budget. How does $15,000 sound? Sure, for that kind of money, it may be near impossible to find these classics in mint condition – in fact, they may very well need some work done – but here are ten muscle machines for you to look into.
10 1969 Ford Torino
Though Ford in the '60s will always be remembered for the Mustang, the Ford Torino doesn't deserve to be forgotten. Engine options ranged from a 3.3-liter inline-six to a powerful 7.0-liter V8, with the latter end of the spectrum making it a bonafide muscle car.
This is a seriously cool classic and, while high-end examples will have high-end price tags, some (lesser looked after) V8 Torinos can be had for a reasonable price – so it could act as a nice restoration project.
9 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle
The '68 Chevelle is one of those cars you can't help but stare at. It's a badass car, though this classic Chevy also possesses huge amounts of style, elegance, and simplicity in its design, making it extremely desirable and sought after.
However, with that being said, not every Chevelle comes with a six-figure cost. Find one in a slightly under-appreciated condition, perhaps with a lot of miles on the clock and in a four-door configuration, and it is possible to pick up a Chevelle for cheap. Don't worry, it'll still – if you look in the right places – be a V8.
8 1966 Plymouth Barracuda
While the third-generation Barracuda would go on to arguably be the most famous 'Cuda, the first is still an awesome car that deserves plenty of attention, especially as it can be bought for under $15,000. This is a steal if you ask us.
Although only one – relatively small – V8 was offered with the model, examples with this 4.5-liter motor are available for reasonable amounts of money. If you're looking to get into '60s muscle and you want to be thrifty, it's worth searching for a Barracuda.
7 1969 AMC Javelin
The AMC Javelin, pictured above in AMX form, is available with a few V8s varying in displacement from 4.8 to 6.4 liters. No matter which motor you go for, however, you're getting a pretty awesome muscle car.
And while an AMX or excellent condition Javelin will set you back around $25,000 or $30,000, find a fixer-upper, and for $15,000 you've got yourself a cool classic that'll turn heads for years to come.
6 1965/'68 Ford Mustang
Though the Mustang was born as a pony car, it's always bordered on being a muscle car, no more so than when it has a V8 under the hood. Fortunately, for $15,000, you can pick one up with such an engine.
We'd recommend looking for a Mustang from 1965 to 1968, though you can search for newer examples if you want. It's just that these will feature the classic look (pictured above) – before the model was redesigned in 1969.
5 1967 Dodge Coronet
If you're after a Charger-esque '60s muscle car for less than what that car now demands, take a look at the fifth-generation Dodge Coronet. The two are rather similar and are even based on the same platform. Also, both are extremely cool cars.
The Coronet came with a variety of V8s under the hood, including a 7.0-liter, as well as a 7.2-liter, V8. While these particular motors may be out of reach with a budget of $15,000, some of the lesser – though still rather hefty – V8s are more attainable.
4 1967 AMC Marlin
After a single glance at this classic AMC, you can tell it's a product of '60s America: the Marlin is large, muscular, and sleek. Plus, you'll often find a 4.8-liter-plus V8 under the long hood – a 5.8-liter engine was the largest offered with the second-generation model.
The Marlin may not be the fastest car ever built, with 280 hp being the most it was ever given, but you don't buy a '60s muscle car to compare its performance with modern cars – you buy one because they're badass. And, in regards to Marlins, you can find a few for under $15,000.
3 1969 Mercury Cougar
The first-generation Cougar shares a chassis, as well as an engine range, with none other than the Ford Mustang. Later generations would sever ties with the legendary pony/muscle car, but it's a cool link the two cars shared for the first two versions of the car.
So, with this bond in mind, it's not surprising that this Cougar could be bought with the 5.0-liter V8 engine from the awesome Boss 302. It was also available with a 6.4-liter motor with a power output of 320 hp.
2 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Like the Mercury, this Oldsmobile Cutlass shares a chassis with a famous name. In case you're unaware, it's the Chevrolet Chevelle – the first-generation version. The two, in fact, have a lot in common.
However, what's special about '65 examples is that a 6.6-liter V8 was introduced into the range, along with a modest facelift. Again, it would be very difficult to get such a high-end engine on this budget – Cutlasses with smaller V8s are available for under $15,000.
1 1969 Buick Gran Sport
The Buick Gran Sport (or GS) is effortlessly cool, with a classic shape similar to that of the second-generation Chevelle – in fact, the two do share some components. And while it doesn't perhaps get as much attention as its Chevy siblings, the GS deserves a good look.
Actually, for $15,000, this V8 muscle car deserves a long look, even if certain examples may not be in amazing condition. For a car that looks and sounds as good as the Gran Sport does, that's a real bargain.