The Cheapest New V8 American Muscle Car You Can Still Buy

The V8 American muscle car is becoming a rare sight, and with Chevrolet ending Camaro production, the chance to buy a new one at an affordable price is shrinking. The 2024 Camaro LT1 is currently the least expensive new V8 muscle car on the market, with a starting MSRP of $38,800.

0 seconds and topping out at 180 mph. A 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission is available, and the car comes as a coupe or convertible.

All 2024 Camaros were built out by January 2024, so shoppers must search dealer inventory, where prices may vary from the base sticker. The LT1 offers less peak power than the Ford Mustang GT, which has 31 more horsepower, but it undercuts the Mustang GT's price by roughly $3,500.

The Camaro SS shares the same engine and starts at $42,300, while the supercharged ZL1, with 650 horsepower, costs $72,100 and is limited to 350 Collector's Edition units in matte black.

For used buyers, the 1997 Pontiac Trans-Am stands out as a budget-friendly V8 option. com lists its average price at $13,173, while Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price is just $7,342. 7-liter V8 produces 285 horsepower, and a concours-condition example can fetch around $22,900, nearly matching its original MSRP of $23,339.

Compared to V8 Camaros and Mustangs from the same era, which now sell for nearly double their original prices, the Trans-Am offers the best value for that generation.

The future of the Camaro is uncertain, and a V8 return seems unlikely. For now, the LT1 remains the most affordable new V8 American muscle car available through remaining dealer stock.