Cheap Classic Cars for Collectors on a Budget

These days, it seems as though all the great classic cars have been discovered and in turn, skyrocketed in value. There are still some hidden gems living in the shadows of more popular cars that are great to drive—and often, they’re a bargain. Here are some of the best.


ford mustang vintage classic cheap

Ford Heritage

1

of 39

Ford Mustang

Because Ford built so many original Mustangs, prices remain low. They’re sub-zero cool, simple to work on, and plenty affordable. Best of all, there’s still plenty of aftermarket support, meaning parts are cheap and easy to find.


viper

Dodge

2

of 39

Dodge Viper

Despite its wild looks and legendary history, first-gen Dodge Vipers are still relatively affordable. Under the hood sits a massive V-10 engine making 400 horsepower. Sub-$40,000 models are becoming harder and harder to find, but they’re out there if you know where to look.


autozam az1 jdm gullwing sports car

Mazda

3

of 39

Autozam AZ-1

If you’re looking for an affordable classic that’ll likely go up in value, consider something JDM. The Autozam AZ-1 is a great candidate, with its mid-engine layout and gullwing doors.


mercedes benz sl class r107

eBay

4

of 39

Mercedes-Benz SL

The R107-generation Mercedes SL was produced for 18 years, meaning there are a lot of them around. Prices are still reasonable, though demand for unmolested examples has begun to increase.


toyota celica supra mk1

Road & Track

5

of 39

Toyota Supra

The last-gen Toyota Supra may have become an unobtainable collector’s item, but the earlier versions are still well within reach. No, you won’t get the same performance (or Fast & Furious crowd attention), but they’re still lovely cars.


alfa romeo gtv6

Alfa Romeo

6

of 39

Alfa Romeo GTV-6

The GTV-6 had big shoes to fill following the lovely Alfetta and before that, the wonderful GTV. Equipped with that magnificent-sounding V-6 and a rear-mounted transaxle, it’s a joy to drive.


honda crx

Honda

7

of 39

Honda CRX

The original CRX of the 1980s was light, simple, fun, and affordable. It remains that way to this day—if you can find an unmolested example, that is. They’re few and far in between, but worth the effort.


volkswagen beetle

.

8

of 39

Volkswagen Beetle

You really can’t go wrong with a Beetle. It has a huge fan base, tons of support for parts and DIY maintenance, and iconic style. And because VW sold so many, prices remain low.


toyota mr2 first gen

Toyota

9

of 39

Toyota MR2

The original MR2 is now over 30 years old, and makes for one fun piece of machinery. Some say the first-gen cars are a bit twitchy through corners, but treat it with respect (as you should with all classics), and you’ll have plenty of fun behind the wheel.


bmw 318i e30 classic sedan

BMW

10

of 39

BMW 3-Series

Older BMW 3-Series models, especially E30-generation cars, have become hot items in the collector car world. M3 models have grown beyond reach for most people, but normal models like the 325i and 318i can still be found for cheap.


bmw 5 series e28 vintage classic

BMW

11

of 39

BMW 5-Series

Need something with a bit more space? The E28-generation 5-Series is another gem from BMW that you don’t have to empty your bank account to purchase. As with the 3-Series, the M version of the E28 is well out or reach, but other trims are still reasonably priced.


porsche 944 turbo

Porsche

12

of 39

Porsche 944

People often hate on the Porsche 924, 944, and 968 line because of its Volkswagen roots, but there’s really no need. The 944 handles wonderfully, and looks great doing it. Just because the engine’s in the front doesn’t mean it’s automatically a bad car.


e36 m3

Steven Tyler PJs

13

of 39

BMW M3 E36

Unlike the first-gen M3, its successor, the E36, hasn’t skyrocketed in value. That’s thanks to the engine—BMW gave North American M3s less power, effectively neutering them from the factory, when compared to their European counterparts. But they’re still fun to drive, and because not as many people are fans, they can be found for reasonable money.


datsun 240z

Keno Brothers

14

of 39

Datsun Z

The Datsun Z is considered one of the prettiest Japanese vehicles ever built. A sleek two-door shape with a long nose and short overhangs compliments a fantastic rear-wheel drive layout and wonderful chassis, paired to a straight-six engine. Prices are going up, but there are still deals to be found if you act fast—and don’t mind a little tinkering.


volkswagen gti vintage classic hatchback

Goodwood Road & Racing

15

of 39

Volkswagen GTI

The GTI has been around since the 1980s, and the earliest models remain the coolest. Lightweight, simple, and agile, the Mk1 and Mk2 GTIs both classic boxy looks and great driving dynamics that any enthusiast will love.


mazda mx5 miata na first gen 1990

Bob Hall/Mazda

16

of 39

Mazda MX-5 Miata

We know it’s hard to believe, but the first Miata is over 30 years old. It first debuted in 1989 as a 1990 model year car, making it a certified classic. It’s still one of the best cars you can buy, and since Mazda made so many, prices tend to stay low.


Land vehicle, Vehicle, Car, Sports car, Hood, Sedan, Coupé, Classic car, Model car, Automotive exterior,

Mazda

17

of 39

Mazda RX-7

While the third-generation RX-7 seems to get a lot of praise, people tend to overlook the earlier versions of Mazda’s rotary sports car. Despite their timeless looks and unique drivetrain, first-gen FBs can still be had in good condition for under $10,000.


chevrolet el camino classic ute

.

18

of 39

Chevrolet El Camino

We were supposed to see a modern El Camino revival with the Pontiac G8 ST, but thanks to the economic meltdown, that didn’t happen. Still, a classic El Camino is always going to be cool, and you can easily find them for decent prices.


datsun 510 sedan vintage nissan classic

Nissan

19

of 39

Datsun 510

It may have borrowed a bit from the European sedans at the time, but the Datsun 510 is more than a knockoff BMW. It’s a fun little car in its own right. And thanks to Datsun’s big-time involvement in racing at the time, this car has a ton of motorsports history.


acurahonda integra

Acura

20

of 39

Acura Integra

Integra Type Rs are well out of reach for most normal people, but the lesser Integra GSR is still a good buy. You get VTEC sounds, Nineties Honda handling, and a great shifter, all for not that much money.


fiat 124 spider original classic roadster

Fiat

21

of 39

Fiat 124 Spider

Yeah, you can buy a new 124 Spider, but spending your money on a classic is more of an adventure. Besides, the old 124s have so much style and class. An added bonus: You”ll have plenty of opportunity for tinkering.


ford f100 truck classic vintage

Ford

22

of 39

Ford F-100

Everybody loves a classic truck on the road, even if you’re not a “truck person.” If you can find an old Ford F-100 in good condition, you should absolutely pick it up (pun intended). Just look at those fenders. Check out our buyer’s guide right here.


jeep jeepster classic

Jeep

23

of 39

Jeep Jeepster

CJs are always great, but if you’re going to buy a classic Jeep, why not get something a little different? Skip the go-to models and get yourself a two-tone Jeepster to stand out from the crowd.


mercedes benz w115

Mercedes-Benz

24

of 39

Mercedes-Benz W115

There’s an inherent coolness that comes with driving an old Mercedes, but if you want to avoid looking like a baller on a budget, you have to reach back a little further than the W124. That’s where something like a 220D comes in. Such a classic look.


mgb gt coupe shooting brake

MG

25

of 39

MGB GT

The BMW Clown Shoe is a collector’s dream, but those cars have gotten incredibly pricey lately. For a shooting brake on a budget, look to the MGB GT instead. We wouldn’t blame you for picking the drop-top version of the MGB, but the GT is the one for us.


plymouth valiant sedan red

Plymouth

26

of 39

Plymouth Valiant

The first-generation Valiant had a design only a mother could love, but by the mid-1960s, it was updated and looking pretty good. It was sold in several different body styles, including a convertible, and the engines are famous for lasting forever. On a budget, you can’t go wrong here.


pontiac firebird

Pontiac

27

of 39

Pontiac Firebird

You can spend a lot of money on one of these if you really want to, but late-1970s Firebirds can also be pretty good deals if you keep an eye out for them. And even if it’s not black, you’ll still be able to live out your Smokey and the Bandit fantasies. Just make sure you have some Jerry Reed 8-tracks ready to go.


volvo 122 coupe

Volvo

28

of 39

Volvo 122

Volvo has quite a few lustworthy classics out there, but if you’re trying to keep it affordable, you’ll have a hard time finding a better deal than a Volvo 122. It’s not quite a P1800, but you still get plenty of style. And if you’re concerned about safety, the 122 was the first car to offer a three-point seatbelt as standard back in 1959.


Land vehicle, Vehicle, Car, Coupé, Sedan, Automotive wheel system, Subaru alcyone svx, Rim, Family car,

Subaru

29

of 39

Subaru SVX

The SVX is a weird, futuristic grand touring car built by Subaru in the mid-1990s. It has a cult following, but has yet to be fully appreciated by the enthusiast community as a whole.


Land vehicle, Vehicle, Car, Classic car, Volkswagen karmann ghia, Coupé, Sports car, Sedan,

Volkswagen

30

of 39

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Everyone fawns over the classic VW Beetle and the Bus, but the Karmann Ghia is somewhat left in the shadows. Strange, considering it’s easily the prettiest of the air-cooled VWs. Get one while prices are still low and you’ll have something that lacks speed, but makes it up in style.