When you think of owning a classic sports car, your mind may immediately be drawn to a Ferrari Testarossa, Porsche Boxster, an Aston Martin DB4, perhaps a Jaguar E-Type, or a Lamborghini Espada. Let’s not beat around the bush – owning one of these motors in tip-top condition is going to cost you an absolute fortune. There’s no denying that. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get on the classic sports cars ladder for much less in 2024.
In fact, some of the better options (albeit less glamorous machines) out there in 2024 are well worth a punt, and most won’t set you back more than twenty grand, even in sublime conditions. Some can be picked up for a month’s salary or so. If you’re a petrol head and want to get your hands on something stylish, streamlined and sexy, allow us to showcase our top five classic sports cars that you can afford in 2024.
Five of the Best Affordable Classic Sports Cars This Year
As mentioned, you may have an image in your head of what a classic sports car should be. However, don’t be fooled. Many of the cards we’ve already mentioned are world-famous because of their name. It is their names that command the immense price tags. In fact, there are a dozen or so decent classic sports cars that, in many ways, are better than those we’ve already mentioned, and they are far cheaper.
Owning sports cars in 2024 isn’t as ruinously expensive as it was a decade ago, and we’re going to introduce you to our top five picks right now.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
First up, let’s talk about the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The rear-wheel roadster first appeared in 1989, and it’s still in production. This convertible may not be the fastest out there, but its cornering abilities make it well-suited for a day at the track. It can go from nought to sixty in up to nine seconds and packs up to 181 hp, topping out at around 126 mph. Getting your hands on an original ’89 Miata will set you back around thirty grand. However, other models can go for as little as $2,500, even in decent condition.
Jaguar XJS
Who doesn’t want to own a Jag? From 1975 to 1996, the XJS was an elegant, smooth convertible, and unlike some of the other cars on our list, it doesn’t look dated. The successor to the E-Type, the XJS is sleek and comes with a variety of engine types, the most powerful of which is the V-12. The XJS wasn’t always favored during its lifespan, and that makes this 240 hp, 3.6 to 4L Jag more affordable than some of its sister cars. It can ramp up to 148 mph in just over 8 seconds and is generally on sale for around ten grand. We’ve seen them sell for $20,000 in pristine condition, but an XJS with a few bangs and scrapes can go for as little as a couple of grand in the right places.
Alfa Romeo Spider
There’s been a few cars called “spiders”, and we’re interested in Alfa Romeo’s. Developed from ’66 to ’94, this absolute steal makes use of Pininfarina aerodynamics, is reminiscent of a sleek roadster from the sixties, and its round headlamps scream convertible. You’ve got engine choices ranging from 1.3L to 2L, and while it takes up to 11 seconds to hit a top speed of 115 mph, it has 109 hp, is rear-wheel drive, and there is a surprisingly large number of parts available for repairs. Finding one in top condition is rare, so expect to stump up to twenty grand for one. However, more banged-up options (again, suitable for repair) can be snapped up for just a few thousand bucks.
MG MGB GT
Arguably one of Britain’s most defining sports cars, this reliable and dependable classic car may only have around 95 hp and reach speeds of just 105 mph (taking twelve seconds to do so), but you’re not paying for its performance here. This is a glitzy, stylish throwback car designed for the road, not the racetrack. The MGB GT is a hatchback grand tourer, and it isn’t impossible to imagine Bond zipping around in one of these in the sixties. Manufactured from 1965 to 1980, this MG will cost you around $4,000 in satisfactory condition, up to twenty grand when it is restored. In their home country, Brits can snap them up for around £5,000 to £10,000.
Lotus Esprit
Arguably, the most iconic motor on our list is the famous Lotus Esprit. Produced from 1976 to 2004, this lightweight speed demon with a timeless design is still highly sought after. Pop-up headlights, a turbo engine and fiberglass chassis ensure that the Esprit shares similarities with the Ferraris and Lamborghinis of the same period. However, this car is much more affordable. With a top speed of 175 mph, up to 350 horsepower, and an array of options based on its year of production, the Lotus Esprit can be yours for anything from $30,000 to $60,000.
Honorable Mentions
If you’re not taken with any of the wheels we’ve already listed, then it’s worth noting that there are other options out there. There’s an abundance of Volkswagen Beetles, Ford Mustangs, Mazdas and Porsche Caymans. You can also pick up the BMW z3 for up to $25,000, while the FIAT 124 Sport Spider, and Porsche 924 are options. More modern options, including Audi TTs and Toyota Celicas can also be prized away from owners if you prefer to splash a bit more cash.
Just remember that before you drop anything to snap up a classic sports car in 2024 (no matter how cheap), always take it for a spin beforehand, get it appraised, and examined by a mechanic first. Repairs on the Alfa may be affordable, but that won’t always be the case when dealing in classic sports cars, no matter how little you acquired them for.
