Mid-level models that both cool and priced right

 Not everyone can afford the top-of-the-line model of their dream musclecar. However, if you lower your sights a tad, you can find a great bargain and a car you will enjoy for years to come.  # 1 1970-79 Firebird Formula 400. These cars had the engine and the suspension of a Trans-Am without the gaudy bodywork and graphics. A lot of magazine writers of the '70's said they preferred the Formulas for this very reason. Today, you can buy them for a lot less than a same-year T/A.  # 2 1970-79 Rally Sport Camaro. While they never had the LT1 or L82 350s that the 70-74 Z/28s did, you could always get the L48 350 4bbl, a four-speed stick or Turbo 350 automatic, and F41 ( i.e.- Z/28 front and rear sway bars ) suspension. You can find these for a fraction of the price of a Z/28.  # 3 1969-70 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Boss 302, Boss 429, and 428CJ versions are rare and priced in the stratosphere, but Ford built over 70,000 fastback Mustangs in 1969 alone, most with 351W power. In 1970 they switched to the 351 "Cleveland" V8 which isn't a bad thing. There is still a ton of aftermarket parts available for these engines. Good Mustangs are never cheap, but these versions are still less than half of what the premium models bring.  # 4 1971-72 LeMans Sport and "Luxury LeMans" models. These cars had the "Endura" ( read GTO ) front end, and 400 cubes under the hood. A few had 455s!. Again, probably not dirt-cheap, but still way less than a same-year GTO or SS Chevelle.  #5 1971-73 Mercury Cougar. Most had 351C power, cool interiors, more luxury options, and are way cheaper than a same-year Mustang.  # 6 1974-80 Corvette. You rarely hear the words "Corvette" and "Cheap" in the same sentence, but I have seen decent examples of these cars on the internet and on used-car lots for as low as $2995! No they don't have the pavement-ripping performance of the earlier big-block models, but they are still a screaming bargain. Try to find a Rat-motored Vette in ANY condition for less than 20K!  There is more speed equipment available for 350 Chevys than anything else on the planet, so increasing horsepower is not a problem, or you could swap in a big-block easily.  Something to think about if your on a limited budget. Mastermind