There’s nothing like a good old musclecar to show the world around you what you’re made of. Whether you’re 18-year old looking for your very first ride or a true veteran from the time when musclecars were as common as new age stores are nowadays – it doesn’t really matter. Musclecars are one of America’s greatest gifts to the world. It’s a shame, but that same world didn’t really recognize the enormous potential for iconic that musclecars possessed. Well, it’s their loss really.
Golden age of musclecars is long gone, and recent downsizing in engine displacement coupled with increased importance of fuel efficiency is condemning even precious few options currently available in the market. Still, if you’re shopping for a musclecar – don’t despair. Second hand icons are still out there, and they come from the time when cars were built to last. That is to say – even 50-year old hot rods can still be found in very good or even mint condition. But, you probably know that already.
What you probably don’t know is what’s the most affordable way to get yourself one? Well, that really depends on your luck, patience and willingness to search far and wide. If a muscle car is in a good condition, rest assured that its current owner will know how to cash that in. There are, however, plenty of deals out there that can easily qualify for steal of the century. One only needs to look for them. Further down, we’ll pinpoint a few deals that could qualify for that. Know, however, that there are plenty of deals sweeter than that altogether. Let’s hit next and take a look at few of the cheapest musclecars you can currently buy.
Ford Torino ’69-’72
It depends on perspective but like any other classic muscle, Torino too can soar sky high when it comes to the sticker. However, late 60’s and early 70’s Torinos can easily be priced below $10,000 as well. We’re talking good condition, not project cars here. After all, would this list make any sense the other way around?
Pontiac Grand Prix ’64-’72
First couple generations of Grand Prix were the real deal. I’m not really sure if that’s the reason why you can get a great deal for them even today. Like all cars that qualify for this list, Pontiac Grand Prix is widely available for less than $10,000. In fact, there are few of them going for as little as $7,000 in good condition. Furthermore, there are no real differences between the model years and everything from ’64 to ’72 qualifies for mentioned price tags.
Buick Riviera ’69-’72
Another full-size muscle, second or third generation Riviera is available for around $8,000 on a regular basis. In fact, even most expensive Buick Riviera’s on the market rarely have price tags as high as icons like the GTO, Mustang or Camaro of late sixties. You’re most likely to find a great deal on models from 1969 through 1972.
Oldsmobile Cutlass ’70-’72
Cutlass was as versatile as they come. This classic had every body style imaginable at the time. It was a sedan, coupe, convertible… Hell – it even came as a station wagon! However, there’s only one Oldsmobile Cutlass that qualifies as a muscle car – Cutlass Supreme with the SX package. Most of Cutlasses out there are equipped with the 350, but if you find it with 455 Rocket, don’t hesitate to check it out – especially if it’s available for less than $10,000.
Plymouth Fury ’69-’72
Barracuda, Roadrunner, and especially Superbird can be quite expensive these days, but Fury on the other hand… Plymouth Fury GT can be yours for much less than $10,000 if you look hard enough, and if you find the 6-barrel version – even better. It’s best to look for models prior to 1973/73 years and musclecar’s decline in general.
Ford Galaxie ’66-’70
It’s a strange world out there when executive cars are less expensive than compacts, but muscle cars aren’t your average cars. Ford Galaxie is yet another full-size option you can have. Most affordable options usually go for around $8,000, but they can be found for less. Of course, they can also cost more – much more.
Ford Ranchero ’70-’76
You probably didn’t expect this one here, but muscle is a muscle. Ranchero isn’t as prolific as El Camino, but at least it’s more affordable. GT versions are, of course, more expensive than conventional 351’s, but can still be found for a 4-digit figure – especially fifth and sixth generation models from the early 70’s.
Dodge Polara ’66-’68
When looking for already rare Polara, you’ll likely have to go through a number 383’s before you zero in on a real deal. While 383 Polara’s are definitely recommended, 440 is what you’re actually looking for. This classic musclecar can be found for $8,000, more or less, but as already mentioned – it won’t be easy.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo ’83-’86
The only newer generation representative here is Chevy Monte Carlo SS. As luck would have it, most surviving Monte Carlo’s on the market actually are SS musclecars with 305 V-8’s. Needless to say – without vintage years under their belts, there’s no significant price burden as well. You’ll probably be able to find one in very good condition for $7,000 on any given day, and it won’t be older than 30 years to the day.
Buick Wildcat ’66-’69
We are concluding this list of cheapest muscle cars you can buy with another executive icon. As its name suggests, every Wildcat was fitted with untameable V-8 power. Sadly, Wildcat didn’t have a long lifespan as it was discontinued in 1971. If you’re interested in this classic piece of American engineering, however, you should be able to find it for around $7,000 – if you look hard enough, that is.