Ever dreamed of owning a classic sports car without auction-level prices haunting you? Turns out, you can. These timeless machines deliver pure driving joy, personality, and heritage without emptying your savings. So, grab your keys—or at least your daydreams—and let’s hit the road through ten vintage thrills that still feel alive.
Triumph Spitfire Mk IV – $6,000–$15,000
The affordable Triumph Spitfire Mk IV was in production from 1970 to 1974. This is a British roadster known for its sharp handling, thanks to a redesigned rear suspension that outperformed its predecessors. Under the hood, a 1.3-liter (1296 cc) inline-four engine purrs, and its body, designed by Giovanni Michelotti, exudes Italian style.
MG MGB – $8,000–$25,000
Few cars captured the thrill of driving like the MGB. Its lightweight design and monocoque construction gave it an athletic edge, while engineers pushed the boundaries with an early crumple zone feature. Manufactured from 1962 to 1980, the model achieved global success, selling more than half a million units and defining British roadster culture.
Porsche 924 – $6,000–$15,000
Initially designed for Volkswagen, the project changed direction, and Porsche turned it into something truly special. Produced between 1976 and 1988, the 924 featured a 2.0-liter inline-four engine and introduced the brand’s first front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
Triumph TR6 – $15,000–$40,000
In the world of classic British sports cars, the Triumph TR6 holds a special rank. Under its sleek, Karmann-influenced body, a 2.5-liter inline-six engine delivered the punch drivers loved. Across its 1968 to 1976 lifespan, this model’s 90,000-plus sales wrote one of Triumph’s brightest chapters.
Porsche Boxster 986 – $10,000–$25,000
Porsche wanted everyone to feel the thrill usually reserved for the elite, and the Boxster 986 made that happen. Its mid-engine balance turns every drive into a grin-worthy experience. The name itself—a mashup of ‘boxer’ and ‘roadster’—pays tribute to Porsche’s 550 Spyder roots with effortless style.
Alfa Romeo Spider – $10,000–$30,000
With its elegant Italian design, the Alfa Romeo Spider is a classic sports car that was produced from 1966 to 1994. Famous for its appearance in ‘The Graduate,’ the Alfa Romeo Spider also stands out for its twin-cam four-cylinder engine, which delivers lively performance and a unique exhaust sound.
Mazda MX-5 Miata NA – $8,000–$20,000
Holding a Guinness World Record as the best-selling two-seat sports car in history, Mazda’s MX-5 Miata (NA) became a global icon for its lightweight design and rear-wheel-drive balance. This car also captured the essence of classic British roadsters while infusing them with Japanese engineering.
Nissan 300ZX – $15,000–$40,000
Nissan’s 300ZX raised the bar for its performance from 1989 to 1996. Buyers could choose between naturally aspirated or twin-turbo V6 engines, with some versions offering four-wheel steering. With a drag coefficient of only 0.31, the model won Car and Driver’s Ten Best award seven years consecutively.
Fiat X1/9 – $8,000–$18,000
The Fiat X1/9, a mid-engine sports car, was a creation of Bertone, a famed Italian design house. Produced between 1972 and 1989, it became popular in autocross events due to its compact size. Beyond that, the X1/9’s removable targa top also offers a taste of open-air driving.
BMW Z3 1.9 – $6,000–$15,000
Between 1996 and 2002, the Z3 1.9 rolled out of BMW’s Spartanburg plant, boosting the brand’s U.S. presence. The car became famous when James Bond drove it in GoldenEye. The 1.9-liter inline-four made driving a lively and enjoyable experience.
