We might be big time geeks. data analysis At Hagerty Insider, where we report on both major and minor sales, our passion for automobiles connects us to more basic joys: convertible cars. 1990s luxury coupes , and, of course, beloved American V-8 engines. This pursuit of straightforward delights at affordable costs guided us to the compilation listed below: We put together a comprehensive spreadsheet featuring all the automobiles mentioned. The Hagerty Price Guide With over 400 horsepower, I filtered them down to instances in #3 (Good) condition, and finally set the maximum price at $40,000.
The variety of vehicles showcased was intriguing on its own. None predating 1958 were included. (This isn’t terribly unexpected considering advancements in powertrain tech). Cars from the '60s tended to be large displacement monsters with substantial dimensions, although some outliers are noted further down. Just a select number of ‘70s automobiles managed inclusion—thanks largely to stringent emission standards—and absolutely no rides from the '80s were featured. As anticipated, the '90s onward offered an abundance of fascinating, budget-friendly, high-performance options ranging from the turbocharged '91 Callaway Corvette (both coupe and convertible versions!) to the "Viper pickup" known as the Dodge SRT-10 and the inaugural F-150 Raptor through to the 2011 BMW M3, multiple AMG variants, plus the 2011–14 Ford Mustang range. Let’s also tip our hats to the C7 Chevrolet Corvette for making the list!
This week we got caught up in nostalgia, so think of that vehicle list as a small appetizer. Whether you're into wagons, convertibles, or T-tops, here are six classic models from earlier times, all priced under $40,000 and packing more than 400 horsepower.
1964 Chevrolet Bel Air Station Wagon
#3 Value: $25,700
We're all familiar with the Beach Boys' tune about the 409, and the '64 Bel Air offers two times the enjoyment.
The Beach Boys might have pooled their pennies and dimes for their high-end, four-speed, dual-quad, Positraction 409 equipped car, whose specific body design isn’t clear, but an '64 Bel Air station wagon fitted with the same engine is surprisingly budget-friendly. This particular model came out roughly eleven years following the iconic "Tri-Five" Chevys we recall, and two years past the introduction of the "bubble top" Sport Coupe, during which time Chevrolet reduced the size of its full-sized models and cut down on variant options. Naturally, the station wagons continued to be produced.
Today’s contender under $40,000 comes equipped with the 409-cubic-inch V-8 engine tuned up to deliver more power at 425 horsepower compared to the lower setting of 400hp. This model typically features a dual-carburetor system, though be prepared to add about ten percent to your budget if you want a four-speed transmission instead. We believe both The Beach Boys and anyone who enjoys cruising to lakeside or seaside destinations would appreciate this robust and roomy Bel Air!
1965 Dodge Coronet 500 Coupe
#3 Value: $36,900
Welcome one of the select few '60s vehicles featured in our price guide that remains under $40,000, boasts 400 horsepower, and isn’t a full-size car!
In 1965, Dodge brought back the mid-size Coronet into their model line-up after being absent for six years, replacing both the 330 and 440 models. There were three trim levels available: the base version, the 440, and the 500, which could be identified by featuring a center console. Various body types along with options between slant-six engines and V-8s were plentiful; however, our specific setup under $40k with 400 horsepower stands out significantly—a coupé equipped with the powerful 426 Hemi engine. Known for its success on racetracks, this particular motor was not officially marketed towards consumers. Even so, if someone managed to purchase it, Dodge would refrain from offering a warranty coverage for it.
With the 426 now being highly sought after, the cost of a Hemi Coronet appears almost unrealistically low. However, this deal comes with a catch: if you're looking for a manual transmission, as the four-speed version includes an additional 15% surcharge.
1970 Cadillac Eldorado
#3 Value: $17,400
Why would we leave out this sumptuous piece of American luxury? This single '70s entry on our list stands as the sole Cadillac produced prior to 2004 that meets all our criteria. The 1970 Eldorado offers an abundance of automobile alongside a powerful engine; the 500-cubic-inch V8 was at that time the biggest-displacement engine ever crafted by Cadillac, exclusively found within the Eldorado range for 1970. With outputs rated at 400 horsepower and an impressive 550 pound-feet of torque, acceleration from zero to sixty miles per hour took just 8.8 seconds—enough to "[bring] the essence of the seventies vividly to life," as stated by Cadillac. One can anticipate enjoying a wide array of choices when picking out your preferred color schemes and interior fabrics, without even mentioning the optional Brougham-esque convertible top!
1964 Plymouth Sport Fury Hardtop Coupe
#3 Value: $32,500
Fitted with a potent 425-horsepower, 426-cubic-inch Hemi engine introduced halfway through 1963, the Plymouth Fury truly earned its moniker. This model can be considered an early prototype of what would later become known as a muscle car, particularly in its two-door configurations, exemplified here. When looking at the 426-engined '64 Furys, you have numerous options since both the two-door hardtop coupé, four-door hardtop sedan, standard sedan, and another two-door hardtop coupé are priced below $40,000. Among these models, we opted for the Sport Fury equipped with the 426 due to its blend of power and cost-effectiveness; among those mentioned, this variant offers the lowest price point yet retains substantial horsepower—boasting 425 instead of 415 hp.
1963 Ford Galaxie Sunliner
#3 Value: $38,400
The list wouldn't be complete without including both a convertible and a Ford model. In 1960, Ford provided both a soft-top (Sunliner) and a retractable hardtop (Skyliner) variant of their Galaxie full-size car; however, by 1963, the sole open-topped option left was just the Sunliner. If cost-efficiency is your priority, opt for a two-door convertible equipped with the 406-cubic-inch V-8 engine featuring triple downdraft carburetors instead of going all out with the top-tier 427 coupled with a coupe body style—it offers nearly identical performance at roughly half the price. This big, robust vehicle boasting distinctive circular tail lamps from Ford could serve perfectly well as an ideal summertime ride for you and some companions.
1968 Chevrolet Corvette
#3 Value: $39,800
Being a devoted admirer of the third-generation Corvette, I might usually refrain from sharing that one can find a chrome-bumper, big-block C3 for under $40,000. But honestly, who cares? It’s something to cheer about! With just a bit over $40,000, you get the topless flexibility, sleek design, and quintessentially American rumble of a first-model-year C3 coupé equipped with a 427-cubic-inch L68 engine delivering 400 horsepower. In its inaugural year, Chevrolet provided ten exterior hues along with seven choices for interiors; moreover, the option list included desirable features such as leather seating, power steering, a rear-window defroster, and tinted windows. Surely, the initial production run faced some quality control challenges—issues that have since been addressed—but considering the performance and appearance, these concerns seem trivial. If asked, though, I’d say I'd prefer my car in any shade except yellow.
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