10 Cheap 70s Muscle Cars You Can Still Afford
The 1960s are often hailed as the golden age of muscle cars, producing some of the most potent and revered American performance vehicles. However, the 1970s, despite facing challenges like new regulations in its latter half, still boasts an impressive lineup of powerful machines. Many iconic names like the Camaro, Charger, and Mustang successfully transitioned into the ’70s, carving out their own legendary status. While owning a coveted ’60s muscle car often comes with a hefty price tag, their ’70s counterparts present a fantastic opportunity. You can find genuinely exciting Cheap 70s Muscle Cars that offer classic American power and style for a fraction of the cost. This list explores some dream machines from that decade that remain surprisingly accessible, using valuation estimates from Hagerty to highlight the best affordable ’70s muscle you can buy today.
10. 1973 Plymouth Duster Gold Duster – $14,300
Gold 1973 Plymouth Duster Gold Duster parked outdoors, showcasing an affordable 70s muscle car option.Via: Mecum Auctions
When Plymouth phased out the Valiant nameplate for performance models after 1969, the Duster emerged in 1970 as a response for a sporty Mopar compact. While sharing some components, the Duster was distinct. By 1973, new variants appeared, including the short-lived Gold Duster. Interestingly, the Gold Duster wasn’t primarily marketed as a high-performance muscle car but rather as a sporty, good-handling compact suitable for daily driving. It offered engine options up to a 340-cid V8 producing a respectable 275 hp (though earlier versions were stronger). It balanced performance with usability, avoiding overly stiff handling or excessive fuel consumption. Adorned with gold trim and distinctive ‘Gold Duster’ decals, its average estimated price of just $14,300 makes this unique Duster model seem like an absolute bargain – and it likely is for those seeking entry-level Cheap 70s Muscle Cars.
9. 1973 Buick Century Gran Sport 455 Stage I – $20,200
Black 1973 Buick Century Gran Sport 455 Stage I parked, representing a powerful yet cheap 70s muscle car.Bring a Trailer
Buick’s styling wasn’t always overtly aggressive, but the 1973 Buick Century Gran Sport 455 Stage I packed a serious punch beneath its refined exterior. Considering the performance offered and its relatively low cost today, the Stage I is a compelling option for muscle car enthusiasts. Tucked under its long hood was a potent 455 cubic inch V8 engine, officially rated at 270 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. However, contemporary ratings were often conservative, and some estimates place the actual output closer to 360 hp, making the Stage I something of a sleeper. Current estimates value this model around the $20,200 mark, a reasonable figure given its performance and relatively limited production numbers compared to more common muscle cars.
8. 1970 Mercury Cyclone GT – $19,300
Black 1970 Mercury Cyclone GT parked on pavement, an example of an affordable classic muscle car from the 70s.Via: Mecum Auctions
The 1970 Mercury Cyclone GT, despite its “GT” designation, was positioned below other, more powerful Cyclone variants like the Spoiler. This positioning means it often receives less attention from collectors focused purely on peak performance, resulting in a lower average price today while still offering a genuine muscle car experience. The standard engine for the GT was a 351-cid Cleveland V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, detuned to produce 250 hp, paired with a three-speed manual transmission. While less potent than its siblings, the GT still delivered solid performance and came standard with more luxurious features than the base model or the performance-focused Spoiler. Currently, average prices hover around $19,300, making it an excellent value proposition among cheap 70s muscle cars.
7. 1971 Ford Torino GT – $26,400
Silver 1971 Ford Torino GT parked, a powerful V8 muscle car available at a reasonable price from the 70s.Mecum
Ford offered a bewildering array of 14 different Torino models for the 1971 model year. Among them was the stylish Ford Torino GT. While visually similar to the Mercury Cyclone GT mentioned earlier (due to platform sharing), key differences existed. One minor disappointment was the Torino GT’s non-functional hood scoop, unlike the functional scoop on some Cyclones. Looking past this, the Torino GT remains a brilliant example of early ’70s muscle. The top engine option was the powerful 7.0-liter (429 cid) 385-series V8, capable of producing up to 370 hp, placing it among the most powerful cars on this list. Combining these impressive performance figures with an estimated average price of just $26,400 makes the Torino GT an amazing find – a true muscle car dream for the price of a modern family crossover.
6. 1974 Dodge Dart Sport 360 – $9,000
Blue 1974 Dodge Dart Sport 360, an exceptionally cheap 70s muscle car, shown parked.Mecum Auctions
By 1974, the initial buzz around the Dodge Dart lineup had cooled somewhat. However, the Dart Sport 360 managed to navigate emerging regulations while still delivering commendable muscle car performance. In today’s market, where many muscle car prices have soared, the Dart Sport 360 offers significant value. Originally introduced as the Dart Demon 340, the name was changed to Sport in 1973, reportedly due to concerns that the “Demon” nameplate deterred some potential buyers. The 1974 Sport 360 featured a 5.9-liter (360 cid) V8 engine producing 245 hp – plenty of grunt for a car of its size and era, especially considering the tightening emissions standards. Remarkably, a Dart Sport 360 in good condition can be found for around $9,000 on average today, making it the most affordable option on this list and one of the best value-for-money cheap 70s muscle cars available anywhere.
5. 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula – $29,300
Black 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula parked, a stylish and affordable late-70s muscle car option.Via: Bring A Trailer
The Pontiac Firebird is a quintessential ’70s classic, and nearly any variant is a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts. The 1979 Firebird Formula, specifically, strikes an excellent balance between performance, style, and price. While it might lack the sheer horsepower of some earlier models, the ’79 Formula still embodies the muscle car spirit that many dream of owning. Following a significant restyling for 1979, the Firebird lineup received updates that propelled sales to record highs. Top-tier Formulas could be equipped with the W72 Pontiac 400 V8 engine, producing 220 hp. Although not quite as quick as the contemporary Trans Am models (especially those with the same W72 engine), the Formula offers substantial performance at a noticeably lower price point. Average values for the ’79 Formula currently sit around $29,300.
4. 1973 Pontiac LeMans GTO – $11,900
Red 1973 Pontiac LeMans GTO option parked, highlighting a budget-friendly classic GTO experience.Mecum Auctions
The declining market for intermediate muscle cars led to 1973 marking the end of the GTO as a standalone model. Instead, it became an option package for the Pontiac LeMans. Despite this change and disappointing sales figures at the time, the final iteration of the classic GTO era still offered respectable performance and is now an incredibly cheap 70s muscle car find. The LeMans GTO package included a 400 cubic inch V8 engine producing 230 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Buyers could choose between a standard three-speed automatic or an optional four-speed manual transmission. While less powerful than the legendary GTOs of the mid-to-late ’60s, it remained a capable muscle car providing an enjoyable driving experience. With average prices currently around the $11,900 mark, this last-of-its-kind GTO represents a significant bargain, though values could potentially rise as collectors appreciate its place in history.
3. 1970 Chevrolet Camaro – $18,200
Gray 1970 Chevrolet Camaro parked, an iconic yet cheap 70s muscle car base model.Via: Bring A Trailer
The launch of the second-generation Chevrolet Camaro was delayed until February 1970, but it quickly established itself as another legendary chapter for the nameplate. While much attention (and higher values) are often directed towards the high-performance SS and Z/28 models, the standard 1970 Camaro provides a fantastic and affordable entry point into classic muscle car ownership. The base model was available with several engine options, including a potent 307 cid V8 producing 200 hp, making even the standard Camaro a lively performer for its time. Standard features included a three-speed manual transmission, power front disc brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, vinyl bucket seats, and a center console. Prices vary depending on the engine and condition, but a standard 1970 Camaro in good shape averages around $18,200, making it a surprisingly cheap way to own an iconic ’70s pony car.
2. 1971 Chevrolet El Camino SS – $31,900
Blue 1971 Chevrolet El Camino SS parked, a versatile muscle car truck available affordably.Mecum Auctions
First introduced with the SS package a few years earlier, the El Camino SS shared its platform with the Chevrolet Chevelle. It was successfully marketed as a unique vehicle blending the utility of a pickup truck with the style and performance of a muscle coupe. Despite its strong performance credentials, many examples remain relatively affordable today. The standard SS package for 1971 included a 350 cubic inch V8 engine generating 270 hp. This was complemented by performance upgrades such as a sport-tuned suspension with heavy-duty shocks and springs, power front disc brakes, and often a limited-slip rear differential. Because the much rarer and significantly more powerful El Camino SS 454 models command the most attention and highest prices, the more common 350-powered SS versions have remained relatively attainable. Average values have even seen slight dips recently, settling around the $31,900 mark for a ’71 SS 350.
1. 1971 Buick Riviera GS – $21,300
Gold 1971 Buick Riviera GS parked, showcasing a large but powerful and cheap 70s muscle car.Bring A Trailer
There’s no denying the sheer presence of the early ’70s Buick Riviera; it’s a large car by any standard. The 1971 Buick Riviera GS (Gran Sport) package masterfully transformed this substantial personal luxury coupe into a formidable muscle machine. Its distinctive “boat-tail” styling is iconic, and recent appearances, like Richard Hammond driving one in a Grand Tour special, have brought renewed attention to this model, making its current average price particularly appealing. The heart of the GS was Buick’s massive 455 cubic inch V8 engine, churning out 315 hp and a stump-pulling 475 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent through a three-speed automatic transmission. The GS package also included enhancements like a high-performance air cleaner, dual exhaust system, and upgraded suspension and brakes. With average prices currently just over $21,000, the ’71 Riviera GS stands out as one of the few potent, early ’70s muscle cars that hasn’t yet reached astronomical price levels, offering significant style and power for the money.
In conclusion, while the allure of ’60s muscle is undeniable, the 1970s produced a wealth of powerful, stylish, and historically significant cars that offer a more accessible path to classic American muscle ownership. From Mopar compacts to luxurious Buick performers and iconic pony cars, this list demonstrates that finding cheap 70s muscle cars is entirely possible. These vehicles provide not only thrilling driving experiences but also represent a smart way to enjoy the golden era of V8 power without emptying your savings account.
