Which vintage cars are valuable investments? These American classics might be worth considering

Beyond being the birthplace of exceptional muscle cars, America also boasts the creation of the most exquisite classic automobiles spanning from the 1950s to the mid-1970s. Within the Golden Age of the American automotive industry, manufacturers introduced a diverse range of cars that quickly became timeless classics.

Numerous cars crafted in America have evolved into prized vintage classics over the years. Regardless of whether they were introduced two decades or half a century ago, these timeless vehicles are anticipated to experience significant price surges in 2023. Firmly established as coveted classics, these cars are bound to capture attention wherever they go.

1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V Convertible

While Cadillac and Lincoln might no longer hold their positions as top-tier American luxury car brands, they continue to represent some of the most luxurious high-end passenger vehicles produced in the United States. In the past, these cars not only symbolized socio-economic achievement but also proved to be prudent and lucrative long-term investments.

1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V Convertible Base Market Value

• Concours Condition: $75,800
• Excellent Condition: $45,600
• Good Condition: $25,200
• Fair Condition: $13,600

In 1960, Lincoln introduced a particularly scarce model of its Continental series. Just 2,044 units of the Mark V Convertible were produced by Lincoln during that year. Powering the Mark V is a 7.0-liter Ford V8 engine that generates 315 hp at 4,100 rpm and 465 lb-ft of torque at 2,200 rpm. The Mark V stands as an ideal classic cruiser from the past.

1967 AMC Rambler Marlin

American Motors Corporation, often referred to as AMC, was the underdog that dared to challenge the dominance of the Big Three automakers. During the mid-1960s, after veering away from conventional passenger cars, AMC shifted its focus to producing more potent and race-oriented vehicles.

1967 AMC Rambler Marlin Base Market Value

• Concours Condition: $24,300
• Excellent Condition: $16,900
• Good Condition: $12,900
• Fair Condition: $8,500

While the ’67 Rambler Marlin might feature an unconventional design, it stands as one of the most sought-after classics from the 1960s due to its rarity. In the year 1967, merely 2,545 units of the Rambler Marlin were produced. The Rambler Marlin was equipped with a 343 cu in Typhoon V8 engine, which generates 280 hp at 4,800 rpm and 365 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm.

1968 Oldsmobile Toronado

The late 1960s were marked by the emergence of muscle cars designed for the racetrack. The exquisite Shelby GT350, the potent Chevrolet Corvette L88, and the impressive Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds serve as prominent illustrations of that era. However, it’s important to note that not everyone during that time was solely focused on high-speed pursuits.

1968 Oldsmobile Toronado Base Market Value

• Concours Condition: $42,700
• Excellent Condition: $34,800
• Good Condition: $18,100
• Fair Condition: $8,200

The 1969 Oldsmobile Toronado stands as a quintessential macho American coupe, effortlessly capturing attention wherever it travels. Its extended body and spacious interior clearly indicate that the Toronado isn’t designed for high-speed highway pursuits. Nevertheless, Oldsmobile did provide an option for a 454 cu in V8 engine for the Toronado. This engine delivers a robust 400 hp at 4,800 rpm and an impressive 500 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm.

1971 Dodge Dart Swinger

Dodge unleashed a series of truly awe-inspiring muscle cars during the early 1970s. The Charger and Challenger Hemi 426 immediately spring to mind as standout examples – these vehicles are akin to formidable entities from an entirely distinct realm. These models quickly overshadowed nearly every other offering within Dodge’s lineup.

1971 Dodge Dart Swinger Base Market Value

• Concours Condition: $23,400
• Excellent Condition: $18,000
• Good Condition: $13,400
• Fair Condition: $10,200

The 1971 Dodge Dart Swinger stands as a sought-after vintage muscle car from the 1970s that is experiencing an increase in value. While it may not have been equipped with the most potent Mopar powerplants of the era, the ’71 Dart Swinger is fitted with a 318 cu in V8 engine that generates 230 hp at 4,400 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm.

1971 Mercury Comet GT

In the early 1970s, Ford introduced two significant vehicles. The first was the larger and weightier Mustang, followed by the Ford Gran Torino. While these two cars garnered significant attention, Ford’s subsidiary, Mercury, also presented an array of exceptional yet often overlooked muscle cars.

1971 Mercury Comet GT Base Market Value

• Concours Condition: $18,000
• Excellent Condition: $14,400
• Good Condition: $11,200
• Fair Condition: $8,100

The ’71 Mercury Comet GT could be viewed as Ford’s response to Chevy’s Nova. Powered by a 302 cu in Windsor V8 engine that produces 210 hp at 4,600 rpm and 296 lb-ft of torque at 2,600 rpm, the Comet GT remains an intriguing compact muscle car. A total of 13,000 Comet GTs were manufactured in the year 1971.

1971 Pontiac GT-37

Exploring the rich history of American muscle cars reveals a striking contrast in the variety provided by American automakers during the 1960s and 1970s. The abundance of one-of-a-kind models and limited editions during that era far exceeds the offerings seen in today’s muscle car landscape.

1971 Pontiac GT-37 Base Market Value

• Concours Condition: $28,200
• Excellent Condition: $20,700
• Good Condition: $12,700
• Fair Condition: $7,300

The Pontiac GT-37 remains an obscure gem in the world of gearheads. Often seen as the budget alternative to the GTO, the GT-37 is a rarity that will surely be valued by dedicated muscle car enthusiasts. Among the 5,802 GT-37s produced in 1971, only 69 were equipped with the 455 cu in V8 engine, boasting 335 hp at 4,800 rpm and an impressive 480 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm.

1976 Cadillac Mirage

Cadillac epitomizes American luxury like no other. While the brand has shifted its focus towards sportier vehicles in recent times, Cadillac was formerly synonymous with producing the most refined American automobiles. In the 1960s and 1970s, vehicles like the El Camino and the Ranchero enjoyed immense popularity.

Limited Production Specs

• Production: 1975 – 1976
• Units Produced: 204
• Unique Features: Truck bed
• Displacement: 8.2-liter V8
• Power: 200 hp

Crafted by Traditional Coach, the Mirage was never officially sanctioned by General Motors. Despite lacking GM’s endorsement, the Mirage found its way into Cadillac dealerships. Rumors suggest that approximately 240 Mirages were produced from 1973 to 1976. In 2022, a Mirage fetched a price of $49,000.

1997 Plymouth Prowler

In the 1960s and 1970s, Plymouth, a now-defunct automobile manufacturer, held a prominent position among the most esteemed brands. However, during the Malaise Era, Plymouth’s direction took a significant detour. By the 1990s, Plymouth vehicles had dwindled into mere echoes of their earlier glory.

1997 Plymouth Prowler Base Market Value

• Concours Condition: $45,400
• Excellent Condition: $35,000
• Good Condition: $29,500
• Fair Condition: $16,200

The Plymouth Prowler stands out as the quirkiest car from the 1990s for several reasons. Firstly, it was envisioned as Plymouth’s potential savior. Secondly, its aggressive appearance commands attention. The final noteworthy creation from Plymouth is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 214 hp at 5,850 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 3,100 rpm. While not necessarily the optimal engine choice, the Prowler continues to retain its legendary status to this day.

2001 Ford Mustang GT Bullitt

Few things epitomize America as strongly as Ford’s iconic pony car. Since its debut in 1965, the Mustang has undergone numerous transformations – some favorable, others not so much. However, a significant turning point occurred in 1968 with the release of the legendary film “Bullitt,” starring Steve McQueen.

2001 Ford Mustang GT Bullitt Base Market Value

• Concours Condition: $64,200
• Excellent Condition: $33,700
• Good Condition: $14,800
• Fair Condition: $10,700

The iconic car chase spurred Ford to introduce the inaugural Mustang Bullitt in 2001. Just like the standard GT model from the same year, the Bullitt is equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine. However, to render the Bullitt truly exceptional, Ford elevated the power output to 265 hp at 5,000 rpm and 305 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. While these figures might not appear impressive by today’s standards, the original Bullitt remains a formidable presence.

2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS 35th Anniversary Edition

Upon the Mustang’s initial release, Chevrolet recognized the need for a response. Leap forward just over five decades, and the rivalry between the Mustang and the Camaro is still vibrant. However, during the period when American car manufacturers were emerging from the prolonged Malaise Era, Chevrolet faltered.

2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS 35th Anniversary Edition Base Market Value

• Concours Condition: $40,800
• Excellent Condition: $31,600
• Good Condition: $21,900
• Fair Condition: $13,100

Dubbed the Catfish Camaro, the fourth-generation Camaro could easily be among the least favored iterations of the model. While it’s justifiable to acknowledge that it was a significant disappointment, the 2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS 35th Anniversary Edition serves as evidence that Chevy’s enchantment had not waned. This special edition is outfitted with a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine that produces an identical 325 hp at 5,200 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, akin to other Camaro SS models. A mere 1,398 units of the Camaro SS 35th Anniversary Edition found their way to American shores.