Top ten classic muscle car list released by Total Car Score: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro tops list
BY JOSH MAX / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
CHEVROLET
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ranked as Total Car Score's number one classic muscle car, with a current market value of $425,000.
Need a reason to buy a Mustang, Camaro or Charger, besides looks and speed? Another reason might be because muscle cars are turning out to be good investments. Pony cars in good condition are still flexing their biceps 48 years after the first Mustang rolled off the assembly line, and their value is increasing despite a soft economy, according to experts at Total Car Score.
"We're seeing a general rise in auction and listing prices of classic muscle cars as market interest in these models picks up," says Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief of Total Car Score. "Rare older models, in original or properly restored condition, are increasing in value even as the general economy continues to struggle. At the same time, the capability of modern muscle cars has skyrocketed over the past 12 years. For value seekers, several models produced between 2000 and 2010 offer excellent performance at a relatively low purchase price."
TCS has just released their list of the top ten classic muscle cars, with the #1 spot going to the 1969 Camaro ZL1. A mint-condition model can sell for as much as $425,000, more than some Ferraris and other exotics. For those on a budget, a 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 can be yours for as little as $35,000. If carburetors, disc brakes and lousy mileage aren’t your thing, you can still buy a new muscle car with all the modern technology available on most other cars available in the 2012 market, says TCS, at a much lower cost than buying a restored vintage vehicle. You also might be purchasing a future classic, they add.
Total Car Score has identified the following classic American muscle cars that not only represented the pinnacle of automotive performance when new but also offer strong market value today. Vintage car collectors consider these must-have muscle cars, which is undoubtedly driving up their prices.
| MODEL | MARKET VALUE | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | $425,000 |
| 2. | 1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda | $425,000 |
| 3. | 1969 Dodge Hemi Charger Daytona | $400,000 |
| 4. | 1969 Ford Boss 429 Mustang | $220,000 |
| 5. | 1968 Ford Mustang GT500KR | $130,000 |
| 6. | 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV | $80,000 |
| 7. | 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 | $75,000 |
| 8. | 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1 | $75,000 |
| 9. | 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SD455 | $75,000 |
| 10. | 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 | $35,000 |