These stories are a reminder of that old car sitting and collecting dust in your garage was once a $300.oo family beater. But today, with the skyrocketing prices, it could be an investment.
To either collect or flip you might find these stories interesting. I just compiled 8 of the most interesting vehicles of all time and their estimated prices. Here, I’ll show you that these once-ordinary cars were worth new, using actual sales brochures and comparing the same cars that have been overhauled to original specs or modernized and sold at today’s prices.
Some skyrocketing prices may even shock you, “because it did me.” Today, these cars of yesteryears have a new name, Classic Cars, with a hefty sales price tag attached.
- Note: these are estimated prices because there are too many variables that determine the outcome. Example: “condition, originality are the main ones.”
As a bonus, here are a few auction price tags of the most expensive classic cars sold. Looking at these prices, even I had to dig deep in my pocket only to find that my cupboard was empty. Meaning I was a few million dollars short on some of my favourite classics.
Example
*1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 “Bullitt” – $3.74 Million
*1962 Shelby Cobra 260 CSX2000 – $13.75 Million
*1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 – $3.85 Million
*1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible – $3.5 Million
*1966 Shelby Cobra 427 – $5.5 Million
In the 1970s, the car lot sales brochure reads, “Low Price” for this Plymouth CUDA @ $4800.
In 2026 a 1971 Plymouth CUDA 440 SIXPACK was recently up for sale @ “$70,000.”
And if you went one step further and checked out a classic car auction, “”440 Cuda (one similar) sold for a whopping 3 million dollars.
When Detroit Imported Diesel: The 1980s Experiment Canada Shouldn’t Forget. CLICK HERE 🔗
On the left, you’ll see a “car lot sales flyer” advertising a 1967 Camaro for a low price of $2229.oo dollars. Date of flyer unknown.
In the same year Camaro this overhauled, customized, and lowered with many updated modifications. FOR SALE for a whopping 95,000 dollars.
On this flyer, it reads “1957 Chevy $2499.00. Dollars.”
But according to Hagerty Insurance, the average 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air in Good condition goes for around $29,600.oo today.
However, at the 48th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction.
A publicly recorded sale price for a custom 1957 Bel Air convertible sold for $258,500.oo
The most read, automotive newspaper is *OLDAUTOS.ca* click here for the link. 🔗
Here is a car lot asking price of $4589.oo for a 1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE SPLIT-WINDOW coupe.
Today’s value.
On May 22, 2020, a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window was the highest earner in the Barrett-Jackson online auction, selling for at least $357,500.oo
Should You Liquidate Your Classic Car Collection Before You Die? CLICK HERE to read more.
To the left, you will find the original 1954 Divco with a factory list price of $7326.00.
On the right, this shows a 1954 Divco Milk Truck Show Stopper with extensive custom body modifications, a 383-ci Chevy V8 powerhouse with an 8/71 GM blower. Well, let’s say you will have to dig really deep in your pocket.
Check out my story of The James Bond Car (Cadillac Pimpmobile) 🔗
“1928 Ford Model A” The initial cost was around $850, but through efficiency the price to as low as $240–$300 by the mid-1920s.
Today, a 1928 Model A “in good condition” typically sells for approximately $15,900 to $21,500. “Henry Ford famously said: What colour would you like **black or black **
Estimated Cost of Overhauling a Classic Car Project.. “CLICK HERE”
1971 Javelin original selling was 2599.oo dollars. Today, they typically sell from 20,000 to 60,000 dollars.
History: When Ford sold millions of Mustangs in the first year, the other manufacturers had to respond. That included American Motors introducing the Javelin.
Original price ..$3827. Today priceless.
Question: What is the most paid for a Mustang at auction? The highest known price paid for a Mustang was easily the original “Bullitt (movie) Mustang” at a Mecum auction at $3.4 million bid, followed by a 1962 Shelby Cobra CSX2000, the very first Cobra, which sold for $13.75 million in 2016 at RM Sotheby’s
Another interesting auto story… “Did a Ford F-150 come with an option ‘Onan Generator?” 🔗
📢 There you have it, folks. I hope you enjoyed the comparison. If you want to see more dealer advertisements, please visit Pinterest with a link HERE. 🔗
🏁 On closing, I should mention that not all these classic cars presented are to everyone’s liking; however, they are my favourites. So, as a reminder, when going to any Classic Car Auction, bring lots of cash, greenbacks, cashola. Enjoy the comparison.
Thank you for reading my before and today’s prices of vintage and classic cars. I hope I got your Mojo workin because even I found my own article interesting.
If by chance, you found my story of interest, please consider donating a little gingle to this author. There was a lot of time spent researching and drinking many coffees later. I would only say “thank you in advance.” DONATION Paid through PayPal. 🔗
Thank you to all the companies that supplied photos, clip art or information. Below are their web address.
*Pinterest Automobile Advertising
*Hagarty Insurance
*clip art gallery
*auto evolution
*James Doyle’s Garage
*old autos
*bring a trailer
*Miller and Miller Auctions
I shouldn’t leave without showing you gas prices from the 70s compared to the year … 2026.
