Conventional wisdom says classic car fans seek out the popular models of their youth. But younger generations like Gen Xers and Millennials defy that common cliché. Today’s gearheads seek out classic American muscle cars from the late 60s to early 70s to restore, refurbish and customize.
“There have been a surprisingly large number of clean muscle cars being sold in online auctions at extremely reasonable prices,” said Matt Hardigree, publisher of TheAutopian, an online car culture publication and community. “Suddenly, instead of modifying E30 BMWs, younger enthusiasts I've been talking to are wrenching on older Mustangs, Mopar muscle, and especially C3 Corvettes."
Why Do Younger Classic Car Fans Prefer Older Models?
People often talk about looking back to simpler times, but in the case of classic cars that’s quite literally true. Modern vehicles made in the last 25 years come with thousands of microprocessors and complicated electronics.
You almost need to be an IT professional to work on them, so forget learning from watching your dad change the oil or gap the spark plugs on the family truckster.
But muscle cars come with a greater degree of simplicity so they’re easier to learn to tinker with. They also offer more interior space to get hands and tools in the right places. And most were made before emissions regulations, which eliminates one more level of mechanical complexity.
That makes it easier to install aftermarket enhancements, which one can readily find for classic American powerhouses.
1969 Chevrolet Corvette
What Classic Muscle Cars Are Most Popular?
Gearheads of all ages long after Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Corvettes & Cameros, and Pontiac Firebirds.
Online auction sites like Copart have seen many of these vehicles listed lately, and they go for reasonable prices.
But for buyers on a tighter budget, you can still find plenty of options with plenty of power and performance at an affordable price.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda
Plymouth Barracuda
This powerhouse carries a well-deserved reputation for lightning acceleration among classic muscle car connoisseurs. The ‘Cuda came with several options of V8 engines, but none more powerful or legendary as the 426 Hemi offered in the 1970 and 1971 models that kicked out around 425 horsepower and mountains of torque.
You could get the same engine in wider known muscle cars like the Dodge Charger and Challenger, both of which experienced resurgences in the 2000s.
1974 Pontiac Grand Prix ST
Pontiac Grand Prix
Forget about the mommy mobiles you may remember from the 1990s and early 2000s. In the golden era of muscle cars, the Grand Prix held its own, especially the 1969 model with the 428 ci high output V8 engine. The 390 horsepower could whip your head back, but the less-aggressive body style wouldn’t turn the heads of traffic cops.
1965 Pontiac LeMans
Pontiac LeMans
While not as well known as its GTO brother, the LeMans shared the same DNA including mighty V8 powerplants, especially the 428 high output V8. At its peak performance in 1968, the engine delivered 390 horsepower, which firmly established the LeMans as a bonified muscle car.
1966 Chevrolet Impala SS
Chevrolet Impala SS
The Impala is another example of a name plate revived for mid- and full-sized sedans many remember from the 1990s and 2000s that overshadows the memory of a pure muscle car powerhouse.
The 1969 Impala SS (Super Sport) came with a 427 ci V8, the largest Chevy made at the time, that delivered up to 425 horsepower, which is respectable performance even by modern standards.
1974 Plymouth Satellite
Other Powerful Plymouths
The same 426 Hemi engine that was offered in the better-known Plymouth Barracuda also came in the GTX, Road Runner, Belvedere and Satellite. Many of these models are virtually unknown by later generations but can provide similar performance often at a much lower price point.
1964 Ford F-100
What About Pickup Trucks?
Older model pickup trucks offer many of the same benefits that younger gearheads want from classic muscle cars. Trucks like the Ford F-100 and the Chevrolet C10 are easy to work on, have ample spare parts and can often be acquired for lower prices than more sought-after muscle cars.
Classic trucks have always had their fans, but many of the younger generations of gearheads and hobbyist wrenchers are falling in love with them for the first time.
Buy Project & Parts Cars
If you want to restore a classic vehicle that’s older than you or even your parents, start by looking for a good solid base vehicle. Find something with as little as little rust as possible. At the same time, be on the lookout for vehicles that may not be mechanically sound or have some rust, but still have decent parts and body panels you can recycle to restore the base vehicle to its former glory.
How to Find Help
You’ll also be surprised by how many technical specifications, maintenance manuals and repair instruction books can be found free online in .PDF format or downloaded for fairly low prices.
You can also find other enthusiasts who are happy to help bring something beautiful back to life in local car clubs and online social media groups.
Many of us at Copart love classic muscle cars built before we were born. Something about the roar of a mighty V8 stirs the blood across the generations and brings us all together as car guys and gals.
