What classic car would be moderately priced and practical yet still relatively powerful and head turning to drive as an everyday car?
First of all, cars can be three things. Cheap, fast, and reliable. You only get to pick two of those. Anything that's "moderately priced" will probably be in slightly rough shape, or a bit slow. Especially when it comes to classic cars. The demand for many of them is skyrocketing, so anything that doesn't cost an arm and a leg will probably need some work.
A Corvette is always a fine choice. But if you want something with more than two seats and a steel body, late 70's Camaros and Firebirds are still somewhat cheap. Thought not very powerful from the factory, they can be easily modified. I drive a '92 Camaro myself. That generation is on the very cheap side right now, though not quite classic yet. And if you clean it up, it always manages to turn a few heads.
23 Answers
First of all, cars can be three things. Cheap, fast, and reliable. You only get to pick two of those. Anything that's "moderately priced" will probably be in slightly rough shape, or a bit slow. Especially when it comes to classic cars. The demand for many of them is skyrocketing, so anything that doesn't cost an arm and a leg will probably need some work.
A Corvette is always a fine choice. But if you want something with more than two seats and a steel body, late 70's Camaros and Firebirds are still somewhat cheap. Thought not very powerful from the factory, they can be easily modified. I drive a '92 Camaro myself. That generation is on the very cheap side right now, though not quite classic yet. And if you clean it up, it always manages to turn a few heads.
Late 60's Mustang. You can get a serviceable daily driver for a reasonable price and there are enough aftermarket parts suppliers to customize and upgrade as much as you want. Fastbacks adn convertables will set you back a little more, but even the coupe is a great little car. Repairs are reasonable and every mechanic and his mother can work on these cars. You can probably do several of the repairs and upgraded in your own garage. Driving down the road will never fail to turn heads and you will enjoy this classif for years to come
Late 60's Mustang. You can get a serviceable daily driver for a reasonable price and there are enough aftermarket parts suppliers to customize and upgrade as much as you want. Fastbacks and convertibles will set you back a little more, but even the coupe is a great little car. Repairs are reasonable and every mechanic and his mother can work on these cars. You can probably do several of the repairs and upgraded in your own garage. Driving down the road will never fail to turn heads and you will enjoy this classic for years to come and you can put some pretty powerful engines that will not disappoint. My 1967 Coupe has been my daily driver for 3 years.
I found my self asking the same question at the beginning of the summer. Corvettes and Mustangs are all over and not really my style. After looking all summer about three weeks ago I found and bought a 1972 Monte Carlo. It's got style and a back seat. Parts are very easy to find and the car is very easy to work on. The Monte Carlo was not a muscle car but the 350 in it is more than enough power then I need for every day driving. After all the body work is done I will have a pretty sweet car for about $5,000.
I don't mean to be an a#&hole, but Corvette's are fiberglass, not steel.
Any corvette before 1972 (the last with a chrome front bumper) has a big cool factor and probably a price tag to match.
A buddy of mine bought a Boxter for $18k last year. It's 10 years old with low miles and in great condition. If you're considering a newish used car, a Porsche is more affordable than you'd think. Of course, he does have a "dick in a Porsche" bumper sticker because he acknowledges that aspect of it.
If you're game for something sporty, head turning and cheap, try a Karmann Ghia with a Porsche 914 or Subara flat four. You could probably expect to pay about $8-12 grand for one in nearly perfect condition, though you'll likely have to travel to find one.
Old Camaro's, Firebird's, Mustangs and such are all great. Any of these varieties from the 80-90's era make you look like someone who wants a sports car but can't afford one. Any Vette after about 1980 has "douche bag" written all over it. Heads turn for the wrong reason. Sorry if I offend.
I do love classic a nice classic Corvette, but there's a laundry list of other classic cars I think that are being over-looked. Just three of my favorites:
- Chevelle SS (396 or 454)
- Nomad (after some mods)
- Road Runner
Any year Corvette.
Corvette