Vintage race cars are often seen as rare and expensive collector’s items, but some models are surprisingly affordable in today’s market. These cars, while rich in history and performance, haven’t reached the sky-high prices of more famous counterparts. For enthusiasts, this presents an exciting opportunity to own a piece of racing heritage without breaking the bank. With their unique designs and racing pedigree, these vintage cars offer both charm and performance at a fraction of the expected cost.
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Datsun 240Z (1969-1973)
The Datsun 240Z is a beloved classic that became a cornerstone of Japanese sports cars. Produced between 1969 and 1973, the 240Z featured a 2.4-liter inline-6 engine producing 151 horsepower, paired with a lightweight body. Its affordability and performance made it popular in amateur racing circuits. Surprisingly, you can find well-preserved models today for as low as $15,000 to $25,000, making it a great entry-level vintage race car with significant collector appeal.
BMW 2002 (1968-1976)
The BMW 2002 was a game-changer in the world of compact sports sedans and a favorite among racers in the late 1960s and 1970s. Powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 105 horsepower, it was nimble and responsive. Despite its popularity in vintage racing, you can still find a good-condition BMW 2002 for between $15,000 and $30,000. Its affordable price and solid performance make it a hidden gem for vintage racing enthusiasts today.
Porsche 924 (1976-1988)
The Porsche 924 was the brand’s attempt at creating an affordable sports car in the late 1970s. With a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 125 horsepower, the 924 wasn’t the fastest Porsche, but it was agile and fun to drive. Although overlooked compared to its Porsche siblings, you can find well-maintained 924s for around $8,000 to $15,000. This makes it one of the most affordable vintage Porsches for racers looking for a reliable, entry-level car.
Mazda RX-7 FB (1978-1985)
The Mazda RX-7 FB is a lightweight, rotary-powered sports car that gained popularity in the 1980s. It featured a 1.1-liter Wankel rotary engine producing 100 horsepower. The RX-7’s unique engine design and superb handling made it a frequent choice in vintage racing. Today, you can pick one up for between $8,000 and $18,000, making it a surprisingly affordable vintage race car with a distinct character.
Ford Mustang Fox Body (1979-1993)
The Fox Body Mustang, produced from 1979 to 1993, became a cult favorite in drag racing and grassroots motorsports. Powered by a variety of engines, including the popular 5.0-liter V8, it could produce up to 225 horsepower. Despite its performance legacy, you can find Fox Body Mustangs for $10,000 to $25,000. Its affordability and aftermarket support make it a fantastic choice for racers on a budget.
Triumph Spitfire (1962-1980)
The Triumph Spitfire is a British roadster that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s for its affordability and fun driving dynamics. With a small 1.1-liter to 1.5-liter inline-4 engine, producing around 63 to 75 horsepower, it wasn’t the fastest car but handled exceptionally well in tight corners. Today, you can find a Spitfire for around $7,000 to $15,000, making it a great entry point into vintage racing.
Alfa Romeo GTV6 (1980-1987)
The Alfa Romeo GTV6 was an Italian grand tourer known for its distinctive Busso 2.5-liter V6 engine, producing 160 horsepower. Its lightweight chassis and smooth handling made it a popular choice in the touring car racing scene. Surprisingly, you can find good examples for between $10,000 and $20,000, offering Italian performance and style at a relatively low cost.
Nissan 300ZX Z31 (1983-1989)
The Nissan 300ZX Z31 was a technological marvel in the 1980s, featuring a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 160 to 200 horsepower, depending on the version. It gained a strong following in SCCA racing events and is still appreciated for its balance of performance and comfort. Today, prices for a Z31 hover around $7,000 to $15,000, making it an affordable vintage racer with considerable potential.
Chevrolet Corvette C3 (1968-1982)
The Chevrolet Corvette C3 is one of the most iconic American sports cars, known for its long hood and sharp lines. Powered by a range of V8 engines, with power output ranging from 300 to 370 horsepower in its early years, the C3 was a performance machine. Despite its fame, you can find C3 Corvettes for between $20,000 and $30,000 today, offering excellent value for a vintage race car.
Fiat 124 Spider (1966-1985)
The Fiat 124 Spider was a small, Italian roadster powered by a 1.8-liter twin-cam engine that produced 118 horsepower. Known for its lively handling and timeless design, it was a frequent contender in rally racing. Prices for the Fiat 124 Spider range from $10,000 to $20,000, making it an affordable option for vintage racing enthusiasts who want a European classic with a racing pedigree.
Datsun 510 (1968-1973)
The Datsun 510 became known as “the poor man’s BMW” for its solid handling and affordability. Powered by a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine producing 96 horsepower, it gained a strong following in SCCA racing. Today, you can find a Datsun 510 for around $10,000 to $25,000, making it a surprisingly affordable option for vintage race enthusiasts.
Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 (1984-1993)
The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 was built for motorsports and featured a Cosworth-developed 2.3-liter 16-valve engine producing 185 horsepower. It became a legend in touring car racing, particularly in DTM. Despite its racing heritage, you can still find a 190E 2.3-16 for $15,000 to $30,000, offering serious performance at a reasonable price for a vintage racer.
Lotus Europa (1966-1975)
The Lotus Europa was a lightweight, mid-engine sports car powered by a 1.5 to 1.6-liter inline-4 engine, producing around 82 horsepower. Its exceptional handling and minimalist design made it popular in club racing. Today, you can find examples for $20,000 to $30,000, making it an affordable way to experience a true classic with a racing pedigree.
Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (1986-1992)
The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth was a high-performance variant of the Sierra, designed with motorsports in mind. It featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, producing 201 horsepower. It dominated touring car races in the late 1980s. Despite its racing success, you can find these cars for $25,000 to $40,000, which is surprisingly affordable for a car with such a storied motorsport history.
Toyota Celica GT-Four (1986-1999)
The Toyota Celica GT-Four was a rally homologation special, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 252 horsepower in its later versions. It became a force in WRC racing, known for its all-wheel-drive capabilities. Today, prices for a GT-Four range from $15,000 to $30,000, offering excellent value for a rally-bred machine.
MG Midget (1961-1979)
The MG Midget was a small British roadster with a 948 cc inline-4 engine producing around 46 horsepower. Despite its modest power, it was lightweight and fun to drive, making it a popular choice in vintage racing. You can find MG Midgets for between $6,000 and $12,000 today, making it an affordable entry-level race car for those looking for classic British charm.
Volvo 240 Turbo (1981-1985)
The Volvo 240 Turbo earned its racing stripes in European touring car championships, featuring a 2.1-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 155 horsepower. Known for its durability and surprising speed, it became a sleeper hit on the track. Despite its racing pedigree, you can find Volvo 240 Turbos for around $10,000 to $20,000 today.
Dodge Dart Swinger 340 (1969-1976)
The Dodge Dart Swinger 340 was a budget muscle car with a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 275 horsepower. It became popular in grassroots drag racing due to its powerful engine and lightweight frame. Surprisingly, you can find Dodge Dart Swingers for $15,000 to $25,000, making it a cost-effective choice for those looking for vintage American muscle.
Honda CRX Si (1984-1991)
The Honda CRX Si was a compact, lightweight hatchback powered by a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 108 horsepower. Its nimble handling and rev-happy engine made it a favorite in autocross and grassroots racing. Today, you can find a CRX Si for between $8,000 and $15,000, offering a fun, affordable entry into vintage racing.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 (1976-1983)
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 is widely regarded as the car that popularized the hot hatch segment. Powered by a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine producing 110 horsepower, it was quick and nimble, making it a favorite in club racing. Prices for Mk1 GTIs range from $10,000 to $20,000, offering a perfect balance of affordability, fun, and vintage appeal, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a practical yet sporty racer.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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