If you’re interested in a muscle car because you’re looking for a project, reveling in nostalgia, or wanting to show off your wheels in the streets, some classic muscle cars—like the Pontiac Firebird and the Ford Torino—might just be more affordable and within reach than you think.

Unless you’ve got a few hundred thousand dollars lying around, you probably can’t find a decent classic muscle car in your budget—or can you? With a few adjustments to your expectations, finding a cheap classic muscle car can be a reality.

The key is to expand the year range you’re looking at and consider alternative models than the mainstream hot rods that you’re more likely to see at car shows.

Not only are these models more budget-friendly, but their

car insurance

coverage should be more cost-effective as well. To point you in the right direction—and make all of your car dreams come true—

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and licensed broker

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has rounded up this list of cheap classic muscle cars on the market today.

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1973-1977 Pontiac Grand Prix

Price range: $6,000 to $10,000

The

Pontiac Grand Prix

arrived on the scene late due to the infamous General Motor strike in 1970, but it succeeded in maintaining the model’s reputation for being sporty and luxurious.

Pros:

These Grand Prix models come standard with V8 engines.

They lack nothing when it comes to distinctive style.

Cons:

The larger models are heftier than previous Grand Prix generations.

These models marked the beginning of mid-size cars becoming homogenized as a whole.

1965-1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Price range: $6,800 to $23,000

The

Cutlass

became an iconic ride in the 1970s for providing a more affordable luxury coupe option—but the less-popular ‘60s models are nothing to overlook!

Pros:

The later ‘60s model has a similar style to the coveted Pontiac GTO, but is much more affordable.

They’re notably fun to drive.

Cons:

Parts can be rare and expensive to replace and repair.

The Cutlass doesn’t technically count as a muscle car.

1972-1976 Ford Ranchero

Price range: $7,000 to $10,000

Ford’s first utility coupe was adapted from a two-door station wagon and debuted in 1957. The sixth-generation models added a more angular fascia to the classic sedan. The sixth generation was also the last Ranchero design to be based on the Torino.

Pros:

Sixth-generation models come with either a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission.

They’re more affordable than El Caminos...

Cons:

…But they’re also less prolific than El Caminos.

Sixth-generation models are larger and heavier than other generations.

MORE:

Classic car coverage

1970-1981 Pontiac Firebird

Price range: $8,000 to $15,000

Originally designed as a pony car, the

Firebird

was created to compete with the Ford Mustang—but it grew to hold its own as a favorite for car collectors everywhere.

Pros:

The Firebird is comparable to the more iconic Trans Am.

They’re more affordable than Trans Ams with all the same flair as a classic muscle car.

Cons:

They may be comparable to Trans Ams, but they’re not quite as powerful.

As with most old cars, it has terrible gas mileage.

1971-1975 Ford Maverick Grabber

Price range: $8,000 to $22,500

The Grabber was initially just a trim package for the Maverick but evolved to be its own model in 1971. This model was American manufacturers’ more affordable answer to European luxury compact sedans like BMW and Audi.

Pros:

The Grabber comes with a 6-cylinder, 5.0-liter V8 engine with an output of 129-horsepower.

Many models come with racing stripes, providing that iconic ‘70s look.

Grabbers get better gas mileage than most old muscle cars.

Cons:

The Grabber isn’t as much of a performance car as others on this list.

1965-1968 Plymouth Fury

Price range: $6,700 to $21,500

The Fury cycled between being a full-size and a mid-size car for years, landing on full-size for these model years as the fourth generation.

Pros:

The Fury is often more affordable than its popular rivals like the Plymouth Barracuda, Roadrunner, and Superbird.

The fourth generation came in a 6-cylinder or V8 engine.

Cons:

Parts can be expensive and difficult to find.

MORE:

How to make money restoring classic cars

1970-1981 Chevrolet Camaro

Price range: $10,000 to $15,000

Camaros

are some of the most iconic classic muscle cars. The second-generation Camaro model was longer and wider than the previous generation.

Pros:

The second generation is said to be more of “a driver’s car” than the first generation.

All models come with a V8 engine.

Cons:

Second-generation Camaros are less beefed up than the RS or SS trims.

1965-1978 Ford Mustang

Price range: $12,500 to $30,000

As one of the longest-running affordable performance cars, the

Mustang

is an icon. As the original pony car, Mustangs have inspired countless competitors.

Pros:

Most Mustangs come with V8 engines.

Cons:

More affordable models may need some TLC.

1972-1976 Ford Torino

Price range: $12,000 to $19,000

Initially serving as the more lavish version of the Ford Fairlane, the Torino took centerstage and stayed there for years, earning its spot as a classic. The third-generation Torinos came with a new design but still maintained the car’s main characteristics.

Pros:

There’s a large aftermarket for Torino parts.

They’re not only affordable, but they’re high quality and still offer top performance.

Cons:

Like their contemporaries, these classic Torinos tend to guzzle gas like nobody’s business.

MORE:

How to drive stick or manual cars

1967-1976 Dodge Dart

Price range: $6,000 to $19,000

Dodge Darts

have come in dozens of sizes and configurations over the years, but this versatility worked out in its favor. The Dart became a favorite for its unique, lightweight body.

Pros:

Darts provide a spirited and fun drive.

They can be found in several engine options, some of which are ideal for speed.

Cons:

As with many others on this list, the main complaint with Darts seems to be their fuel economy.

How to find affordable car insurance

Finding one of these classic cars at an affordable price may feel like searching for a needle in the haystack. Luckily, finding

cheap insurance

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