Liviu Marcus
If you are looking forward to an old school car equipped with a traditional big old V8 and a manual transmission, then we have compiled a list of one of the best muscle cars you can get for under $10,000.
1. First Generation Ford Mustang
If you can find a (1965-1973) Ford Mustang in a reasonable condition in your neighborhood, it will cost you around $10,000 depending on its condition. It has the heritage and character of a true muscle car. It came equipped stock with a 4.9-liter V8 that delivered around 220 hp. The engine delivered the power to the wheels with a 3 or 4-speed manual transmission. Although you would find a lot of the things altered or upgraded if you find a first-generation Mustang nowadays.
2. Second Generation Pontiac Firebird
Second generation Pontiac Firebird came from 1970-1981, and it is also a great muscle car with character and charm if you are able to find one for around $10,000. It has a very unique extended front-end design and also comes in convertible variants. It was also equipped with an Inline-6 or a V8 which produced from 175 to 340 hp according to the engine. It came equipped with an old-fashioned 3 or 4-speed manual gearbox. This car really stands out for its unique design.
3. Fourth or Fifth Generation Ford Ranchero
The Ford Ranchero had a unique form factor of a coupe utility/ pickup. It had a lower vehicle height than a typical pickup truck and looked like a sedan from the front. It had a sharp front-end design with an attention-seeking hood scoop and tamed a V8 down the engine bay. Along the V8 was a 3/4 speed manual or automatic gearbox that put the power down to the wheels. If you can find it in decent condition in your neighborhood, it will set you back around $10,000.
4. Fourth Generation Mercury Cyclone GT
The Mercury Cyclone GT also belongs to the true OG muscle car lineup. It has an interesting front, with a distinctive hood scope. It came equipped with a naturally aspirated, big old V8 that delivered 250hp. It comes with leather seats and a pristine, simplistic interior, like most of the cars from that era. It will also cost you around $10,000 or more to find one in decent condition.
5. Fourth Generation Dodge Dart Sport
The Dodge Dart Sport is among one of the best classic cars of America. It just like the other muscle cars, came equipped with an NA 5.9-liter V8, which delivered almost 245 hp through speed manual gearbox. A Dodge Dart Sport in working order will set you back around $10,000.
