10 Cheap Classic Muscle Cars That Are Affordable (And 10 That Are Way Overpriced)

While some classic muscle cars have skyrocketed in value over the past few years, many new bargains have also sprung up on the market.

Muscle cars: robust, high-performance cars! Who doesn’t love them? Muscle cars have been in production since the late 40s. The first muscle car ever created was the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88. Driving Today reports, “the Rocket V-8 set the standard for every American V8 engine that would follow it for at least three decades. With a displacement of 303 cubic inches and topped by a two-barrel carburetor, the first Rocket V8 churned out 135 hp (101 kW; 137 PS) at 3,600 rpm and 263 lb-ft of torque at a lazy 1800 rpm.”

Updated January 2022: Several classic cars have appreciated in value in the past year, while others have gotten a lot cheaper. We’ve updated this article with all the classics that are now massive bargains on the market as of 2022.

Today, you can own any classic muscle car, depending on the size of your pocket. There are both affordable and costly options. Cheap classic muscle cars include the 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 WS6 and the 1995 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe. On the other hand, rare classic muscle cars are also available for sale, but more often than not, these command very high prices. A case in point is the 1964 Ford GT40 Prototype, which recently sold for a whopping $7,000,000 at the auction.

Related: 5 Greatest Muscle Cars Of The ’80s (5 That Belong In A Junkyard)

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Affordable: 1993 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra ($15,000)

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The 1993 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra is a cheap classic car, and you can get it for around $15,000. It is powered by a 4.9L 302cid V8 engine that cranks out 235 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

The SVT Mustang Cobra has a top speed of 137 miles per hour and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It also manages 14.5 seconds in the quarter-mile. Additionally, it comes with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Way Overpriced: 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible ($2,600,000)

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The1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible is an uncommon car as only 14 were produced this year. As such, it is one of the most expensive classic muscle cars. Recently, one sold for $2,600,000 at the auction. It is powered by a naturally aspirated, 7.0L 426 Hemi V8 engine that cranks out 425 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque.

The 1970 Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible has a top speed of 117 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. It also can do 14 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 4-speed manual transmission.

Affordable: 1975 Ford Maverick Grabber ($8,900)

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The 1975 Ford Maverick Grabber is an inexpensive classic car, and you can get it at $8,900. It is powered by a 4.9L 302 V8 engine that cranks out 210 horsepower and 296 lb-ft of torque.

Ford’s Maverick Grabber has a top speed of 119 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. It also manages 15.9 seconds on a quarter-mile. It comes with a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic.

Way Overpriced: 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T ($350,000)

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The 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T is a fairly rare car, making it one of the coolest classic muscle cars. Recently, one sold for $350,000 at auction. It is powered by a 426 Hemi V8 engine that cranks out 425 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.

Hitting a top speed of 146mph, the Dodge Challenger R/T is fast. It can hit 60 in 4.7seconds and a quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds. It comes with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Affordable: 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 WS6 ($8,400)

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The 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 WS6 is a reasonably priced classic car, and you can get it for under $8,500. It is powered by a Pontiac 400 6.6L V8 engine that cranks out 185 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque.

The Firebird Formula 400 WS6 has a top speed of 154 mph and goes from 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds. It also has a 4-speed manual with a limited-slip rear axle.

Related: 10 Sickest Restored AMC Muscle Cars We’d Drive Over A Mustang Any Day

Way Overpriced: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 ($1,150,000)

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The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 is a rare car, thus making it one of the priciest classic muscle cars. Recently, one sold for $1,150,000 at auction. It is powered by a 454 cid V8 engine with 450 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.

The Chevelle SS 454 LS6 has a top speed of 140 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. It also manages 13.7 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 4-speed manual transmission.

Affordable: 1971 Ford Torino GT ($12,000)

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The 1971 Ford Torino GT is an affordable classic car, and you can get it for about $12,000 in decent condition. It is powered by a 302 5.0L V8 engine that cranks out 300 horsepower and 296 pound-feet of torque.

The Torino GT has a top speed of 135 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. It also manages 15.6 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 4-speed manual transmission.

Way Overpriced: 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake ($2,200,000)

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The 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake is a rare car, making it one of the costliest classic muscle cars. In recent times, one sold for $2,200,000 at auction. It is powered by a GT40 V8 engine that cranks out 520 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.

The Super Snake has a top speed of 170 miles per hour and goes from rest to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. It can finish a quarter-mile in 14.7 seconds. It comes with a 4-speed manual transmission.

Affordable: 1970 Mercury Cyclone GT ($19,200)

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The 1970 Mercury Cyclone GT is a reasonably priced classic car, and you can get it for under $19,200. It is powered by a 5.8L 351 V8 engine that cranks out 250 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque.

The Cyclone GT has a top speed of 122 miles per hour and goes from rest to 60 mph in 8 seconds. It also manages 16.3 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 3-speed manual transmission.

Way Overpriced: 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird ($250,000)

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The 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird is a rare car, thereby making it one of the most exclusive classic muscle cars. Recently, one sold for $250,000 at auction. It is powered by a 426 cid Hemi V8 engine that cranks out 425 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque.

The Roadrunner Superbird has a top speed of 150 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. It also manages 13.5 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 4-speed manual transmission.

Affordable: 1995 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe ($8,995)

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The 1995 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe is an inexpensive classic car, and you can get it for as low as $8,995. It is powered by a 5.7L V8 engine that cranks out 275 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.

The Camaro Z28 Coupe has a top speed of 150 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. It also manages 14.6 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Related: 5 Dodge Muscle Cars We’d Love To Own (5 That Are Best Avoided)

Way Overpriced: 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake ($5,000,000)

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The 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake has only one known example, thereby making it one of the most expensive classic muscle cars. Recently, one sold for $5,000,000 at auction. It is powered by a 7.0L 427 V8 engine with 485 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

The Cobra Roadster has a top speed of 165 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It also manages 12.4 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 4-speed manual transmission.

Affordable: 1976 Dodge Dart Sport 360 ($6400)

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The 1976 Dodge Dart Sport 360 is a low-priced classic car, and you can get it for under $6400. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.9L V8 engine that cranks out 230 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.

The Dart Sport 360 has a top speed of 122 miles per hour and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds. It also manages 16.5 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 3-speed automatic transmission.

Way Overpriced: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ($1,000,000)

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The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is a rare car, making it one of the priciest classic muscle cars ever produced. Recently, one sold for $1,000,000 at auction. It is powered by a 427 ZL1 V8 engine that cranks out 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has a top speed of 125 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. It also manages 13.16 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 4-speed manual transmission.

Affordable: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe ($4,675)

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The 1989 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe is an affordable classic car, and you can get it for $4,675. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.8L V6 engine that cranks out 135 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque.

The Camaro Coupe has a top speed of 125 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds. It also manages 17.2 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Way Overpriced: 1965 Shelby GT350 R ($984,500)

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The 1965 Shelby GT350 R is a rare car, thereby making it one of the priciest classic muscle cars. Recently, one sold for $984,500 at auction. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.7L V8 engine that cranks out 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.

The Shelby GT350 R has a top speed of 138 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. It also manages 13.6 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 4-speed manual transmission.

Affordable: 1990 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am ($10,500)

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The 1990 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is a cost-effective classic car, and you can get it at $10,500. It is powered by a naturally 5.7L V8 engine that cranks out 235 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque.

The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am has a top speed of 160 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It also manages 13.2 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Way Overpriced: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88 ($615,000)

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The 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88 is a rare car, thereby making it one of the most expensive classic muscle cars. Recently, one sold for $615,000 at the auction. It is powered by a 427cid V8 engine that cranks out 560 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.

The Corvette L88 has a top speed of 177 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It also manages 13.6 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 4-speed manual transmission.

Affordable: 1968 Ford Mustang ($23,000)

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The 1968 Ford Mustang is an affordable classic car, and you can get it for as low as $23,000. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 289cid V8 engine that cranks out 195 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque.

The 1968 Ford Mustang has a top speed of 134 miles per hour and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds. It also manages 16.3 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 3-speed manual transmission.

Not Affordable: 1969 Dodge Charger HEMI Daytona ($900,000)

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The 1969 Dodge Charger HEMI Daytona is a rare car, thus making it one of the most valuable classic muscle cars. Recently, one sold for $900,000 at the auction. It is powered by a 7.0L Hemi V8 440 Magnum engine that cranks out 425 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque.

The Charger HEMI Daytona has a top speed of 200 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. It also manages 13.7 seconds in the quarter-mile. It comes with a 4-speed manual transmission.