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Tips10 September 2024 by Andreas 702 Viewed

10 Affordable Classic Cars Under 20,000€

Classic cars offer a unique blend of nostalgia, style, and driving pleasure, making them a favorite among enthusiasts. You don’t need to break the bank to own a piece of automotive history – there are many affordable classics, particularly from the pre-1980 era, that you can buy for under 20,000€. In this article, we’ll explore 10 such cars that combine timeless design and fun driving experiences at a reasonable price.

1. Fiat 850 Vignale (1964–1968)

Average Price: 7,000–18,000€
The Fiat 850 Vignale is a charming, compact classic with an Italian flair. The Vignale-bodied coupe version of the 850 is particularly prized for its elegant lines and rarity. Powered by an 843cc engine, it’s not a performance monster, but its lightweight chassis and quirky design make it a joy to drive. It’s a stylish and affordable entry into the world of classic Italian cars.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Rare Vignale styling, affordable, easy to maintain because of the Fiat 850 mechanics.
  • Cons: Low power, difficult to find parts for specific Vignale models.

2. Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (1955–1974)

Average Price: 15,000–20,000€
The Karmann Ghia is a timeless blend of German engineering and Italian design. Its flowing lines were penned by Carrozzeria Ghia, while it was built by the Karmann coachbuilder. Underneath its sleek body lies the dependable Volkswagen Beetle platform, making it easy to maintain. With its unique design and reliable mechanicals, the Karmann Ghia is a fantastic classic for anyone who appreciates style without compromising on reliability.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Iconic design, reliable Volkswagen parts, affordable maintenance.
  • Cons: Slow performance, rising prices for pristine models.

3. Fiat 600 (1955–1969)

Average Price: 5,000–15,000€
The Fiat 600 played a key role in Italy’s post-war economic boom, providing affordable transportation to the masses. Its small size and rear-engine layout make it a fun and nimble car to drive, especially in city environments. While its 633cc engine may not win any drag races, its charm and simplicity more than make up for it. The Fiat 600 is an excellent starter classic with plenty of character.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Iconic Italian design, affordable price, easy to work on.
  • Cons: Limited speed, basic interior.

4. Fiat 124 Sport Spider (1966–1982)

Average Price: 14,000–20,000€+
Designed by Pininfarina, the Fiat 124 Sport Spider combines Italian flair with sporty performance at an affordable price. It comes with a 1.4L, 1.6L, or later 2.0L engine, making it a peppy roadster perfect for cruising. With its stunning lines, lively handling, and convertible top, the Fiat 124 Sport Spider delivers an engaging driving experience reminiscent of much more expensive classic sports cars.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Italian style, affordable, good driving dynamics.
  • Cons: Prone to rust, regular maintenance required.

5. MGB (1962–1980)

Average Price: 10,000–18,000€
The MGB is one of the best-selling British sports cars of all time and offers a fun and engaging driving experience. Available as a roadster or GT coupe, the MGB is powered by a 1.8-liter engine that delivers respectable performance for its era. Its simple mechanics make it easy to maintain, and there’s a large aftermarket for parts, making the MGB one of the most accessible and affordable classic sports cars on the market.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Easy to maintain, large parts availability, fun driving experience.
  • Cons: Not particularly fast, rust issues.

6. Triumph Spitfire (1962–1980)

Average Price: 9,000–15,000€
The Triumph Spitfire is another affordable British sports car that delivers plenty of fun for a reasonable price. Its lightweight design and small 1.1L to 1.5L engines make it agile and fun on twisty roads, even if it’s not the fastest car around. With its convertible top and classic styling, the Spitfire offers a quintessential British motoring experience.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Lightweight, fun to drive, convertible charm.
  • Cons: Basic interior, prone to rust, some electrical issues.

7. Innocenti 950 Spider (1961–1968)

Average Price: 10,000–16,000€
The Innocenti 950 Spider is a rare and delightful Italian classic designed by Ghia and powered by a British Austin-Healey Sprite engine. With a 948cc engine delivering 43 horsepower, it’s not the fastest car on the list, but it compensates with beautiful styling and a fun, lightweight driving experience. Its combination of Italian design and British engineering makes it a unique classic that stands out in the crowd.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Rare Ghia design, affordable, a blend of Italian style and British engineering.
  • Cons: Limited performance, finding parts can be tricky.

8. Citroën DS (1955–1975)

Average Price: 15,000–20,000€
The Citroën DS is one of the most revolutionary cars ever made. Its futuristic design, advanced suspension system, and hydraulic innovations make it an icon of automotive history. While the Citroën DS might not be a traditional sports car, its unique driving experience, superb ride quality, and avant-garde looks make it a fantastic classic car to own. Models in good condition can be found within this budget, especially if you avoid the higher-performance variants.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Revolutionary design, smooth ride, unique driving experience.
  • Cons: Complex mechanics, costly repairs for hydraulic systems.

9. Porsche 914 (1969–1976)

Average Price: 15,000–20,000€+
The Porsche 914 is one of the most affordable ways to own a classic Porsche. Co-developed with Volkswagen, the mid-engined 914 offers excellent handling and balance, making it a joy to drive. While early models featured VW-sourced engines, later versions came with more powerful Porsche units, delivering better performance. Its quirky styling and Porsche badge make it a desirable choice for classic car enthusiasts.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Mid-engine handling, affordable entry into Porsche ownership.
  • Cons: Modest power, VW engine in early models, rising prices.

10. Lancia Fulvia Coupe (1965–1976)

Average Price: 10,000–18,000€
The Lancia Fulvia Coupe is a hidden gem in the classic car world. Known for its rallying success, the Fulvia is a front-wheel-drive coupe with sharp handling and a rev-happy 1.3L V4 engine. Its elegant design, especially in the earlier models, has earned it a loyal following. The Fulvia’s motorsport heritage and timeless looks make it a fantastic option for anyone seeking an affordable Italian classic.

  • Why it’s a great buy: Rally heritage, sharp handling, beautiful design.
  • Cons: Parts can be expensive, prone to rust.

Final Thoughts

These 10 classic cars offer a variety of driving experiences, from nimble city cruisers to sporty roadsters and rally-inspired coupes, all without exceeding the 20,000€ mark. Whether you’re drawn to Italian styling, British charm, or German engineering, there’s a classic car on this list to suit your taste and budget. Just remember to factor in maintenance and parts costs when choosing your dream car. With the right choice, you’ll not only enjoy the pleasures of owning a classic but also the potential appreciation in value over time.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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Prince Skyline Sport Allemano

The end of World War II left Japan in a difficult position, having to transition its industries from military production to civilian use. This challenge was particularly tough since Japan, like Germany and Italy, was a defeated nation. However, Japan’s ability to adapt would set the stage for one of the most exciting collaborations in automotive history.

Among the companies responsible for this transformation were Tachikawa and Nakajima, two of Japan’s leading aviation companies. Tasked with shifting to civilian production, Tachikawa (later known as Tokyo Electric Cars) began building electric cars in 1947. Their first model, the Tama, was followed by a slightly larger Junior, and eventually, the Senior.

In the early 1950s, Japan’s evolving automotive landscape saw a shift from electric-powered cars to gasoline engines. By the end of 1951, the Tama Senior was fitted with a 1.5-liter petrol engine, a shift that led to the creation of the Prince Sedan in 1952. This was the beginning of Prince Motor Company, which was named in honor of the official investiture of Crown Prince Akihito.

In 1954, Fuji Precision Machinery (formerly Nakajima) acquired Prince Motor Company and embarked on producing automobiles under the Prince brand. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Japan’s automotive history.

The Birth of the Skyline and the Search for European Inspiration

By the late 1950s, Prince Motor Company had gained recognition in Japan for its innovative vehicles, such as the Prince Sedan and the Skyline (introduced in 1957). However, the company sought to take their vehicles to a new level—focusing on luxury, performance, and innovation. To do so, they looked westward, to Europe, for inspiration.

Europe was home to some of the most prestigious automotive brands, and Fuji Precision Machinery executives wanted a vehicle that could rival the best of Europe. This aspiration led them to Italy, where they arranged a pivotal meeting at the Salone dell’Automobile (Turin Motor Show) with Carrozzeria Allemano, a respected coachbuilder with ties to Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti.

The collaboration between Japan and Italy led to the creation of the Prince Skyline Sport, a car that would redefine the trajectory of Japan’s automotive design. This groundbreaking partnership merged Japanese engineering with Italian artistry, setting a new standard for style and innovation. The success of this collaboration inspired other Japanese manufacturers to partner with Italy’s legendary design houses, creating some of the most iconic vehicles of the 1960s.

Mazda, for example, worked with Bertone, enlisting the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro to design the Familia, a compact car that skillfully blended European elegance with Japanese practicality. In 1963, Daihatsu teamed up with Vignale to produce the Compagno, along with its sporty variants: the Sport Spider and Coupé; which reflected a uniquely Italian flair. The following year, Pininfarina collaborated with Datsun to craft a sleek new look for the Bluebird, a move that helped the car gain global recognition. By 1965, Isuzu joined forces with Ghia to design the Bellett II, a concept car that showcased bold and forward-thinking design elements.

These partnerships went beyond aesthetics; they helped establish a global identity for Japanese automakers. By working with Italy’s most respected design houses, Japanese manufacturers gained fresh perspectives on styling while enhancing their reputation for innovation and quality. These collaborations not only transformed the appearance of Japanese cars but also elevated their appeal to international markets, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

A Handcrafted Masterpiece

Under the direction of Giovanni Michelotti, one of Italy’s most respected automotive designers, the Skyline Sport would be an example of high-end craftsmanship. Initially, the first series of prototypes were built by Carrozzeria Allemano, known for its hand-built bodies. Later, a second series of production would be completed by Carrozzeria Michelotti, adding the final touch to this luxury vehicle.

The Skyline Sport was designed as a two-door coupe with sleek, flowing lines and a sporty yet elegant appearance. Michelotti’s design incorporated canted headlights, angled downward at the inside corners—a feature seen in other high-end vehicles like the Lincoln Continental and Buick during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

At the heart of the Skyline Sport was a 1.9-liter GB-4 engine that generated 94 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 150 km/h. Despite weighing in at 1,350 kg, the car’s handling was remarkably smooth, thanks to a double-wishbone front suspension and a De Dion rear axle, technologies that were innovative for its time.

The Prince Skyline Sport: A Bold Statement

The Skyline Sport debuted at the 1960 Turin Motor Show, where it garnered international attention for its bold design and luxury features. Available in both a coupe and a convertible version, it was a striking example of Italian design combined with Japanese engineering. Its clean lines, striking front grille, and eye-catching details made it a standout at the show.

But its beauty was more than skin deep. The Skyline Sport was a car that delivered in terms of both aesthetics and performance. With its meticulously crafted body, luxurious interior, and advanced suspension, the car offered an exceptional driving experience that rivaled the finest European vehicles of the era.

The Prince Skyline Sport made its official appearance in Japan at the 1962 Tokyo Motor Show, where it was met with great enthusiasm due to its elegant lines and striking design. With its sleek coupe and convertible versions, the car showcased a perfect blend of Italian craftsmanship and Japanese engineering, captivating the crowd with its sophisticated aesthetic. However, the Skyline Sport came with a hefty price tag of 1.85 million yen, more than twice the cost of a standard sedan. This steep price limited its appeal in Japan’s domestic market, making it a rare and exclusive collector’s item. Despite its high price, the car gained significant exposure through its prominent feature in Toho films, strategically marketed to heighten its status as a luxury icon.

A Historic Collaboration and Legacy

The Prince Skyline Sport is historically significant as the first collaboration between an Italian designer and a Japanese automaker, setting a precedent for future cross-cultural partnerships in the automotive world. It was a testament to the universal appeal of Italian design and the skill of Michelotti and Carrozzeria Allemano. The Skyline Sport bridged cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing together the best of both worlds to create a truly exceptional car.

Though the Skyline Sport never achieved high sales numbers, with only 60 to 200 units produced, its impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. It paved the way for later models like the Skyline GT-R and helped establish the Prince Laurel, another model that would become iconic in Japan.

The Skyline Sport also marked the beginning of Prince Motor Company’s shift toward luxury vehicles. This emphasis on quality and refinement would continue after Nissan’s acquisition of Prince Motors in 1966, with the Skyline Sport serving as a precursor to future generations of luxury cars from Japan.

The Prince Skyline Sport was more than just a car—it was a statement of innovation, craftsmanship, and the power of international collaboration. The partnership between Giovanni Michelotti, Carrozzeria Allemano, and Prince Motor Company created a vehicle that showcased the best of both Italian design and Japanese engineering.

Though limited in production and availability, the Skyline Sport remains an important part of automotive history. It stands as a symbol of the potential for global partnerships to create groundbreaking designs, and its legacy continues to inspire the automotive world today.

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