21 Classic Cars You Can Now Snag for a Bargain Today
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Buying a classic car might seem like a purchasable pipe dream, but the market is full of iconic vehicles that you can now buy for much less than their original price and start or add to your very own collection. Recent data from Hagerty shows that the classic car market has seen nothing but positive price fluctuations in the past year, and by all predictions, it makes for an excellent time for collectors and enthusiasts to buy.
For instance, the vintage sedan price index fell by an average of 6 percent over the past year, and each car listed here offers a distinctive package of history, style, and performance. Here are 21 classic cars that go for less than you might think.
1985-1993 Saab 900 Turbo
You can’t go wrong with the Saab 900 Turbo, if you’re looking for a classic car. This Swedish gem has a forceful turbocharged engine and is a real joy to drive.
It’s a bargain, with prices starting around $6,000,
1977 Jeep CJ-7
The Jeep CJ-7 is the way to go if you are interested in off-roading. The CJ-7 was the last Jeep classic model to be produced. It’s tough, dependable, and filled with nostalgia.
It’s easy-to-operate mechanics also make it relatively easy to maintain. Typically, automatics sell for around $8,000.
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the ultimate driver’s car — affordable, lightweight, and rear-wheel drive. An excellent option for the petrol head at a tempting price of under $9,000.
1979 BMW E30 3 Series
The BMW E30 3 Series is the one for you. A longtime classic, this German machine combines performance and timeless style. It is a crossover of performance and durability, a 1982 product that translates into a wicked and stylish drive.
Anyone who is in the lane of sporty but cool automobiles, this is for you. You can find this starting at around $15,000.
1988 Porsche 924
This vintage car model especially suits those that desire a Porsche but cannot afford it. This car is fast, sleek, and refined.
It is also a terrific value at a price that hovers around $11,000.
1988 Pontiac Bonneville
The 1988 Pontiac Bonneville is, by virtue of its combination of classic American styling a top state-of-the-art engineering for the era, among the most significant classic cars of all time.
An icon of Pontiac innovation, the then-top-of-the-line Bonneville featured a large, roomy cabin, a V6 engine, a digital dash, and every other amenity one might expect from a contemporary car. Prices start at around $8000; this is an item with history, and the price is a stealing piece of US history.
1987 Jeep Wrangler
Turn up the speed and let your free spirit run wild with the ’87 Jeep WR boxy off-roader – a true American cultural icon, as illustrated by its International cultural icon status.
As the standard-bearer for everything 4×4 in America, Four Wheeler Magazine gave the Wrangler a thumbs-up. The current going rate for a base 1987 Wrangler in good condition is about $11,000.
1975-1980 Jeep CJ-5
The Jeep CJ-5 is a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts. It is tough as nails and ready for any terrain. It is the ultimate new vintage—so retro and so cool that it looks as though it is an exquisitely designed collectible from the past.
It’s no surprise that with its price tag (it starts at around $8,000), many, from adventure-loving aviators and mountain climbers to sophisticated yachters, can’t resist adding one to their collection.
1966-1977 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is another iconic off-roading vehicle known for its durability and versatility.
This vintage model is a popular collector’s car, reasonably priced at around $12,000, thanks to its vintage styling and solid performance.
1982 Dodge Ram
The 1982 Dodge Ram pickup remains a favorite with collectors. Its square-jawed looks and its utilitarian grunt still hold true and can often be found for less than $15,000.
1980 Chevrolet Camaro
The iconic American muscle car, the Chevrolet Camaro, has become a collector’s item. Models from the 1980s to the 1990s were most popular. It is a great car to drift and drive as it is captivatingly well-designed with a roaring engine.
The 1980 model is affordable, with many examples available for under $18,000. This makes it possible for many enthusiasts to own such an extraordinary machine.
1972 Volkswagen Convertible
The 1972 Volkswagen Convertible stands out for its combination of traditional styling and modern features, meriting consideration for those interested in a classic with modern comfort.
Its indestructible design, combined with its cuteness, always made it a crowd-pleaser. One for sale goes for just $10,000.
1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
The 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL remains among the highest achievements in the quest for the perfect sporty luxury car, with lines of high-status simplicity. It has aged well for good reason, and still delivers a great driving experience and longevity.
You’ll pay around $25,000, more than any other classics here, but it’s worth every penny if you’re into iconic style and the ultimate in high-quality performance.
1995 Lexus SC400
Luxury, performance, and reliability – all in one 1995 Lexus SC400. The Japanese company engineered this beauty’s V8 power plant and show car well before any other auto manufacturer had the idea.
Nearly three decades later, it still looks cool. Get a Datsun 240Z for sale for under $13,000.
1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is the epitome of US muscle cars, a blazing statement of flamboyant styling and unrestrained performance.
This EFI-injected masterpiece exploded into fame in the late 1970s and ’80s, largely due to starring in innovative car-chase movies such as Smokey and the Bandit. It is on sale from $10,000 upwards.
1970 Buick Skylark
The 1970 Buick Skylark was a popular classic American car of its time, thanks to its adventurous design and high-powered engine options.
This classic bargain usually goes for at least $20,000. It is still a great buy and still a great car.
1984 Chevrolet El Camino
On one hand, it looks and drives like a car, but you can easily get into a pickup truck mentality when driving it. The Chevrolet El Camino is considered a true rarity—a mix between a car and a truck.
The 1984 version has retained its original splendor, it is a design classic, with a vintage pickup feel and the practicality of a car. It is typically found at significantly less than $13,000.
1991 Chevrolet Caprice
Families and cops alike loved driving the Caprice. The 1991 Chevrolet Caprice is a good old-fashioned classic with lots of interior space and a comfortable ride.
It was nicknamed ‘best in class’ for its ample space, economy, and road holding. Prices for this old stunner are still quite reasonable, around the $15,000 range according to classic cars.
1976 Volkswagen Beetle
The cultural impact of the 1976 Volkswagen Beetle – the ‘people’s car’ – is enough to boost sales and keep its very simple (even now, surely deliberately) style fresh. Even though this was the last model, until the Volkswagen Golf took the title in the late 1990s, the Beetle was the world’s best-selling car model of all time.
A restoration-quality 1976 Volkswagen Beetle can be purchased for about $15,000.
1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II
It’s the ultimate definition of style and craftsmanship and delivers an experience of luxury unlike any other at a price that is a fraction of its excellence. The Silver Shadow series represents the finest-selling model in Rolls-Royce’s history, having produced 30,057 units in its two generations between 1965 and 1980. It marks a proud tradition that continues to this very day.
Today, a good example will set you back anywhere from $10,000, meaning that this bit of motoring nobility is more within reach than you might think: you’ll get looks and attention wherever you go.
2004 BMW 330Ci
The 2004 BMW 330Ci has acquired all the attributes of a modern classic, beloved by car enthusiasts. Its clean silhouette, powerful engine, and leading technology make those who drive it feel like luxury on four wheels.
The cars, which start at $9,000, are within the reach of those who want the ultimate rowing experience.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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