[mgarblik]

For overall performance, I would think a 71-73 Formula 400 or Formula 455 would be a great car in your price range. I left out 1970 because of high compression and available fuel. I left out Trans Ams because I doubt a nice one could be found in your price range. The formulas are great looking and unique and much less expensive. Moving up in size, a 71-72 GTO can be found in that price range. Good handling and brakes and low compression. I personally have a liking for 58 Pontiacs. Can be bought in that price range but I imagine prices will be going down on them in 10 years. Handling and brakes are pretty horrible as well. But the styling and the beautiful optimistic interiors!! Two tone paint jobs, They are just beautiful.

[tom s]

Early 60s big cars are fading on value now except for SDs.JMHO,tom

[Tempest]

close your eyes and imagine yourself driving down the interstate, or pulling into a Cruise Night.................. what car do you see yourself in?

[jhein]

Something like this:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...rd-trans-am-6/

Or this:

https://www.mecum.com/lots/1101954/1...aa_id=510183-0

[West Coast GTO]

71 Trans Am in blue .

[jhein]

Originally Posted by West Coast GTO

71 Trans Am in blue .

If you can find a nice one for 50K, let me know, I'll buy it right now.

[geeteeohguy]

I've had my '65 and '67 GTO's for over 40 years, driving them the whole time. So, many miles and memories. Currently working on a '66 GTO that I picked up 3 months ago....my first 'new' GTO in over 30 years. It, like the '67, is a ragtop. The '65 and '66 are 4 speed cars. That said, since childhood, I've ALWAYS loved the '61-'62 Pontiacs. So a nice '61 Catalina/Ventura/Bonneville or a '62 Grand Prix, black with red interior and 4 speed, would be just fine. But for 50k, probably not happening. Plus, I have too many cars as is. All of them run and drive, though, as that's the rule of the house. Have seen too many 'restoration' projects sit in pieces in a garage for a lifetime and never make any memories for the owner.

[napster]

1969 Grand Prix SJ. Triple black with 428 HO and 4 spd.

I had a 1969 GP model J in triple blue. Body was Warwick blue. It is the only car I wish I never sold.

[sdbob]

65 GTO. OR 63 GP 4spd like my college ride.

[bluejudge]

I have a long list of cars, but I will settle for a 69 Judge Convertible. LOL thanks, Marc

[BB70]

I would buy my Matador 69 Judge back. I had to sell it under b.s. circumstances.

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by napster

1969 Grand Prix SJ. Triple black with 428 HO and 4 spd.

I had a 1969 GP model J in triple blue. Body was Warwick blue. It is the only car I wish I never sold.

That's a fantastic car, but I don't think anyone is buying a 69 428 HO 4-speed GP in local show condition in his price range. However, a 69-70 GP, 400 auto or a non-HO 428 might fit his budget. They are great driving and handling cars even without a 4-speed. A stick would be very cool though. Fuel would be an issue with original engines those years.

[The Champ]

Originally Posted by dataway

I'd get a Solstice and let the good time roll.

This, but I'll modify (because of your budget) to a Solstice GXP Coupe 5spd.

Very limited production (1152 made in 2009 and a 114 in 2010. That is total Solstice Coupe production (1260) and only 850 were GXP's with the 260HP 2.0L turbo.

We bought our daughter an '09 Brazen Orange Coupe for her 50th birthday last February. It's a base coupe with the 177HP base motor.

The nice thing with this for her is if it needs work, any good independent repair shop or any GM dealer can work on it.

With your budget, you can look for a super clean, very low mileage car.

Or simply spend less and enjoy.

[bluejudge]

Originally Posted by BB70

I would buy my Matador 69 Judge back. I had to sell it under b.s. circumstances.

That’s a great color, I want Carousel Red, but I have seen a Matador Jude Convertible and would not mind that too…

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Originally Posted by Skidmark

If you had a budget of 40- 50k and wanted to buy a Pontiac to drive and enjoy for local shows, cruises, etc...

A 94 TA convertible 25th anniversary
You can find them with ultra low mileage that have been babied and pampered and garaged for 30-35k.
About what they cost new.
Beautiful cars with amazing interior.
I don't like the factory wheels , but some vintage Honeycombs should fit them.

89 Turbo Trans Am 20th anniversary.
I think 30-40k will still buy a nice low mileage one.
They are QUICK
Somewhere between 89-91 I was at a muscle car festival at either Darlington drag strip or Rockingham drag strip .
Young kid driving his Dads 89 TTA made it all the way to the finals in the race event.
He would have won , but he redlighted on the final run.

40-50k won't buy the cars I really love the most in show condition.

[Greg Reid]

I would be including for consideration any pre-'75 400-455 F-body, any pre-'73 GTO and several mid to early '60s B-bodies... honorable mention, '61 Ventura tri-power bubbletop.

[Skidmark]

"Later 2nd gen Trans Ams in that price point would be the most car you can get I feel that will remain relevant in a decade"

It looks like several members agreed with this. Makes sense from an investment standpoint. It's all about demand.

[Skidmark]

Originally Posted by jhein

Something like this:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...rd-trans-am-6/

Or this:

https://www.mecum.com/lots/1101954/1...aa_id=510183-0

Lately leaning this way. I know the handling is no where near that of the later models, but still a comfortable ride in my opinion.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

94 TA Vert 25th with 326 miles (three hundred and twenty six)
Just sold at B-J Arizona for 30k on Wednesday

78 TA W72 Gold Edition with 4 spd and 41 options with 47,000 miles sold for 46k on Tuesday

[59safaricat]

Originally Posted by tom s

Early 60s big cars are fading on value now except for SDs.JMHO,tom

Who cares about value, buy what brings you happiness and enjoyment. You won't be taking the car or your money with you to the grave.