When the last vehicle rolled onto the auction block at Mecum’s 37th Original Spring Classic held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis on May 18, the top 10 muscle cars had collectively fetched just over $3.8 million. However, it’s a misconception to think that Mecum auctions cater only to affluent buyers.
If you tune in to a Mecum auction on the MotorTrend channel, take a moment to glance at the large video screen. In the lower-right corner, alongside the top bid, you’ll notice a smaller figure indicating the monthly payment when utilizing Mecum Financing for your purchase.
This highlights the accessibility and affordability of purchasing a classic muscle car through Mecum. It’s important to note that we’re not endorsing their financial services; rather, we’re simply illustrating how straightforward and cost-effective it can be to acquire a classic muscle car through Mecum.
This image perfectly illustrates our point. As the 1973 Camaro rolled onto the auction block before us, the current bid of $28,000 indicates that with that final price, the monthly installment through Mecum would amount to just $351 (highlighted by the yellow arrow), a figure clearly displayed in the lower-right corner of the jumbotron screen.
Mecum’s range of financial services, alongside its insurance and transportation options, significantly democratizes the process of purchasing a classic car—a process that now levels the playing field for everyday enthusiasts eager to join the excitement.
While we cannot confirm whether this bidder utilized the house bank, it certainly provided a reassuring option for those not backed by substantial financial resources. But enough about banking details—let’s delve into our list of the top 10 affordable classic muscle cars from the Indy Mecum auction!
1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, $19,800
1970 Plymouth GTX Hardtop, $29,700
The Plymouth GTX, introduced in 1967, was conceived as an upscale, refined muscle car tailored for gentlemen. Even the base GTX models were lavishly equipped, featuring a minimum 440ci big-block wedge engine.
In contrast, the visually similar Road Runner, debuting in 1968, targeted younger, budget-conscious buyers with its base 383ci wedge engine. While it’s uncommon for a genuine 1970 Plymouth GTX to sell at such a low price point, the bid seems appropriate considering the car’s condition. This particular example lacked a radio antenna and sported aftermarket components, worn whitewall tires, an aged interior, and an older repaint job.
Although it may not meet the criteria of a top-tier investment-grade vehicle, it presents an excellent opportunity for enthusiasts seeking to acquire one of these iconic cars at a modest price, with plans to put it through its paces—those whitewall tires seem tailor-made for the burnout competition at Holley’s Moparty!
1972 Plymouth Duster 340, $27,500
During the muscle car era of the 1960s and 1970s, every automotive brand boasted a compact platform mini-muscle car, and at Plymouth, it was the Valiant-based A-Body Duster.
Fortunately, today, compact-based muscle cars maintain their affordable allure and remain a solid value proposition. This 1972 Duster 340 has undergone a partial restoration, featuring a sleek paint job and a few minor non-stock modifications such as a new radiator, stereo system, and tachometer, rendering it ideal for daily driving.
While some Dusters have fetched impressive sums, like one recently sold for $159,500, these vehicles, along with their Dodge Demon counterparts, typically remain within reach for average enthusiasts.
1964 Pontiac Lemans Coupe, $25,850
The distinctive body shape and grille design of the 1964 Pontiac Lemans are so deeply associated with the iconic 1964 GTO—the vehicle credited with igniting the muscle car revolution—that the base-model Lemans has garnered its own devoted following.
While a genuine GTO commands significant prices on the valuation scale, its nearly identical counterpart, the Lemans, typically trades at more modest levels. This price differential means that enthusiasts of the GTO can acquire a Lemans for a fraction of the cost while retaining much of the GTO’s street presence.
Similar to many vehicles on our list, the Lemans offers the flexibility of being modified for various purposes without fear of diminishing its value. It’s the ideal choice for individuals constructing a HOT ROD Power Tour cruiser!
1965 Buick Special Coupe, $26,400
As we emphasized earlier, not everyone participating in a Mecum auction is solely focused on assembling an investment-grade car collection. Some of us simply crave a badass set of wheels to unleash some excitement with. Enter this 1965 Buick Special coupe, tailored precisely for such pursuits.
Clearly crafted with this intention in mind, this machine has been “restored” in the hot-rodding tradition, boasting fresh paint and interior enhancements. However, its standout features include an LS swap, a bench seat, and a column-shift automatic transmission.
Furthermore, it’s equipped with an upgraded suspension, drag-ready tires, power steering, and disc brakes. The LS swap not only ensures durability and blistering speed but also facilitates cost-effective maintenance. Originally a grandma’s car, this vehicle underwent the transformation by a small shop, and it unequivocally delivers on performance at this price point!
1966 Ford Fairlane 500XL, $20,350
Discovering a restored 1966 Ford Fairlane 500XL in such impeccable condition is indeed a rare find, and securing it for approximately $20,000 could be deemed something close to miraculous.
Our speculation is that its acquisition might have occurred simply because it flew under the radar, a common phenomenon when bidders are fixated on other high-value cars. While the Ford Fairlane boasts a rich history, particularly the tunnel-port 427 R-code versions from 1964 to 1966, this nearly pristine 1966 500XL, powered by a 289ci small-block engine, doesn’t fall into that category.
However, this is precisely why we find it appealing: it’s affordable, ripe for a big-block swap and the addition of an R-code hood without causing a stir, and all the arduous restoration work has already been completed.
1971 Dodge Charger Custom Coupe, $14,300
Mopar enthusiasts are a discerning group within the hot-rodding community, and it’s not uncommon to witness a well-meaning amateur restoration project like this 1971 Dodge Charger being overlooked in favor of more original specimens.
In this instance, we have a donor car that has been reinvigorated with whatever parts were readily accessible—a time-honored hot-rodding practice that maintains authenticity but doesn’t always resonate with purists.
This Charger, equipped with a 383ci automatic engine, a console, leather-covered bucket seats, keyless entry, power door locks, and a sleek high-gloss black paint job adorned with various customizations, possesses numerous appealing features. However, it deviates from stock specifications and isn’t considered a particularly sought-after model.
Nevertheless, it’s the type of vehicle we would have closely followed from its inception. It brings to mind Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s stolen 1972 Charger, a story we covered back in 2012.
1973 Pontiac Lemans Coupe, $13,200
While some may disagree, we firmly believe that the 1973–1977 GM intermediate A-body “colonnade” cars deserve recognition as serious muscle cars. Although they were conceptualized during the height of the muscle car era and boast sturdy chassis and timeless aesthetics, their production witnessed the demise of powerful engines and the imposition of unattractive bumpers mandated by federal regulations.
Fortunately, these issues are easily remedied, as evidenced by this 1973 Pontiac Lemans coupe, which recently sold for $13,200 (inclusive of hammer price plus fees) and meets our criteria. Featuring a four-barrel Pontiac 350ci V-8 engine, three-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering, and power front disc brakes—all in original condition—this vehicle stands out.
Additionally, its well-maintained interior enhances its appeal, and its price offers exceptional value. Having previously explored the GM A-body “colonnade” realm with a 1975 Chevy Laguna and covered Tim Smith’s (of Moonshiners fame) 1974 Pontiac Lemans, we can confidently assert that this 1973 Lemans epitomizes the essence of these iconic vehicles.
1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon, $17,600
We’re reaffirming our admiration for the GM A-body “colonnade” intermediates with this stunning 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon. By 1976, muscle cars had transitioned into personal luxury coupes, serving as spiritual successors to the muscle car era.
While substantial power had become a thing of the past, 1976 marked the final year for the Oldsmobile 455ci V-8 engine, and this exemplary specimen boasts that optional (190-hp) powerplant. While our preference leans towards the slightly more angular Cutlass S, distinguished by its beveled, NASCAR-inspired grille, we wouldn’t be overly selective given this car’s enticing $17,600 out-the-door price. Few examples of these vehicles endure today, particularly ones as pristine as this, which is equipped with all the luxurious amenities expected from an Oldsmobile.
These include an automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, power brakes, bucket seats, console, AM/FM stereo, tilt steering wheel, power seats, power windows, power door locks, and the timeless Oldsmobile SS III wheels.
1976 Chevy Corvette, $7,700
As mentioned earlier, Chevrolets typically command higher bids compared to similar non-Chevrolet models, but this trend shifts when it comes to Corvettes. While Corvettes appeal to a broad audience and coveted examples, such as the 1963 split-window Z06 that fetched $687,500 at the Indy auction, garner significant attention, they are also the most frequently sold model at Mecum auctions.
Out of the roughly 3,000 cars offered at Indy, a staggering 329—over 10 percent!—were Corvettes. With more Corvettes available at Mecum auctions than at any Chevrolet dealership, it’s not surprising that a few slip through the cracks, selling at prices dealership would never consider. We’ve selected this 180-hp 1976 Corvette as the epitome of this phenomenon, although it was just one of many available for under $10,000.
