American Muscle as a first car?

Please don't flame me on this - I know that this is a potential very stupid question, but here goes anyway.

I'm finally getting my drivers license, and, of course, I need a ride! I don't feel like driving around in some old Japanese rust-bucket, as I think they're boring and not much fun to own. Though, I've always loved the old American muscle cars, which i think would represent a somewhat bigger thrill, than a Honda Accord.

Now the thing is, registration here in Denmark represent about 180% of the vehicles value, and since old American muscle cars aren't that available over here, I would have to import one from overseas or from Germany/Sweden.
Therefore I figured I could only spend about $8,000 on the car, as sold in the US (on top of that, with registration included it will sum up at around $14,500).

As my knowledge into these cars are very limited, I thought some of you might know what kind of car I will get at this level? Of course, if I had to go to the repair shop every 2 weeks I wouldn't go for this kind of car, yet.
I know that it's hard to judge this from the price-level, but if any of you have had any experience I would love to hear your opinion (Has to be a V8 with manual trans - don't know if this changes the opinion on quality/reliability).

Basically, is $8,000 too stingy for this kind of car? (Please don't lagh if it very much is )

 

Thank you all for your input!

I'm not buying this kind of car with daily use in mind - obviously, I will primarily use it in the weekends, or some joyride when I feel like. I'm intimidated by the fuel efficiency (or lack of just that) as I think its somewhat a part of the spirit of the car, along with both steering and brakes (The latter I'd might mod, if possible).

I'm sorry, but new cars are out of the question - I'm in love with the 'old' ones, especially the engine and the exhaust note (heard a Ford Ranchero's exhaust note the other day, and i was absolutely stunned!), and I don't see how a late 90's car can ever offer that along with the spirit of the old cars...
Therefore I'm, of course, 'depressed' by the fact that 8K can't get me anything worth-full - But that was basically my question - Thanks!

Hmm, haven't really thought of it as a 'show off' car... Maybe I should buy one just to practise for when i'm moving into Ferraris

I might look into third gen Camaros but no other than that, I'm afraid...

Very cool! Though, judging from my - usually bad - mental calculation, I think £28K is a bit far from my initial $8K. But who am i to say.....


Though, hope have might appeared in the mist of my search. Registration may only account for 120% of the cars value instead of 180%, which, of course means that i will have a bit more money to spend.
I've dome some recalculating, and refurnished my figures - I might, in 'best case scenario' be able to spend $12K - $14K instead of the initial $8K - I'm sure that would change the kind of car that money could get me...
I've, after reading DMOORE's reply, Looked into the March I Mustangs ('69-'70) - absolute gorgeous!
- Will $14K be enough for a low-end-decent one of these?
(Sorry, not used to write in English, but I hope the 'message' is easy understandable )

 

All right, thanks for the advice!
I think i'll go talk to an American importer here in Denmark, and hear what he has to say - he might have some other information too, that you guys, of course, couldn't know anything about (specific to Denmark).

Thank you all, guys! You have been to a great help!