Five Classic Cars You Can Still Buy For $5,000 Or Even Less

The perception of where the entry-level to the collector car hobby seems to rise every week (or at least with every rerun of the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction). But for patient bottom-feeders, there’s still a wealth of sub-$5K collectible cars out there in nice (albeit not spotless) condition. Here are five to consider:

1. 1964 Ford Falcon: You can’t find a drivable first generation Mustang out there anymore for five grand or less — or can you? While few people know it, the first Mustang was heavily based on the Ford Falcon compact. The same ease of maintenance with a dash of practicality awaits a Falcon owner. Most will be four-door sedans but it’s one of the few 1960s classics out there that you can reliably find at this price. Just know that you’ll be fighting hipsters in places like Portland and Austin when they pop up on Craigslist but since most of these folks don’t wake up until eleven, you’ll have the jump on them.

2. 1975-80 MGB: The classically British MGB roadster was in production for a staggering 18 years. The first five were undeniably great, the next seven were OK, and the last six? Well let’s just say that the MGB in 1976 was like Meg Ryan in her 50s. The car wasn’t without charm but with a lifted suspension and puffed up rubber bumpers that resemble Ryan’s lips, it wasn’t what it was. But on a sunny day, none of that will matter to you unless you find the need to humiliate an old Mercedes 240D at a stoplight— the emission control laws that snatched one of the MGB’s carburetors in late 1974 make it painfully slow. At least you won’t have to worry about keeping two carbs in synch. Lucas electricals? Not as problematic as you’ve heard. Bad re-wiring over the years by fools with tools is responsible for much of the “Prince of Darkness” reputation. Parts are cheap and plentiful.