Actor, race car driver, and all-around gentleman Paul Newman made the racing-inspired Rolex Daytona famous when his personal watch sold for $17.8 million. Today, you can buy the track-ready timepiece brand new for $15,100. It’s a stylish choice. The timeless cool of the watch makes you look like the sort who drives exciting vintage cars daily. But what if I told you that you could have your pick of collectors’ cars for that price?
Here are several classic roadsters, RADwood sports cars, muscle cars, and even luxury sedans that you can buy for under $15,000. For many models, the nicest examples on the market are selling at that price. Because Porsches are the most commonly discussed collectors’ cars, I’ll focus on some other makes and models which may surprise you.
Want some Italian flair in your garage? The 1970-94 Alfa Romeo Spider would be a great place to start. The average Series 2 (1970-82) resells for $17,830. The Series 3 drops to $9,633. A fantastic alternative is the original Fiat 124 Spider (1966-85). During the past year, used ones have resold for $12,473 on average.
A roadster convertible makes an excellent collectors’ car choice. Many are elegant and quick, and it’s always a special occasion when you take one for a drive. British options include the MG Midget ($5,516), MG B ($10,087), Triumph Spitfire ($9,383), and Triumph TR7 Roadster ($5,120).
Prefer Japanese cars? Check out the Datsun 1600 ($15,097). Into German engineering? Consider the 1995-2002 BMW Z3. Six-cylinder, non-M cars go for $8,955-$13,144, depending on engine displacement.
The sports cars of the 1980s and 1990s are winning over a generation of devoted collectors. They even have their own meet—often with period-correct costumes—called RADwood. The most insanely underpriced sports car from this era might be the Saab 900 Turbo with the SPG package (1985-94). It’s a genuine competitor for 911s of the era. Today, it will score you nearly as many cool points. They are reselling for $14,320 on average. That’s especially surprising considering the average Saab 900 Turbo (1979-94) sold last year went for $15,553 on average.
Want iconic 1980s flip-up headlights? Consider a Nissan 300ZX (1984-89). Naturally aspirated examples resell for $11,411 on average. More expensive options include the third-gen Honda Prelude (1988-91), which is up to $16,906, the second-gen Toyota Celica Supra (1982-86), which sits at $18,277 on average, and the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT/GTV6 (1974-87), which averages $18,789.
The V8-powered muscle car coupe—especially with a stick shift—is an entire vibe. But pristine examples of the iconic models regularly command six figures. If you want a 1960s or 1970s classic for under $15,000 that isn’t a complete rust bucket, you may need to get creative with make and model. I’d recommend the first-generation Plymouth Barracuda. The average collectors’ one currently sells for $22,677, but you can likely find a cheaper example. The entire Dodge/Plymouth family of small (A-body) muscle cars isn’t as well-known as the Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Nova and can be had at lower prices. This family includes the Plymouth Duster and various fastback Dodge Dart packages (Swinger, Demon, etc.).
A larger, often overlooked V8 classic is the Oldsmobile Toronado. First-generation models (1966-70) currently resell for $13,903 on average. Later generations are even cheaper.
If you’re okay with a 1980s/1990s take on the classic American muscle car formula, consider a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (1982-92). You can also look at a third-gen Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (1982-92) or a fifth-generation Chevrolet Corvette (1997-2004).
Used luxury cars are one of the best-kept secrets among car collectors. Many are deeply depreciated, but you’ll still look like a million bucks when you roll up in one. For example, the Bentley Eight (1984-92) resells for $13,875 on average. The Rolls-Royce Silver Spur/Spirit I (1980-89) resells for $13,418. The Jaguar XJ (XJ300 series, 1995-97) is valued at $8,448 on average.
Henry Cesari is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer who brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Henry covers Ford models daily, including the F-150. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. He’s an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts. Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont.

source