7 Best Classic Cars for Beginner Collectors
If you’re a beginner collector, there are plenty of classics to choose from. However, you need to be sure to find the right one.
The best first classic cars are those that will be easy to restore and keep their value for the long run. These vehicles also help build communities of like-minded enthusiasts and provide a great hobby.
7 Best Classic Cars for Beginner Collectors
Pontiac GTO
If you’re looking for an all-around classic with plenty of power to knock the socks off your favorite car-based competitors, then look no further than a 1966 Pontiac GTO. This stand-alone model offered unique styling and was available in a pillared sports coupe or hardtop without pillars.
The GTO also benefited from a number of safety features, including front-wheel drive and Safe-T-Track positive-traction differentials. This was a major advancement in automotive technology and helped the Pontiac GTO become one of the most popular cars of its day.
Despite this, the GTO suffered from some flaws, and it wasn’t quite as powerful or responsive as some of its competitors. In fact, it was criticized by many automotive journalists and owners for its sluggish steering and less-responsive brakes.
In order to make the GTO more affordable, Pontiac introduced a new model in 2004 that sported a 5.7-liter LS1 engine and a reimagined interior design. While the car still had some of the power that made the early GTOs so popular, it was ultimately unsuccessful in its goal to win over a new generation of buyers. In fact, it sold 13,600 vehicles in 2004, far below its projection of 18,000 units.
Dodge Charger
If you’re looking for an old-school muscle car that has plenty of performance and styling, the Dodge Charger is a good choice. It’s available in a range of variants, from low-end V6 models to high-performance Hellcat versions.
It’s also a very affordable large sedan, especially when you consider that it offers impressive performance for the money. In fact, it’s the best-selling large car in its class.
While it doesn’t offer the same fuel economy as other large sedans, it does have a decent range of engines to choose from. Most versions have an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it shifts smoothly and quickly.
The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6, producing 292 horsepower. SXT and GT models come with a larger V6 that produces 300 horsepower. Both can be equipped with all-wheel drive.
It’s a big, heavy sedan, but it’s fun to drive. The steering is quick but artificially weighted, and the brakes bite hard and provide strong stopping power. On the other hand, it’s a bit stiff at highway speeds and has a fair amount of body lean when maneuvering turns.
Ford Cougar
The Ford Cougar, which was manufactured by Ford and Mercury in the United States and Europe between 1999 and 2002, is a decent-sized coupe that can offer excellent handling and a comfortable ride. If you’re in the market for a classic car, it’s hard to go wrong with a Ford Cougar, especially when you factor in the fact that they’re generally very reliable and well-equipped.
The Cougar was based on the Ford Mondeo, and it had a variety of engines to choose from. The 2.0 L 16-valve Zetec was standard, while the 2.5 L 24-valve Duratec V6 was available with two specification levels (largely equivalent to a Mondeo Ghia and Ghia X).
It was available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The latter was a little reluctant to downshift at low speeds, but otherwise, the transmission is smooth and responsive. It also has plenty of passing power, although it is not as aggressively tuned as a more sports-focused coupe. It can be a little heavy on the road, but it’s not a bad compromise. The chassis is well-tuned, and the steering and suspension are precise. This makes the Cougar a great choice for anyone looking for a coupe that’s not afraid to cut through tight corners.
Pontiac Firebird
If you’re a beginner classic car collector looking for a powerful muscle vehicle, the Pontiac Firebird might be right for you. The Firebird has been produced by General Motors since 1967 and is one of the best muscle cars ever built.
While the first generation of Firebirds was made on a Camaro platform, the second and third generations were more based on their own chassis. They were available with a variety of engine and transmission options.
During this time, a number of new body styles were introduced to the line. These included a coupe, convertible, and hatchback.
Another major change was the appearance of the hood, which got a large scoop to accommodate a ram-air intake system. This new look changed the Firebird’s exterior and paved the way for more extroverted body graphics and spoilers.
If you’re looking for a powerful rear-wheel-drive muscle car, the Firebird is an excellent choice. These vehicles aren’t just fun to drive – they also provide superior handling and a thrilling ride. These cars are also extremely durable and will continue to be popular for years to come.
Chevy Nova
If you are looking for an affordable muscle car to start your collection, the Chevy Nova could be just what you need. It has a good amount of parts available and is relatively inexpensive to restore. Plus, it holds its value well over the years.
The Chevy Nova started as a sub-compact vehicle, and it grew into a full-blown muscle car over the course of its history. The first generation of Novas debuted in 1961, and they included several engine options.
They also came in a wide variety of body styles, including coupes and sedans. A Super Sport package made them look a bit more aggressive, but a V8 was available to take your Nova to the next level of performance.
Another option was the Yenko Nova, which was a highly prized and very rare model. It was powered by a 427-cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine and had a whopping 425 horsepower.
As the Nova moved into the ’70s, it began to lose some of its muscle car spirit, thanks in part to the Clean Air Act. However, its popularity continued to grow and it remains a popular classic car among many. You can find a lot of Novas to choose from today, so there’s no reason to not start your collection with this popular and affordable car.
AMC Gremlin
If you’re looking for a classic car with a bit of character and a lot of auction allure, look no further than the AMC Gremlin. Designed to compete with the Chevy Vega and Ford Pinto, this car was one of the best-selling vehicles in the American market during its time.
It was produced from 1970 to 1978, and it offered a wide array of options. In addition to standard features like power steering and air conditioning, these cars could be fitted with AM/FM radios, fabric sunroofs, tilt steering wheels, inside hood releases, and front disk brakes.
According to Wikicars, the AMC Gremlin was one of the most popular American cars of its time. It was also one of the first subcompacts to come to market.
In order to meet the demand for a small car that didn’t break the bank, AMC’s design team came up with an ingenious solution. Instead of trying to build a new model from scratch, they simply took the Hornet and chopped off a few inches in length, and created a kammback hatch that gave the Gremlin its distinctive appearance (via Ate Up With Motor).
The AMC Gremlin was a great car for those who were looking for something a little different. It was a fun car to drive and offered plenty of options.
Chevrolet Camaro
If you’re looking for a classic car that you can drive and enjoy, the Chevrolet Camaro may be a good choice. It’s easy to find, affordable, and has a long history of reliability.
However, there are a few things you should know about the Camaro before you buy it. These pros and cons will help you make the best decision for your needs.
You’ll probably want to start by choosing a trim that has a good balance of power and comfort. Fortunately, the Camaro comes in several different trim levels, and they all have a lot of features you can use to make your ride as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Once you get into the LS and LT trims, you’ll be able to enjoy a powerful turbocharged engine that will give you a fun driving experience. It’s paired with an efficient 6-speed manual transmission, which helps you zip from 0 to 60 MPH in less than six seconds.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of the available MyLink infotainment system, which will allow you to connect your smartphone to the dashboard and enjoy all the functions it has to offer. In addition, you’ll have access to Android Auto or Apple Carplay to listen to your favorite tunes while on the go.
