Many car manufacturers gave the world a number of fabulous cars that, over time, got the tag “classic.” For those enthusiasts who always dreamed of a classic car, there are many exciting models to be found without raiding your savings. And it may sound weird, but it’s not easy to decide what to pick. Not only does it depend on our preferences or tastes, but also on the combination of value, peculiarities, and condition of a car.
While most old cars are cheap because of their mileage, age, relatively poor condition, or terrible quality, the classics from our list are simply noticeably underpriced. We’ve decided to focus on their advantages and picked out ten classics that we think are ripe for appreciation. There’s something for everyone’s taste, from a stylish British to a reliable German.
01
of 10
Mitsubishi 3000GT
The Mitsubishi 3000GT is a classic sports car that should be high on many people’s lists. First introduced in 1990, Mitsubishi 3000GT was designed to compete with the Mazda Cosmo, Nissan 300ZX, Subaru SVX, and Toyota Supra. Initially, the model got the GTO name, but later it was marketed as the Mitsubishi 3000GT and as the Dodge Stealth outside Japan. During the collaboration process between Chrysler and Mitsubishi Motors, Chrysler was responsible for Stealth’s exterior styling. All the commercial units based on Mitsubishi’s Sigma/Diamante retained their 3-liter, 24-valve V6 engines and front-wheel-drive from the inner side.
The 3000GT succeeded in serving as Mitsubishi’s flagship till the end of the decade. Indeed, the model became so successful that it remains desirable even nowadays. You can still find loads of these models selling for meager prices on used car auction sites despite their popularity.
02
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Honda Integra Type R
Despite the age, the value of the Integra Type R is slowly going up and up.
The Honda Integra, named in North America as the Acura Integra, is a more luxurious and sport-oriented successor of the Civic. In 1995, Honda unveiled the Integra Type R to a broad audience. The Type R was equipped with a 197-hp engine, a 5-speed manual transmission, and a Helical LSD, which let the Integra Type R significantly improve its performance and handling.
In Japan, the Integra is admitted as one of the best sports cars of the ’90s. On one car TV show, the Integra Type R knocked out the fastest 4WD Turbo cars of the time, the Nissan Skyline GTR and WRX STI. After all, there is no doubt why the Integra Type R got on this list.
03
of 10
Lotus Esprit
We suppose that the Lotus Esprit is slightly underestimated, but it is one of the most appealing cars that the British company ever introduced. It is renowned for its polygonal “folded paper” design from Giorgetto Giugiaro, which lets the Esprit attract more and more classic car fans.
The production dates back to 1976, and by 2004 (after a 28-year production run), nearly 11,000 examples had been released.
In 2002, Esprit got another design update (done by future Lotus Design head Russell Carr), including the same round taillights installed on the Lotus Elise S2. However, hardly any technical upgrades were offered.
Alongside the Chevrolet Corvette C5, which ended production on July 2, 2004, the Esprit was among the last cars built with pop-up headlights.
04
of 10
1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
Of course, it needs a bit of care, but still, it is a great car. 1990 edition of the IROC-Z was the most popular version of the third-generation Camaro. In 1990 during its peak, the IROC-Z could produce 245 hp from its 5.7-liter V8 engine.
1990 was the first year for an airbag to be introduced in any F-body. The new airbag came together with an innovative “half-moon” gauge cluster used only in 1990–1992 Camaros. The sharp edges on the dash areas were smoothed out and the lettering on gauges changed from white to yellow. 1990 IROC-Z was a distinctive model as it was the only third-generation version that did not receive the new ground effects of the sibling models but did receive the updated dash features.
The Last 1990 Camaro was released on December 31, 1989.
05
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First-Gen Škoda Octavia RS
While it might not seem the most outstanding car on this list, the early 2000s Octavia RS is a pretty good option for an inexpensive and speedy vehicle. First released in 2001, it was designed on the same platform as the Audi TT and VW Golf.
A 1.8-liter turbocharged L4 engine allowed the RS model to accelerate up to 146 mph, making it the quickest specification in its line.
The Octavia RS was labeled a poor man’s GTI. It featured many peculiar things, including a well-performing engine under the hood and a noticeable car’s exterior. The manufacturer equipped the RS with a new front bumper with an apron and a wider grille at the bottom. The unique wheel design made a car different compared with the rest models of the range from both sides. To add Octavia’s sports look, the designers installed a small wing on the tailgate.
06
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2002 Subaru Impreza WRX
Can you imagine this list without an exciting Subaru Impreza WRX? Recognizable due to its controversial round headlight design (which was later changed to more traditional rectangular), the WRX model featured various stunning qualities. In December 2000, Subaru updated the WRX model to the second generation. The carmaker installed the engine labeled EJ207, while the 5-speed manual transmission gearbox design from the GC8 remained the same.
Export versions typically received all-wheel drive; meanwhile, front-wheel drive was also available in the Japanese domestic market.
07
of 10
American Motors AMX
Overall the AMX might not seem like the best choice, but it is definitely worth your attention. The AMX is a two-seat GT-style muscle car released by American Motors Company in the late 1960s. As one of only two American-constructed two-seaters, the AMX was a direct rival to the famous Chevrolet Corvette for considerably less money. Equipped with the powerful high-compression 6.4L AMC V8 engine, the AMX could produce 420 hp, showing outstanding performance on the road. AMX wasn’t born to become a bestseller, but it was generally considered a great, well-performing muscle car with a distinctive design.
American Motors later decided to capitalize the gained reputation of the original AMXs by reviving the model designation for coupe versions of the compact Hornet and Concord and the subcompact Spirit.
08
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Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Our list couldn’t exist without the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am model, and there are some good reasons to mention the Pontiac legend. It’s because it was a magnificent car. The Trans Am version was a specialty edition for the Firebird model, released with noticeable technical upgrades including handling, suspension, horsepower, and minor outer modifications such as exclusive hoods, spoilers, fog lights, and wheels. General Motors produced four distinct generations from 1969 to 2002. All the cars were built on the F-body platform, which also shared the Chevrolet Camaro. A mighty 345-hp V8 engine without any modifications showed an exceptional performance level in the 1970s.
Undoubtedly, apart from its inner impeccability, the car is exciting to look at.
09
of 10
Peugeot 205 GTI
The word ”classic” is the best way to describe the 205 GTI model. It was first unveiled in 1984 and differed from other 205 models by using plastic wheel arches, rear bumper valances, and a strong front. The exterior design also underwent minor updates, including more giant wheel arches to fit the larger wheels and lower suspension system.
The GTI model was powered by a 104 hp fuel-injected 1.6-liter engine and was soon replaced by a 1.9-liter version that could produce 126 hp.
The 205 GTI showed excellent road performance and prompt and responsive handling, placing it among the best cars that Peugeot ever released. By the way, the 205 GTI won 16 rounds of the World Rally Championship and several world championships.
10
of 10
Porsche 924
Produced by Audi on behalf of Porsche AG, the 924 models made their public debut in November 1975. A 2+2 two-door coupé, the 924 was designed to replace the Porsche 914 as the company’s entry-level model. The 924 was the first road-going Porsche that was built with a front-engine and rear-wheel-drive format. It was also the first among all Porsche models to be released with entirely automatic transmission.
The base version gave birth to the Turbo and S models, with the S being powered by the Porsche 944 mighty 2.5-liter engine.
Porsche fans adored the 924 models for their performance and overall commercial success, with just over 150,000 released during a 1976–1988 production period, making it a significant profit-maker for the brand. The closely related 944 presented to the U.S. customers in 1983 was intended to replace the 924, but the 924 release continued till 1988.
There is undoubtedly something magic about Porsches of the 1970s and 1980s. The 924 is certainly one of the best-looking cars ever created by the company, and it was born to become a classic.
