Recently, while scrolling through YouTube, we came across a video from the channel Rare Cars that caught our eye. It lists recommendations for six pre-1982 muscle cars that can serve as fun and affordable projects for under $20,000. After watching the video, we were pleasantly surprised by how thorough the the analysis was, even going so far as to recommend specific years, body styles, and drivetrains that can maximize bang for the buck. Rare Cars also took into account the availability of restoration and performance parts for each of these affordable muscle cars.
Photos courtesy of Mecum Auctions
First off, Rare Cars clarifies three criteria for the vehicles he considered for this list:
First on the list is a car we're very fond of, the "big bumper" Chevy Nova. The Nova is an undeniable legend in the muscle car scene, but the most desirable (and most expensive) examples are from 1972 and earlier. As Rare Cars points out, the '73 and '74 Nova had less aesthetically pleasing bumpers to comply with crash test regulations. However, he also notes that "underneath, they're basically the exact same car" and correctly points out that there's a wealth of restoration and performance parts available for the Nova.
While many enthusiasts seek out the Charger and Challenger, Rare Cars says the Dodge Dart "has that classic Mopar attitude, just at a more entry-level price." We couldn't agree more. While the most desirable V8-equipped 1967-69 Darts are tough to find for less than $20k, six-cylinder cars from that era are plentiful and can easily be converted. On the other hand, a 1970-72 Dart with a 318ci V8 fits the budget nicely, and the 1973-76 cars are even cheaper.
Rare Cars calls the Ford Maverick "one of the most slept-on classics on the market right now," noting that even a clean small-bumper 1970-72 Maverick is attainable in this price range. While you may not find a V8 4-speed Maverick Grabber for less than $20k, V8-swapped cars are common. This body style has plenty of potential plus timeless good looks.
The AMC Javelin isn't a car you'll see as often as the others on this list, but it's certainly cool. A Javelin with a 304ci or 360ci V8 should be within this price range, offering solid performance and the capability for upgrades. However, Rare Cars correctly points out that restoration parts aren't as easy to find for these cars due to their relative rarity these days. But if you're determined and willing to do a little extra leg work, it's a unique and rewarding muscle car platform.
This one is also close to our heart. The second-gen Camaro is hugely popular, but most enthusiasts with deeper pockets will choose the early body style and more potent V8 that wasn't hampered by emissions restrictions. The same can be said for its sibling the Firebird. Still, the later second-gen cars look great and have tons of restoration and performance parts availability. You can practically rebuild one from scratch with parts from our Classic Industries catalogs!
Here's another car that could be categorized as an up-and-coming muscle car classic. The 1970-71 Ford Torino is sought out by enthusiasts, but the 1972 and later cars are often overlooked, especially non-Sportsroof bodystyles. The Torino's long hood, "Coke bottle styling," and V8 engine options (including the popular 302 and 351 Cleveland) make these very appealing. There's also growing aftermarket and restoration parts support.
While there are other classic vehicles that could've made it onto this list, we'd say these are some good choices by Rare Cars. Watch the full video below for many more details, recommendations for specific model years, and an honorable mention:
At Classic Industries, we love classic cars and trucks of all kinds, whether they're affordable builds or no-expense-spared frame-off restorations. Click the button below to get a free full-color restoration parts catalog for your classic vehicle: