40 bargain classic cars for sale now

Affordable classics you can buy now

So, let’s say you have £25,000 burning a hole in your bank account. What are you going to spend it on? That is around US$31,000.

There’s plenty of choice at the Classic Car Auctions Summer Sale over in the UK. On Saturday June 17, more than 180 cars will go under the hammer – and many of them have pre-sale estimates within our self-imposed £25,000 budget.

From restoration projects to mint modern classics, there’s something for most tastes across a variety of eras.

Presented in age order, here’s our pick of the lots. Could you be tempted?

Because the sale is in the UK, all prices are in Pound sterling

1. 1952 MG TD Midget (est: £14-18,000)

This left-hand-drive MG was originally supplied to the US market, returning to the UK in 1992 following a decade-long restoration.

After eight years with the current owner, this well-presented example is ready for its new keeper to enjoy.

And Classic Car Auctions’ estimate places this TD well within our budget.

2. 1956 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe Sedan (est: £12-15,000)

There are a number of American classic cars in this auction’s catalog and this Chrysler Windsor Deluxe caught our eye.

With a V8 under the hood, whitewall tires plus a vibrant orange and black interior, it’s a striking machine inside and out.

3. 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite (est: £10-12,000)

Kermit green seems an appropriate color for a ‘Frogeye’ Sprite, as it is called in the UK – here on the other side of the Atlantic, it is often nicknamed the ‘Bugeye’. But this red suits the car well.

Bought as a birthday present for its current owner, this early example looks like a gift with a £10-12,000 pre-sale estimate.

Although right-hand drive, the car has been in Belgium for many years, so will need to be registered in the UK by its next keeper – or in whatever country he or she lives.

4. 1965 Triumph Spitfire 4 Mk2 (est: £8-10,000)

The Mk2 featured a number of improvements over the original Spitfire, with revised camshafts, a water-cooled intake manifold and a tubular exhaust manifold increasing power to 68HP.

From 1965 to 2018 this car was passed down through one family, and more recently appeared on TV driven by British comedian Alan Carr.

5. 1966 Volkswagen Type 2 Split-Screen Camper (est: £20-25,000)

This left-hand-drive VW campervan was fully restored by the previous owner.

If it reaches its top estimate, it will max out our £25,000 budget, but that’s not silly money for a Type 2 in this condition.

We think the two-tone paintwork really sets off the instantly recognizable shape.

6. 1967 Morris Minor 1000 Series 5 (est: £2-4000)

Clearly, a Morris Minor with a top estimate of just £4000 is going to need work.

But if you are happy to take on a project, bringing this Morris back to its best could be very rewarding.

This Trafalgar Blue example deserves a good home and a new lease of life.

7. 1968 Daimler V8 250 (est: £2-4000)

Even in slightly tired condition, this Daimler V8 250 is very tempting.

Our budget should leave a tidy sum to spend on recommissioning, although we’d want to give the car a thorough inspection before committing.

8. 1968 MGB GT (est: £10-12,000)

Who doesn’t love an MGB GT? Exactly.

This Tartan Red example is fitted with a Revotec fan for improved cooling and has recently had an engine rebuild. It looks ready to start up and enjoy.

9. 1969 Fiat 500L (est: £6-8000) 

Famously car-free, the center of Venice is not the obvious place to find a classic car.

But for many years, this Fiat 500L was on display in the reception of a Venetian hotel.

Classic Car Auctions describes it as ‘entirely usable with the opportunity to add value’.

10. 1970 Volvo 1800E (est: £20-25,000)

Lots of money has been spent on this Volvo over the past two or three years, including an engine rebuild.

The California White paint suits the car well, while there’s a lovely patina to the red-leather interior.

11. 1971 Bentley T1 (est: £20-25,000)

Far rarer than the similar Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, just 1711 Bentley T1 sedans were made.

This elegant automobile will need some work to return it to its best – the very top end of the engine has been taken off and stored in the trunk! – so you should budget for this work before bidding.

Even so, this is serious luxury for the money.

12. 1971 Fiat 500F Abarth replica (est: £10-12,000)

A genuine Abarth racer might fetch £50,000 or more.

This homage promises the same driving thrills for around a fifth of the outlay and has covered just 120 miles since a £4500 refurbishment in 2020.

A replica perhaps, but a bona fide bargain – and a serious head turner.

13. 1973 Land-Rover Series III (est: £14-18,000)

A five-figure sum has been spent restoring this Series III Landie, which is believed to have seen service at Heathrow Airport.

This gasoline-engined car looks in fine fettle inside and out, ready for its next owner to benefit from someone else’s hard work and investment.

14. 1973 Mini Pick-up 1000 (est: £10-12,000)

Fun and practical in equal measure, this Mini Pick-up 1000 is our favorite of several Minis consigned to the June 17 Classic Car Auctions sale.

Fitted with a new tilt cover in 2016, there’s something very appealing about a different take on such a popular classic.

15. 1978 Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 Veloce (est: £10-12,000)

This left-hand-drive Alfa is in US spec, and was imported from the States in 1997.

Classic Car Auctions advises that ‘further detailing would take it to the next level’, but there’s no rush with a roof-down summer to enjoy first.

16. 1979 Triumph TR7 (est: £8-10,000)

Kept as a showroom centerpiece for 14 years, perhaps that’s why this Triumph TR7’s Brooklands Green paint still looks so fresh.

The low mileage is said to be supported by a detailed service history and a stack of invoices.

17. 1980 Mazda RX-7 (est: £10-12,000)

Classic Car Auctions is offering this first-generation, UK-market car that features an unusual period bodykit developed by TWR, along with gold alloys that immediately catch the eye.

The 2.3-liter Wankel rotary engine delivers its power to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.

18. 1980 Triumph Dolomite Sprint (est: £14-16,000)

With its gutsy 2-liter engine, the Dolomite Sprint posts performance figures that are still respectable today.

Presentable as it appears to be, with a little more spent on it this Triumph could be even smarter, so consider any extra expenditure before placing a bid.

19. 1983 Rover SD1 Vanden Plas (est: £12-15,000)

This classic Rover has quite a cool history.

It was a factory press car which was originally intended for the Australian market, but never went there.

Instead, in addition to media duties, it was used as the basis of a Corgi model car, one of which is included in the sale.

It has just 58,000 miles on the clock.

20. 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI Campaign (est: £16-20,000)

Just 1000 of the special-edition Campaign cars were made towards the end of the Mk1 VW Golf GTI’s life.

A sliding sunroof, green-tinted glass, a four-light front grille and 14in alloy wheels were part of the uprated specification.

21. 1986 BMW 635CSi (est: £10-12,000)

Is there a better looking ’80s four-seater? The BMW 635CSi must be on the shortlist.

This example in the Classic Car Auctions June 17 sale appears sound as it is, but could be even better with further work to build on the repairs carried out by its current owner.

22. 1987 Ford Capri 280 Brooklands (est: £18-22,000)

If fast Ford prices continue to climb, the days of buying a Capri 280 Brooklands for less than £25,000 could well be numbered.

The 2.8-liter V6 runs, but the car has been stored for a number of years. If you’re keen, keep something in the bank for some recommissioning.

23. 1987 Volkswagen Golf GTI 8v (est: £12-15,000)

This silver Mk2 VW Golf GTI is fresh from a bare-metal bodywork restoration including new fenders, sills and front panel, as well as a mechanical refresh.

Clearly well-loved by its previous owner, someone is going to have a lot of fun for not a colossal amount of money.

24. 1988 Jaguar XJ-S TWR V12 (est: £16-20,000)

There can’t be many XJ-S Jaguars that have covered fewer than 27,000 miles from new.

This 1988 example comes with TWR styling and interior enhancements, as well as effortless performance from the 5.3-liter V12. The private plate is included in the sale.

25. 1988 Jeep Wrangler Sahara YJ (est: £10-12,000)

We think this looks pretty cool for some classic summer fun.

This right-hand-drive Wrangler has covered just 30,500 miles, and Sahara spec means it’s well equipped by the standards of the day. The condition suggests it’s been restored at some point in its life, too.

26. 1990 BMW 320i Convertible (est: £12-15,000)

This tidy-looking drop-top BMW 3 Series has covered just 51,350 miles in the past 33 years.

It comes with its original handbooks, service history and sales brochure, and looks ready for a summer of roof-down driving – don’t forget your sunscreen.

27. 1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire 2.0 Ghia Auto (est: £10-14,000)

One owner has cherished this classic Ford and used it sparingly to rack up just 11,900 miles.

Are there many other Sierra Sapphires with such low mileage in this condition?

For a serious Ford enthusiast, this could be one of the bargains of Classic Car Auctions’ June 17 sale.

28. 1990 Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet (est: £10-12,000)

If you are looking for your first classic Porsche, this 944 S2 could be a good place to start

Fully repainted in its original color in 2018, the car seems to wear its 71,000 miles well.

29. 1990 Nissan 300ZX (Z32) Twin Turbo (est: £12-15,000)

Nissan’s fourth-generation Z car launched in 1989, with a 3-liter V6 engine – and twin-turbochargers fitted to the most powerful versions.

This striking Ultra Red example was imported to the UK in 2003, and now has an indicated mileage of 42,768. Could now be the time to buy before prices really climb?

30. 1992 TVR S3 290S (est: £10-12,000)

A stamped service book and two sets of keys suggests this four-owner TVR has been well looked after for all of its 48,300 miles.

It’s a prime cut of British beef for mutton money.

31. 1993 Austin Mini Moke (est: £15-18,000)

Few classic cars scream ‘summer’ quite like this.

One of the last Portuguese Mini Mokes, this has to be one of the most colorful lots in the June 17 sale.

It would be a brave owner who used the Moke as a daily driver (although it comes with a roof), but it will attract lots of attention on sunny summer drives.

32. 1993 Toyota Supra Twin Turbo (est: £15-18,000)

There are several Japanese performance cars in the sale, including this Toyota Supra from 1993. It was imported to the UK in 2006.

The aftermarket bodykit will appeal to some and put others off, but there’s no denying this is a seriously quick car at an affordable price.

33. 1994 Chevrolet Corvette C4 Convertible (est: £13-16,000)

This late-production C4 is ready to fulfil someone’s American muscle-car dream.

The 5.7-liter V8 delivers the appropriate soundtrack and performance, while judging by the condition of the tan leather and Polo Green metallic paint, it looks like this Chevy has been looked after by its previous owners.

34. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 Sportline Cabriolet (est: £10-12,000)

This handsome Ruby Red E-Class was fitted with the Sportline package from new, with lowered and stiffened suspension for a sportier drive.

The straight-six engine promises refined but lively performance, and this 124-series Mercedes-Benz appears to wear its 107,522 miles well.

35. 2000 BMW M5 (est: £15-18,000)

BMW fanatics will always argue over which generation of M5 was the best, but a strong case can be made for the E39.

Later generations may be quicker, but arguably none involve the driver like the E39 M5. This example looks purposeful in Carbon Black.

36. 2000 Ford Racing Puma (est: £10-£12,000)

Number 321 of 500 Ford Racing Pumas, this car needs a scrub and plenty of love to bring it back to top condition.

After some recommissioning this modern classic will surely appreciate – and even if it doesn’t, you’ll have great fun behind the wheel.

37. 2003 Jaguar XKR 4.2 Coupe (est: £12-15,000)

The Jaguar XKR must be one of the most handsome British cars of the Noughties and Racing Green metallic suits it perfectly.

This example has covered a modest 46,912 miles.

38. 2003 London Taxis International TX2 Gold Taxicab (est: £20-25,000)

An unusual lot, but we are sure you can see why it caught our eye.

We doubt you’ll find another 20-year-old London taxi that has covered just 1700 miles.

Originally owned by Sultan Qaboos of Oman, the car was fitted with an Alpine sound system and a fold-down passenger seat in the front.

39. 2006 Audi RS4 Avant (est: £20-25,000)

There are few quicker ways to scare the family dog than to put he or she in the back of an Audi RS4 Avant, thanks to its boisterous 4.2-liter V8.

This 2006 example has covered 67,300 miles, and comes with two remote keys and a third valet key.

40. 2011 BMW M3 Coupe (est: £20-25,000)

Today’s BMW M cars favor turbo power. If you want the purity of a naturally aspirated engine, you’ll need a modern classic like this 2011 M3.

The original owner added lots of options, so this is a highly specified example.

This and all our other picks will cross the block with Classic Car Auctions in its June 17 sale – you can browse the catalog here.