What model to choose

[Out8out]

Hi everyone!
Ten years ago I fell in love with muscle cars. Now I have a budget for the dream (around $30k and I expect to buy turn key car). But I live in Russia and it's almost impossible to find classic muscle cars here, so I'm going to choose a car by internet(eBay). I'm choosing from the list below:
69 Camaro rs/ss
70,71 Challenger
68-70 Charger
69 Mustang Sportsroof
70-73 Firebird Trans Am
70-74 Plymouth Barracuda
68,69 Pontiac GTO


I don't need nubers mathing car, I'm ok with a tribute car. I'm going to use a car as a dayly driver. Of course I've got another DD car so it wouldn't be the only car ))
As I understood Camaro and Mustang have very good aftermarket support, but 30K for Mustang isn't enough. What would you recommend look for? What model will be more appropriate for daily usage? Any input will be very helpful.

[CJD Automotive]

I don’t see anything on your list that 30k will buy if it’s remotely nice and not a project. You got 20+ percent import tax and 18% VAT on top of that. Might look at later C3 Vette’s or equivalent to get a decent older car for your budget.

[214Chevy]

I agree...you've got some heavy hitters on that list that $30k won't even come close too. Also, if it does, pics on Ebay will be one thing and what you actually get will be another. It'll be virtually impossible for you to see the car before buying due to your location. Therefore, that'll impose some quality issues as what you paid for vs. what you'll actually receive.

[JayR]

What they said..... Those are literally the most popular musclecars of all time. If you have a budget and a deep desire, it's time to think outside the box.

I'd use some of that money to get over to the states and hit some Good Guys shows because there's always cars for sale that can be had for a fraction of what it cost to build. Mecum and Barrett Jackson on weekdays and Sundays always have super good deals but inspect thoroughly before bidding on anything because we've all seen and heard about Barrett Jackson junk.

Back to thinking outside the box, think seriously about the not so popular models and you'll score a deal on something unique.

Off the top of my head...

64-72 A Bodies especially Buicks Olds & Pontiacs that aren't GS, 442 and GTO as well as the wagons available in each model. Great looking cars with TONS of aftermarket support.

64-70 Mustang Coupes look awesome with proper wheels and stance and have plenty of support and they made a few million of them.

70-73 Mustang Fastbacks only need some wheels and stance.

73-77 A Bodies have so much untapped potential and hold huge tires and handle better in stock form than their 64-72 counterparts. Correct me if I'm wrong but I also think 70-72 A Body parts like control arms, etc bolt right on.

78-87 G Bodies are great looking with tons of untapped potential.

Late 2nd gen and 3rd gen F-Bodies are relatively cheap and plentiful with lots of untapped potential.

88-99 OBS bodystyle pickups and 2 door Tahoes are the next truck craze guaranteed and already starting to pop off.

Mavericks have awesome lines but I'm not sure of the aftermarket support.

I'll sell you a 95 Impala SS so cheap, you'll have money left over to give it an LS swap and a 6 speed.

If I was shopping for a hot rod project on a budget, those are exactly where I'd start and you'll be ahead of the wave that's about to surge their prices and popularity instead of paying a premium for the same cars everyone wants.

[Out8out]

Thanks a lot for your replies. As a result a bought this https://www.hotrod.com/articles/1970...ski-slant-six/ for 12k. It was a really hard to make this deal. But also I bought a ... body shop. Hope i'll get cool pro touring soon )))) See you in another thread, hope so

[214Chevy]

Congrats! Share some pics of the car...

[Out8out]

Originally Posted by CJD Automotive

I don’t see anything on your list that 30k will buy if it’s remotely nice and not a project. You got 20+ percent import tax and 18% VAT on top of that. Might look at later C3 Vette’s or equivalent to get a decent older car for your budget.

4 years later. Almost at finish line

[camcojb]

Very nice!

[WSSix]

Congrats! I'm glad it's working out for you. That red interior pops!

[fleet]

Congrats…I agree with Trey, that red interior!