14 Affordable Classic Cars From The 1960s
Classic cars from the 1960s have a charm that modern rides just can’t replicate. I once rode shotgun in a friend’s ’66 Dodge Dart – no power steering, no Bluetooth, but all character.
The rumble of the engine, the chrome details, and the bench seat made every short drive feel like a road trip.
While some ’60s icons now come with six-figure price tags, plenty of underrated gems still offer that vintage magic without draining your wallet.
They may not all be showstoppers, but they’ve got soul in spades.
1. Ford Falcon
Before the Mustang galloped into America’s heart, the humble Falcon was Ford’s bread-and-butter compact. Launched in 1960, this everyday hero sold over two million units in its first two years!
Mechanically straightforward and incredibly parts-friendly, Falcons remain surprisingly affordable entry points into classic car ownership.
The sprightly six-cylinder models deliver adequate pep while sipping fuel reasonably.
Rust is your main enemy with these, so check those wheel wells carefully before handing over your cash.
2. Chevrolet Corvair
Wrongly demonized by Ralph Nader’s book “Unsafe at Any Speed,” the Corvair was actually America’s bold experiment with European-style design.
Its air-cooled, rear-mounted flat-six engine made it truly unique in Detroit’s lineup.
Later models (1965-69) solved the early handling quirks with a proper independent rear suspension.
The refined second-generation Corvairs still turn heads with their Porsche-like profiles and clean, timeless styling.
Grab a Monza coupe if you can—they’re the sportiest of the bunch!
3. AMC Rambler American
Quirky, square, and proudly unfashionable even when new, the Rambler American thumbed its nose at Detroit’s “bigger is better” philosophy.
American Motors Corporation built these compact warriors for practical folks who valued efficiency over flash.
Finding parts can be tricky since AMC vanished decades ago, but that’s reflected in the bargain prices.
The 1964 440-H hardtop models offer the best balance of style and affordability. Look for examples with the peppy 195.6 cubic inch overhead valve six—it’s surprisingly zippy!
4. Volkswagen Beetle
Nothing says counterculture quite like the humble Bug. Arriving on American shores in the 1950s, the Beetle hit its stride during the flower power era with its simple air-cooled engine and unmistakable shape.
Despite their ubiquity, good Beetles remain surprisingly affordable.
The 1967 model year is particularly desirable with its unique one-year-only features including slimmer bumpers and elegant glass-covered headlights.
Rust can be a problem, so inspect the floorpans, heater channels, and battery tray before buying.
5. MG Midget
Barely larger than a go-kart, the MG Midget delivers more smiles per mile than cars costing ten times as much.
What it lacks in straight-line speed, it more than makes up for with nimble handling and wind-in-your-hair thrills.
Early Mark I and II Midgets (1961-1966) are the most charming with their classic round rear ends and simple interiors.
The 1275cc engine introduced in 1966 provides enough pep without sacrificing the car’s legendary handling. British electrics can be finicky, so budget for some weekend tinkering.
6. Triumph Spitfire
Named after Britain’s famous WWII fighter plane, the Spitfire brings aerial drama to the road with its clamshell bonnet that swings forward completely for unparalleled engine access.
Drop the top, fire up that raspy four-cylinder, and suddenly Monday morning commutes become mini adventures.
The Mark II (1965-1967) hits the sweet spot for collectability and affordability. Giovanni Michelotti’s sleek design still turns heads without emptying wallets.
Watch for rust in the sills and floors—they’re structural on these little beauties!
7. Fiat 124 Spider
Pininfarina styling at Fiat prices—that’s the magic formula behind the gorgeous 124 Spider.
Launched in 1966, this svelte Italian roadster combined beautiful lines with mechanical simplicity and surprising reliability (by Italian standards, anyway).
The twin-cam engine sings a seductive melody all the way to redline.
Early chrome bumper models (1966-1969) remain the most visually pure and collectible, yet prices haven’t reached stratospheric levels.
Rust protection was merely a suggestion in 1960s Italy, so inspect body panels carefully!
8. Dodge Dart
Muscle car looks without muscle car prices—that’s the Dart’s enduring appeal.
While everyone fights over Chargers and Challengers, savvy collectors quietly scoop up these handsome compacts for a fraction of the cost.
Late-60s GT and GTS models pack plenty of punch, especially with the optional 273 or 340 V8 engines. Even the slant-six models provide reliable transportation with classic styling cues.
The simple mechanicals make DIY maintenance a breeze, perfect for first-time classic owners who want to learn the ropes.
9. Plymouth Valiant
Legendary reliability earned these boxy Plymouths their reputation as undestroyable classics.
The slant-six engine under the hood is often described as the cockroach of motors—it would probably survive nuclear war!
Early 1960s models feature quirky, almost space-age styling with fins and odd proportions. By mid-decade, the design settled into a handsome, conservative look that’s aged remarkably well.
Many were driven into the ground as family cars, making clean survivors increasingly desirable to collectors seeking affordable Americana.
10. Volvo Amazon (122S)
Long before Volvo became synonymous with boxy wagons, they produced the curvaceous Amazon.
Sporting a three-box design inspired by American cars but executed with Scandinavian precision, these sturdy Swedes were built to survive harsh Nordic winters.
The 122S models added a bit more horsepower for spirited driving. Mechanical parts availability remains excellent thanks to Volvo’s legendary commitment to supporting older models.
Many have been converted to rally cars, so finding an unmolested original can be challenging but worthwhile.
11. Saab 96
Aeronautical engineering influenced everything about these quirky Swedish machines. The teardrop shape, aircraft-inspired controls, and front-wheel-drive layout were revolutionary when introduced.
V4 models from the late ’60s offer the best combination of performance and reliability.
Rally champion Erik Carlsson proved the 96’s capabilities by winning multiple international events despite being underpowered compared to competitors.
Free-wheeling clutches and column-mounted shifters add to the unique driving experience you won’t find in any modern car.
12. Datsun 510
Often called the “poor man’s BMW,” the boxy 510 delivered European handling with Japanese reliability.
Chief engineer Yutaka Katayama (Mr. K) insisted on fully independent suspension and peppy performance, creating an affordable sports sedan legend.
Two-door models command premium prices due to their racing pedigree. Four-door sedans and wagons offer the best value today while still providing the same driving dynamics that made these cars famous.
Most were modified or simply rusted away, making original examples increasingly rare and desirable.
13. Opel Kadett
While VW grabbed headlines, Opel quietly built these cheerful, lightweight economy cars that delivered German engineering without breaking the bank.
Brought to America through Buick dealers, the Kadett offered European flair with a semi-familiar dealer network.
The Rallye models added twin-carbs and sporty touches without sacrificing affordability.
Their rarity today isn’t due to low production numbers but rather to their disposable nature—few were preserved.
Finding parts requires patience, but prices remain remarkably reasonable for a genuine German classic.
14. Renault Dauphine
Cute as a button and quirky as only French cars can be, the Dauphine brought Parisian charm to American driveways.
The rear-engine layout and featherweight construction made for unique handling characteristics—some might say terrifying in crosswinds!
Sales were surprisingly strong in America until reliability issues dented the car’s reputation. Survivors today benefit from decades of sorting out common problems.
The Gordini performance version adds some sporting credentials to the otherwise modest performance, making it the most desirable variant.