Many would agree that classic cars are revered. Move around in one and you're sure to find many heads turning. It's almost hard to imagine that, back in the day, they were just everyday cars people used to roll into work.
And while some classic cars are iconic and will stand the test of time. Others – not so much; or maybe not yet. They're not as expensive as their counterparts that cost a small fortune. Yes, some classic cars are so expensive that modifying these cars seems like a criminal offense. A few are even off the market entirely.
Fortunately, there are still plenty up for grabs for those with an affinity for vintage cars and not much to spend. The '70s was pack full of classics and these cars are dirt cheap –for now. Those who have a thing for vintage cars should get their hands on one.
10 1976 AMC Hornet: $9,000
This compact automobile only lasted a single generation. From 1970 to 1977, Hornet had a sedan, wagon, and hatchback coupe in its family. This 1976 AMC Hornet Sportabout wagon is a proper compact RWD with a V8.
It also has a chrome roof rack and going for under $9,000 isn't a bad deal at all, especially in good condition. For readers who prefer wagons, well, here's a classic you can buy for cheap. There aren't many wagons today from the '70s era, so this would be appreciated by classics lovers.
9 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme: $10,500
The Cutlass Supreme was one of the coolest muscle cars of the '70s. The second-generation Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme had similar styling with the much-coveted Pontiac GTO.
This 1972 mid-size classic was a premium offering in the Cutlass range and even had a convertible option. Enthusiasts are surprised why the price of this classic hasn't skyrocketed, yet. At just over $10,000, it's pretty cheap. And the value could increase as experts suggest, but for now, just about anyone can afford it without spending much.
8 1973 Ford Ranchero 500: $7,000
Readers would probably be surprised to see the Ranchero on the list, but it's just as much a '70s classic. This muscle car wasn't as prolific as the El Camino and probably why it's more affordable. And not just the 500 but the entire sixth-generation Ranchero including the GT could be purchased in the 4-figure range.
Yes, you can hunt down a sixth-generation Ranchero for your garage with just $7,000 while it's still a bargain. Because, best believe, it won't get cheaper than this.
7 1970 Ford Galaxie 500: $8,950
The 1970 Ford Galaxie 500 is one classic with a polarising price tag. Its conflicting price across various markets makes it difficult to call. At one place, it goes for less than nine grand and another seller puts his up for $24,000. And while the disparity in prices could be attributed to the car in part, it's more about the seller.
'500' was added to the Galaxie badge of Ford's lineup in 1962 during the Space Race hype to denote a higher series. In that spirit, some owners over-value their car but don't pay more than you think its worth if you want one.
6 1970 Plymouth Fury III: $6,900
The 2-door hardtop of the Fury III is not in the league of expensive classics. It's an exquisite American car that refuses to sell like one.
The Fury series in Plymouth's lineup seems low on value when compared with similar cars from that era. It's a known fact that cars depreciate over time, especially after several decades like the Fury III. But $7,000 is dirt cheap for a classic. That's not to say the Fury has no value, it does; to the right person.
5 1979 Pontiac Firebird: $10,000
The first generation Pontiac Firebird era of 1967-1969 didn't last long. And so first-generation Firebirds are quite pricey due to high demand and short supply. Not to worry though, second-generation Firebirds are affordable, if only for a while. A 1979 Pontiac Firebird would roughly go for just under ten grand.
This muscle car is a classic that's reasonably priced. At $10,000, it's not too expensive for the average vintage car enthusiast. And the 1979 model is a special one among the second generation models, with different performance specs. But the price could soar, so, you might consider one while it's dirt cheap.
4 1978 Pontiac Grand Prix: $7,995
When the first-generation Grand Prix debuted in 1962, it was the real deal. Probably because it was a performance-oriented classic meant to replace the Ventura. It's even an expensive buy than subsequent generations.
With modification to newer generations, some felt the car lost its touch. The 1978 fourth-generation Grand Prix build was downsized along with a few cars in Pontiac's lineup. And the Grand Prix, for the first time, didn't come standard with a V8 engine. That awareness could be why it's so cheap.
3 1971 Ford Torino 500: $8,999
The Ford Torino is another surprising entry on the list. Do not be mistaken, some Torino do sell as decent classics. The 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra, for instance, would sell for half a million dollars, since only three of such exists.
The 1971 Torino 500 however, is darn cheap; for $9,000 you could own one. But the car seems plagued with durability issues that led to low survival. Not many are left today, and the dwindling number appears not to affect the price whatsoever.
2 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V: $10,000
The Continental Mark V is a personal luxury coupe that's no longer luxury. It's a 2-door coupe with a front-mounted engine that transmits power through the rear wheels. It was a comfortable car with a yacht-like feel back in the day.
It still has the same specs but considering the era, it won't have that feeling today. It's a classic enthusiast would love, nonetheless. If you're shopping for a cheap classic, the Continental Mark V is a worthy option at a great price. Of course, it could also cost more – much more.
1 1976 Plymouth Fury: $ 4,500
As said before, Plymouth's Fury classics somehow aren't destined to sell high. It first debuted in the 1956 model year as a sub-series of the Plymouth Belvedere. It went through several iterations changing it from full-size to mid-size car, then back to full-size again, on and on.
Buyers are understandably skittish about buying a '76 Fury, the looks alone says a lot as to why. Owning one isn't appealing, the car is – to put it mildly – ugly. But taste is subjective, many 'ugly' classics have a high price tag as well. Owning a car for less than $5,000 is, well, dirt cheap.