5 Killer Muscle Cars That You Can Still Snag For Cheap
The cheapest new muscle car you can get today is a Ford Mustang which starts at around $35,000, and while that’s a great deal for an equally great set of wheels, it just doesn’t have the same vibe as a classic street machine. Maybe one day a 2026 ‘Stang will be a sought-after collectible, but right now, everybody has one and nobody even notices them. The good news is, there are still some old-school muscle cars that can be had for less than, and even much less than, a new Mustang. These are head-turners that are going for seemingly low prices from every era of American performance. We combed through the J.D. Power’s database to find the most amazing bargain bruisers on the market.
5
1988 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
Average Used Price: $12,450
During the 1980s, there were multiple ways to express your coolness through vehicle ownership, but the top two were either a Fox Body Mustang 5.0 or a Chevy Camaro IROC-Z. The latter was probably the frostiest, based on the second-gen Camaro’s incredible styling, as well as the IROC-Z’s killer appearance and performance packages. With either a 220-horsepower 5.0-liter or 230-pony 5.7-liter V8, the 1988 IROC-Z was the American car to beat that year, which nobody could. Originally selling for $13,490 for a hardtop coupe, the ’88 IROC-Z is now going for almost a thousand less on the used market, telling inflation to go pound sand. That J.D. Power average retail price is right on, as we’ve found plenty on Bring a Trailer which have sold for that and less, including a great condition 25,000-mile 5.0-liter that went for just $9,800 in 2021. We’ve also located 5.7-liter IROC-Zs that have come in well under the $35,000 new Mustang threshold we’ve established with this list.
4
1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Average Used Price: $25,700
No movie has done more to sell cars than the 1977 action/comedy Smokey and the Bandit did for the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Burt Reynolds’ character’s black and gold “Screaming Chicken” is arguably the most iconic vehicle in film history, and even after almost 50 years, fans still can’t get enough of them. A ’77 or ’78 Trans Am SE is a hundred-thousand-dollar ride in any condition, but a base model is surprisingly affordable with an average retail price of around $25,000. The difference between an SE and a base model was that the former’s 6.6-liter V8 had 40 more horsepower, but you will look every bit as impressive behind the wheel of the less powerful version for a fraction of the price. There have been dozens of 1978 Trans Ams that have sold for $25,000 and below, all of which were in terrific shape, with reasonable to low mileage. This is one of the best ways to grab some attention on the streets and satisfy your inner Bandit without mortgaging your future.
3
2016 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Average Used Price: $27,725
To a lot of folks, this editor included, 10 years ago doesn’t seem like that long and yet the 2016 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is already halfway on its journey to classic car status. Realistically, its 707 hp, 650 lb-ft of torque 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi Hellcat V8 made it an instant classic, but there are rules, made up by whoever, that state it takes 20 years. As impossible as it is to believe, these amazing rides are so cheap, it seems like they’re giving them away, with an average used price well under $30,000. That price, however, is not something you will find at auction, as most listed cars are low-to-no mileage rides that sell for a bit more. Even so, a 7,200-mile SRT Hellcat sold for $52,000 at Mecum Denver 2017, and a couple others failed to sell with high bids in the $40,000 range. This is a car that requires some legwork and local sources to land, but perseverance will pay off.
2
1970 Buick GS 455
Average Used Price: $30,300
The idea that a 1970 Buick GS 455 can be had for around $30,000 seems like something from an alternate reality. But a genuinely affordable GS 455 is a real thing. In 1970, the GM 400-cubic-inch engine cap was lifted, and Buick dropped the mighty 455 big-block into the Gran Sport, making for one of the most formidable non-Mopar rides of the Golden Age. The GS 455 Stage 1 was putting down 360 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 13.34-second quarter-mile. You can’t actually afford a GS 455 Stage 1, but a regular GS 455, which was only 10 ponies less, is totally doable. That numbers-matching green machine pictured above is in outstanding condition, with only 44k miles on the odometer, and underwent an extensive restoration, including performance upgrades. It sold for $30,750 on Bring a Trailer in 2024, making for one of the all-time greatest scores on the online auction site.
1
1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Average Used Price: $32,500
The “Eleanor” car from the original 1974 car chase flick Gone in 60 Seconds, was allegedly a ’73 Ford Mustang Mach 1, but in reality, was a ’71 SportsRoof made up to like one. That doesn’t really matter because Hollywood is make-believe, and fans want the car it was supposed to be. In a surprising twist, this is actually one of the most affordable muscle cars available. A ’73 Mach 1 with a 351 V8 is remarkably affordable at an average retail price of $32,500, which is much less than a 2026 Mustang that isn’t nearly as distinctive. Cherry examples of a ’71 Mach 1 go in the $40k neighborhood, but excellent condition versions are full-on selling in the low $30,000s. That red ’73 Mach 1 pictured above is fully restored, well-documented, with the 351 Cobra Jet engine, and it dropped the gavel at Mecum Kissimmee for $33,000. Sure, that’s $500 more than the average, but it’s still a remarkable deal for a killer classic.
Sourcs: Ford, Buick, Pontiac, Dodge, Chevrolet, Mecum, Bring a Trailer, JD Power
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