Affordable classic cars that won't cost you a fortune to own
12 Jun 2019|20,420 views
Classic cars are wonderful for many reasons. Apart from the cliché 'old is gold' saying that doesn't really mean anything much, there are many actual reasons for the love of vintage cars. These older cars come from a different era, presenting a unique and 'raw' driving experience that new cars can never achieve due to reasons such as safety and emissions.
These designs of the yesteryears are also often simple yet elegant, with lines and curves that stood the test of time, preserving their status as outright head-turners. The good news is that many of these classy machines are available for reasonable prices that will not break the bank!
Here are several classic cars currently in the market that costs less than $100,000.
*Approximate prices are based on sgCarMart used car listings at time of writing.
Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce
Approximate price: $87,250 - $108,800Years manufactured 1967 - 1972
The 1750 GT Veloce is part of the Alfa Romeo 105 and 115 series of coupes. It features a striking bodywork that incorporates a sporty front end which leads to a vaguely sloping roofline and is completed by a rear section that sits slightly lower. Oh, did we mention that it looks best in red?
Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider Veloce
Approximate price: $88,888Years manufactured: 1970 - 1983
Designed by Pininfarina, the Italian coachbuilding and car design firm which designed some of the most iconic cars from Ferrari and other manufacturers, it is a given that the Spider Veloce is a stunning beauty.
Manufactured for nearly three decades, from 1966 till 1993, it is also the last rear wheel drive from Alfa Romeo before the 8C Competizione in 2007.
BMW E3
Approximate price: $95,000Years manufactured: 1968 - 1977
The BMW E3 is also known as the New Six, it is a line of full-size luxury sedan that features a six-cylinder engine. It is also the predecessor to the first BMW 7 Series, the E27.
It is the first BMW that features the twin front headlights that are inset into the grille, signalling the start of the iconic feature that is seen on the legendary E30 3 Series as well.
BMW E9 3.0 CS
Approximate price: $108,000Years manufactured: 1968 - 1977
The BMW E9 is the coupe model of the E3, it is also the base model of the coveted BMW 3.0 CSL. The E9 3.0 CSL was a formidable racecar in the European Touring Car Championship and the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft.
In order to enter these races, 1,265 road-going homologation special were built, these features a menacing full aero package among other upgrades, which earned the 3.0 CSL the 'Batmobile' moniker. While it might be slightly over the $100,000 budget, the extra $8,000 surely is worth it!
Jaguar XJS
Approximate price: $75,777Years manufactured: 1975 - 1996
The XJS is a luxury grand tourer that was manufactured from 1975 till 1996, featuring engine options from an enormous 6.0-litre V12 to a much smaller 3.6-litre in-line six engine. Penned by the E-type's designer, the XJS had a unique shape that might appear odd at the first glance, but it'll surely grow on you.
If you are an avid fan of TopGear, you might also recall it as the car Jeremy Clarkson drove in the 2011 India special, if anything, it undoubtedly proved that the XJS can take a beating!
Land Rover Series IIa
Approximate price: $36,688Years manufactured: 1961 - 1971
The Land Rover Series II is the result of a re-styling of the original Series I, it is the first Land Rover to feature the iconic curved waist-line that is seen on all Land Rover's since. Of course, there are more changes other than its design, the Series II also features a wider track, reduced turning circle and a new 2.25-litre engine.
The Series II also has a reputation for being easy to repair and maintain, certainly an excellent trait for a classic car, even more so for one that is built for exploring the wilderness.
Mercedes-Benz 200 Fintail
Approximate price: $68,000 - $78,000Years manufactured: 1961 - 1968
You can't go too wrong with a classic ride from one of Germany's Big Three. The Fintail is the predecessor of the E-Class that most are familiar with. Its elegant design have stood the test of time and emerged as a timeless classic car that is highly sought after.
Within the six and half year of production, more than 600,000 Fintail sedans were manufactured, there's clearly plenty of love for the Fintail!
MGB GT
Approximate price: $37,588Years manufactured: 1965 - 1980
The MGB was launched in 1962, it was produced for the next 18 years with the same unaltered body shape, and this is perhaps, testament to its stunning lines and timeless design. The MGB was one of the first cars to be designed with crumple zones that protect the occupants in the event of an accident.
The MGB GT designed by Pininfarina is also one of the first mass produced car to be designed with the help of computer aided design techniques.
MG Midget
Approximate price: $43,800Years manufactured: 1961 - 1980
With a length of 3,480mm and width of a mere 1,372mm, the MG Midget is roughly the size of a Suzuki Cappuccino Kei car, tiny is perhaps the best description of this roadster.
Powered by a 1.0-litre engine producing a mere 46hp, the Midget is by no means a speed machine, however its low weight of 735kg gives it its fun-to-drive characteristics. As some might say, before the Miata, there's the Midget.
Saab 900
Approximate price: $78,800Years manufactured: 1978 - 1998
The iconic shape of the Saab 900 is unmistakable, but what's really intriguing about it, is the engineering involved. It is a front-engine front-wheel-drive car that is powered by an unconventional, longitudinally mounted, 45 degrees slanted inline-four engine. The engine is also mounted ‘backwards’ with the power from the crankshaft at the front of the car.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1
Approximate price: $62,800Years manufactured: 1975 - 1983
The Volkswagen Golf is widely recognised as the quintessential hot hatch, and this here, is the one that started it all. The Golf was conceived as a replacement to Volkswagen's then best seller, the Beetle, featuring exceptional space within the tiny footprint of the car thanks to the transverse four-cylinder engine in front.
Meanwhile the GTI, originally known as the 'Sport Golf', was an after work project with an initial production of a mere 5000 units.
Volvo P1800
Approximate price: $88,800Years manufactured: 1961 - 1973
Dubbed the 'best looking Volvo ever' by some, the Volvo P1800 sure is aesthetically pleasing. The beautiful front end of the P1800 shares an uncanny resemblance with the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso. In fact, in the 2011 movie Tower Heist, a modified P1800 was even used to replicate one on the silver screen.
Classic cars are wonderful for many reasons. Apart from the cliché 'old is gold' saying that doesn't really mean anything much, there are many actual reasons for the love of vintage cars. These older cars come from a different era, presenting a unique and 'raw' driving experience that new cars can never achieve due to reasons such as safety and emissions.
These designs of the yesteryears are also often simple yet elegant, with lines and curves that stood the test of time, preserving their status as outright head-turners. The good news is that many of these classy machines are available for reasonable prices that will not break the bank!
Here are several classic cars currently in the market that costs less than $100,000.
*Approximate prices are based on sgCarMart used car listings at time of writing.
Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce
Approximate price: $87,250 - $108,800Years manufactured 1967 - 1972
The 1750 GT Veloce is part of the Alfa Romeo 105 and 115 series of coupes. It features a striking bodywork that incorporates a sporty front end which leads to a vaguely sloping roofline and is completed by a rear section that sits slightly lower. Oh, did we mention that it looks best in red?
Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider Veloce
Approximate price: $88,888Years manufactured: 1970 - 1983
Designed by Pininfarina, the Italian coachbuilding and car design firm which designed some of the most iconic cars from Ferrari and other manufacturers, it is a given that the Spider Veloce is a stunning beauty.
Manufactured for nearly three decades, from 1966 till 1993, it is also the last rear wheel drive from Alfa Romeo before the 8C Competizione in 2007.
BMW E3
Approximate price: $95,000Years manufactured: 1968 - 1977
The BMW E3 is also known as the New Six, it is a line of full-size luxury sedan that features a six-cylinder engine. It is also the predecessor to the first BMW 7 Series, the E27.
It is the first BMW that features the twin front headlights that are inset into the grille, signalling the start of the iconic feature that is seen on the legendary E30 3 Series as well.
BMW E9 3.0 CS
Approximate price: $108,000Years manufactured: 1968 - 1977
The BMW E9 is the coupe model of the E3, it is also the base model of the coveted BMW 3.0 CSL. The E9 3.0 CSL was a formidable racecar in the European Touring Car Championship and the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft.
In order to enter these races, 1,265 road-going homologation special were built, these features a menacing full aero package among other upgrades, which earned the 3.0 CSL the 'Batmobile' moniker. While it might be slightly over the $100,000 budget, the extra $8,000 surely is worth it!
Jaguar XJS
Approximate price: $75,777Years manufactured: 1975 - 1996
The XJS is a luxury grand tourer that was manufactured from 1975 till 1996, featuring engine options from an enormous 6.0-litre V12 to a much smaller 3.6-litre in-line six engine. Penned by the E-type's designer, the XJS had a unique shape that might appear odd at the first glance, but it'll surely grow on you.
If you are an avid fan of TopGear, you might also recall it as the car Jeremy Clarkson drove in the 2011 India special, if anything, it undoubtedly proved that the XJS can take a beating!
Land Rover Series IIa
Approximate price: $36,688Years manufactured: 1961 - 1971
The Land Rover Series II is the result of a re-styling of the original Series I, it is the first Land Rover to feature the iconic curved waist-line that is seen on all Land Rover's since. Of course, there are more changes other than its design, the Series II also features a wider track, reduced turning circle and a new 2.25-litre engine.
The Series II also has a reputation for being easy to repair and maintain, certainly an excellent trait for a classic car, even more so for one that is built for exploring the wilderness.
Mercedes-Benz 200 Fintail
Approximate price: $68,000 - $78,000Years manufactured: 1961 - 1968
You can't go too wrong with a classic ride from one of Germany's Big Three. The Fintail is the predecessor of the E-Class that most are familiar with. Its elegant design have stood the test of time and emerged as a timeless classic car that is highly sought after.
Within the six and half year of production, more than 600,000 Fintail sedans were manufactured, there's clearly plenty of love for the Fintail!
MGB GT
Approximate price: $37,588Years manufactured: 1965 - 1980
The MGB was launched in 1962, it was produced for the next 18 years with the same unaltered body shape, and this is perhaps, testament to its stunning lines and timeless design. The MGB was one of the first cars to be designed with crumple zones that protect the occupants in the event of an accident.
The MGB GT designed by Pininfarina is also one of the first mass produced car to be designed with the help of computer aided design techniques.
MG Midget
Approximate price: $43,800Years manufactured: 1961 - 1980
With a length of 3,480mm and width of a mere 1,372mm, the MG Midget is roughly the size of a Suzuki Cappuccino Kei car, tiny is perhaps the best description of this roadster.
Powered by a 1.0-litre engine producing a mere 46hp, the Midget is by no means a speed machine, however its low weight of 735kg gives it its fun-to-drive characteristics. As some might say, before the Miata, there's the Midget.
Saab 900
Approximate price: $78,800Years manufactured: 1978 - 1998
The iconic shape of the Saab 900 is unmistakable, but what's really intriguing about it, is the engineering involved. It is a front-engine front-wheel-drive car that is powered by an unconventional, longitudinally mounted, 45 degrees slanted inline-four engine. The engine is also mounted ‘backwards’ with the power from the crankshaft at the front of the car.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1
Approximate price: $62,800Years manufactured: 1975 - 1983
The Volkswagen Golf is widely recognised as the quintessential hot hatch, and this here, is the one that started it all. The Golf was conceived as a replacement to Volkswagen's then best seller, the Beetle, featuring exceptional space within the tiny footprint of the car thanks to the transverse four-cylinder engine in front.
Meanwhile the GTI, originally known as the 'Sport Golf', was an after work project with an initial production of a mere 5000 units.
Volvo P1800
Approximate price: $88,800Years manufactured: 1961 - 1973
Dubbed the 'best looking Volvo ever' by some, the Volvo P1800 sure is aesthetically pleasing. The beautiful front end of the P1800 shares an uncanny resemblance with the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso. In fact, in the 2011 movie Tower Heist, a modified P1800 was even used to replicate one on the silver screen.
Photos by Netcarshow, Flickr, Low Fai Ming
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