Summary

  • Restoring and building a classic muscle car is a rewarding experience that can be shared with friends and family, making it a source of pride.
  • Collecting completed classic cars may be more expensive upfront, but it saves money in the long run as repairs and builds are not required.
  • Affordable muscle cars, such as the 1988 Chevrolet Camaro, 1975 Dodge Dart Sport, and 1986 Ford Mustang 5.0L, offer a great starting point for collectors and muscle car builders.

The game of collecting classics isn't for everyone. It usually requires a lot of dedication and commitment on the owner's part, and taking on an old project car is an even bigger undertaking. The end result of restoring and building a classic muscle car is a feeling like no other, though. It is something to be proud of when showing off to friends and family. It is definitely a story that can be told over dinner or a campfire with buddies and colleagues.

If collecting cars that are already completed and in pristine condition is more the style wanted, it can be expected to pay a little more, but it saves money in the end because repairs and builds will not be needed. Classic muscle cars are more popular than ever, thanks to their old-world charm and ability to retain or increase value. But this also means that some old muscle cars can cost well over six figures, so below is a curated list of 10 affordable muscle cars that can kick-start your classic car journey without breaking the bank.

Updated August 11, 2023: The used muscle car markets change so often that as soon as a list is published, something on it changes, which is why this list is getting refreshed and made more relevant. Keep in mind that the market can change within minutes, so do some research before committing to a specific make and model of classic muscle car purchase.

Looking at data from Hagerty, classic.com and CarGurus, we've compiled a list of the best muscle cars that are still affordable. If you are looking for a vehicle in mint condition, you will have to pay an inflated price no matter what model and year, but if you want a project car, these are the ones to go with.

Related: These Two Pristine Plymouth Cudas Could Be Worth More Than Some Classic Exotics

25 1988 Chevrolet Camaro

Starting Used Price: $4,600

A parked 1988 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Mecum

Like most other models after the early 1970s, the Camaro was redesigned to reduce emissions. This means that the base engine in the 1988 Chevy Camaro was a small six-cylinder with some decent power, but it could not compare to the base level 305 that could be opted for. The good thing about either engine size is that it is easy to remove and replace with a bigger, more powerful engine. Of course, it can always be left original, which will increase its value when the time comes to sell it off to gain back a good return on the investment.

Pricing For A Used 1988 Chevrolet Camaro

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$4,600

Good

$5,900

Excellent

$11,100

Mint

$17,700

The 305 can always be replaced with a more popular 350, but if left alone, you can expect to get 0 to 60 times right around 7.4 seconds, and a quarter-mile run can take up to 15.6 seconds with a finishing speed of about 91 MPH. The top speed for the 305 cid averages 149 MPH, achieved through 190 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.

24 1975 Dodge Dart Sport

Starting Used Price: $5,000

A parked 1975 Dodge Dart Sport
Bring a Trailer

The Dart Sport 360 added a new lease on life to the lineup in 1974. The most impressive version was powered by a 5.9-liter V-8 engine rated at 245 horsepower. It was sold until the end of 1976 when Dodge decided to move it up a notch by turning it into an option for the Sport V8. Since the Sport 360 is among the rarest and most expensive Darts from the era, they are somewhat sought after in the market, with prices starting at around $20,000. However, if the power and exclusivity are unnecessary, a basic Dodge Dart with the less powerful 5.2-liter V-8 can be picked up for much less.

Pricing For A Used 1975 Dodge Dart Sport

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$5,000

Good

$6,700

Excellent

$9,400

Mint

$12,400

There is not much information online about the track times for the six-cylinder version of the Dodge Dart, but when it comes to the V-8, without any upgrades, you are looking at some decent times. Launching from a standstill, you can reach 60 MPH in 7.3 seconds and finish the quarter mile in about 15.7 seconds. Not great, but remember there is always room for improvement.

RELATED:

23 1986 Ford Mustang 5.0L

Starting Used Price: $3,900

A parked 1986 Ford Mustang 5.0L
Bring a Trailer

Over the years, Fox Body Mustangs have received a bad wrap. Granted, the lightweight 5.0L may not have the massive big blocks that previous models had, such as the 1970 Mustang Boss 427, but overall they had a powerful 302 linked to a unique muffler system. The H-patterned exhaust creates a distinctive rumble from the tailpipes, making onlookers look twice. 1985 was the last year for the SVO, but since it had extremely low production numbers, it is not a model that could be picked up cheaply. On the other hand, the basic level 5.0L is a great starting point for collectors and muscle car builders.

Pricing For A Used 1986 Ford Mustang 5.0L

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$3,900

Good

$7,800

Excellent

$15,600

Mint

$25,800

When you think about top speeds reaching up to 200 MPH today, a car that tops out around 125 MPH seems like nothing, but for most instances, that is plenty fast. That is where the 1986 Ford Mustang 5.0L sits for top speed, with a 0 to 60 MPH time of about 6 seconds and a quarter-mile sprint of 14.7 seconds. It may not be enough to beat the likes of the 2023 Ford Mustang GT or Mach I, but it can still give you a taste of some muscle car magic.

Related: 15 Must-Do Steps To Gain Horsepower Out Of Your Classic Chevy 350

22 1996 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS

Starting Used Price: $8,400

A parked 1996 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS
Mecum

Launched back in the 90s, the fourth-gen Chevrolet Camaro, fondly called the catfish Camaro, is yet another example of the punk era and bold designs making it to the mainstream. The Catfish never garnered the same love and fan following as its predecessors, but that's good news for budget-conscious classic car shoppers. Nonetheless, the fourth-gen Camaro did get a few special editions that continue to be sought after in the used market, and the 1996 Camaro Z28 SS is one of them.

Pricing For A Used 1996 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$8,400

Good

$11,300

Excellent

$14,200

Mint

$19,700

Essentially an upgrade over the Z28, it featured a V-8 engine rated at 305 horsepower, 30 horses more than the regular Z28. That is not much in the grand scheme of things, but it is enough to cut a few precious seconds off track times. The Z28 SS could accelerate from 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds and could run the quarter-mile track in 13.8 seconds at a finishing speed of 101.4 MPH.

21 1975 Ford Maverick Grabber

Starting Used Price: $3,425

The Maverick isn't a true-blue muscle car, but the Grabber package made it look like one. The six-cylinder engines that Ford offered with this car were far from powerful, but the 5.0-liter V-8 that powered the 1975 Ford Maverick Grabber got 129 horsepower from the factory. Also, far from impressive, but you should keep in mind that the Maverick tipped the scales at less than 3,000 pounds.

Pricing For A Used 1975 Ford MAverick Grabber

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$3,425

Good

$10,000

Excellent

$18,700

Any car lighter than the rest had an advantage because the engine did not have to work as hard. That may be why the little Ford Maverick Grabber could launch from the line and hit 60 MPH in under 10 seconds and could race down the quarter-mile track in 15 seconds. Don't forget, the 302 under the hood is the same as the one powering the Ford Mustang in 1975.

20 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport

Starting Used Price: $5,400

A parked 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport
Mecum

The Ford Gran Torino Sport from 1972, also sold as a rebadged Mercury Cyclone GT, was a stunning transformation story that took the regular Ford Torino, a cool classic, and gave it a new lease on life. Prices vary greatly depending on trim and engine, but you can find some for as low as $10,450. However, expect six-digit odometer readings and bad paint on such examples. If you want a pristine example with low miles, expect to shell out more than these market prices currently show.

Pricing For A Used 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$5,400

Good

$8,400

Excellent

$12,200

Mint

$16,600

The Ford Grand Torino Sport in 1972 came with the option of two engines; a 140 horsepower 302 V-8 and a 248 horsepower 351 Cleveland. The versions with the Cleveland are higher priced, so for the sake of this list, the 302 is the one to look for. Along with 140 horses, it could push out 230 pound-feet of torque, pushing it from 0 to 60 in 11 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 18 seconds. Cut off some weight, make some upgrades, and you can turn it into a good-looking viable contender on almost any track.

Related: Why The Original Dodge Charger Will Always Be Better Than The New Charger

19 1969 Mercury Marauder

Starting Used Price: $7,900

A parked 1969 Mercury Marauder
Mecum

The 1970 Mercury Cyclone is one of the best-known classic muscle cars produced by the company, but since this list is about affordable performance cars, it will be skipped. Instead, one of the next best choices can be picked up for as little as $7,900. Of course, that will not get a car in pristine condition because that would run well over $16,000, depending on what is being looked for. Since the Marauder is one of the less sought-after Mercurys, it is a great starting point for anyone wanting a classic muscle car.

Pricing For A Used 1969 Mercury Marauder

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$7,900

Good

$10,900

Excellent

$16,100

Mint

$19,600

As with most of the big muscle cars from the '60s, the 1969 Mercury Marauder came with several V-8 options from the factory, ranging from the smaller 390 with a two-barrel carburetor to the gas-guzzling 429 with a four-barrel carburetor sitting on the intake. If you can find a reasonably priced car with the 429, you are looking at 0 to 60 MPH times of just over 7 seconds and quarter-mile times that can dip in to the low 15-second range, without any modifications.

18 1972 Mercury Comet

Starting Used Price: $8,100

A parked 1972 Mercury Comet
Mecum

The Mercury Comet may not look like much on the outside, but they all came with engines from a small 170 inline six to the 302 that could push a little more power out. Depending upon the car being considered, the 1972 Mercury Comet is a great starting point for classic muscle car building, especially if planning on fitting an engine from a Ford Thunderbird or Mustang under the hood.

Pricing For A Used 1972 Mercury Comet

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$8,100

Good

$11,700

Excellent

$14,600

Mint

$18,600

The 1972 Mercury Comet was not designed solely for muscle car duty, so you can find cars with engines ranging from the small fuel-efficient six-cylinders such as the 82 horsepower 170 cid all the way up to the small block 302 V-8 that could push out up to 220 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. This combination pushed the car from 0 to 60 in 9.4 seconds and rumbled through the quarter-mile in just over 17 seconds.

17 1988 Pontiac Firebird

Starting Used Price: $4,200

A parked 1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula
Mecum

The 1988 Pontiac Firebird with a V-8 already under the hood can be picked up for as little as $4,200. Even cars that are in pristine condition go for half what an early 70s model would cost, running under $15,000. The style of the Firebird has changed throughout the years, just like the Chevy version, but an appealing look can be found, or the '88 can be modified. Either way, this car is one of the best to have in the driveway as a project or showpiece.

Pricing For A Used 1988 Pontiac Firebird

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$4,200

Good

$6,200

Excellent

$8,500

Mint

$13,800

As a general rule, the '80s were not kind to muscle cars of any kind, with the Pontiac Firebird being no exception. The engines lost horsepower, and the small six-cylinders were slid under the hoods instead of the larger V-8s. In 1988, the Firebird still had a few eight-cylinder options available, such as the 305 and the 350. The 305 could put down track times of 15.2 seconds for the quarter-mile strip and 6.9 seconds to get up to 60 MPH from a standstill.

Related: 10 Fastest Muscle Cars Of The 2000s

16 1971 Ford Ranchero

Starting Used Price: $7,100

A parked 1971 Ford Ranchero GT
Mecum

Based on the Ford Torino/Fairlane, the Ranchero isn't as famous as the Chevrolet El Camino, but that is an advantage for those shopping for underrated muscle cars. The 1970 or 1971 models were available with both six and eight-cylinder engines, and the V-8 versions can be had for less than $10,000, but expect well-used examples with apparent signs of aging. But, if you seek the very best, you can find low-mileage examples in pristine condition for as high as $20,000.

Pricing For A Used 1971 Ford Ranchero

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$7,100

Good

$14,600

Excellent

$21,300

Mint

$31,600

The last couple of decades have shown an increased interest in the car/truck design, so the value of these classics has continued to grow. However, they are still within normal budget restraints. The average engine under the hood will be the 302 or the 351, with an occasional 429. The 429 will put you down the track in 6.2 seconds from 0 to 60 MPH and 14.6 seconds to complete the quarter-mile run.

15 1975 Pontiac Grand Am

Starting Used Price: $7,700

The Pontiac Grand Am was not just another car that GM produced to add to the muscle car lineup. In fact, it was built to compete with the European luxury sedans that were taking over the majority of the sales in the American markets. For that reason, the car came off the assembly lines with the choice of two different 400 engines or a larger 455, along with plush bucket seats, sport-tuned suspension, and a high-beam switch on the steering wheel instead of the floor. The '75 Grand Am can currently be picked up anywhere from $7,700 to $24,400, with recent auctions showing around $9,075.

Pricing For A Used 1975 Pontiac Grand Am

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$7,700

Good

$15,600

Excellent

$20,300

Mint

$24,400

By the mid-'70s, big block engines were losing popularity with everyone, including the muscle car segment, because of the fuel cost and increased insurance prices. Not to mention that due to more stringent emissions regulations, all the big displacement engines were losing power, such as the big block 400 that only produced 170 horsepower. But, there is room for improvement, so the average 0 to 60 times of 11.5 seconds and the quarter-mile crawl of 18.4 seconds can be decreased.

14 1979 Pontiac Firebird Esprit

Starting Used Price: $5,900

A parked 1979 Pontiac Firebird Esprit on display
Mecum

The Pontiac Firebird Esprit is not as commonly heard about as the basic Firebird or Trans-Am, which you would think would make it more expensive when found. However, that is not the case because these cars can be picked up anywhere from $5,900 to $29,900, with vehicles in better-than-average shape jumping in value. Be aware that the Esprit came with two engine options, the 2.8L V-6 and the 5.7L V-8, so depending on the level of project that you may want, the power can fluctuate, as will the price.

Pricing For a Used 1979 Pontiac Firebird Esprit

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$5,900

Good

$9,700

Excellent

$20,200

Mint

$29,900

In V-6 form, the 1979 Pontiac Firebird Esprit was slow. Really slow. But since the car did come with a V-8 under the hood, if you cannot find one already there, it is not much of a task to switch it out. But, if you prefer looks while keeping some semblance of fuel economy, the V-6 can get you up to 60 MPH in 14.4 seconds, which is good enough to get out in traffic.

Related: Top 10 Fastest Used Cars Under $20,000

13 1995 Chevrolet Impala SS

Starting Used Price: $13,300

A parked 1995 Chevrolet Impala SS
Mecum Auctions

By looking at the 1995 Chevrolet Impala SS, you may not think it is more than a car that was common on the police force for a few years, but with some rims and a cool paint job, they can look pretty fine. Unfortunately, these cars are no longer off the radar, so they can cost a little more than the others, so the Chevy Impala SS is best left as a complete project car unless money is not an issue.

Pricing For A Used 1995 Chevrolet Impala SS

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$13,300

Good

$21,400

Excellent

$37,100

Mint

$67,700

The thing is, with the Impala SS, that under the hood is already a 260 horsepower 350 V-8 that has the potential to be built into a beast (with a few Chevy 350 mods) that could be the biggest sleeper car in town. Stock, straight from the assembly line, the SS can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds and run through the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds.

12 1965 Plymouth Barracuda

Starting Used Price: $14,400

A parked 1965 Plymouth Barracuda
Mecum

Since the Plymouth Barracuda launched a few days earlier in '64 than the Ford Mustang did, many classic car enthusiasts claim it was the first pony car on the scene in America. It came straight off the assembly lines with a 2.8L, 3.7L, or 4.5L, with the biggest offering pushing out up to 180 horsepower. Since these cars are classic muscle cars, they can cost a substantial amount, according to Hagerty. However, if you keep an eye on the auctions, they have been known to go for as little as $6,325.

Pricing For A Used 1965 Plymouth Barracuda

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$14,400

Good

$22,100

Excellent

$31,800

Mint

$39,500

The engines in the '60s were not near as refined and powerful as they are today, so when you say a 273 V-8 could produce 180 horses, that was not a bad number. In fact, if you compare it to the 1965 Mustang with the equivalent engine, the 289, the difference was only a second. The Barracuda could hit the 60 MPH mark in 10.3 seconds and complete a quarter-mile drag in around 17.5 seconds.

11 1972 Chevrolet Vega

Starting Used Price: $7,150

1972 Chevrolet Vega 
Mecum Auctions

If you grew up through the '80s and '90s, you know how easy and cheap it was to build a Chevy Vega into a muscle car that simply blew the doors off the competition. The Vega is still one of those project cars that builders love to get their hands on, but because they have become less common in the used car world, they can cost you up to six digits when built to the max. There are times when an auction lets them go for cheaper, though, so if the Vega is the project car you have been looking for, have some patience and keep a close eye out because they have sold for as little as $7,150 in the past.

Pricing For A Used 1972 Chevrolet Vega

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$7,150

Good

$25,250

Excellent

$56,100

For some reason, if you look at the values of a Chevy Vega on sites like Hagerty, they claim that a car in pristine condition is only worth $3,425. You have to know that those numbers are really low, so the market prices above were taken from an auction comparison site, Classic.com. If you want a great project car, the Vega is the way to go. Just keep an eye out; one will come up that will not break the bank.

Related: 10 Cool American Cars You Can Buy For Under $20,000

10 1974 Dodge Charger

Starting Used Price: $9,500

1974 Dodge Charger SE
Via Flickr

No list of muscle cars would be complete without a Dodge Charger on it, but you would not think one would be in the affordable range. Thankfully, the 1974 Dodge Charger is one of the years that is a little off the radar because it was built with either a basic slant six or a 318. Of course, the car had options all the way up to the mighty 250 horsepower 400 big block, but that is beyond this budget-friendly list unless you get lucky and find one cheap. That is not to say you cannot swap out the 318 and put one in, though.

Pricing For 1974 Dodge Charger

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$9,500

Good

$12,300

Excellent

$16,600

Mint

$23,700

The average 318 that came under the hood of the 1974 Charger could pump out up to 150 horsepower, which is 100 horses less than the big engine, but it can still get you from 0 to 60 in 10.2 seconds. Since the car is heavy, weighing an average of 3,470 pounds, the quarter mile was a little slow with the small block, taking up to 17.8 seconds. If you want a true muscle car, this must be fixed.

9 1975 Chevrolet Camaro

Starting Used Price: $8,100

1975 Chevrolet Camaro
GPS 56 via commons.Wikimedia

You may be scratching your head and asking why another Camaro? The answer is very simple. The Camaro is one of the original muscle cars from back in the day. One that can be found ready to race as is, or built up into a beast of a machine that will literally spin the tires off the wheels. The 1975 Camaro is a great year to look for because it was not one of the best for the Camaro, making it the perfect year for anyone wanting to build one up.

Pricing For A 1975 Chevrolet Camaro

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$8,100

Good

$12,100

Excellent

$16,200

Mint

$21,400

The 5.7L, or 350 as it is more commonly called, could only pump out a measly 155 horsepower, which was not much when you consider that the car weighed up to 3,420 pounds. That let the car struggle through the quarter mile run, taking a painfully slow 17.4 seconds and only reaching a speed of 78 miles per hour. Ouch!

8 2000 Ford Mustang GT

Starting Used Price: $5,900

A parked 2000 Ford Mustang GT
Mecum

You might not even think to look at some of the newer models to find an affordable muscle car, but there are numerous that can be bought for under $10,000 used. The 2000 Ford Mustang GT is a prime example, being valued at a mere $5,900 for a driveable car that needs some help. Of course, the newer the car, the more parts will cost to upgrade, but the easier they will be to find.

Pricing For A 2000 Ford Mustang GT

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$5,900

Good

$9,400

Excellent

$16,300

Mint

$30,300

The thing with the 2000 GT is that it did not have a big V-8 but rather a small 4.6L sohc modular V-8 that could push out up to 260 horsepower. The 3,237 pounds is launched from 0 to 60 MPH in 5 seconds flat, with the quarter-mile being blasted through in 13.5 seconds. Not too bad straight from the factory, but as with all other vehicles on the market, it does have room for improvement.

Related: The Top Muscle Cars Of The 60s And 70s

7 1973 Mercury Cougar

Starting Used Price: $7,900

A parked 1973 Mercury Cougar
Mecum

In 1974 the third-generation Mercury Cougar went bigger instead of following along the lines of the rest of the industry. This move was meant to move the car away from competing with the Ford Mustang and into a place where it could go grill-to-grill with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and the Buick Regal. Even so, since it came with a choice of two different engines, the 351 and the 351 Cobra Jet, there is a chance to get one cheap from someone that does not know how to tell the difference between the two.

Pricing For A Used 1973 Mercury Cougar

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$7,900

Good

$10,200

Excellent

$15,200

Mint

$20,900

You can expect some good track times if you can get your hands on one with the more powerful Cobra Jet engine, 266 horsepower, and 301 pound-feet of torque. From 0 to 60 MPH, you will take 6.3 seconds, and the quarter-mile run will only take 14.8 seconds. Now mind you, that is without any upgrades or improvements.

6 1987 Chevrolet El Camino SS

Starting Used Price: $10,200

A parked 1987 Chevrolet El Camino SS
Bring a Trailer

Since the Ford Ranchero was already listed, leaving out the Chevrolet El Camino would not be proper. Since Chevy likes to add some muscle to their vehicles, you might as well go all out and look for a 1987 El Camino SS because they are still not completely out of this world in cost. The SS came with one engine option, which was the 305 V-8.

Pricing For A Used 1987 Chevrolet El Camino SS

Current Condition

Market Price

Fair

$10,200

Good

$16,200

Excellent

$25,300

Mint

$34,200

The 305 eight-cylinder pushes out 150 horsepower. However, since it has a four-barrel carburetor on top of the intake, you can watch the fuel gauge go down when you slam the pedal to the medal. Track times were not great, scooting from 0 to 60 in 9.1 seconds and the quarter-mile in 16.5 seconds, but remember that the Monte Carlo SS had a 454 under the hood, so if you can find a wrecked one, it would be an easy swap, and well worth the blood and sweat to do so.