If you think collecting classic sports cars is out of reach, think again. While some might come with sky-high price tags, there are plenty of vintage gems that are surprisingly affordable. These cars offer the thrill of owning a classic without breaking the bank, making them perfect for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Here’s a look at 25 iconic sports cars you can start collecting today without emptying your wallet.
Contents
Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)
The first-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight roadster known for its perfect balance, simplicity, and driver-focused handling. With its small, 1.6L or 1.8L engine, rear-wheel drive, and a design inspired by classic British roadsters, the Miata offers thrilling driving experiences. It’s also widely available and inexpensive to maintain, making it one of the most accessible classics on the market.
Porsche 944
The Porsche 944 is often overshadowed by its 911 sibling, but it offers exceptional balance and handling due to its front-engine, rear-transaxle layout. Powered by a four-cylinder engine, the 944 is a well-engineered sports car that combines Porsche’s iconic design with affordability. Its parts are still relatively easy to find, making it a smart choice for collectors on a budget.
Datsun 240Z
The Datsun 240Z is a Japanese classic that made waves with its sleek design, powerful 2.4L inline-six engine, and affordable price tag at the time of its release. Today, the 240Z still offers great value, with prices remaining reasonable despite its increasing popularity among collectors. It’s known for its reliability and ease of restoration, making it a fun and affordable project car.
BMW E30 3-Series
The BMW E30 is one of the most beloved models in BMW’s history, especially the 325i and M3 versions. It offers precise handling, rear-wheel drive, and robust engines that range from four-cylinder to six-cylinder options. Its timeless design and solid German engineering make it a popular and affordable entry point into classic car collecting.
Ford Mustang (Fox Body)
The Fox Body Ford Mustang (1979-1993) is an affordable American classic known for its V8 power and vast aftermarket support. Its lightweight design and easy-to-modify nature have made it a favorite among enthusiasts. Prices for well-maintained models remain accessible, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of Mustang history without the high costs of earlier generations.
Chevrolet Corvette C3
The third-generation Corvette (C3) has iconic styling with its long hood and curvaceous body. Equipped with powerful V8 engines, the C3 delivers the muscle car performance Corvette is known for. While earlier models have skyrocketed in price, the C3 remains a relatively affordable entry into the Corvette legacy, especially the later models from the 1980s.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia blends the reliable mechanicals of the VW Beetle with Italian-inspired bodywork. Its air-cooled engine may not make it a speed demon, but the car’s style, simplicity, and ease of maintenance make it an attractive and affordable option for collectors seeking something unique yet budget-friendly.
Fiat 124 Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider is a stylish Italian roadster known for its Pininfarina design and nimble handling. With a lightweight body, rear-wheel drive, and a peppy four-cylinder engine, it offers a classic open-top driving experience. Parts are relatively easy to find, and the affordability of this Italian classic makes it an excellent entry-level collector’s car.
Alfa Romeo GTV6
The Alfa Romeo GTV6 features a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a sonorous 2.5L V6 engine. Known for its distinctive wedge-shaped design and spirited performance, the GTV6 offers an engaging driving experience. It’s a quirky, underappreciated classic with Italian flair, and prices remain accessible for those wanting a unique sports car.
Triumph TR6
The Triumph TR6 is a quintessential British roadster, powered by a 2.5L inline-six engine that provides ample torque and driving enjoyment. Its rugged simplicity, combined with a timeless design and relatively easy restoration process, makes it one of the more affordable British classics that still turns heads on the road.
Nissan 300ZX (Z31)
The Z31 generation of the Nissan 300ZX is a well-rounded sports car, offering turbocharged options and sleek styling. Its affordability, strong aftermarket support, and ease of modification make it a popular choice for collectors who want a reliable and exciting car with Japanese engineering.
Jaguar XJ-S
The Jaguar XJ-S, with its luxurious interior and smooth V12 engine, offers a touch of British elegance in a surprisingly affordable package. Its long production run and grand touring capabilities make it a comfortable yet sporty option for collectors seeking a stylish classic without the high price tag associated with other Jaguars.
Lotus Elan (M100)
The Lotus Elan M100 may have front-wheel drive, unlike most of its Lotus siblings, but it offers outstanding handling and performance. Designed with input from General Motors, the Elan combines Lotus’s lightness with reliability. It’s an affordable and rare sports car that offers a unique driving experience.
Toyota MR2 (AW11)
The first-generation Toyota MR2 is a lightweight, mid-engine sports car that delivers go-kart-like handling. Its rev-happy four-cylinder engine and affordable maintenance costs make it a fun and reliable choice for collectors looking for an engaging and affordable classic Japanese car.
Saab 900 Turbo
The Saab 900 Turbo is a quirky yet capable classic, offering a turbocharged engine, front-wheel drive, and unique Scandinavian styling. Known for its durability and innovative design features, the Saab 900 Turbo is an affordable collector’s car that offers a blend of performance and practicality.
Honda CRX
The Honda CRX is a compact, lightweight, and efficient sports car that combines great fuel economy with surprising agility. Its affordability, paired with Honda’s legendary reliability, makes it a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its no-frills, fun-to-drive nature.
Mercedes-Benz 560SL (R107)
The Mercedes-Benz 560SL is a classic example of German engineering at its finest, offering solid build quality, a V8 engine, and timeless luxury. Though Mercedes-Benz cars can be expensive to maintain, the 560SL has a reputation for being reliable, making it a surprisingly affordable classic luxury roadster.
MG MGB
The MG MGB is one of the most affordable British classics, known for its simplicity and charm. Powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder engine, it may not be the fastest car on the road, but its handling and style make it an enjoyable roadster to collect. Parts availability and ease of restoration add to its appeal.
Porsche 928
The Porsche 928 is a V8-powered grand tourer that combines luxury and performance. While it was overshadowed by the 911, the 928 is a well-built and powerful sports car that remains relatively affordable compared to other Porsches. Its futuristic design and smooth handling make it an appealing choice for collectors.
Dodge Stealth
The Dodge Stealth, a twin to the Mitsubishi 3000GT, is a 1990s classic known for its advanced technology, all-wheel drive (on some models), and turbocharged V6 engine. Despite its impressive performance capabilities, the Stealth remains a budget-friendly option for collectors who appreciate its bold styling and advanced engineering.
Acura Integra GS-R
The Acura Integra GS-R is a beloved 1990s classic, offering a rev-happy VTEC engine, lightweight handling, and a strong aftermarket following. Its affordability, reliability, and fun-to-drive nature make it a favorite among enthusiasts who want an affordable yet iconic Japanese sports car.
Audi Quattro Coupe
The Audi Quattro Coupe is a legendary rally car with its all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged five-cylinder engine. While earlier models are becoming more collectible, the Quattro Coupe still remains within reach for collectors who want to own a piece of rally history with groundbreaking performance.
Pontiac Fiero
The Pontiac Fiero is an affordable mid-engine sports car that offers a unique driving experience. Though it had early reliability issues, later models improved significantly, and it now represents a fun and budget-friendly entry into mid-engine sports cars. Its futuristic styling and collectible status make it an interesting option.
Fiat X1/9
The Fiat X1/9 is a lightweight mid-engine sports car known for its agility and affordability. Designed by Bertone, the X1/9 offers an exotic driving experience at a fraction of the cost of other mid-engine classics. It’s a great option for collectors who want something a bit different without the high price tag.
Volvo P1800
The Volvo P1800 is a stylish and reliable Swedish classic, made famous by its appearance in the TV show “The Saint.” Its bulletproof B18 engine and robust build quality have given it a reputation for reliability, and its striking design makes it a standout among affordable classic sports cars.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
More from MyCarMakesNoise
18 Best Routes for a Fall Foliage Road Trip
There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road in the fall, when nature puts on its most colorful show. From the fiery reds and oranges of New England to the golden aspens of the Rockies, these 18 scenic routes offer some of the best fall foliage views across the country. Read More
20 Revolutionary Motorcycles That Changed the Industry
Motorcycles have always been more than just machines—they’re symbols of freedom, innovation, and style. Over the years, certain models have stood out, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Read More
Volvo’s 12 Safest Cars and Their Role in Family Protection
Volvo has long been synonymous with safety, consistently designing vehicles that prioritize the well-being of families. In this article, we highlight 12 of Volvo’s safest cars, each equipped with advanced features that offer peace of mind on the road. Read More
