Since the introduction of the first automobile in 1913, car manufacturers introduced unique and out-of-the-box car designs. While some may argue almost all cars have the same shape today, that wasn’t the case in the earlier years of vehicles. During the ’60s, car design changed radically. That influence carried on into the modern automobiles we know today. Not every car since the ‘60s won awards for design or overall value, until many years later. The classic car market is booming. Many car enthusiasts prefer to purchase a classic car and restore it or transform it. With a plethora of options, which are the best classic cars? Listed below are 3 of the most underrated classic cars in history.
Datsun Z:
Datsun, or Nissan, released its first popular Japanese sports car back in 1970. The Z had a few standout features: performance, comfort, style, and reliability. Its stunning design for the time, paired with a flawless 6-cylinder engine, reached 0-60 in 7.8 seconds. That record was impressive at the time, and its maximum speed of 125 MPH triumphed in other sportscar competitors, including the Porsche 911 and Jaguar’s E-Type of the same era. The best part of this car? The price. Currently, you can find some Datsun Z’s for under $15,000.
Triumph TR6:
By no means is the Triumph TR6 a flashy car. Compared to some of its competitors, it lacked HP, torque, and modern styling. At the same time, this car packed a respectable amount of torque. While 150-HP is laughable compared to today’s standards, it was adequate during its time. The TR6 is rare to see, especially on American shores. If you’re able to find one in mint condition, the price is as low as $15,000. TR6s are quite simple for the mechanically challenged, and parts are plentiful although the car is more than 50 years old.
Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet:
A long name for a car on this list, I know. Car manufacturers’ naming schemes were not the best at the time. Regardless of the name for this car, it was criminally underrated. Because it was a ford with no Shelby badge, many car collectors scoffed at the idea of purchasing this classic. However, the Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet had the styling and similar performance to the Shelby GT500. The best part? It’s half the price of the Shelby GT500.