20 American classics for less than £20k

Star-spangled classics

Independence Day, 4 July, might seem an odd date for us in the UK to mark – after all, it celebrates when, in 1776, US Congress declared the 13 American colonies were no longer subject to Britain’s monarch, King George III.

Americans know how to celebrate it well, so even though it commemorates a divorce from us Brits, it’s a good time to shine a light on getting a slice of Americana for less than you might think.

For a long time, American cars didn’t always get a sympathetic ear on this side of the pond, but times are changing. The classic scene has been leading the way for many years by bringing American cars into the mainstream, but the presence of right-hand-drive Ford Mustangs on British forecourts has done much to reinvigorate interest in American metal.

There’s an American classic car for you, whether you’re after a muscle car, a pick-up or a luxury cruiser. In a world of identikit SUVs, these are excellent reminders of a time when mainstream design really could be avant-garde.

So we’ve corralled 20 all-American classic cars for sale for less than £20,000, based on examples we’ve found listed in the UK this week. Feeling tempted?

1. Ford Mustang Mach 1 (1971-1973)

Let’s kick off with the Ford Mustang, the quintessential American pony car.

However, for our £20,000 budget you’ll struggle to find a pre-1969 example that isn’t in need of work. Post-1969 cars added weight, width and length, but also upped the attitude, too.

Ford Mustang Mach 1 (cont.)

One of the most flamboyant was the Mach 1, made from 1971-’73 – NACA ducts were a no-cost option on the base model, even if they weren’t functional without the Ram Air option.

Power came from a variety of V8s, from a 210bhp 4.9-litre unit to a mighty 375bhp 7.0-litre engine.

We found a 1973 Mach 1 Convertible with a 351 Cleveland engine in blue for £19,995 in Surrey. 

2. Chevrolet Corvette C3 (1967-1982)

The Chevrolet Corvette is another icon of American motoring that’s due to follow the Mustang across the Atlantic in right-hand-drive form.

Attempts to sell the Corvette to Brits has been tried before, but only in left-hand-drive form, which has kept supply short – we could only find a couple for sale in the UK under our £20k budget (and no Camaros).

Chevrolet Corvette C3 (cont.)

While a 2000 C5 appealed, it’s hard to resist the fabulously flared bodywork of the extravagant C3 version we found in Cambridgeshire.

The C3 era spanned 15 years and really set the template for Corvettes, and proved wildly popular – production hit a peak 53,807 in 1979, a record that’s never been bettered.

The C3 we spotted for sale is in a suitably eye-popping shade of yellow and comes with a 200bhp version of the venerable 5.7-litre smallblock Chevy V8, and a £16,950 price-tag.

3. Buick Skylark (1964-1967)

The Buick Skylark of 1964 was a departure for the brand-name – its previous iterations had been a short-lived two-door convertible (1953) and a luxury trim level for the Special (1961-’63).

However, the popularity of the Skylark name made Buick develop it as a version of the Special itself, and then a model in its own right.

Buick Skylark (cont.)

The first-generation Skylark moved up a class in size, sharing the same chassis as the Oldsmobile F-85, Pontiac Tempest and Chevrolet Chevelle.

Out went the old Skylark’s 215cu in V8 – the engine that became known as the Rover V8 – and in came a 225cu in V6.

There were V8s to choose from, too – in 300cu in, 340cu in, 350cu in and 401cu in form, the latter putting out a mighty 325bhp. We found a lovely-looking blue 1964 example for sale in Kent with the 300cu in engine, for £15,500.

4. Mercury Monterey (1961-1964)

The Mercury Monterey was a major part of Ford’s model-line transformation from its late-1950s set-up. The Montclair and the Park Lane left the line-up, and the Monterey became the flagship.

The car was much smaller than its predecessors, losing six inches of wheelbase, two inches of width and four inches in length. It was still big, though – around an inch longer than the similar Ford Galaxie.

The engines were similarly large, starting with a 223cu in ‘six’, a 292cu in Ford Y-Block V8 and three variants of the FE V8, the largest being 406cu in.

Mercury Monterey (cont.)

It might be worth checking it will fit on your driveway or in your garage prior to purchase, then.

However, these big beasts neatly segue styling cues from the ’50s into the ’60s, and are a manageable size for UK roads.

We found a delightfully-hued two-tone white-over-blue example in Yorkshire with just one family ownership, for sale at £19,500.

5. Cadillac Series 62 (1948-1953)

The Cadillac Series 62 had been the mainstay of the firm’s post-war production.

The third-generation model, launched in 1948, introduced tailfins inspired by the Lockheed P-38 fighter plane, and would usher in the new Cadillac ohv V8 engine a year into production.

Cadillac Series 62 (cont.)

The same year also saw the introduction of the Coupe de Ville, which along with the Buick Roadmaster Riviera and the Oldsmobile 98 Holiday, was among the first pillarless hardtop coupes.

We found a 1949 Series 62 Sedan with a 331cu in V8 and Hydramatic four-speed automatic in Buckinghamshire for £13,995.

6. Buick Wildcat (1965-1970)

The Buick Wildcat may have taken its name from a glassfibre-bodied concept car from 1953, but the production version was true heavy metal.

Based on the GM B platform, the fourth-best-selling car platform in the world, it matched big engines to its big footprint.

Designed to evoke the hugely popular 1963 Buick Riviera, you could order the second-generation Wildcat in two-door convertible and hardtop form, or four-door hardtop and sedan flavours.

Buick Wildcat (cont.)

All came with huge V8s, with either the 425cu ni Nailhead, or a Buick V8 in 430cu in or 455cu in form – that’s 7.0 and 7.5 litres respectively, for the latter two.

Like the look of this? The good news is we found a dark turquoise ’67 example in Nuneaton on 69,000 miles for £16,000.

7. Dodge 150 Palomino (1972-1980)

The Dodge D Series was one of the longest-living model lines, lasting from 1960 until 1993 before it was replaced with the Ram.

The pick-up truck is a staple of American life, and they’ve become more popular over here, too.

This is no Mitsubishi L200, however – this has a selection of hearty V8s to choose from, including a mighty 440cu in.

Dodge 150 Palomino (cont.)

The third-generation model that ran for much of the ’70s included some, er, interesting names – Li’l Red Express, the Warlock, the Macho Power Wagon, the Macho Power Wagon Top Hand and so on.

Makes some of the names on the sides of modern pick-ups seem tame, doesn’t it?

We found a cream 1979 150 Adventurer Palomino with a 360cu in V8 for sale in Devon for £12,950.
 

8. Ford Falcon (1964-1965)

The Ford Falcon may be better known as the car that provided the basis for the Mustang, but it’s a charming classic car in itself.

The second generation ran for two years only, as demand for the Mustang pulled away the Falcon’s sales – for only a little bit more money you could get the in-demand new pony car.

That means that Falcons are relatively rare, but there’s still great choice to be had, certainly with regards to engines.

Ford Falcon (cont.)

You had a choice of three different straight-six engines as well as two Windsor V8s. You could also specify your Falcon in eight different combinations of body styles.

We spotted a red 289cu in V8 Falcon Convertible in Devon, for sale with a £13,450 price-tag.

9. Pontiac Firebird 350 (1970-1981)

The Pontiac Firebird was designed to take on the Ford Mustang, offering rakish good looks and meaty V8 performance.

It might not be as universally well-loved as the Blue Oval’s pony car, but the Firebird was a star in itself – first in The Rockford Files with James Garner behind the wheel, and then for the movies it’s best known for, the Smokey and the Bandit franchise.

Pontiac Firebird 350 (cont.)

A wide variety of engines was offered, ranging from a lowly 100bhp straight-six to a 345bhp V8, but we’ve found a 350cu in model for sale in Dorset for £19,950.

It’s not in Smokey and the Bandit colours – which might be disappointing for some – but we think this 1975 model looks great in red.

10. Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (1984-1985)

The Cadillac Eldorado was at or near the top of the Cadillac product line for decades.

The 10th-generation version, which appeared in 1979 and ran until 1985, was when the car was at its most popular – it hit a sales record in 1984 of 77,806, which accounted for 26 per cent of all Cadillacs sold that year.

Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (cont.)

It was fairly novel for a Cadillac – not only did it have an extreme notchback roofline, but it also had independent rear suspension to aid interior space.

You could also specify digital displays for the speedometer and fuel gauge.

We found a very rare convertible (produced for just a couple of years) in Warwickshire in white, for £9950.

11. Buick LeSabre Bubbletop (1961-1964)

The Buick LeSabre operated in the mid-point in the Buick range during the 1960s. The nameplate lasted from 1959 all the way up to 2005.

The second generation, introduced in 1961, sported six different body shapes, from two-door sedan to four-door station wagon, with a two-door convertible also available.

Buick LeSabre Bubbletop (cont.)

Our favourite has to be the ‘Bubbletop’ two-door hardtop, which has pillarless windows and a boot – sorry, trunk – so big, you could live in it.

Power came from a 300cu in smallblock V8 or a choice of two Nailhead V8s. We found a red 401cu in V8 Bubbletop LeSabre in Leicester, stickered at £17,500.

12. Lincoln Continental Mk5 (1970-1979)

The Lincoln Continental may have become internationally famous for its role as presidential wheels, but its influence is much more wide-ranging than that.

The first Continental nameplate appeared in 1939, and helped build the concept of the personal luxury car into a worldwide phenomenon.

The Mk5, introduced in 1970, looked to modernise the range – it was the first body-on-frame construction Lincoln since 1957.

Lincoln Continental Mk5 (cont.)

This did mean platform sharing with the Mercury Marquis and the loss of the suicide doors, however.

Lincoln didn’t build a Convertible Continental itself, which means the one we’ve found in Warwickshire dating from 1978 must be a very rare conversion. It’s a Bill Blass special edition in need of a little TLC, but it’s just £11,999.

13. Ford Model A (1927-1931)

The Ford Model A built on the success of the T model.

Though it might not have the emotional pull of a T, the fact that it was the first Ford to use the standard set of driver controls – conventional clutch and brake pedals, accelerator and gearshift – makes it a much easier car to slip into if you’re used to more modern fare.

Ford Model A (cont.)

The Model A was also the first car to have safety glass in the windscreen. More than 30 body styles were available, and the Model A we’ve found for sale here in the UK within our budget is a pick-up.

Dating from 1929, it’s in a lovely shade of blue and resides in Kent; you’ll need £16,950 to make it yours.

14. Chrysler 300 Convertible (1969-1971)

The Chrysler 300 was designed to offer a more luxurious take on the muscle-car recipe, yet also be cheaper than the 300 ‘letter series’ cars.

By 1969, three body styles were available in a new ‘fuselage’ styling motif – four-door hardtop, two-door hardtop and two-door convertible.

Chrysler 300 Convertible (cont.)

The 300 Convertible would be the last drop-top built by Chrysler for a long time in the face of regulatory fears.

Engine choices were two versions of the 440cu in V8 with between 335bhp and 375bhp. We found a bronze Convertible in Warwickshire for £14,999 dating from 1969.

15. Chevrolet Impala (1971-1976)

The Chevrolet Impala had become known for introducing Cadillac levels of finish to a Chevrolet product, yet still with muscle-car levels of power.

As such, the fifth-generation of Impala would be the largest car ever offered by Chevrolet, and the 454cu in Turbo-Jet engine produced a stonking 365bhp.

Chevrolet Impala (cont.)

However, catalytic converters were on the way and power would be reduced over the years, and then the fuel crisis hit in 1973.

The Impala was available in six different body styles over its life, and we’ve found a 1973 Custom Coupe with a 350cu in V8 engine in Hertfordshire, and it could be yours for £15,995.

16. Ford LTD (1969-1978)

The Ford LTD was designed to be the highest trim level in the Blue Oval’s range, bringing a level of luxury to the table that was usually seen in Lincoln or Mercury models.

The first generation was a development of the Ford Galaxie, and offered features such as power windows and driver’s seat, power brakes and steering, and air conditioning.

Ford LTD (cont.)

The LTD’s introduction sparked rival companies into offering top-line luxury versions of its up-spec mainstream cars.

Body styles ranged from a two-door convertible and coupe to a four-door hardop, sedan and station wagon. We found a great-looking cream 1969 four-door sedan in Essex, priced at £7250.

17. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (1992-2002)

The Pontiac Firebird took the wedgy styling themes of the third-generation model and smoothed them out for the 1990s, but the fantastic pop-up headlights remained.

Power came from a variety of V6s and V8s, the highlight being the 345-250bhp Firehawk LS1 V8. You could choose from a coupe or convertible body.

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (cont.)

The Firebird is closely related to the fourth-gen Camaro, which was officially sold here in the UK for a short time (though only in left-hand drive).

The Trans Am GT model is a particular highlight, previewing the options that later became standard in the GT package – different tyres, 155mph speedo and more; it was a cost option but most Trans Ams were ordered with the GT package. We found a red 1994 example in Scotland for £9500.

18. Chevrolet Bel Air (1961-1964)

The Chevrolet Bel Air name started off as a luxury trim level in 1949 and ended its days strapped to the back of a budget sedan – oh how the mighty fell.

The early Bel Airs are curvy, traditional cars that are well out of our budget, but the fifth-gen car, which took a more muscular look and trimmed the fins to a minimum, provides an interesting curio.

Right-hand-drive models were built for Australia, so if you’ve been put off by LHD-only American cars, this could be the one for you.

Chevrolet Bel Air (cont.)

Five different body styles were offered, from two-door sedan to four-door station wagon, and power came from a variety of straight-sixes and V8s in big- and smallblock form.

We found a straight-six example dating from 1961 in a lovely shade of blue in Kent, for sale at £14,000.

19. Pontiac Parisienne (1965-1970)

The Pontiac Parisienne is another option if you fancy your American motoring with the steering wheel on the right.

Built between 1965 and 1970, the Parisienne was primarily a Canadian-market car that used Pontiac body panels over more economical Chevrolet chassis and drivetrains. However, a small proportion were built for Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Pontiac Parisienne (cont.)

The car was available in two-door coupe and convertible forms, as well as four-door sedan, hardtop and station wagon flavours.

Power came from a variety of V8s, ranging from 283cu in to 454cu in. We found one of 78 RHD Parisiennes built in Canada in 1966 for the Australian market; however it made its way to the UK instead.

Looking suitably mean in black, it’s up for grabs for £14,995 in Hampshire.

20. Ford Mustang (2005-2013)

The Ford Mustang provides as good an exit to our list as an entry – and while our £20k budget can’t quite stretch to the first of the UK RHD models, it can get you into the first of the retro-themed Mustangs that did much to revitalise the brand in the ’00s.

The fifth-generation styling was described as retro-futurism, and had been under development since 1997.

Ford Mustang (cont.)

It caused a sensation when the concept car was displayed in 2003, and proved to be a sales hit when it first rolled off the production line a couple of years later.

The base engine was a Cologne V6, but you had the choice of a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 or a supercharged 5.4-litre V8, too.

We found a 2005 4.6 GT Convertible auto in Saltburn-by-the-Sea in North Yorkshire. It is finished in metallic silver, it has done 52,000 miles and it is priced at £14,500.