Collector cars are more popular than ever. In the last few years, sales of classic cars have exploded as more people — including growing numbers of car enthusiasts from younger generations — dive into this rewarding and fun hobby. But choosing the right car requires some consideration. After all, every vehicle represents an investment of funds, time and effort.
And as any collector car aficionado will tell you, some cars are a bit more, well, finicky than others. However, the opposite is true, too. Some collector cars are simply known for being less difficult to maintain and work on.
Here are a few of the easiest classic cars to maintain.
1970 Plymouth Barracuda
Plymouth’s 1970 Barracuda may be best known for its reliability — and for good reason. This car boasts a powerful 7.0 L Hemi and a new-that-year exterior design that comes in a range of colors.
Of course, a car this reliable and good looking is in high demand. The 1970’s value has gone through the roof lately, and Barracudas are pretty hard to find. If you run across a good deal, you may just want to snap up this reliable muscle car.
1965-66 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa
Inexpensive and fun? The 1965-66 Chevy Corvair Corsa checks all the boxes. A unique blend of Corvette and Camaro, this zippy little convertible offers great value. There are plenty of parts available, making maintenance and repairs less of a hassle.
The Corvair Corsa shares parts with many other GM cars, making finding components just that much easier. The Corsa’s features aren’t too shabby, either. It’s got a roomy interior and a flat-six, air cooled 140 hp engine.
1975-1986 Mercedes-Benz W123
While Mercedes-Benz marketed the W123 as an executive car, it’s also extremely tough and can take quite a beating. These plus-sized sedans are known for their ability to navigate tough terrain and keep on going.
Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive to repair. Because so many were produced, parts aren’t hard to find, either.
1964-1968 Ford Mustang
There’s a reason Ford Mustangs have been on the road for decades: These well-known cars are reliable and generally easy to repair. Plus, they’re among the world’s most popular collector cars, especially in America, Australia and Europe alike.
Parts are easy to find, making maintenance a breeze. Earlier models are known to be especially reliable; look for six-cylinder models if you want one of the easiest classic cars to maintain.
1954 Jeep CJ 5
Early Jeeps, like the 1954 CJ 5, were modelled on the versions used by American soldiers in WWII. In other words, they were designed to be tough and low maintenance. Though the interior may lack some creature comforts, these little 4-wheel drives can traverse virtually any terrain.
Parts are plentiful and relatively inexpensive, and they’re easy to work on. The CJ 5 is a great classic car to build up without worrying about reliability.
Whether you’re a newbie who’s just caught the collector car bug or an old hand, certain classic cars simply require less input. Though they may be among the easiest classic cars to maintain, these autos still have much to offer, minus the finicky nature of so many exotic vintages.