10 Personal Luxury Coupes That Cost Less Than a New Camry

Personal luxury coupes once ruled the American car market, offering top-tier comfort and quality from Detroit. While they were pricey when new, many now sell for less than the $29,000 starting price of a base Toyota Camry. Here are ten models that offer surprising value today.

The AMC Matador (1971-1978) is one of the least-known personal luxury cars, but it's the most valuable on this list, averaging $22,553. Offered as a coupe, sedan, or wagon, it came with engines ranging from a 232 cubic-inch inline-6 to 302 and 360 cubic-inch V8s. One example, claimed to be the last Matador ever built, sold for $41,000 in 2021.

The Pontiac Grand Prix (1973-1977) used the GM A platform with V8 options up to a 455 cubic-inch unit, dropped after 1975. The top SJ version has risen above Camry territory, with a 1977 example selling for $61,500. However, lower models remain affordable, like a 1976 J version that went for $14,500.

The Lincoln Mark IV (1972-1976) embodies 1970s luxury with hidden headlamps, a vinyl roof, and a 460 cubic-inch V8. Special editions named after Bill Blass, Cartier, Givenchy, and Pucci are now prized. Average value is around $18,068, with some examples selling as low as $5,500, though a 13,000-mile 1976 model fetched $56,000.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (1978-1988) is a forgotten bargain, averaging $16,860. Despite underwhelming malaise-era engines, including a diesel V8, good low-mileage examples range from $10,250 to $20,250.

The Lincoln Mark VIII (1993-1998) was the most technologically advanced American car of its time, featuring computer-controlled suspension, traction control, and digital dashboards. 6-liter Modular V8, producing 280 horsepower. Average value is $13,824, with good examples around $12,500.

The ninth-generation Ford Thunderbird (1983-1988) is a Fox Body car with a 5-liter V8 option. The desirable Turbo Coupe, with a turbocharged four-cylinder, can cost up to $20,000. Average value is $11,837.

3-liter V8 after 2006. Average value is $10,686. Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Signature Edition versions are collectible, with Earnhardt variants around $8,800 and Gordon variants up to $16,200.

The tenth-generation Ford Thunderbird (1989-1997) shares its platform with the Mark VIII. The Super Coupe, with a supercharged 3.8-liter V6 making 230 horsepower, is the most desirable. Average value is $9,863, with V8 examples as low as $5,700.

The Chrysler Cordoba (1975-1979) helped Chrysler survive the oil crisis, based on the B-Body platform. It offered V8s up to 400 cubic inches. Average value is $8,521, with low-mileage examples around $9,000 and top prices near $17,777.

The Dodge Magnum (1978-1979) is the cheapest on this list, averaging just $5,620. Also on the B-Body platform, it came with the same engines as the Cordoba. Good low-mileage examples cost around $9,250, making it a standout bargain among classic American coupes.