Posted on 12/03/2008 12:52:50 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Not so many years ago, cars that produced 300 horsepower or more were considered rather rare and desirable things. Generally only the top tier of sports car or the very most posh boulevardiers had engines that could muster such prodigious output, and the price tags of the vehicles reflected it.
These days though, thanks to depreciation, a decade-long power race, and newly changing customer tastes, 300 horsepower cars can be had for much more reasonable rates—often less than $10,000. Those power and dollar figures are exciting starting places for those second-hand shoppers who may be looking for a deal on a performance machine, which is why we picked them as our two markers for making this list.
We’ve gotten our pricing estimates from the good folks at Kelley Blue Book, though we understand that in some cases much better deals can be had. Unless otherwise noted, the prices we’ve listed represent the private party value of a car in “excellent” condition with about 80,000 miles on the clock. We’ve also strived to get the best combination of power and newness when selecting between discrete model years, all while keeping a close eye on the budget. Click through our gallery above to read about our 300 horsepower/$10,000 picks, and then be sure to let us know which gems we may have missed, in comments.
Back in my jaded youth, I had and early Corvette, a ‘56 Austin Healey LeMans and a ‘60 Lotus Super 7. The Super 7 was the only handler of the bunch. ;)
Before that I had a chopped and channeled ‘34 Ford 3 window coupe with a 3/8’sX3/8’s, stroked, balanced 59A block full load flat head. That was in ‘49.
200 miles is a lot of commuting. When I was working, the longest commute I had was from Berkeley to San Leandro when the company moved the truck (I drove truck 31 years) terminal from Emeryville.
The Datsun 240 Z was one of my favorite sporty type cars, I think they looked better than the Z’s that followed.
I love my Eagles, great traction wet or dry!
Now you’ve got me curious. Was the 914 a rebadged Volkswagen or some other model car?
240z is one of the prettiest cars, period. I do have a video of my 14 year old driving a '59 Austin Healey Sprite. Not as cool as the LeMans, but definitely cool to watch him zip past me at 50 mph...!
My Pony (67 Coupe) is undergoing a major rebuild at the moment
You don’t need a 350 to get a 240Z into 300HP range. Been there, done that! The fact that it weighs less than half of what many of the vehicles listed on that slideshow weigh only makes it more potent at that level.
But if you have relatively inexpensive ways to increase HP from 150 stock to 300+ on my 240z let me know!
Too bad they put it in sideways and it’s powering the wrong wheels so the car doesn’t handle and just converts the front tires into smoke without accelerating when you floor it at a light... :D
I found out last week that a buddy is selling his 199? SS 454 Shevy Pickup. I'm not sure it will pass Cal smog because of THINGS he did to the engine but he only wants $6,000...
Oh, forgot. That’s 300 Canadian horsepower, not American. The Impala is made in Canada.
My 67 Camaro is about 320 horsies. I just bought a 57 Bel Air that is supposed to have 400 Horses under the hood. Once you go pre 70’s muscle, you don’t go back to the future.
Oh yeah, we are on the same page.
From what I’ve seen on some of the car shows, the old muscle car engines that are correctly tuned, will pass.
I’d buy it. Even if it doesn’t pass, you can always drive it to Texas and sell it for a profit. ;)
In 1976 (or so), a buddy of mine at work was selling his 1970 Chevelle SS 396, Red with black interior, induction hood with flat black stripes for $2500. We thought he was asking too much money for it.
Shoot me now.
Son nearly killed himself and a couple of friends when the brakes faded on a panic stop from a 120 mph. He sold it for $1,800 a couple of weeks later only to open a Car Craft Mag to see they were extremely rare and worth at least $3,000 at that time.
The old man put 3 clutches in it trying to tow a little travel trailer. As you know the trailer hitch hangs off the bumper? and I would not tow a paper bag with it...
You can’t get to Texas from here...
If you can find a 1987 Porsche 944 Turbo S, or later model 944 Turbo, that car will do things that will make your head spin without spending a fortune.
The 2010 Camaro concept had no B pillar, but the production version has to because of the Government mandated roof strength standards. The irony is, they can build a Convertible with no roof at all. No problemo.
I hate the Gubmint. I miss the good old days.
Of course, the Mercedes Coupes have no B pillar, but they're built like tanks.
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