Ponycars were never about subtlety—they were about performance you could actually afford. Back in the day, these cars gave everyday drivers a shot at big power without needing a trust fund. Some were built to run light-to-light, others held their own on back roads, but they all delivered that mix of speed, style, and accessibility that made the category stick.

This list isn’t about the rarest or most expensive models. It’s about the ones you can still buy, drive, and enjoy without cashing out your retirement. If you want vintage muscle without museum-level price tags, these 10 picks are worth a serious look.

1974 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400

By 1974, emissions rules had started to dull performance, but the Firebird Formula 400 still packed some punch. Its 400-cubic-inch V8 made 225 horsepower—not outrageous on paper—but torque came in strong, and it moved the mid-size body with confidence.

It was lighter than the Trans Am and less flashy, but that also kept prices down. Over 14,000 Formula 400s were built in 1974, and many survived thanks to the street car popularity of the Firebird line. With the right gear ratios, these cars still surprise at stoplights today.

1968 AMC AMX 390

The AMX was AMC’s wild card in the ponycar game. Shorter than most of its rivals, the 1968 AMX came with a 390-cubic-inch V8 putting out 315 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. That was good for 0–60 in the mid-6s—not bad for a car that still flew under the radar.

Only about 6,725 AMXs were sold that year, which keeps prices reasonable today compared to the Big Three. It had a legit muscle car feel in a two-seat layout, and with a curb weight under 3,200 pounds, it was quick off the line without needing fancy suspension tricks.

1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 351

The Mach 1 wasn’t the top dog in the Mustang lineup, but it offered strong performance without Shelby pricing. The 1970 version with the 351 Cleveland V8 delivered 300 horsepower and had a factory-rated quarter-mile time in the low 14s.

It still carried the iconic fastback styling, shaker hood scoop, and Magnum 500 wheels—just without the premium price tag of the 428 Cobra Jet cars. Around 40,000 Mach 1s were sold in 1970, so supply isn’t scarce, and the 351-powered versions strike a solid balance of speed and affordability.

1979 Ford Mustang Cobra 5.0

The ’79 Mustang Cobra isn’t a burnout machine by modern standards, but it marked the return of V8 performance after the long drought of the mid-’70s. With a 5.0-liter (302 cid) V8 rated at 140 horsepower, it was light, agile, and surprisingly quick for the time.

The Fox-body platform made this Mustang easy to upgrade, and even stock, it offered decent performance and clean looks. Ford produced over 17,000 Cobras that year, and their relative affordability makes them one of the few V8-powered classics you can still find without breaking the bank.

1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT

Sharing DNA with the Mustang, the ’67 Cougar XR-7 GT came with a 390 V8 that made 320 horsepower. It had a longer wheelbase and a more refined interior, but under the hood, it was all business.

The GT package added stiffer suspension, disc brakes, and dual exhaust, making it more than just a dressed-up Mustang. Only about 2,700 GTs were built with the XR-7 trim in ’67, so they’re a bit rare—but not overpriced. They offer Mustang-level fun with a little more grown-up styling.

1970 Dodge Challenger 340

The Challenger R/T got all the press, but the 340-powered versions delivered excellent performance at a lower price. With 275 horsepower in a lighter setup, the 340 made up in balance what it lacked in brute strength.

The small-block made the car nimble, and with optional four-speed and Rallye suspension, it could hold its own in a straight line and around a corner. Roughly 16,000 Challenger 340s were built that year, and many are still on the road. They’re less expensive than 383 or Hemi models, but still quick enough to keep up.

1971 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

The second-gen Z28 dropped the high-winding 302 and replaced it with a 350-cubic-inch V8 rated at 330 hp in 1971. It was more usable on the street and still one of the quickest cars in the GM lineup, with 0–60 in the six-second range.

Production totaled about 4,862 units that year, and while prices are creeping up, they’re still reasonable compared to the early Z/28s. It was a solid mix of style, power, and drivability—and its wider track and revised suspension made it a better handler than the outgoing model.

1978 Pontiac Trans Am 6.6

Thanks to Smokey and the Bandit, the ’78 Trans Am became one of the most recognizable cars of its time. Underneath the T-tops and decals, it packed a 6.6L V8—either a Pontiac 400 or an Olds 403 depending on your location.

Horsepower wasn’t massive (220 in the best versions), but it still ran mid-15s in the quarter mile thanks to gearing and torque. Pontiac sold over 93,000 Trans Ams in 1978, so prices remain relatively sane, especially for well-kept survivors. It’s still one of the best bangs for the buck in the classic ponycar world.

1985 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

The ’85 IROC-Z signaled that GM was getting serious about handling again. It featured a 5.0L V8 with tuned port injection making up to 215 horsepower—more than enough in a car that weighed under 3,200 pounds.

The IROC package also brought upgraded suspension, sway bars, and those iconic 16-inch five-spoke wheels. Chevy built over 21,000 IROCs in 1985, and many are still around, often modified. Prices are climbing, but this is still one of the last classic Camaros you can pick up without emptying your wallet.

1969 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S 383

Before the ’Cuda name took over, the Formula S package was how you got real muscle in a Barracuda. The 1969 version with the 383 big-block pushed 330 horsepower and was available with a 4-speed and heavy-duty suspension.

It didn’t have the widebody look of later models, but it weighed less and delivered strong performance in a clean fastback or notchback body. Fewer than 2,500 were built with this setup, and while they’re not common, they still trade hands for far less than big-name Mopars. It’s a smart buy for real V8 performance in a pony-sized package.

*Created with AI assistance and editor review.