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 )

 

If I were you I'd buy a nice VW Golf or something a LOT more practical for a first car than an old American muscle car. Those old cars go fast in a straight line, but I trust you realize that they use an insane amount of fuel, they don't handle, and the brakes are horrible. If you want one as a toy, fine, but not as an only car, and all you're going to get for $8000 is something that needs work.

 

It depends on what you consider to be 'American Muscle'. $8000 USD will buy you a decent mid-nineties vintage V8 Camaro/Firebird or Mustang GT. If you are looking for late sixties/early seventies then $8K buys you a basket case, generally.

I would personally try to find a '98-02 Camaro Z28 or Firebird Formula/Trans Am with the LS1 V8 (300-325hp) and the T56 6 speed manual. Higher-mileage examples are out there in your price range and they're pretty solid cars. Parts and aftermarket are plentiful.

 

A buddy of mine who was in the Navy, drove an old Mach 1 in Spain, when he was stationed there. You would have thought he was a rock star. The reaction was unreal when he drove down the street. EVERY time he came out from a shop or restaurant, there would be a crowd. I say go for it. You only live once.



Darrell.

 

My adivse to you is to look into the third GenFbodys.

They are pretty cheap you can find one complete with a V-8 for around 5k in great condition. They are pretty good cars to and very practical, we used to own a third Gen Firebird and TransAm both where great cars to own and very reliable and fast did I also mention they get good gas mileage?. They are also pretty friendly to drive anyone car get used to drive one from the first day they get there drivers license its pretty easy from there. Modding one is also pretty easy.

I wouldn't mind looking into getting one myself as a second car from the Fiero.

 

Great choice, agreed. They ranged from the factory anywhere from 305-327 HP. Great bang for the buck, and tons af aftermarket support.

 

+1 on the 4th gen Trans Am or Camaro. The LS1 is a strong engine with alot of room for mods. Check out 5.0 stangs too those are pretty cool cars as well.

 

This is what you want, £28k though. I PICK MINE UP MID JUNE, WOOHOO!!
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When you pick that thing up, I want to hear all about it. WHERE CAN I FIND ONE? WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION???

 

Thanks, I created a thread in the UK section earlier so the waiting game is on as its being fully resprayed and interior re-trimmed as we speak.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152124

Its a Cobra with removable hard top designed by Dave Brookes in the UK. Very rare to find them with the hard top but you have them built for around £2,500.

I'm like a 5 yo kid all over again!!

 

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 )

 

Here's a good source to look at and get an idea of what's available for what price... http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale

You're not going to get a decent 69-70 Mach (no "r") 1 Mustang for anywhere near that price in today's market... For $14,000 you'll be buying something that needs work... Also be aware that there are a lot of fakes and clones out there when it comes to the more desireable muscle cars, educate yourself, make sure you know how to spot them and make sure if you're paying for the real thing, it's documented.

 

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!