27 Cool Classic Cars That Are Perfect for a Collector on a Budget
These vintage cars deliver classic style without breaking the bank.
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.
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.
For the longest time, Porsche 944s weren’t too popular with collectors, but these days people are starting to show interest. Prices for Turbo models in particular have shot up in the past 12 months. Better act fast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
