By Christopher Kluever
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Muscle Cars
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10 Muscle Cars Under $40,000 For Maximum Performance And Thrills
12 Cheap Buick Muscle Cars On The Used Market Today
10 Dirt-Cheap Pontiac Muscle Cars On The Used Market Today
What's in a big-block V8? About 400 cubic inches of displacement. A V8 can come in three different sizes in terms of displacement: small, medium, and big. Small blocks have been more popular in recent years as technology has gotten better at producing output numbers with a smaller displacement. In the 1960s, however, big blocks were more common and some of the displacements were as big as 7.4 liters.
Some were put in sedans, but most were put in sports cars. Though emission standards eventually put a choke hold on big-block V8s and muscle cars in general, there were still a few that remained into the early and mid-seventies. If you want something that's equal parts grumble and power, then a big-block V8 is for you. Check out our list of the 10 most affordable big block V8 muscle cars on the market currently.
How we made our model selections: All prices were found on Hagerty.com. Cars were ranked from most to least expensive, and we tried to keep them under $35,000 in good condition according to Hagerty's valuations. A big-block V8 is anything with 396 cubic feet of displacement and above. All other data about power and output was sourced from automobile-catalog.com
Related
The Fastest Big Block V8 Muscle Car Ever Produced
While big blocks tend to be reserved for commercial vehicles these days, they used to be big in muscle cars. This is the fastest car to ever have one.
10 1969 Chevrolet Corvette: $35,800
Specifications
Engine | 427 L68 V8 |
Power | 390 hp |
Torque | 460 lb-ft |
0 to 60 MPH | 5.4 Seconds |
(Sources: Hagerty, Automobile-Catalog)
Most of the big-block V8 Corvettes from this iconic era are well into (or close to) the six-figure range. There is a base model 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray base model with the 427 L68 listed on Hagerty currently that is only around $35,800 in "good condition." Which is a steal considering you get 400 horsepower, 427 cubic inches of displacement, a 0 to 60 time of 5.4 seconds, and a top speed near 150 mph.
Hagerty Valuation
Concours Condition | $101,000 |
Excellent Condition | $59,300 |
Good Condition | $35,800 |
Fair Condition | $19,700 |
Related
10 Muscle Cars Under $40,000 For Maximum Performance And Thrills
At least 365 horsepower and a price tag below $40,000 are all you’ll find on this list of exciting muscle cars.
9 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: $28,800
Specifications
Engine | 455 L75 V8 |
Power | 250 hp |
Torque | 370 lb-ft |
0 to 60 MPH | 7.1 Seconds |
(Sources: Hagerty, Automobile-Catalog)
This 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is powered by a 455 L75 V8 that outputs 250 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. Not to mention, the Trans Am model has the better performance options, more paint colors to choose from, a slightly nicer interior, and is an American classic car icon. This specific engine can get the Trans Am up to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds.
Hagerty Valuation
Concours Condition | $77,300 |
Excellent Condition | $56,000 |
Good Condition | $28,800 |
Fair Condition | $14,900 |
8 1968 Chevrolet El Camino: $28,700
Specifications
Engine | 396 L78 V8 |
Power | 325 hp |
Torque | 410 lb-ft |
0 to 60 MPH | 6.6 Seconds |
(Sources: Hagerty, Automobile-Catalog)
One of the "smaller" big blocks on the list, the 1968 Chevrolet El Camino is the most recognizable of all El Camino generations. Technically a ute, the 1968 El Camino has every true muscle car credential and deserves a spot on this list.
The 1968 El Camino currently goes for $28,700 in the "good condition" category on Hagerty. The 396 CID L78 V8 outputs 375 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque with a 0 to 60 time of 6.6 seconds. This sets it apart from other big-block V8 muscle cars because it has a truck-like bed out back.
Hagerty Valuation
Concours Condition | $54,500 |
Excellent Condition | $41,700 |
Good Condition | $28,700 |
Fair Condition | $15,300 |
Discussion
Is The Ultra-Rare 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible Really Worth Millions of Dollars?
Plymouth has been dead for years, and yet it remains a popular brand due to its classic muscle cars. Among its muscle car creations were the Barracuda, GTX, Roadrunner, and the Superbird. Production and sales reached thousands, giving the Chrysler brand a shot to muscle car fame. Nevertheless, you may wonder which Plymouth muscle car holds the distinction as the rarest. That honor belongs to the 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible. As its name tells us, it’s a Barracuda Convertible of the 1971 model year, with a Hemi engine underneath. This Hemi engine is a 427-ci V8 mill that could deliver 425 hp of max output and 490 lb-ft of peak torque. In the early 1970s, the Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible was too expensive for its kind, resulting in low demand, and thus low production. Plymouth built just 12 examples Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible for the 1971 model year. Interestingly, these Cudas are now too valuable, possibly fetching millions of dollars when sold in an auction. If you have th
7 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T: $27,000
Specifications
Engine | 440 Magnum V8 |
Power | 425 hp |
Torque | 490 lb-ft |
0 to 60 MPH | 6.5 Seconds |
(Sources: Hagerty, Automobile-Catalog)
The second-generation Dodge Coronet received its first-ever V8, but it wasn't until the end of the fifth generation that Dodge wedged a 7.2-liter V8 in the engine bay. This engine produced 375 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque for the R/T model. It has not only come a long way in engines but also styling as it went from a generic 1950s car to a (almost just as generic) muscle car in the '70s.
Hagerty Valuation
Concours Condition | $62,300 |
Excellent Condition | $49,400 |
Good Condition | $27,000 |
Fair Condition | $18,000 |
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6 1971 Buick GS 455: $26,500
Specifications
Engine | 455 V8 |
Power | 315 hp |
Torque | 450 lb-ft |
0 to 60 MPH | 6.5 Seconds |
(Sources: Hagerty, Automobile-Catalog)
Before Buick's had their reliable and iconic 3800 V6 engines, there were the 455 V8s. Buick actually used to have a "Gran Sport" line of sports cars that were originally based on the Skylark, later used for sportier versions of other models. The GS 455 sported a huge 7.4-liter V8 that output 350 horsepower and a staggering 510 pound-feet of torque.
Hagerty Valuation
Concours Condition | $59,700 |
Excellent Condition | $44,700 |
Good Condition | $26,500 |
Fair Condition | $17,300 |
Related
12 Cheap Buick Muscle Cars On The Used Market Today
There are plenty of inexpensive Buicks with plenty of power and style.
5 1967 Dodge Polara: $24,300
Specifications
Engine | 440 V8 |
Power | 375 hp |
Torque | 480 lb-ft |
0 to 60 MPH | 6.5 Seconds |
(Sources: Hagerty, Automobile-Catalog)
The Dodge Polara went through several transformations through its four generations, but big-block V8s didn't arrive until the second generation, then received an upgrade by the third generation. The largest engine offered in the Polara was the 440 V8 that outputted 375 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque and went up to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
Hagerty Valuation
Concours Condition | $53,400 |
Excellent Condition | $41,300 |
Good Condition | $24,300 |
Fair Condition | $12,900 |
Related
10 Dirt-Cheap Pontiac Muscle Cars On The Used Market Today
These Pontiac muscle cars are affordable and available right now for purchase.
4 1965 Plymouth Satellite: $24,200
Specifications
Engine | 426 V8 |
Power | 425 hp |
Torque | 490 lb-ft |
0 to 60 MPH | 5.6 Seconds |
(Sources: Hagerty, Automobile-Catalog)
The Plymouth Satellite was Plymouth's flagship mid-size car that was immediately offered with a 7.2-liter V8. The first-gen 1965 Satellite is currently valued at $24,200, in Good condition, according to Hagerty, and comes with a 7.0-liter V8 that outputs 425 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque. It gets up to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds.
Hagerty Valuation
Concours Condition | $54,700 |
Excellent Condition | $33,400 |
Good Condition | $24,200 |
Fair Condition | $15,800 |
3 1966 Chevrolet Caprice: $14,200
Specifications
Engine | 396 V8 |
Power | 325 hp |
Torque | 410 lb-ft |
0 to 60 MPH | 7.0 Seconds |
(Sources: Hagerty, Automobile-Catalog)
The Chevrolet Caprice is another iconic American muscle car that can easily get up into the six-figure range of pricing. This is also one of the few sedans on the list to survive into the modern era.
According to Hagerty, you can pick up a 1966 Caprice for $14,200 with a 396 CID V8 that outputs 325 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. It may have a big V8, but it can only get up to 60 mph in 7 seconds.
Hagerty Valuation
Concours Condition | $28,200 |
Excellent Condition | $19,000 |
Good Condition | $14,200 |
Fair Condition | $8,800 |
2 1960 Oldsmobile Series 98: $13,200
Specifications
Engine | 394 V8 |
Power | 315 hp |
Torque | 435 lb-ft |
0 to 60 MPH | 10.0 Seconds |
(Sources: Hagerty, Automobile-Catalog)
The first half of the Olds 98's life was spent as a coupe. By the mid-seventies, the 98 tacked on a "Regency" badge and became a four-door sedan. By the 80s and 90s, it had lost its charm altogether and became a boring family sedan.
Hagerty Valuation
Concours Condition | $28,600 |
Excellent Condition | $19,400 |
Good Condition | $13,200 |
Fair Condition | $6,300 |
In the early days, however, the Series 98 was a cool, top-of-the-line two-door sports coupe for the masses. It originated with an inline 8-cylinder engine, but you can pick up the big-block 394 V8 for $13,000 according to Hagerty. It might be the second cheapest on our list, but it's certainly one of the slowest with a 0 to 60 time of 10 seconds flat.
1 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport: $12,600
Specifications
Engine | 429 Cobra Jet V8 |
Power | 208 hp |
Torque | 322 lb-ft |
0 to 60 MPH | 7.0 Seconds |
(Sources: Hagerty, Automobile-Catalog)
Topping our list of the most affordable big block V8 engines is the 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport. It was supposed to be a more premium mid-size coupe, but by the early '70s, it just looked like a knock-off Mustang.
Hagerty Valuation
Concours Condition | $25,200 |
Excellent Condition | $18,400 |
Good Condition | $12,600 |
Fair Condition | $8,100 |
It comes with a Mustang-style big-block V8 too. The 429 Cobra Jet V8 outputs 360 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. It gets up to 60 mph in 7 seconds flat and, according to Hagerty, is available in "good condition" for less than $13,000.
Sources: Hagerty, Automobile-Catalog, Bring A Trailer
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