In the last few decades, prices of classic cars have gone through the roof. Some of these include cars that people have long dreamed of owning. As such, this timeless charm and appeal have led to an increasing demand despite these vehicles being several decades old. The same case applies to American cars from the '70s, which represent the pinnacle of the muscle car craze.

RELATED: These Are The 10 Most Beautiful '70s Cars Ever Made

However, despite the increase in demand over the years, some cars from the '70s still remain overlooked. It doesn't necessarily suggest that these cars were lacking in any sense, in fact, some of them were actually pretty incredible. Today, we're taking a look at some of these '70s models that would make a fine addition to any collector's garage on a budget.

Using sources such as J.D. Power and Classic.com, we have compiled this list of some of the best '70s cars for collectors on a budget.

10 1970 Plymouth Duster

Average Used Price: $10,450

Black 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 on the road
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The Duster was intended as the Plymouth Valiant's sporty variant, competing with cars like the AMC Hornet and Ford Maverick with its 2-door coupe style body. Although models with the performance-focused 340 engine generally sell for higher price ranges, you can easily find a base model 1970 Plymouth Duster for incredibly cheap prices nowadays.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Sport Coupe

$3,675 - $15,400

$2,172

340

$7,025 - $47,900

$2,547

The 1970 model years are perfect with exciting features such as bucket seats, a center console, and chrome accents. According to J.D. Power, you can get one of these for an average used price of just $10,450.

9 1977 Ford Maverick

Average Used Price: $2,125

1977 Ford Maverick
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After the Falcon's discontinuation, Ford introduced the Maverick as the designated competitor for rivals like the Chevy Nova and Dodge Dart. The Maverick utilized the Falcon's chassis, so it was equally impressive, and this was reflected in the early sales of the model.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

2 Door

$1,325 - $3,425

$3,322

4 Door

$1,175 - $3,325

$3,395

The 1977 Maverick was just as handsome as the iconic Ford Mustang, with a short deck, fastback roof, and long hood. The 1977 model year was the last outing for this muscle car and Ford made sure they gave it a last hurrah with a powerful 3.3-liter as the standard engine. According to J.D. Power, you can get this model for an average used price of slightly above $2,000, which makes it an absolute steal.

8 1971 Ford Ranchero

Average Used Price: $18,500

The 1971 Ford Ranchero in Yellow
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The Ford Ranchero will always be one of the most underrated muscle cars ever. It was based on the Fairlane and Torino models and shared similar attributes with the Chevy El Camino, but failed to gain as much popularity as its rival. Regardless, the 1971 Ford Ranchero was a special car.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Base

$10,700 - $31,100

$2,952

500

$12,400 - $35,800

$3,084

GT

$13,500 - $40,700

$3,273

Squire

$13,100 - $38,200

$3,293

With an increased interest in the truck and car hybrid design, the values of these models have been steadily growing. However, the Ranchero still remains relatively affordable at an average used price of $18,500 according to J.D. Power.

7 1972 Chevrolet Vega GT

Average Used Price: $2,200

1972 Chevrolet Vega Front Quarter View
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If you take a look back at the Chevrolet Vega, you'll know it has long been one of the designated project cars that enthusiasts love working on. It's essentially true because it is still an easy classic car to rebuild. The 1972 Chevy Vega GT got a better suspension than its entry-level counterparts, and it still impresses largely thanks to an incredibly cheap price tag.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Vega Coupe

$1,050 - $3,425

$2,060

GT Coupe

$1,275 - $4,075

$2,160

You can expect to pay as much as $4,000+ for a 1972 Vega GT Coupe in the existing used market. This is not bad at all for a classic American car from the '70s with old-school swagger and styling cues. These prices are suggested by J.D. Power.

6 1971 Buick Riviera GS

Average Used Price: $21,400

A gold 1971 Buick Riviera GS parked
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The Riviera recently surfaced back in the limelight when Richard Hammond used it in The Grand Tour specials. With a monstrous 7.5-liter V8 that can churn 315 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, the 1971 Riviera GS is a high-performing '70s muscle car that is probably one of the last remaining models not to reach astronomical prices.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Base

$6,975 - $24,900

$5,250

Gran Sport

$11,800 - $41,000

$5,650

Collectors can get their hands on the Gran Sport trim of this classic at an average used price of $21,400 according to J.D. Power. The base model Riviera is relatively more affordable if you're on a stricter budget.

RELATED: 10 Best '70s Vintage Cars For Nostalgia Lovers

5 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport

Average Used Price: $15,000

Gold 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport Parked
Mecum Auctions

The 1972 Gran Torino Sport, also available as a re-badged Cyclone GT from the Mercury brand, essentially gave the Ford Torino a new lease on life. It was available with two impressive engines, a 4.9-liter V8 and a 5.8-liter engine named the "351 Cleveland" which was the more powerful option.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Base

$3,425 - $13,700

$3,094

Sport

$5,700 - $20,500

$3,094

The Gran Torino Sport currently has an average used retail of $15,000 according to J.D. Power. Depending on the engine, prices can be higher. Regardless, it still remains one of the most incredible '70s muscle cars you can buy on a budget.

4 1972 Mercury Comet

Average Used Price: $7,575

1972 Mercury Comet front angle
Mecum Auctions

The 1972 Mercury Comet came with a host of engine options, as it wasn't solely manufactured as a muscle car. You'll find this American classic with engines ranging from small 2.8-liter configurations to even a power-packed 5-liter V8 that could produce 220 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.

The 1972 Mercury Comet was not designed solely for muscle car duty, so you can find cars with engines ranging from the small fuel-efficient six-cylinders such as the 82 horsepower 170 cid all the way up to the small block 302 V-8 that could push out up to 220 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

2 Door

$3,375 - $13,050

$2,342

4 Door

$2,375 - $8,600

$2,398

Fortunately, this style icon from the '70s is one of the coolest American classics you can buy for peanuts. J.D. Power suggests you can get a 1972 Comet Coupe for an average used price of just above $7,500, and prices for four-door models are even less.

3 1974 Dodge Charger

Average Used Price: $12,750

1974 Dodge Charger Rallye Cropped
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We can't ever talk about incredible '70s muscle cars without mentioning the Dodge Charger. Typically, the Charger is among muscle cars that have always been in a league of their own, and understandably so, it mostly goes way above the range of collectors who are on a budget.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Coupe

$5,650 - $20,900

$3,327

Hardtop

$7,250 - $24,700

$3,526

Special Edition

$5,650 - $21,200

$3,742

The 1974 model year remains slightly off the radar, and this may be thanks to the basic slant six or 5.2-liter engine options it came with, both of which remain overshadowed by the mighty 6.5-liter big block. Despite this, the 1974 model ranks among the best Dodge Charger generations, and you can get this one for an average used price of just $12,750 according to J.D. Power.

2 1975 Chevrolet Camaro

Average Used Price: $12,750

1975 Chevrolet Camaro
Mecum Auctions

The Chevy Camaro will always be one of the original muscle cars. The 1975 models are particularly special because they rank among the best muscle cars from that year, unsurprisingly. Collectors who like keeping their cars in stock will enjoy racing this one as is, even though it is mostly an uninitiated beast with a little bit of work.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Base

$4,975 - $16,800

$3,685

LT

$5,200 - $17,700

$4,057

You can also get this one for an average used price of $12,750 as per J.D. Power. However, if you're hunting for the top of the line LT trims, you may need to spend a little more.

1 1973 Mercury Cougar XR7

Average Used Price: $14,850

1973 Mercury Cougar front quarter view
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The 1973 Mercury Cougar was the last year of the second generation for Mustang's impressive high-end sibling. This was around the same time when the manufacturer was looking to move it away from competing with the Mustang to locking horns with the bigger models in the industry at the time, like the Buick Regal and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Hardtop

$6,200 - $22,300

$3,372

Convertible

$7,975 - $35,000

$3,726

XR7

$8,300 - $30,500

$3,679

Unfortunately, the Mercury Cougar still remains a forgotten muscle car. This is why you can get your hands on a fully equipped higher-level XR7 trim of the 1973 Cougar for just an average used price of $14,850.