Whether it’s a James Bond icon or a hair-shirt favorite Volvo Amazon, there are plenty of affordable classics to choose from. However, demand can spike if there’s a celebrity death or an anniversary – which drives up prices.
Distinctive, economical, and idiosyncratic, the two-cylinder Citroen 2CV is easy to live with and cheap to own. Plus, there’s a superb backup from clubs and specialists.
1. Volkswagen Beetle
For a first-time car buyer, the Volkswagen Beetle offers a unique and affordable entry into classic car ownership. Its iconic shape and wide range of options allow drivers to personalize the car to their tastes and needs. The Beetle’s rounded design is also extremely aerodynamic, making it a fun car to drive.
The Beetle’s innovative air-cooled engine also makes it easy to maintain and repair. Its small size and rear-wheel drive make it an excellent choice for urban driving.
The Beetle’s cute styling has won its legions of fans, but changing tastes mean that many young buyers would be better served by a more practical two-door model like the Kia Forte Koup or Ford Focus. Still, a classic Beetle is hard to beat. Just be sure to budget for maintenance and insurance.
2. Aston Martin DB5
When it comes to classic cars with a cult following, few have as much pedigree as the Aston Martin DB5. Even though the car is inextricably linked with James Bond and his infamous ejector seat, the Aston’s beauty and sophistication deserve their own enduring appeal.
Aston’s DB5 straddles that tricky line between infinite sophistication and unbridled aggression. Its sweeping bonnet, muscular front air intake, and mini-Cadillac tapered wings are an automotive farrago that makes it look fast enough to take on the likes of Ferrari.
Fortunately, the Aston is also a remarkably entertaining driver, as evidenced by Autocar’s 1964 road test. With a light touch and outstanding brakes, the DB5 can keep up with even the fastest modern sportscars. It will also comfortably carry four people and their luggage. That’s a lot of entertainment for a small price.
3. Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang blew away sales expectations when it was introduced in 1964. It was designed to be a sporty, youthful car that could be dressed up for the street or modified for the racetrack.
It used inexpensive mechanicals from the Falcon compact car and spawned a class of “pony cars.”
Today, the Mustang continues to be a popular classic sports car choice for first-time buyers. It offers an array of body styles, a wide range of engines, and a powerful feeling when you floor the gas pedal on Silver Creek’s winding roads. It’s also easier to maintain than older British and European models. In addition, the Mustang is a great value. It has a huge aftermarket that can supply almost any part you might need. You can even get a high-output version of its legendary V8 engine.
4. Datsun 240Z
With its lusty engine, sublime handling, and robust mechanicals, the Datsun 240Z punched way above its weight in the eyes of classic car enthusiasts. It was the first Japanese car to be fully accepted by this fraternity.
Nissan’s designers drew inspiration from a number of sources when they put their pen to paper back in the 1960s. Testers saw a bit of E-type, but also Porsche 911 and even Toyota’s 2000GT (another of von Goertz’s shapes).
Whatever your favorite bits were, the result was a car that shook up the established sports coupe market. Road & Track got to 60mph in 8.7 seconds, and Autocar did 125mph flat out, which is enough to give your MGB-driving neighbor a big fright. It’s a car that blends reliability, tweakability, speed, and superb handling in an affordable package and remains one of the great GT cars of all time.
5. Citroen 2CV
The Citroen 2CV may not be a luxurious car by modern standards, but it has charm and character that few other cars can match. Its pared-back design means it can be quick, cheap to run, and easy to maintain.
The 2CV also has a great sense of history. It was designed to be a cheap farmer’s car in 1940s France, but it soon became popular among young people. It even participated in endurance rallies over rough roads and tracks, such as the 1970 Paris-Kabul rally.
A tatty, unrestored 2CV can be bought for as little as EUR3,500. However, a fully restored or mint example can cost more than EUR 10,000. Early models in default battleship grey are the holy grail, but true enthusiasts turn up their noses at brightly colored Dolly and Charleston models introduced later (and the fact that they were built in Portugal devalues them further). Nevertheless, the 2CV is a great first classic for first-time buyers.
6. Ford Cortina
Ford Cortinas are among the easiest classic cars to own, especially if you opt for a small model. Despite their diminutive proportions, they have plenty of room for all the family, and many are surprisingly quick – the 109bhp Lotus Cortina raced to glory by Jim Clark is a particularly good example.
The Mk II, Mk III, and the final Mk IV (along with its rebadged successors, the Sierra and Telstar) are the most easily available variants. Avoid the thirsty, rust-prone Zephyr and Zodiac models, though.
These streamlined beauties are among the longest-lasting of old classics. No wonder Roger Moore drove one in the TV series The Saint! Finding a clean and usable one is no easy task, however. You’ll have to be very patient. But it’s a very rewarding ride once you have found one.
7. Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
Chevrolet turned up the heat on their popular Camaro model with this short-lived Z28 variant. Designed to commemorate Chevy’s sponsorship of the International Race of Champions series, this 2-door sports coupe came with a tuned-port fuel injection engine and a new suspension system.
The result was a car that could easily knock off the standard zero-to-60 time of any F-Body Camaro in less than seven seconds. The IROC-Z was also one of the most eye-catching cars of the era.
Today, these classic cars are valued by collectors for their distinctive looks and impressive power. They are also great for first-time buyers who want to get their hands on a legendary muscle car that’s both affordable and drivable. With ’80s nostalgia on the rise thanks to several seasons of Stranger Things, it’s never been a better time to invest in a classic Camaro IROC-Z.
8. Ford Thunderbird
The Ford Thunderbird was the first two-seat American luxury coupe that made a name for itself as a personal luxury car rather than a true sports model. It was a big hit from the start and outsold its primary rival, the Chevrolet Corvette.
The 1955-57 T-Bird is easily one of America’s most recognizable classic cars, appearing in movies and being featured on postage stamps. It rode on a 102-inch wheelbase and was a sexy coupe with rakish long-hood/short-deck proportions.
In 1960, Ford dropped its square Bird design for a sleeker, curved look that was reminiscent of jets and rockets. This third generation of the T-Bird was known as the “Bullet Bird” and looked like it could cut through the air. This T-Bird was available as either a hardtop or a soft top. It was also available with a 429 cid V8 engine that produced some serious power.
9. Buick Electra
Buicks have always been a popular choice for first-time buyers. The Electra is one of the brand’s most iconic models, and it offers plenty of luxury features for its price.
The name “Electra” itself is a tribute to the famous character Jayne Mansfield, who was also a Buick owner at one point. The Electra 225 was Buick’s full-size car, and it flaunted its length, boasting that it had more rear leg room than the Oldsmobile 98 and Cadillac.
In 1975, the Electra got a facelift and downsized slightly. However, it still offered plenty of luxury and comfort features such as power seats and windows. The concept’s cabin was inspired by futuristic travel expectations and featured a hidden rearview mirror that materialized when the car was powered on, a curved high-resolution infotainment screen, and butterfly doors that were unlocked with facial recognition.
10. Chevrolet Corvette
The Corvette is the quintessential American sports car. It grabbed hold of the public imagination in the early 1950s and has never let go. Its appeal has spanned eight design generations.
The C4 is Corvette’s most refined model. It’s a fine-looking, capable sports car that can comfortably compete with the best cars from Europe. Edmunds tests found it can accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and clear the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds at 118 mph.
Under the hood, the 275-hp LS7 V-8 makes this Chevy one of the fastest production cars available. In fact, our Corvette coupe with all-season tires accelerated to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and cleared the quarter mile in less than 13 seconds at 105 mph. That’s impressive even by today’s standards. It’s also a lot of car for a relatively affordable price.
