24 £25,000 American classic cars

Live the American dream for less than £25,000

Good news for lovers of all things American – the USA has now reopened its borders to many countries, including the UK. And that got us thinking…

With around £25,000 (c$34,000) to spend, which all-American classic cars would take our fancy for a US road trip?

Here we have brought together 24 American classics that are perfect for such extended adventures, whether it’s California to Boston in the USA, or rather closer to home.

You see, if you can’t yet make it to the US of A, those in the UK can still go from California to Boston without the need for a passport. Why not start in California in Great Yarmouth and then head to Boston in Lincolnshire – the latter an important piece of American history in itself.

So, whether you’re looking to blast across the geographically similar Arizona desert or the Fens, Wyoming or Thetford, and everything in between, we’ve come up with 24 classic cars for sale at the time of writing in the USA for around $34,000 (£25,000) or less. Petrol and shipping not included, we’re afraid. Which would you choose?

All values and currency conversions correct at the time of writing

1. 1956 Ford Thunderbird (£25,800)

Unless you can cut a deal, you might need a tad more than £25k for this one, but it could well be worth it…

The Ford Thunderbird was the Blue Oval’s immediate response to the Chevrolet Corvette. Its development was rapid, from its first public display to the first examples rolling off the production lines in just under a year.

The Thunderbird was a much less sporty car than the Corvette, a plan that worked out well for Ford. Against 700 Corvettes sold over the same year, Thunderbirds found 16,155 homes.

There was a choice of two engines, both V8s – 292cu in and 312cu in – with either a two-speed Fordomatic automatic or a three-speed overdrive manual.

We found a great-looking 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible in Mundelein, Illinois, with just over 51k miles on the clock. Finished in red paint with a red interior, it’ll set you back $34,900 (£25,800).

2. 1956 Pontiac Star Chief (£24,300)

The Pontiac Star Chief was the brand’s premium offering, and used the Chieftain as its basis. The original version was the first Pontiac to move away from Chevrolet wheelbases to that of Oldsmobiles and Buicks.

A second-generation version arrived in 1956, which would find fame in American sitcom I Love Lucy, when a Star Chief was driven to the West Coast by the show’s characters.

There was a choice of three V8 engines (287cu in, 317cu in and 347cu in), and either a three-speed manual or three-speed Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox.

We found a 1956 Pontiac Star Chief in Mundelein, Illinois, on 13,427 miles with the 317cu in engine. Finished in two-tone turquoise and white, it could be yours for $32,900 (£24,300).

3. 1954 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville (£24,400)

The Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville was among the first pillarless coupes ever produced, and was available for pretty much the same price as the roofless version.

It was a very luxurious car, with swathes of leather and power going to almost everything. Engines came in two flavours of V8, 331cu in or 365cu in, and both used the four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox.

Sales were strong, with 118,190 sold in 1955, which accounted for 84 per cent of all Cadillacs sold – it grew to 86.4 per cent in 1956. Such was the Coupe de Ville’s popularity, it became a model line all of its own.

We found a 1954 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville in need of some cosmetic TLC in Birmingham, Alabama, on 110,000 miles. Finished in white over a black interior, it was stickered at $32,950 (£24,400).

4. 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 (£15,500)

The Oldsmobile 88 was a critical car. Not only was it the firm’s most profitable line, but it did much to broaden the appeal of the brand thanks to its relatively compact dimensions and light weight, plus the performance from its novel high-compression V8.

It was transformed for its second generation, with longer and lower bodyshells compared to its predecessor; it now had wraparound windscreens and rear windows, as well as a longer wheelbase.

It was a truly adaptable car, with a two- and four-door ‘Holiday’ hardtops, a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan and a four-door station wagon available.

The 324cu in Rocket V8 could be specified with a three-speed manual or four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox. 

We found a 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 hardtop with a 324cu in V8 on 21,788 miles in Las Vegas, Nevada. Finished in red with a Creme White interior, it is priced at $21,000 (£15,500).

5. 1954 Nash Metropolitan (£25,800)

The Nash Metropolitan was the counter to then-current thinking among American manufacturers. The Big Three believed bigger was better, but in the post-war landscape that wasn’t necessarily true. Sensing a growing market for a second car or an economical commuter car, Nash teamed up with the Austin Motor Company and Fisher & Ludlow of Birmingham, UK, to build an economy car for the USA.

Equipped with either a 1200cc or 1500cc B-series four-cylinder engine, it provided great fuel economy for the time. Despite its compact size, it was well equipped, with a Bedford Cord and leather interior, cigar lighter and electric wipers.

We found a 1954 Nash Metropolitan Convertible for sale in Palm Beach, Florida, in a lovely shade of red for $34,900 (£25,800).

6. 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible (£25,200)

The Oldsmobile Cutlass was part of a raft of GM restyling efforts for 1968, across two wheelbases depending on how many doors you needed. You could choose from a two-door coupe, hardtop and convertible, or a four-door sedan, hardtop and station wagon.

Engine-wise, you got a choice of three V8s (350cu in, 400cu in and 455cu in), as well as a 250cu in ‘six’. By 1970 you could configure your Cutlass in 15 different ways.

The king of the hill was the 442, which was really seen as a separate model based on the Cutlass from 1968. More than 33,000 were sold in the car’s first year, helped in part by a scorching 0-60mph time of 7.0 secs thanks to its 350hp, 445cu in V8.

While a real Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible 442 will cost you more than our budget will allow, we found what looks to be a very well executed tribute in Smithtown, New York, on 74,795 miles. Finished in black with a white stripe over a black leather interior, it has a 440 big block V8 crate engine and was painted just a year ago. It’s wearing a $33,999 (£25,200) price-tag.

7. 1962 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible (£20,400)

The Pontiac Bonneville sat at the very top of the brand’s line-up, both in terms of luxury and cost. It ran on a longer wheelbase than its sister models, and featured a far more luxuriously appointed interior, with walnut veneer trim, carpeted door panels and more.

Its V8s came in either 389cu in or 421cu in form, and you could choose from a two-door hardtop or convertible, or a four-door hardtop, sedan or station wagon, teamed with either a three- or four-speed manual or a Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox. This era, the third-generation Bonneville, was built between 1961 and 1964, and was part of a company-wide restyle that included a protruding front grille.

We found a 1962 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible in West Chester, Pennsylvania, on 22,000 miles. Finished in a fetching shade of burgundy metallic over a two-tone burgundy and pink leather interior, this 389 V8/four-speed auto Bonneville was priced at $27,500 (£20,400).

8. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle (£23,700)

The Chevrolet Chevelle is one of the most successful model lines for the brand, bringing big-league performance to a mid-sized car. The second-generation model, built between 1968 and 1972, brought back a streamlined styling motif reminiscent of the Fleetline from the 1940s.

Eight different body styles were offered, and during its production run eight different V8s were available, ranging from 307cu in to 454cu in; the latter was good for 360bhp. You also had a choice of two straight-sixes. However, not content with such abundant motive options, in 1969 Chevrolet developed the SE 124, a steam-powered Chevelle with a 50hp Bresler engine. Just one concept vehicle was made… We’d much rather a normal Chevelle anyway…

While bone-stock, mint machines can command higher prices than our budget runs to, we found a modified 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle on 100,000 miles in Roswell, New Mexico, in need of some cosmetic TLC. Finished in blue and fitted with a 350 engine block and a Weiand 144 supercharger, it has the potential for 520hp. Feeling brave? It could be yours for $32,000 (£23,700).

9. 1969 Plymouth Barracuda (£25,800)

The Plymouth Barracuda was closely related to the Valiant to begin with, sharing much of its parts and bodywork. That link still remained for the second-generation ’Cuda, built between 1967 and 1969, though the styling was more distinct; it was available in fastback, notchback and convertible versions.

Although you could order a slant-six 225cu in engine, there were six V8 options over the car’s two-year lifespan, ranging from 273cu in to a 440cu in Super Commando. However, the most potent Barracudas of this era were the 50 fastback models Chrysler created for Super Stock drag racing. These were built by Hurst Performance and featured lightened glass, glassfibre wings and hood scoop, lightweight seats and the removal of the rear seats – oh, and a 426cu in Hemi V8. That was good to run the quarter-mile in the mid-10s…

We found a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda on 80,000 miles in Ely, Nevada. Finished in blue over a red interior, and fitted with a 440cu in engine and 727 automatic, it’ll set you back $34,900 (£25,800).

10. 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (£24,400)

The Ford Mustang was a sensation when it was launched – it was the car to have, whether you were a housewife or a hero movie star, with 400,000 sold in the first year. Not only was it one of the most successful launches ever, but it spurred the rest of the market into action with a raft of sports coupes from rivals, and continues to influence car design today. 

The first-generation cars, built between 1964 and 1973, shared much of their mechanicals with the Ford Falcon compact, a car whose sales were completely wiped out by the Mustang. Ford didn’t mind, however, because more than 500,000 Mustangs were sold in 1965, plus 600,000 sold in ’66. There was a choice of two straight-sixes and three V8s, with either a three- or four-speed manual, and a three-speed automatic. 

We found a 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible that started out life with a six-cylinder engine, but has been upgraded to a V8. The brakes have been uprated with a front-disc conversion on five-lug wheels.

Finished in a fetching blue/teal exterior paint colour over a cream leather interior, this 26,876-mile Mustang can be yours if you send $32,950 (£24,400) in the direction of Waterbury, Connecticut.

11. 1967 Dodge Coronet (£25,800)

The Dodge Coronet’s position in the marque’s hierarchy had fluctuated for the first 10 years of its life, from range-topper to base model. When it was reintroduced in 1965, it was in the middle of the brand’s line-up, which made it prime for the muscle-car treatment. The fifth-generation version was Dodge’s most popular car in 1965, with 209,000 sold.

Many body styles were available, from a four-door station wagon to a two-door convertible, with seven V8 engine options, from 273cu in to 440cu in, along with a 225cu in ‘six’. If you’re looking for something even more special, Dodge built 101 two-door sedans for NHRA drag racing.

Called the A990, these featured a 426cu in Hemi engine and were stripped of all luxuries, and featured lightweight seats pilfered from the A100 van.

An A990 is far beyond our budget, but we found a 1967 Dodge Coronet 361 in Florida in Copper Dust metallic with a similarly hued interior. With just 4952 miles on the clock, it could be yours for $34,900 (£25,800).

12. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Sport Package (£24,400)

The Chevrolet Camaro was GM’s first proper response to the Mustang, after it was deemed the Corvair couldn’t quite cut the mustard compared to the Blue Oval’s golden child.

The first-generation Camaro was built between 1966 and 1969, and offered an abundant array of engines. There were two ‘sixes’ and eight V8s, ranging from 283cu in to 427cu in. Though there were many spec add-ons available, there were three big model option groups.

The RS option offered cosmetic delights such as hidden headlights and tweaked aesthetics, while the SS meant a choice of a 350cu in or 396cu in V8, plus chassis upgrades for better handling. The Z/28, meanwhile, was equipped to take on the SCCA Trans Am series, with a 302cu in V8, four-speed manual and disc brakes.

A top-class Camaro of this era will be a little more than our budget allows, but that led us to an interesting project car. We found a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Sport Package with a matching numbers 327 in Putnam, Illinois, on 32,000 miles. Finished in blue with silver stripes, it’s in need of some TLC (tune-up, brakes service and some interior trim), but the paint is just three years old. Maybe give it the once-over before that road trip, eh? It’s listed at $32,950 (£24,400).

13. 1985 AMC Eagle (£10,400)

The AMC Eagle was a pioneering American car – the idea was to offer the ride height and all-weather capabilities of a Jeep, but with the fuel economy and refinement of a conventional car. The Eagle was the only four-wheel-drive car (rather than truck) produced in the USA at the time, and was the first mainstream car to use a permanent all-wheel-drive system.

The Eagle also had independent front suspension, achieved by mounting the front diff to the engine block with universal joints, with half shafts driving the front wheels. The car was a true pioneer, and would influence four-wheel-drive estate cars from the likes of Audi, Volvo, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. However, it’s perhaps better known among younger readers as Jennifer’s dad’s car in Back To The Future. Oh, just us then…

We found a 1983 AMC Eagle SX/4 hatchback in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on 77,360 miles, coming out of single ownership for more than 30 years. Finished in two-tone cream over brown over a beige interior, it’s yours for $14,000 (£10,400).

14. 1964 Buick Electra 225 (£24,400)

The Buick Electra lived a long life as the marque’s full-size luxury car for more than 30 years and six generations. It was named after Electra Waggoner Biggs, a heiress and sculptor who happened to be the sister-in-law of Harlow H Curtice, who was the president of Buick and Chevrolet. 

Over its lifespan the Electra – the car, that is – was offered as a coupe, convertible, sedan and station wagon. By the time of the 1961 Bill Mitchell makeover, the car had shrunken its fins, though this didn’t stop the luxurious extravagance elsewhere. In 1963 the rear wings were restyled with a sharp vertical edge, while there were toys galore for the gadget-obsessed inside, with the 225 model offering power-almost-everything. The 401cu in Nailhead V8 provided the motive power, which was marshalled through either a two-speed Dynaflow automatic or three-speed TH-400 automatic gearbox. 

We found a 1964 Buick Electra 225 Convertible 401 V8 in Concord, North Carolina, on 90,507 miles. Finished in Desert Beige over a tan interior, it could be yours for $32,995 (£24,400)

15. 1963 Lincoln Continental project (£22,100)

The Lincoln Continental maybe best known for one of the darkest days in American history, but the car itself deserves to be recognised on its merits.

The Continental became a model line of its own in 1961, and Ford was determined that it would be the finest mass-produced domestic car of the era. The full weight of Ford’s engineering nous went into making the car as strong as possible, with a post-build scrutiny of each car at exacting levels.

Built on a stretched Thunderbird platform, there was a choice of three V8s during the fourth generation’s eight-year run, from a 430cu in to a 462cu in. Two three-speed automatic gearboxes were offered, across three different body styles (two-door hardtop, four-door sedan and four-door convertible). The convertible was also the first post-war four-door to use a power-operated top.

Okay, so fully restored or beautifully preserved Continentals will cost you rather more than our budget allows, but we found a great-looking project in North Hills, California. You might have to wait a little longer for that road trip, but it is apparently rust free and with a fully rebuilt engine, new exhaust system, and fully working electric roof and windows. The vendor says all it needs is a coat of paint and a refurbished interior. Fancy taking it on? It’s yours for $29,900 (£22,100).

16. 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (£21,100)

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo represented the ultimate two-door luxury coupe for Chevrolet – its long bonnet covered a variety of Turbo-Jet V8s that varied in size from 350cu in to 454cu in, which provided between 250bhp and 360bhp. The latter was fitted to the SS, so it also featured heavy-duty suspension and self-levelling rear suspension. 

The range had a minor cosmetic restyle in 1971, while tweaks to the SS 454 engine (a Corvette-derived camshaft) teased out an extra 5bhp. Sadly the SS wasn’t particularly popular, with fewer than 2000 sold in 1971, despite its successes in NASCAR at the time. Nevertheless, the Monte Carlo name would carry the flag for Chevrolet in NASCAR until 1989. The SS nameplate, however, would go no further than 1971 until it was brought back 12 years later. 

We found a 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 454 Big block coupe for sale in Orlando, Florida, on 87,400 miles. Finished in white with a black vinyl top over a black leather interior, you can call it yours for $28,495 (£21,100). 

17. 1973 Mercury Cougar (£24,800)

The Mercury Cougar found its mission changed for its second generation – rather than being an upmarket Mustang, it would blend the extra luxury with a more sporting verve.

To accommodate more powerful engines, the chassis was widened by three inches, while the wheelbase was grown to 112.1 inches. The engines themselves included a 351cu in Windsor V8, 351cu in Cleveland V8 and a 429cu in Super Cobra Jet, with manual or automatic gearboxes available.

You could have your Cougar as a hardtop or a convertible; indeed a white Cougar XR-7 would be the last convertible Ford would produce for some time in anticipation of increased roll-over safety standards that threatened to outlaw the breed. Happily that threat went away…

We found a 1973 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible fitted with a 351cu in V8 and a four-speed manual gearbox in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on 82,000 miles – one of just four built for the model year with the factory Hurst shifter. Red with a white leather interior, it’s yours for $33,500 (£24,800).

18. 1972 Oldsmobile 442 (£24,442)

The Oldsmobile 442 was under fire from insurance companies and Federal emission standards by the time of the 1972 model year. Sales were in decline, and the 442 name became an appearance and handling package for the Cutlass.

The W-29 option, as it was also known, included heavy-duty springs and dampers, anti-roll bars front and rear, plus boxed lower rear control arms, as well as cosmetic enhancements. However, you could also order the W30 option, which added the 455cu in L77 engine, which was good for 300bhp and 410lb ft of torque. You also got a lightweight aluminium intake manifold, glassfibre ram-air bonnet and a 3.42:1 differential. Just 659 W30 coupes and 113 W30 convertibles found homes in 1972. 

We found a 1972 Oldsmobile 442 in Mundelein, Illinois, on 84,460 miles. With burgundy paint and a maroon interior, it’s yours for $32,999 (an entirely suitable £24,442 at the time of writing).

19. 1970 Pontiac Le Mans Sport (£23,600)

The Pontiac Le Mans started life as a trim upgrade for the Tempest, but went on to become a model line in its own right. The third-generation ran from 1968 to 1972, and by 1971 the Le Mans Sport was part of a trim level shuffle that made it the top of the line (the GTO models based on the Le Mans were still a separate model at this time).

You could choose from a four-door hardtop sedan, two-door hardtop coupe and convertible, with a choice of three V8s and a straight-six engine.

The Le Mans spawned a stripped-out version that was briefly the cheapest hardtop in General Motors’ range. Called the T-37, it was later replaced as the cheapest by the Chevrolet Chevelle in a matter of weeks, but its success as a stripped-out muscle car spawned the GT-37 model line. However, the Le Mans Sport has to be the pick of the range thanks to its luxury focus. Wouldn’t want to try braking at the end of the Mulsanne Straight from full whack, however…

We found a 1970 Pontiac Le Mans Sport 400 that’s done 49,000 miles in Addison, Illinois. Finished in Mint Turquoise paint with a black interior and factory bucket seats, it’s yours for $31,900 (£23,600).

20. 1971 Dodge Demon (£23,000)

The Dodge Demon was introduced in 1971 as a two-door version of the Dart. Based on the Plymouth Valiant-based Duster, it offered big performance in a relatively small package, with the Demon 340 offering 275hp. 

However, the Demon name would live a short life, after Christian groups became rather upset at the somewhat provocative name; by 1973 the car became known as the Dart Sport, and its styling was changed the same year to fall into line with the other Darts. 

The Demon’s small size and ability to swallow big powerplants has led to some truly rapid cars over the years. We found a 1971 Dodge Demon 440 in Akron, Ohio, on 100,000 miles. Finished in yellow with black stripes along the bonnet and flanks, it originally began life as a six-cylinder auto before being fitted with a 440cu in V8, a 727 automatic gearbox and 9in Ford rear end – it could be yours for $31,000 (£23,000).

21. Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (£16,288)

The Chevrolet Camaro third-gen occupies a difficult place in car lore. The 1980s wasn’t a great time for the American automobile, and the Camaro suffered for that. As such it’s become a bit of a joke, but for younger audiences the car is a slice of nostalgia, and correspondingly is starting to become more appreciated.

The styling is bang on-trend for a generation interested in sharp, boxy shapes, and values for low-mileage minters have been growing accordingly. Engines ranged from a 151cu in four-cylinder to a 350cu in V8, with manual and automatic gearboxes available. The Z28 was offered with a 145hp 5.0-litre V8, though this grew to 190hp with the all-new L69 engine in 1983, and power outputs would gradually increase over the car’s production run.

For UK readers, this era of Camaro might seem familiar as it found fame in M.A.S.K., a French/Japanese animated cartoon that was aired on ITV in the 1980s and 1990s. It featured a red third-gen Camaro with gullwing doors, plus a corresponding model toy.  

If you’re up for some cartoon nostalgia, we found a 1985 Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z28 for sale in Concord, North Carolina, on 13,675 miles. Finished in silver and benefiting from a manual gearbox, it’s yours for $21,995 (£16,288). No gullwing doors, sadly.

22. Ford Mustang LX 5.0-V8 (£20,400)

The Ford Mustang in Fox-body form had the same issue as the third-gen Camaro mentioned in the previous slide. However, a wave of nostalgia for the angular Mustang has helped to grow values and, like the Camaro, the mixture of naturally aspirated V8, rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, along with a distinctly mechanical feel, has created a new following. 

Launched in 1973, it was available in coupe, hatchback and cabriolet forms, with a wide variety of engines, from a turbocharged and naturally aspirated four-cylinder to a variety of V8s, with six-cylinder units in between.

This era of Mustang would live on for longer than planned, as it was supposed to be replaced by a Mazda MX-6-based machine. At the last moment this was changed to the Probe, after complaints from Mustang traditionalists about the prospect of a FWD Mustang. The Fox-body Mustang carried on until 1993, with high-performance variants such as the SVT Cobra and Cobra R seeing it off in style.

We found a good-looking 1990 Ford Mustang LX Coupe with a 5.0-litre V8 and a manual gearbox in Sherman, Texas. Finished in Vermillion Red and with just under 69k miles on the clock, was priced at $27,500 (£20,400). 
 

23. Lincoln MkVIII (£25,800)

The Lincoln MkVIII was a truly indulgent car in a way that seems to have largely been forgotten by modern manufacturers – an enormous two-seater, immensely comfortable seats and an easy-going approach. Sporty just isn’t part of the vocabulary.

Launched in 1992 after an eight-year development programme, it used an all-new 4.6-litre, 32-valve V8 that produced 280bhp and 285lb ft. It was a technical feast with power everything, keyless entry and a 10-disc CD changer.

An LSC model appeared in 1995 with 290bhp and 295lb ft of torque, which reduced 0-60mph time to 7.5 secs – though that does seem like trying to get a sloth to wear Nikes. Not really the point – the glory of the Lincoln MkVIII is its absolute ease of use. It was facelifted in 1997, but would only remain on sale until 1998, when it – and the whole model line – was replaced by the Lincoln LS. 

We found a 1994 Lincoln MkVIII LSC finished in a pleasingly sinister black over black on just under 30k miles. You’ll need to take your $34,900 to Plymouth, Michigan, to make it yours, though you can pick up a tasty-looking white one with more miles for around $10,000 less.

24. Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (£26,000)

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 is something we’ve saved for last (particularly as this one’s yellow) – it’s an all-American sports car, but if you’re travelling through Norfolk, the home of Lotus, then there’s a little bit of Hethel magic involved, too…

At the time General Motors owned Lotus and tasked the Brits with developing the world’s fastest production car. Lotus designed the LT5, an aluminium-block V8 with 32 valves that was assembled largely by hand by Mercury Marine in Oklahoma.

Over time, power grew from 375 to 405bhp, good enough for a sub-5-sec 0-60mph time. All this power was transmitted to the road via a six-speed manual transmission and Bilstein-engineered suspension. It was a technical tour de force, and a potent one – all out you’d be doing 179mph.

We found a 1993 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 in Louisville, Kentucky, for sale with 54,000 miles on its odometer. Finished in red, it could be yours for $35,000 (£26,000).