Some thought the pandemic would take the classic cars market down, but things have proven surprisingly different. So yes, for a while, the live auctions stopped, for fear of the spread of the infection. But according to Hagerty, for every one car sold at a live, public auction, there are seven private sales.
And so for 2020, the year of the COVID-19, sales at private auction halved, but the sale of classic muscle cars online perked up by 1.3 percent. So that means that with sales getting more in numbers, it's likely that the values are going up as well, and that is true for some of the muscle cars.
But on the flip side, some muscle cars are also losing value in 2021. So if you are planning to buy one of these, now is a good time, but if selling is on your agenda, you may want to wait it out.
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10 American Motors Javelin SST: Lesser-Known Muscle
The Javelin was a cool car from AMC, American Motors Corporation that debuted in 1967 as the 1968 model. With horsepower wars firmly on, this pony car could jet 145 horses in its lowest engine variant, but go up to 315 horses and give the Detroit Three some tough competition. The SST trim has plenty of plush as well.
But the pandemic has really cut into its sales, and with fewer cars finding new homes, prices can go down as well. For now, you can have the Javelin from $20,000-30,000, and even have a few options lower than $20,000 as well…
9 Ford Gran Torino: The Full-Sized Muscle Car
The Gran Torino from Ford was a way quieter muscle car than the Mustang, less glamorous although full-sized and replete with enough power. It was the perfect car for those who wanted a growly beast under the hood but enough inside space to make it a family car as well.
And yet, lesser cars are being sold, and the values are dropping. While a 1972 model can still touch $20,000, here’s a 1974 Ford Gran Torino that can be yours for less than $10,000, and that too with only 28,000 miles on the odometer.
8 Dodge Dart GT: Scrappy Little Fighter
With a 4.5-liter V8 strapped into a lithe and zippy hardtop body, the Dodge Dart GT (also called the Dart Chargers) were nifty little pony cars in the ‘60s and the ‘70s and came in a variety of body styles. Power was plenty and it was only during the malaise era that the Dart finally ended a successful run.
But today, the interest in these cars is going down, and along with that, the values are plummeting as well, so you can have a Dodge Dart GT for $7,495. As long as you live in Michigan, that is.
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7 Plymouth ‘Cuda: Barracuda Crème-De-La-Crème
The Plymouth Barracuda has had many a fan, and even more when they brought out a trim called the ‘Cuda, with three engine options, including the 7.2-liter V8 with some interior plush and amenities as well.
Now the demand for the ‘Cuda has dropped, along with the Barracuda as well, and prices seem to be going down. While earlier a ‘Cuda came for an easy $70,000-plus, and they still do, you can find one, like this, for less than $50,000. It is a relative price drop, for sure.
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6 Oldsmobile 442: The ‘Olde Classic
The Oldsmobile 442 was first introduced as a trim on the Cutlass and F-85 Olds in 1965, and by 1968, it had turned into its own model. It remained a popular choice for many, till Olds killed it with the diesel engine, but as long as you had the gasoline one, this car was a good choice.
Prices seemed to be rising for this classic but for now, seem to have dropped slightly and you can find one for under $30,000 if you look hard enough. Even so, this remains a revered classic, and most still range from $30,000-50,000.
5 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396: The Muscled Chevy
The Chevelle was a handsome muscle car of its time, different from the brawny Camaro or the sleeker Corvette, and once the SS models came to be, it was almost unbearable. This is why it has remained a revered classic muscle car for long, and prices have sometimes even touched six figures.
Today, interest in the Chevelle SS396 seems to be dropping a little. The price of a model in fair condition usually is higher than $50,000 but today’s Chevelle is cheaper. And here’s a gem of a classic for $28,800…
4 Pontiac GTO: The Goat Muscle
The Pontiac GTO, lovingly and reverentially called the Goat by all fans is one heck of a classic muscle car, never mind it's second 2000s' coming. We are talking the ‘60s and ‘70s classic car here that gave its competition a run for its money.
The pandemic has seemingly quenched the consumer thirst for this muscle car though, and because of a drop in sales, there is a price drop as well. So it’s a good time to buy a Pontiac GTO because even a trophy winner can be yours for $36,500!
RELATED:10 Things You Didn't Know About The Pontiac GTO
3 Mercury Cougar: House-Trained Cat
The Mercury Cougar has plenty of sass and gave the Mustang some in-house competition, with just slightly more comfort on offer than the ‘Stang. That said, it could never outsell a Mustang but it had its own little band of merry troopers.
Today, no one really wants the Cougar anymore, much and there’s a sale and price drop. While the muscle ‘60s models can still touch $33,000, the lackluster ‘70s models are pretty cheap and can be had for less than $10,000.
2 Buick Riviera GS: Beauty & Power Combined
The Buick Riviera was as beautiful in looks as it was in the name, and in its GS avatar, bore enough power to make it a contender in respectable muscle cars. As a classic, it has never been terribly popular but the pandemic has taken its glory further down a notch.
Today, the Buick Riviera is not in great demand as a classic muscle car, and this is creating a price drop, which may even go further. Here’s one listing for less than $10,000…
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1 Ford Mustang: The Eternal Muscle
Surprise to see this on the list? The thing is, the sheer availability of the Mustang in numbers, even as a classic, is slowly but inexorably taking its value down. While the special models, including the Shelby models, retain their value, the simple Mustang is taking a hit.
Even the 1965 model, the very first year the Mustang was available, is also gently losing value on the collector’s market, even as it remains a revered classic muscle car. Here’s one you can have for less than $20,000, although, there are plenty like it.
Sources: Hagerty, Hemmings, Autotrader, ClassicCars
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