One of the best ways to get a cut-price performance car is treading down the muscle car route. Many muscle cars are based on standard production economy cars such as the recently departed Chrysler 300C and Chevy Monte Carlo, with only changes to the engine, suspension, and braking systems normally undertaken.
This means they tend to be cheap, as mass-produced models tend not to hold their value particularly well. HotCars thus decided to list ten of the most powerful used muscle cars on the market valued at less than $40,000.
How we made our model selection: HotCars focused on the ten highest-power American muscle cars that can be purchased on the used market for less than $40,000. Hagerty's Valuation Tool was used to source all pricing information, with the ranking ordering the vehicles from least to most powerful in terms of horsepower. For any entries that had the same power output, the cheapest was placed higher in the ranking.
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10 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS: 365 HP
1971 Monte Carlo SS Specs
Engine | 454 ci V8 |
Power | 365 hp |
Torque | 500 lb-ft |
Good Condition Hagerty Value | $39,200 |
(Sources: Mecum Auctions, Hagerty)
Kicking off the top ten is the potent Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS, which comes fully loaded with a commanding 454 ci V8 engine. The powerplant is capable of putting out 365 hp, while choices of four- and three-speed manuals and a three-speed automatic transmission are available.
The sporty number also came with snug bucket seats and even a factory air conditioning system. According to Hagerty, a good condition example can be had for a bit under $40,000 in 2024. This is good value considering just 1,919 examples were made in 1971.
9 1970 Ford Torino: 375 HP
1970 Torino Specs
Engine | 429 ci V8 |
Power | 375 hp |
Torque | 450 lb-ft |
Good Condition Hagerty Value | $15,100 |
(Sources: Mecum Auctions, Hagerty)
While not exactly the iconic Talladega model, a base 1970 Ford Torino represents a bargain price for a proper old-school muscle car. Though it does not enjoy the handling upgrades that came with the GT variant, the base model still gets the roaring 429 ci V8 that produces 375 hp.
Amazingly, good condition examples are worth just a smidge over $15,000 in 2024. This is a steal for such a timeless muscle car, especially as you get power brakes and steering for the price.
8 1968 Mercury Cyclone GT: 390 HP
1968 Cyclone GT Specs
Engine | 427 ci V8 |
Power | 390 hp |
Torque | 460 lb-ft |
Good Condition Hagerty Value | $34,000 |
(Sources: Mercury, Hagerty)
Meant to be the more upmarket version of the Torino, the 1968 edition of the Mercury Cyclone GT can be had in good condition for just $34,000 in 2024. For this price, you'll have access to a 427 ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, which puts out 390 hp and 460 lb-ft.
The inclusion of a three-speed automatic gearbox means you don't get the most involving driving experience ever, but who cares when the angry noise of a V8 radiates from under the hood? If you've got a little more in the bank, the Cyclone GT Drag Pak is a rare classic worth your attention.
7 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix Tri-Power: 390 HP
1963 Grand Prix Tri Power Specs
Engine | 421 ci V8 |
Power | 390 hp |
Torque | 460 lb-ft |
Good Condition Hagerty Value | $29,800 |
(Sources: Mecum Auctions, Hagerty)
While the iconic 1962 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty is a little out of the $40,000 price range, the '63 Grand Prix with a tri-power 421 ci V8 slots in nicely at $29,800. The powerplant offers up a solid 390 hp, while a choice of three- and four-speed manuals or a three-speed automatic are available.
As the range-topping Grand Prix from '63, you'll also get power windows, a powered driver's seat, and elegant wood trim spread throughout the cabin for your money.
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6 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS: 400 HP
2015 Camaro SS Specs
Engine | 378 ci V8 |
Power | 400 hp (Automatic) |
Torque | 410 lb-ft (Automatic) |
Good Condition Hagerty Value | $20,900 |
(Sources: Chevrolet, Hagerty)
The most modern vehicle on this list, the 2015 Camaro SS, can be had for a little over $20,000. While the automatic version is cheaper, the manual is the one to go for those after maximum power. The auto comes with the L99 V8, while the manual gets the more powerful LS3 powerplant that makes 426 hp. If cheap manuals prove hard to come by, the autos still offer excellent performance for a low price from a relatively modern muscle car.
5 2006 Pontiac GTO: 400 HP
2006 GTO Specs
Engine | 366 ci V8 |
Power | 400 hp |
Torque | 400 lb-ft |
Good Condition Hagerty Value | $19,800 |
(Sources: Pontiac, Hagerty)
While the Holden Monaro-based GTO wasn't exactly popular when it was released in 2004, the 2005–2006 variants with the meaty 6.0-liter LS2 V8 certainly had performance. With 400 hp and 400 lb-ft on tap, as well as advanced independent rear suspension, the GTO could perform wherever its nose was pointed.
Hagerty reports that used examples of the car can be had for less than $20,000, a bargain for the level of performance Pontiac's final muscle car can offer.
4 1965 Dodge Coronet 440: 425 HP
1965 Coronet 440 Specs
Engine | 426 ci V8 |
Power | 425 hp |
Torque | 490 lb-ft |
Good Condition Hagerty Value | $24,300 |
(Sources: Dodge, Hagerty)
The last classic muscle car on this list is a good one. A Mopar hero with a 426 ci dual four-barrel carb Hemi V8 can be had for just $24,300 in Hagerty-approved good condition. Courtesy of the 1965 Dodge Coronet 440.
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With 425 hp being put to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, the old Coronet doesn't mess around. It does come with power brakes and steering as standard, so you shouldn't need to sign up for a gym membership before taking delivery.
3 2010 Dodge Charger SRT-8: 425 HP
2010 Charger SRT-8 Specs
Engine | 372 ci V8 |
Power | 425 hp |
Torque | 420 lb-ft |
Good Condition Hagerty Value | $16,900 |
(Sources: Dodge, Hagerty)
The only four-door muscle offering in this ranking, the 2010 Dodge Charger SRT-8 represents amazing value. Its 6.1-liter Hemi V8 puts out 425 hp, though its lucky owner will also have access to a Brembo braking system, performance suspension, and huge 20-inch aluminum wheels.
All this can be had for just $16,900 according to Hagerty, an impressively low cost for a car that offers tire-shredding performance and practicality in one tidy package. Just ignore the fuel gauge, and it could even be passed off as economical.
2 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT-8: 470 HP
2014 Challenger SRT-8 Specs
Engine | 392 ci V8 |
Power | 470 hp |
Torque | 470 lb-ft |
Good Condition Hagerty Value | $25,500 |
(Sources: Dodge, Hagerty)
For a little more outlay than the Charger, well, around $10,000 extra, power-hungry gearheads can get their hands on a 2014 Challenger SRT-8. Featuring the larger 6.4-liter Hemi V8, the Challenger makes slightly more power at 470 hp.
There's a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed auto unit, while creature comforts like a six-inch infotainment screen, heated seats, and a Brembo braking system come standard. You even get a 3-mode adjustable suspension setup, enhancing its handling abilities.
1 2012 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500: 550 HP
2012 Mustang GT500 Specs
Engine | 330 ci Supercharged V8 |
Power | 550 hp |
Torque | 510 lb-ft |
Good Condition Hagerty Value | $33,000 |
(Sources: Ford, Hagerty)
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Supposedly sounding its last hoorah in 2022, the Ford Shelby GT500 is the gas-powered pony car to purchase as electrification draws nigh.
Unfortunately for the Challenger, the number one spot in this ranking is uncontested. Hagerty reports that the 2012 Shelby Mustang GT500 can be had in Good condition for just $33,000, which is a bonkers price given the vehicle's 5.4-liter supercharged V8 that offers 550 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
It also gets an SVT-tuned performance suspension, Brembo brakes, and a limited-slip differential to ensure its driver can extract the most performance on the track or the street. Forget muscle cars, it's difficult to think of many performance cars that could offer such an exhilarating experience for less than $40,000.
Sources: Hagerty, Mecum Auctions, Mercury, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Dodge, Ford, Country Classic Cars
