There are many cars that are seen as classics today, but in their day were not well thought of or even regarded fondly. Classic car aficionados might disagree with the following list because there is no accounting for taste. Nevertheless, these cars all have something to recommend them and make a great classic car to own today.
Volkswagen Super Beetle
While many people think of Volkswagen as the Beetle, not everyone knows about their Super Beetle. This model which was designed to compete with cars like the Ford Pinto and the AMC Gremlin boasted more legroom for rear-seat passengers than its predecessors. Today these cars are still available at reasonable prices which makes them good values for collectors.
Mazda RX-7
Early model RX-7’s sport a unique sportscar style while also featuring a radial engine. This is a first-generation car and was not produced for very long, but it still rates as a classic. The first generation of RX-7’s has been marketed as the Savanna.
Porsche 944
The Porsche 944 was first introduced in 1982 as an upgrade to the 924 platform. This name was carried on in production until 1991 and the 944 has sold over 200,000 units worldwide. This car is considered to be a great performer and is not too expensive to maintain or own.
Ford Ranchero
While most people think of Chevy’s El Camino when talking about utility, ute, cars the ranchero predates it by 2 years. The ranchero was a ’57 body style Ford that came standard with many options including a V8 engine and automatic transmission. On the performance end, it had more hip room than the El Camino, which is important for those who like horsepower.
Mercury Capri
This is another Ford product that has passed under the radar of most classic car enthusiasts. This two-door coupe brought the European look to the American public at a price everyone could afford. The base engine was a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder, but power options ranged from an upgraded four-barrel carbureted version of this same engine or a 5.0 Liter V8 which yielded more than 200 horsepower.
Opel GT
Often compared to a mini Corvette, the Opel GT was an attractive import that harkened back to the 1960s with its small size and sporty styling. With a peppy four-cylinder engine this low-set vehicle had an excellent center of gravity which made for good handling characteristics.
Classic cars are often a substantial investment, but with a little ingenuity, and a love of all things classic, you can find a classic car to suit your taste and budget. Classics under $10,000 are often the best value for collectors. Classic cars offer a unique experience and allow you to own a piece of history.
