4 Incredible Muscle Cars You Can Actually Afford

There are few finer pleasures in life than getting behind the wheel of a true muscle car. The fierce growl of a classic V8 engine and the roaring exhaust are enough to send shivers down your spine. For a petrolhead, these cars are the ultimate in motoring. They are fast, powerful and domineering. Their iconic long noses, giant grills and chunky bodies fill us with childlike excitement every time. It’s even better when you consider those giant grills exist for a reason. It’s the only way the could fit the enormous engine inside.

Owning a vintage classic American muscle car is a once in a lifetime experience. Unfortunately, most of us look at the price tag with a queasy feeling in our stomachs. These icons of American motoring history come at a cost! Today, we’ll show you a few options that won’t break the bank. Whatever your muscle car of choice, we’ll find you an answer. From the old 1970s classics to the modern reissues, there are plenty of bargains to be found. Don’t let the price put you off. These cars are an important part of the motoring world; you deserve to own one!

Perhaps you’re a purist with your eyes firmly set on the iconic designs of old. Or maybe you’re lured into the phenomenal power of modern engines. Either way, you’ll find something on this list to fall in love with. Ready to get lost in muscle car legend? Let’s take a look.

1. Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 WS6

The 1960s was the decade in which the American muscle car was born. Towards the end of the decade, General Motors opened up their new division, Pontiac, while Chevrolet put the final touches on the first ever Camaro. The year was 1967, and it was a turning point in modern motoring. The Camaro went on to become a household name and a symbol of American motoring pride.

Photo: Wikipedia Creative Commons
Photo: Wikipedia Creative Commons

However, many purists still cite the Firebird as the finest muscle car ever made. It’s not easy to find a bargain here, and there are lots of cheap imitations. However, the 1979 Formula 400 is a diamond in the rough. It comes complete with an unbridled 6.6-liter V8 engine. Finished with the WS6 4×4 handling package, it is quite something. Eagle-eyed buyers should be able to pick one up for around $12,000.

2. Ford Mustang

The Mustang is the one that started it all. The first breed of ‘pony cars’ set the tone for the decades of motoring ahead. Never before had such a fierce engine been put in a commercial road vehicle. With the Mustang, Ford changed everything. There is an entire legacy of Mustang models, many reaching well beyond the average car buyer’s budget! However, we’ve narrowed down a few affordable options.

Photo by Steve Arnold
Photo by Steve Arnold

The first is the modern 2011 Ford Mustang. Over the years, the Mustang grew more and more fierce in styling. The engine was upgraded, and the handling sharpened. The 2011 model is a culmination of years of tinkering. If you’re looking for something with a little more history, the 1993 Mustang Cobra is a fine choice. It has a monster 5-liter engine under the bonnet, but that’s not the best part. Only 5,000 were made, so getting your hands on one makes for an exclusive show piece.

3. 2011 Chevrolet Camaro

Like the Ford Mustang, the Camaro is one of the few muscle cars that have forged a path to the modern day. Chevrolet are still turning out better and better models. The 2011 SS model features an astonishing 6.2-liter engine.

Photo by Tony Hisgett
Photo by Tony Hisgett

The bonnet is beefed out even further to accommodate, and it comes with huge alloy wheels as standard. At just a few years old, this will still run with all the ferocious power of a tiger. We’ve stumbled across a few bargains at around $25,000.

4. Dodge Challenger SXT

You can pick up a used Dodge Challenger for less than $25,000 if you know where to look. The Challenger was introduced a little later than the Camaro and the Mustang. But, it wasted no time in hunting them down and proving there was room for one more muscle car. Dodge have since made their mark on the American auto market with a string of brilliant vehicles. Opt for anything post-2010 and you’ll secure the power and speed you’re looking for!

Photo by Wikipedia Creative Commons
Photo by Wikipedia Creative Commons

These four motors are perhaps the most famous muscle cars on the planet. But, if you’re willing to try something a bit different, seek out the AMC Hornet or Ford Torino GT too. Whichever muscle car you end up with, you’ll treasure that first moment behind the wheel!

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Noman

Noman covers automotive news and reviews for Unfinished Man. His passion for cars informs his in-depth assessments of the latest models and technologies. Noman provides readers with insightful takes on today's top makes and models from his hands-on testing and research.

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