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    Thrills Without Bills: These Fast Muscle Cars Won’t Break The Budget

    In the auto world, performance is costly and the fastest cars are nearly always the most expensive. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Indeed, some bargains still exist in the performance car segment. Vehicles that are affordable to obtain but still powerful enough to make you smile. Also, it is cheap to run, which is an essential aspect.

    That’s why we compiled a list of inexpensive but still exciting cars that you can maintain yourself, drive until the wheels fall off, and are easy to modify. These genuine 150 mph+ beasts are lifetime deals because they are so reasonable money. They’re also perfect starter cars that will reward you with considerable performance, tuning potential, and tire-burning muscle. Check out our list of affordable muscle cars that are easy to maintain right here.

    Photo Credit: Nissan

    Infiniti G35 Coupe

    The best-looking Infiniti Coupe is the 2003-07 G35 Coupe. It’s a well-composed and engineered two-door model based on the G35 sedan architecture. With a 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood and 280 horsepower on tap, the G35 Coupe was a more mature and more luxurious version of Nissan’s 350Z, which isn’t bad by any means (via Infiniti).

    Photo Credit: Top Speed

    That means the G35 possessed the exact sharp handling, excellent driving dynamics, and good performance usually available only in a more upscale package. The 0 to 60 mph sprint took just below six seconds and its top speed was close to 160 mph. Decent examples with full-service history and excellent equipment can be found for around $10,000 and maintenance usually remains inexpensive.

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    Lost In Time: Revisiting Rare Automotive Legends of the 1960s

    The 1960s were a time of peace, love, and above all else, some seriously cool rides that still turn heads. But it wasn’t only about the Mustangs and Camaros of the car world. There are several gems from the ’60s that didn’t find the limelight but are still worth remembering. These unsung heroes of the road had the looks and the quirks but somehow slipped through the cracks of mainstream fame. In this trip down memory lane, we dug into the back catalog of the ’60s to spotlight some cars that you might not remember but definitely shouldn’t forget.

    There’s the AMC Marlin, the underdog with a back end you can’t forget and charm that deserved more applause. And let’s not skip over the Dodge Charger 500, a beast built for speed that somehow didn’t zoom into the mainstream consciousness as much as it should have. So buckle up and let’s hit the road with these forgotten but unforgettable rides of the ’60s. It’s going to be a casual ride with plenty of pit stops to admire the cool, quirky, and downright awesome cars that time forgot but we’re bringing back into the spotlight.

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    Photo Credit: Mecum

    Alfa Romeo TZ2: The Italian Enigma

    The TZ2 was developed with a clear focus on racing, specifically for the FIA’s Group 4 category. When you take one look at this car, you’ll instantly recognize its racing pedigree. It’s no surprise as Alfa Romeo is a brand known for excellent handling and performance. The TZ2 had a specific suspension and lowered ride height that was custom-tailored for the race track. This car won numerous racing awards and trophies around the world thanks to its championship design and speed (via Forza).

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    Photo Credit: Mecum

    The TZ2 wasn’t just made for racing as it was also a production vehicle. In typical Alfa Romeo fashion, the car was very high-end and appealing to a completely different clientele of drivers. People who drove these early Alfa models were auto fans who enjoyed the pleasure of driving. This wasn’t your average day-to-day car. If you were lucky enough to get one that was painted the beautiful red color, you had a showpiece that everyone would have noticed.

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    Graphic Mastery: Bold Production Car Designs That Turned Heads

    When muscle cars exploded on the car scene in the mid-’60s, they brought a great many new things to the car industry. This included aesthetic changes with the release of new color schemes and graphic packages. When muscle cars became a sales hit, Detroit took the ‘cooler’ path with a rather colorful approach. The best way to stand out from the rest was to introduce wild and bright colors. Soon, shades like Hemi Orange or Plum Crazy Purple became synonymous with Dodge and Plymouth cars, but that wasn’t all.

    To make their vehicles even more characteristic and unique, manufacturers started introducing various graphic designs that were previously unheard of at the time. This was the first time in car history that manufacturers equipped their models with wild graphics straight from the factory. It marked a revolutionary moment in the industry as a result. So much so that these graphics became legendary in addition to the cars. Even though this trend started in the US, it was later accepted by Europeans. Check out the best car graphic packages ever released straight from the manufacturers here.

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    Photo Credit: Flickr

    Plymouth Roadrunner

    When it first appeared in 1968, the Plymouth Roadrunner proved to be a very influential muscle car. Not only did it introduce the new trend of inexpensive yet fun vehicles but it was also a strong seller. The most appealing thing about the Roadrunner was the fact that Plymouth used the Roadrunner cartoon character from the popular Wile E. Coyote cartoon. Chrysler paid $60,000 for the rights to use the name and design and everyone thought the company was crazy for doing so. The sales results proved everybody wrong and the Roadrunner was the first muscle car with crazy graphics, starting the trend (via MCI).

    Photo Credit: Mecum

    The Roadrunner had a bench seat, no luxury options, and manual steering. It came with the powerful 383 V8 as the base engine and buyers could also opt for the 440 or the mythical Hemi 426. In 1969, the Roadrunner got a convertible option for those buyers who wanted an open-air driving feel. But the majority of Roadrunners produced were two-door hard tops. For just above $3,000, you could be the proud owner of a Roadrunner in 1970. However, if you wanted a few options and the Hemi engine, the price quickly rose to over $4,000.

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    1931 Ford Model A Coupe Street Rod

    This 1931 Ford Model A was acquired by the previous owner in 2022 as an unmodified example and subsequently modified in the style of a street rod. Work included mounting the light gray body to a Speedway Motors fully boxed frame that is fitted with a dropped front axle, four-wheel disc brakes, a Ford 9″ rear end, 15″ American Racing Torq Thrust wheels, and a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. Power comes from a 350ci Chevy V8 fitted with an Edelbrock intake manifold, a Summit Racing billet distributor, an Edelbrock carburetor, block-hugger headers, and a custom fabricated dual exhaust with glasspack mufflers. The interior is trimmed in gray and tan upholstery, while the rumble seat wears black vinyl. Additional details include a wood-rimmed steering wheel, a polished stainless steel steering column, aftermarket instrumentation, and a B&M shifter. This Model A Street Rod was acquired by the selling dealer in 2024 and is now offered with build receipts, a car cover, and a clean Oregon title.

    The steel body is finished in light gray with dark gray coachlines and black fiberglass fenders and running boards, and it is mounted to a sandblasted and powder-coated Speedway Motors fully-boxed frame that features a ’32-style front cross member. Additional details include a Messko radiator thermometer, a tilt-out windshield, and cowl lights with integrated turn signals as well as a rumble seat, chrome bumpers, and a grille protector.

    Staggered 15″ American Racing Torq Thrust wheels are mounted with Blackhawk tires measuring 195/65 up front and 235/75 out back. The car is equipped with a Vega-style steering box and a cross steer rack-and-pinion as well as a Yogi’s Inc. 5″ dropped front axle, hairpin radius rods, a parallel 4-link rear suspension, and QA1 adjustable coilovers at the rear. Stopping power is provided by Speedway Motors four-wheel disc brakes that incorporate General Motors-style metric calipers, a dual circuit master cylinder, an adjustable proportioning valve, and vented rotors with a 5×4.5 bolt pattern measuring 11″ up front and 11¼” out back.

    The interior is trimmed in gray and tan cloth upholstery and features black carpeting, a B&M shifter, a ratchet-style parking brake, lap belts, and a spoon-style accelerator pedal

    The rear rumble seat is trimmed in black vinyl upholstery and features lap belts and chrome grab handles. The battery is installed in the floor area and is linked to a remote charging terminal at the rear of the vehicle.

    The wood-rimmed steering wheel is bolted to a polished stainless steel Speedway Motors steering column. Instrumentation consists of a barrel-type speedometer and a fuel level readout as well as aftermarket gauges for voltage, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The five-digit mechanical odometer shows 18k miles, and true mileage is unknown. The speedometer and odometer are not functioning.

    The 350ci Chevy V8 is fitted with an Edelbrock RPM intake manifold, a Summit Racing billet distributor, an MSD ignition coil, tubular hugger headers, and an Edelbrock Performer 600-CFM carburetor with an electric choke. The firewall has been replaced with a Summit Racing unit that features a 3″ setback. Cooling is handled by a Walker radiator and an electric fan.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels through a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear axle with a limited-slip differential and 3.50:1 gearing. A custom-fabricated dual exhaust system with glasspack mufflers and turn-down exits in front of the rear axle.

    The car is titled in Oregon using the VIN RF7299, shown above.

    Plymouth Power: The Best Performance Cars of Mopar’s Forgotten Brand

    The Plymouth brand was introduced in 1928 as a low-cost manufacturer positioned below Dodge and Chrysler. It occupied that market position for decades up to the end of its lifespan. Plymouth has always been successful as its sales numbers were just behind Ford or Chevrolet. Plymouths were regarded as dependable and high-quality automobiles at affordable prices, which meant they appealed to a broad audience.

    However, when muscle cars exploded on the American car scene, Plymouth realized it could be more than just an economy car company. It jumped on the performance bandwagon, using the best Mopar engines and delivering exciting cars to the public. Today, we’ll remember Plymouth’s best muscle cars. These vehicles became classics of the genre due to their style, power, speed, and even the fact that the company was no longer in business. Chrysler discontinued Plymouth in 2001, leaving the automotive world without one of its best performance brands. Let’s look back at just why that was the case.

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    Photo Credit: Mecum

    Plymouth Fury (1958)

    Before the Fury was a separate model, it was an option on Belvedere. In 1958, this model benefited from Chrysler’s new Golden Commando engine. The mighty Hemi was gone but Chrysler didn’t abandon the performance market. The Golden Commando had 350 CID displacement, better equipment, and 305 hp (via How Stuff Works).

    Plymouth Fury Sport Coupe
    Photo Credit: Mopar

    Plymouth even experimented with a fuel injection setup but the system proved very problematic. This caused the factory to compensate owners and give them a conventional four-barrel setup. If the fuel injection worked as it should, it would have produced up to 315 horsepower.

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    LS3-Powered 1937 Cadillac Series 60 Convertible Coupe

    This 1937 Cadillac Series 60 convertible coupe is said to have been in storage from 1953 until it was purchased by the seller in 2012. It subsequently underwent a build that included the installation of a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 with electronic fuel injection as well as a 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission and a 9″ rear end with a 3.23:1 final drive. The car also received a repaint in dark blue and a re-trim of the interior in Camel leather upholstery. An independent front coilover suspension was also installed along with a four-link rear setup, and additional equipment includes an aluminum radiator, an electric fuel pump, power-assisted steering and Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes, a dual-exit exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers, staggered-diameter Wheelsmith wire wheels, LED headlights, a black soft top, power windows, a VintageAir HVAC system, a tilt steering column, and a hidden Custom Autosound Bluetooth stereo. This modified Series 60 is now offered with build records and a clean Minnesota title in the seller’s name.

    The Series 60 was Cadillac’s entry-level model from 1936 to 1938 and shared bodywork with the contemporary LaSalle. This example was refinished in dark blue in the 2010s, and the brightwork was rechromed at that time. Features include LED headlights, turn signals, a hood ornament, custom running boards, a two-piece windshield, electric windshield wipers, a black Haartz Stayfast top, a power-operated trunk, and dual brake lights.

    The Wheelsmith wire wheels measure 17″ up front and 18″ out back and feature body-color rims. They are mounted with Kumho radial tires, and body-color spare wheel covers are mounted in the front fenders. The chassis was reportedly powder-coated before a Scott’s Hotrods ‘n Customs independent front suspension and four-link rear setup were installed during the build. Suspension components were also powder-coated at that time. The car is also equipped with power-assisted steering, and stopping power is provided by Wilwood power-assisted discs at all four corners.

    The cabin features front and rear benches trimmed in Camel leather upholstery along with a matching lower dashboard, rear center console, and custom door panels. Tan wool carpets line the floors, and additional equipment includes power windows, a VintageAir HVAC system, a hidden Custom Autosound Bluetooth stereo, and rear cup holders.

    The banjo-style steering wheel is mounted on a chrome tilt steering column ahead of a painted steel dash housing a 110-mph speedometer, a combination gauge, and a clock. The five-digit odometer was reset during the build, and it shows zero miles. The trip meter shows 19 miles, all of which were added after the car was completed. Total mileage is unknown.

    The 6.2-liter LS3 V8 was installed during the 2010s build and features electronic fuel injection. An aluminum radiator with an electric cooling fan is also fitted.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission and a 9″ rear end with a 3.23:1 final drive. A replacement fuel tank and electric fuel pump were installed during the build, and the inner fenders were coated in Rhino Liner. The dual exhaust system features Flowmaster mufflers.

    Reel Rides: Movie Cars That Captured Our Hearts (Number 3 Will Trigger You)

    When you watch a movie, sometimes a car can be as exciting as the featured actors. These are vehicles that make you sit up and take notice. They might be super fast, cool, or even magical. Think about your favorite car chases where cars zoom and dart around. Or maybe you like shiny, sleek cars that look like they’re from the future. Some of these cars are so special, they almost feel like they’re part of the cast and tell their own story.

    In movies, a car can be a hero, a mystery, or a ride toward adventure. And there’s one car on our list that’s sure to surprise you. It’s not just famous; it’s got a twist that you might not expect. Whether you thinking of Marty McFly and the DeLorean in Back to The Future or that memorable bone crusher in Mad Max, the auto industry and the movie business have been integral partners for decades. Remember some of the coolest cars that have ever been on the big screen right here.

    Aston Martin DB5
    Photo Credit: Aston

    James Bond’s 1964 Aston Martin DB5

    The DB5 has appeared in several James Bond films, including Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale, Skyfall, and Spectre, making it a recurring element in the franchise. What made this particular car so unique was the design and the performance. Let’s be honest, nothing looks quite like an Aston. But there’s also something so classy about these cars that it only made sense to use one in a movie franchise like the Bond films (via 007).

    Photo Credit: Top Gear

    The DB5 wasn’t the best-performing car of its era but there was something classy and unique about this car. Beyond the Bond films, the DB5 has made appearances in various other media, including video games, television shows, and even other movies. Aston Martin is a renowned automaker and when it comes to class and style, the DB5 has quite a legacy.

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    Born To Run: The Evolution of The Camaro’s Most Legendary Models

    You’ve probably heard the news that the revered Chevrolet Camaro is being canceled for the second time in its unique history. It means that there will not be a 2024 Camaro since the assembly lines shut down on December 14, 2023. To say that the news saddens car fans is an understatement. This was and still is one of the best muscle cars ever. It was a true dream car of millions of enthusiasts all over the globe.

    Chevrolet claims the lack of sales was the main reason the Camaro is gone, but we doubt it. In a very short period, muscle car lovers have lost two muscle car legends – the Camaro and the Dodge Charger/Challenger. That leaves only the Ford Mustang as the last American-made muscle car on the scene. However, let’s not mourn the sad destiny of the Camaro. Instead, let’s concentrate on the most significant models from its storied history and hope that it will find a way to reincarnate itself for the second time.

    1967 Chevrolet Camaro Rs Ss 396 Is Everything Todays Car Is Not 20
    Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

    1967 Chevrolet Camaro

    On September 22, 1967, Chevrolet introduced the Camaro in front of an eager audience. Motoring journalists and the automotive public saw a brand-new, elegant coupe and convertible with a modern design. It also boasted a classic long hood and short deck proportions, a sporty stance, and excellent trim. Chevrolet chose to abandon the third body style like the Mustang or Barracuda. From this standpoint, it was a good decision (via Car and Driver).

    1967 Chevrolet Camaro Rs Ss 396 Is Everything Todays Car Is Not 1
    Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

    The new Camaro came with a selection of straight six and V8 engines, starting from a small 230 six-cylinder up to the mighty 396 V8 with 325 hp. The idea was to offer a broader range and more powerful engines than Ford to attract sport-minded buyers. That’s why Chevrolet offered the three performance versions of the SS, RS, and Z/28 models. The 1967 Camaro could succeed since it was sold in over 220,000 examples and the performance versions were well-received. However, more was needed to catch the Mustang and its lofty 400,000 examples sold in 1967.

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    1934 Ford Cabriolet Street Rod

    This steel-bodied 1934 Ford cabriolet is a full-fendered street rod that is built on a fully boxed Total Cost Involved frame fitted with independent front suspension, front disc brakes, rack-and-pinion power steering, 15″ alloy wheels, and a 9″ rear end. Power comes from an LS1 V8 fitted with a Weiland intake manifold and is mated to a four-speed 4L60E automatic transmission. The interior is trimmed in black and gray upholstery and incorporates a banjo-style steering wheel, a tilt column, Classic Instruments gauges, Vintage Air climate control, and power windows as well as a Lokar shifter, a Kenwood CD stereo, and a rumble seat. Said to have been built in 2008, this 1934 Ford street rod was acquired by the seller in 2019 and is now offered with a clean Arizona title in the seller’s name.

    The steel body is finished silver with black pinstripes and is mounted to a fully boxed Total Cost Involved frame. Additional equipment includes a black convertible soft top, a rumble seat, tinted side windows, cowl lights, and a chrome grille and chrome bumpers.

    Polished wheels wear faux knock-off spinners and are mounted with BFGoodrich tires. The car has been fitted with an independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion power steering, and adjustable coilovers. Stopping power is provided by front disc and rear drum brakes.

    The front bucket seats, rear rumble seat, and door panels are trimmed in black upholstery with gray inserts. Interior elements include Vintage Air climate control, power windows, a Lokar floor shifter, and a Kenwood CD stereo.

    The banjo-style steering wheel is bolted to a polished tilt column and fronts a Classic Instruments 120-mph speedometer and combination gauge. The six-digit mechanical odometer shows 7k miles, approximately 4k of which were added under current ownership.

    The 5.7-liter LS1 v8 is equipped with a polished Weiland intake manifold, tubular exhaust headers, and body-color plenum covers. An oil change was performed in January 2024.

    Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed 4L60E automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end.

    The car is titled in Arizona using the body number 181191343 shown above.

    These Hilarious Vintage Auto Ads Will Have You Rolling

    For many carmakers, advertising is one of the most important parts of their marketing because it’s the one thing that drives sales the most. Some automotive advertising campaigns have stuck with car fans for decades. A good automotive advertising campaign can transcend any issues with the brand or the car itself and make drivers believe they need to own that car or truck. Carmakers have made innovations in the advertising world for decades and there’s always something new. But it could be argued that comedy was always the most effective way to create a memorable advertising campaign.

    So we looked back at the most hilarious vintage automotive ads ever shown. Some of these were straight jokes about a rival automaker and others were indirectly pointed at the consumer. You probably remember seeing most of these advertisements at a time or two. You might even have a sense of nostalgia remembering where you were when you first saw these advertisements. That’s what good automotive advertising does. It sticks with you. Buckle up as we look back at some of the most notable and hilarious automotive advertisements of all time here.

    Porsche 911 Advertisement1 Via Airows
    Photo Credit: HSN

    Porsche 911- The Anti-Nissan

    There’s no denying that cars were boring in the ’80s. Japanese cars were especially boring around this time because of emissions regulations. Porsche, on the other hand, was selling the 911 like hotcakes. So naturally, they had to poke fun at Japanese automakers. The 911 was one of the most iconic automotive designs ever built and was in its prime in the ’80s. That’s not to say that every Nissan or Mitsubishi was boring but nothing came close to the 911 at the time (via Motor Biscuit).

    Nissan still sold the 300ZX during this time but it wasn’t nearly as iconic as the 911. When kids grew up in the ’80s they dreamt about owning a Porsche 911 and just about everyone had a 911 poster on their bedroom wall. This is why Porsche decided to play off of that popularity with this advertising campaign. We’d have to say that this advertising campaign was both comedic and well done by the German sports car maker.

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