You don’t always need to pay a lot of money to get a fancy car. In fact, there are many great American cars that used to cost a lot but now you can buy them for much less. These “cheap” fancy cars look good, are comfy, and people notice them when they drive by. Here are 10 American beauties that show you don’t have to spend a lot to drive something special:
1. 1958 Ford Thunderbird: This car was more than just a car; it was a big deal back then. Its smooth shape, bright colors, and strong engine (a big 5.8-liter V8 that made a lot of power for its time, 300 horsepower) made it different from other cars. You can usually find one for around $25,901, and it gives you a cool old-school feel without costing too much.
2. 1978 Cadillac Eldorado: This big car was the height of American fancy cars in the late 70s. It was really big and had a strong engine (enough power to easily carry your whole family). It was meant to compete with the Lincoln Continental. Even though it cost more than the Lincoln back then, you can now find good Eldorados for surprisingly low prices.
3. 1973 Buick Riviera: The third version of the Riviera, especially the “Boattail” one, is easy to spot. The earlier “Boattail” designs were even more curved in the back, but the 1973 model still had a special and stylish rear. With a big 7.5-liter V8 engine, these Rivieras give you a cool mix of old American power and luxury for a good price (experts say a good one costs around $20,400).
4. 1956 Lincoln Premiere: If you like the cool look of the 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevys but want something fancier and not as common, the 1956 Lincoln Premiere is a great choice. It looks similar but has a touch of class, and it doesn’t cost as much as those classic Chevrolets often do.
5. 1958 Ford Edsel Pacer: People often say the Edsel wasn’t successful, but its unusual style definitely catches your eye. The Pacer model, only made in 1958, had a strong 5.9-liter V8 engine with 303 horsepower and a lot of pulling power (400 pound-feet of torque). For an average price of just over $18,000, you can own a piece of car history that people will definitely ask you about.
6. 1977 Lincoln Continental: This version of the Lincoln Continental is the perfect example of a big, classic American car. It was a huge 19 feet long and made for smooth, comfortable driving in style. With either a 6.6-liter or a very large 7.5-liter V8 engine, you can get a well-kept Continental for under $17,000 on average, which is a lot of car for the money.
7. 1973 Pontiac Grand Ville: People often forget about the Pontiac Grand Ville, but it was a big, fancy car that was in the same class as the Buick Electra and Cadillac DeVille. Because fewer people remember it, you can now get it for a great price. You can own a comfy and stylish piece of 70s American luxury without spending a lot.
8. 1969 Oldsmobile Toronado: The first version of the Oldsmobile Toronado was a special car because it was the first American car with front-wheel drive since the 1930s. Its smooth, modern look and strong V8 engine made people look. Today, you can find these unique and important luxury cars for surprisingly low prices.
9. 1997 Cadillac Seville: The Cadillac Seville in the late 90s started to look more like European fancy cars. It had a good mix of comfort, new technology for its time, and a stylish design. With soft leather inside, wooden details, and a smooth ride, you can now buy a Seville for very little money and get a taste of Cadillac luxury without the high cost of a new car.
10. 1990-1992 Jaguar XJS: Even though it’s from Britain, the Jaguar XJS from the early 90s is popular in America, and you can often find them for good prices here. Its smooth shape, strong engine choices (including a V12), and fancy inside make it an affordable classic car that looks classy and sophisticated.
These ten American fancy cars show that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to drive something special that people will notice. They offer a cool mix of style, history, and comfort that you can’t easily find in new cars at the same low prices. Keeping older fancy cars in good shape can cost some money, but the special look and feel of these cars make them worth it for someone who wants something different without spending a fortune.