10 Classic European Cars That Are Much Cheaper Than You Think

many prospects ready to dive into the world of classic car You might think that a high performance European car is out of your budget. In fact, from the 1960s to the 1980s, there are a growing number of models that represent the era's best innovation and performance, and can be purchased for as little as $10,000. Red, green, silver, or black aren't the only options for affordable classic cars. From the UK to Germany to Scandinavia, there are affordable roadsters, hot hatches, racetrack-swept cars across the European continent, and even his four-door luxury sedan. While it's easy to look for a classic staple like the 1967 Porsche 911 S Coupe in the hope of a bargain, the reality is that the most popular models can run upwards of $100,000. When it comes to finding more affordable European classic cars, it's best to focus on options that look and perform well, but they don't get as much attention as the manufacturer's most famous offerings.

10/10 1965 MG MGB MK I ($11,000)

Especially for those living outside of Europe, it may come as a surprise to learn that the MGB is one of the most widely manufactured and best-selling classic sports cars in the world. British Motor Corporation (BMC) launched his first MGB in 1962, and the two-door convertible quickly became an attractive option for those looking for a high-performance vehicle without breaking the bank. I was.

With a top speed of just over 100 miles per hour and no ground speed record, the MGB is easy to find on the classic car market, with a 1965 model in good condition selling for just $11,000. increase.

9/10 1974 Lancia Fulvia 1.3 SI ($25,000)

For those looking for a classic sports car that can be beaten and performs well on many surfaces and conditions, buyers will find no better choice than the Lancia Fulvia. Lancia is one of the most successful manufacturers to enter the rally championship, winning titles even before his WRC formation in 1973.

Light yet durable, the Fulvia is often called the BMW of Italy. For as low as $25,000, buyers can get a taste of rally history in a model that survived the brutal race his circuit. RELATED: 10 Greatest WRC Rally Cars of All Time

8/10 1974 Volkswagen Scirocco ($16,000)

If you're looking to buy a sporty compact hatchback from the 1970s, the Volkswagen Scirocco packs a unique punch on the road. The Scirocco is often confused with the Volkswagen Golf, both of which were launched around the same time as his 1974. In fact, compared to the Golf, the 1974 Scirocco features a more sport-oriented aerodynamic design and a lower seat position.

The Scirocco is often recognized by its four-round headlights to meet US DOT regulations. Driven every day, this performance hatchback offers more storage than a coupe and can be found for around $16,000.

7/10 1980 Saab 900 Turbo 5 Speed ​​($12,000)

The Classic Saab was never difficult to distinguish from other cars on the road thanks to its long front end and noticeably curved windshield. Introduced in the late 70s, the Saab 900 Turbo was seen as a high-performance alternative to the 99 Turbo, which had a reputation as a safe family car.

The Saab 900 was well positioned to take advantage of the turbo boom of the 1980s with its trademark in-line four-cylinder engine slanted 45 degrees on the passenger side of the car. Known for its incredible durability, this 1980 his 5-speed turbo can be purchased for around $12,000.

6/10 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC ($20,000)

Mercedes' SL designation loosely stands for 'lightweight sports' and the model has enjoyed great racing success since 1954 when the 300SL won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 450 SLC Coupe version was discontinued in 1980. A delicate balance between performance and luxury.

The 450 SLC offers a relatively affordable way to own a classic sports car with modern conveniences such as air conditioning, power windows and power steering. Don't hesitate to pull the trigger when you see one selling for around $20,000.

5/10 1973 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow ($22,000)

Introduced in 1965, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was designed to modernize the luxury four-door sedan. The Silver Shadow's one-piece chassis construction made it more agile in Europe's narrow streets than its predecessor, the Silver Cloud, and provided more interior and stowage space.

As far as Rolls-Royce is concerned, the supply of Silver Shadow was plentiful, with around 30,000 sedans produced during its 1965-1980 lifespan. At just over $22,000, a 1973 model could be a great opportunity to own a relatively affordable Rolls-Royce.

4/10 1975 Fiat 124 Sport Spider ($12,000)

In an attempt to appeal to American drivers, Fiat triumphantly entered the convertible market in 1966 with the Fiat 124 Sport Spider. In 1972 Fiat upgraded the engine to rally more success on his circuits and between 1972 and 1975 he achieved his goals and in the European Rally Championship he won twice.

The Fiat 124 Spider offers a great opportunity to own a quintessential piece of Italian automotive style without going bankrupt. Famous convertibles designed by Pininfarina often sell for under his $12,000 at auction. Related: Why We Love the Fiat 124 Spider

3/10 1979 BMW 320i ($14,000)

The BMW 320i is part of Mercedes' E21 generation of sports sedans and was first launched in 1975. As the successor to the popular BMW 2002, the 320i meets the changing safety and emission standards of the times, along with other changes for a smoother ride.

The 320i has a longer wheelbase and therefore more interior space. Rated as one of his best-riding sports sedans, his pre-owned 1979 BMW 320i has plenty of performance and features and is reasonably priced at $14,000.

2/10 1978 Alfa Romeo Spider ($14,000)

The Alfa Romeo Spider, a two-seater, front-engine, rear-drive roadster, didn't wow audiences when it was first unveiled in 1966. Still, this spider's Italian charm eventually captivated critics and has gone through four generations of revisions for nearly 30 years.

By 1978, the iconic Alfa Romeo Spider had remained so popular that legendary F1 champion Niki Lauda endorsed a red-only special edition with custom decals. Surprisingly, some generations can be very expensive, but more affordable spiders can be seen in his 1975 to his 1980 period, with the 1978 example being his It retails for under $14,000.

1/10 1983 Porsche 944 ($11,000)

If there's one classic car bargain that every shopper targets, it's a classic Porsche that can be found for less than the staggering prices of today's models, which can sell for between $100,000 and $200,000. . It may seem like a pipe dream, but his 1983 Porsche 944, actually introduced in 1982, featured Porsche style and performance that had buyers drooling at prices that were hard to refuse. I'm here.

Based on the Porsche 924 series, the 944 is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car, and its first year model has several features that set it apart from future revisions. His 1983 944, which sells for just $11,000, still has manual steering and is considerably lighter than the latest version.