When classic muscle cars first rose to prominence in the early '60s, one of the key factors of their popularity was the affordability. Even though they were never cheap, they were still obtainable by younger people and anyone with a stable job. That is why Detroit made and sold so many of them over the years. Of course, high-end, rare, and special models were always expensive, but regular, run-of-the-mill cars were not.
Over the years, the segment's popularity brought the prices up for all models, but there are still some bargains left to be found. Forget about Shelby Mustangs, Hemi Chargers, and Yenko Camaros, today we will present to you ten cheap classic muscle cars that make a great investment.
10 Ford Torino GT
The Torino GT is a great machine but a bit of a forgotten muscle car fo the '70s that can still provide you with much excitement on a budget. Of course, you will not get 428 Cobra Jet models for cheap, but a good-old 302 or 351 V8-powered Torino GT will do.
The better-looking fastback models will cost more, but ordinary, the two-door coupe is more than cool enough.
9 Pontiac Grand Am
It is not the GTO, but with a 455ci V8 under the hood and unique styling, it is a suitable replacement. The Grand AM was introduced in 1973 and served as an upscale model.
It had all the right muscle car ingredients and can be ordered with a long list of optional extras. Although it wasn't as cool-looking as its late '60s counterparts, this model is still affordable.
8 Mercury Cyclone GT
The early '70s Mercury Cyclone GT is the perfect car if you want upscale interior and dependable Ford mechanics. Based on the Fairlane/Torino platform, the Cyclone was a muscle car powered by a wide range of engines.
You could get even the big block 429 V8, but if you are looking for affordable models, you will get a 351. However, it is still powerful enough.
7 Ford Maverick Grabber
Not very desirable muscle car in the '70s, the Maverick Grabber was V8 compact, which now gets the recognition that it deserves.
Although less sought-after than the Mustang, the Maverick Grabber was still fast and capable little coupe, especially if you find one from the 1971/2 model years. Look out for rust issues, though.
6 Dodge Dart Sport 360
You all know the Dart 340, which debuted in 1970 and revolutionized the muscle car scene. The problem is that genuine Dart 340s are getting expensive, so here is the next best thing – the Dart Sport 360.
This is the successor from the mid-'70s with a 360 V8, a bit less power, and the same philosophy and appearance. The best thing is that you can get it for cheap.
5 1964 Ford Mustang
The original 1964 to 1966 Mustangs are gorgeous, but the prices for the top-of-the-line models are crazy. Fortunately, there is a solution. Get yourself a low-optioned, six-cylinder coupe for less than $10,000 and do a V8 swap.
Yes, we know that you will ruin the originality of the car, but you will still have a classic V8-powered Mustang for a fraction of the price.
4 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
Unfortunately, we are not talking about the early '70s Monte Carlo with big block 454 V8 but its '80s counterpart with a 305 V8 with less than 200 hp. Yes, sometimes, it is impressive how the industry changed in just a decade.
Still, '80s Monte Carlo SS models, with their angular designs, are gaining popularity amongst the collectors, and the prices are still relatively low for well-maintained examples.
3 Oldsmobile Cutlass S
The mighty and pricey Oldsmobile 442 was built on the Cutlass S base, and if we cannot afford this legendary muscle car, maybe we can purchase its more modest cousin.
The early '70s Cutlass S is still affordable, they can be obtained with V8 engines, and they are good-looking just as it. Or, you can just use them to build a nice 442 clone if you'd like.
2 Ford Mustang GT 5.0
With prices rising as we speak, it is now time to buy a Foxbody Mustang. Especially the 1987 to 1993 model with the legendary 5.0-liter V8.
The iconic pony car returned the performance to the Mustang lineup and remained a favorite weekend cruiser ever since. You can still get them cheap, but not for long.
1 Buick Skylark
The Skylark was a mid-size Buick, which served as the basis for some of their best muscle cars like the GSX and the GS 400.
Most of them came with straight-six engines or smaller V8s, but if you find one in a two-door semi-fastback body style and have 350 or 400 V8, you should buy it. It is a great-looking but still affordable classic muscle coupe.