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15 Affordable Classic Collectors Cars Anyone Can Afford – Tesla Tale

We’re taking a fun ride through a selection of timeless beauties that won’t have you emptying your savings. Whether you’re taking your first steps into car collecting or looking to add an affordable gem to your garage, this list is packed with choices that’ll make your heart race without giving your wallet a scare. 

1996 Chevrolet Camaro

1996 Chevrolet Camaro
Image Credit: WikiCommons.

The 1996 Chevrolet Camaro is a striking symbol of American muscle car heritage. With an average used car price of $12,027, it offers a 5.7-liter V8 engine that packs a punch with 285 – 310 horsepower and a torque of 325 – 335 lb-ft. This car can sprint from 0-60 MPH in a mere 5.3 to 5.8 seconds, showcasing its raw power and agility. A notable aspect of this Camaro is its luxurious and tech-loaded interior, setting it apart from its predecessors and contemporaries.

1978 Lincoln Continental

1978 Lincoln Continental
Image Credit: WikiCommons.

The 1978 Lincoln Continental, with an average price of $13,421, is an embodiment of luxury and grandeur. This vehicle’s 6.6-liter V8 engine delivers 166 horsepower and 319 lb-ft of torque. What’s truly remarkable about this model is its long body and pronounced front and rear overhangs, giving it a distinguished presence on the road. Despite its leisurely 0-60 MPH acceleration of 14 seconds, the Continental isn’t about speed; it’s about cruising in opulence, a throwback to a time when size and comfort ruled the automotive world.

1975 Dodge Charger

1975 Dodge Charger
Image Credit: WikiCommons.

The 1975 Dodge Charger, valued around $16,000, is a classic piece of American automotive history. It’s powered by a 5.2-liter V8 engine that offers 150 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. Unique for its time, the Charger featured four bucket seats, enhancing the driving and riding experience. With a 0-60 MPH time of 12.8 seconds, it isn’t the fastest on the block, but it’s certainly one of the most stylish, boasting a design that reflects the boldness and spirit of the 1970s.

1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL

1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL
Image Credit: WikiCommons.

Priced at approximately $14,014, the 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL is a testament to timeless elegance and performance. The car is equipped with a 3.8-liter V8 engine, producing 155 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque, matching the power of the larger MB 450SL. It achieves 0-60 MPH in 10.7 seconds, combining luxury with decent performance. The 380SL is renowned for its classic design and enduring appeal, making it a coveted piece among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

1975 Cadillac Eldorado

1975 Cadillac Eldorado
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The 1975 Cadillac Eldorado, with an average price of $19,844, is a symbol of American luxury. Under its hood lies an 8.2-liter V8 engine, pushing out 190 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. It’s not just about power; this Eldorado came with advanced features for its time, like automatic climate control, power door locks, and power seats, setting a high bar for automotive luxury. Its 0-60 MPH time of 12.8 seconds is modest, but the Eldorado was more about cruising in style than racing.

BMW 635CSi E24

BMW 635CSi E24
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The BMW 635CSi E24, priced around $19,642, strikes a perfect balance between elegance and performance. This model, equipped with a 3.4/3.5-liter inline-6 engine and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, produces 208-215 hp and 224-229 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds, it offers a blend of power and poise. Its rear-wheel drive ensures a dynamic driving experience, making it a favorite among BMW aficionados.

Jaguar XJS AJ6

Jaguar XJS AJ6
Image Credit: WikiCommons.

The Jaguar XJS AJ6, with an average cost of $15,676, is a sleek blend of power and luxury. Its 3.6-4.0-liter inline-6 engine, paired with either a manual or automatic transmission, delivers 200-230 hp and 239-278 lb-ft of torque. Accelerating from 0-60 mph in 7.8-7.1 seconds, the XJS AJ6 is as quick as it is stylish, maintaining Jaguar’s reputation for producing cars that are both beautiful and brawny.

Mercedes W123

Mercedes W123
Image Credit: WikiCommons.

Valued at approximately $14,480, the Mercedes W123 is a classic example of durability and engineering excellence. Its 3.0-liter inline-5 turbo diesel engine, complemented by either a manual or automatic transmission, churns out 123 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Though not the quickest with a 0-60 mph time of 13.3 seconds, its real-world durability and classic design make it a beloved vehicle among enthusiasts.

BMW 325i E30

BMW 325i E30
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The BMW 325i E30, priced around $17,437, is an icon of the BMW lineup. This model’s 2.5-liter inline-6 engine, mated with either a manual or automatic transmission, produces 170 hp and 164 lb-ft of torque. It manages a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds, offering a balance of performance and practicality. The E30 is revered for its driving dynamics and classic design, making it a coveted model for BMW enthusiasts.

1972 Volkswagen Beetle

1972 Volkswagen Beetle
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The 1972 Volkswagen Beetle, with an average price of $14,549, is an enduring symbol of simplicity and reliability. Powered by a 1.6-liter air-cooled opposed-4 engine, it delivers 60 – 65 horsepower and 87 lb-ft of torque. While its 0-60 MPH time of 18 – 19 seconds won’t set any records, the Beetle’s charm lies in its unique design and efficient operation, making it a beloved classic worldwide.

1990 – 1994 Lexus LS 400

1994 Lexus LS 400
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The Lexus LS 400, ranging from $11,014, represents a pinnacle in luxury sedans. Equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine, it offers 250 – 290 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The LS 400 can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 7.5 – 7.7 seconds, but its real allure lies in its superior ride quality and interior luxury, setting a new standard in the luxury sedan market.

1974 Bricklin SV-1

Bricklin SV-1
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The 1974 Bricklin SV-1, priced at about $19,500, is a unique entry in automotive history. It boasts a 5.9-liter AMC V8 engine with 220 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 MPH time of 7.2 seconds. The SV-1 is notable for its gullwing doors, a feature that gives it a distinctive and futuristic appearance.

1979 Fiat 124 Spider

1979 Fiat 124 Spider
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The 1979 Fiat 124 Spider, with an average cost of $10,159, is a classic Italian sports car. Powered by a 2.0-liter engine, it produces 126 horsepower and 104 lb-ft of torque. Its Pininfarina-styled body is the car’s most notable feature, exuding elegance and style. The 124 Spider offers a delightful driving experience with a 0-60 MPH time between 11.6 and 13.2 seconds, combining Italian flair with spirited performance.

1962 Austin-Healey Sprite

1962 Austin-Healey Sprite
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Valued at $15,199, the 1962 Austin-Healey Sprite is a delightful British sports car. Its 948 cc I4 engine produces a modest 46 horsepower and 53 lb-ft of torque. The Sprite’s charm lies in its handling and fuel efficiency rather than raw power, with a 0-60 MPH time of 19.8 seconds. It’s appreciated for its nimble driving dynamics and classic British sports car design.

1981 Chevrolet Corvette

1981 Chevrolet Corvette
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The 1981 Chevrolet Corvette, priced around $16,417, continues the legacy of America’s sports car. It’s equipped with a 5.7-liter L81 V8 engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Corvette can hit 0-60 MPH in 8.1 – 8.4 seconds. Notable for its interior upgrades from the previous year, this model represents the evolution of the Corvette’s enduring appeal, blending performance and style in a way few cars can.