By now, most Cars for Girls readers know I’ve bought my share of muscle cars in the past.  I’ve owned a 1978 Pontiac Firebird, a 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass, a 1972 Chevy Nova, a 1985 Chevy Monte Carlo and most recently, a 1966 Chevrolet Impala.   Since selling the Impala not long ago, I’ve been keeping my eyes and ears open for my next project car the next thing to get me through the winter.  Unfortunately, nothing has really caught my eye within the last few months, but the right car for me is out there, I just have to keep looking.

If you’re just starting out or if you’ve ever thought you might like to try your hand at buying a muscle car either to fix up yourself (which is what I prefer to do) or that’s older and already equipped with all the bells and whistles, there’s no time like the present to start getting in gear and at least taking a look at what’s out there.  

Not sure where to begin?  Here are some ideas to get your motor running:

1. Do an internet search on some of your favorite muscle cars and get a feel for the difference between what each model year offers.  You’ll notice the look of cars change as each year goes by and while some changes may not be easily noticeable right away, they are there.  For example, I’m crazy about a Chevelle, but only if it has round taillights.  If the taillights are square, I’m simply not interested. There’s nothing wrong with square taillights on a Chevelle at all, I just prefer them to be round and isn’t that’s what it’s all about what you like? 

2. Go to car shows where you can get up close and personal to some beautiful cars and speak with their awesome and enthusiastic owners, who are always happy to give information and answer questions about what makes their particular car such a sweet ride. Car shows are also a great event to get inspiration for customizations.  You may even get lucky and find the car of your dreams for sale at a car show! 

3. Visit the showroom of a classic car dealership.  There are two in my area which offer restored classic cars for sale and some of them are exquisitely beautiful.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions here these sales personnel really know their old school lore. 

4. Attending auto auctions can allow you to find the car of your dreams at a good price.

5. Browse the automotive section of your local newspaper.  Occasionally you’ll find some great muscle cars or project cars that are reasonably priced especially if they need work and you’re willing to put a lot of time, effort and cool cash into restoration and new parts.

6. Go to the races literally.  This is the place to meet new people, have a chance to ask questions and get a good look at what you’re in for.  While you may not be up for racing your ride, this is still one of the best places to meet people in an informal and fun setting and to ask questions.  When at the races myself, I’ve yet to find someone who hasn’t been willing to answer my questions and tell me everything I’ve wanted to know about what they own and drive.

7. Online auctions and Craigslist are also worth checking into; however my advice would be to never, ever purchase a car without being able to see it in person.  You want to know exactly what you’re getting, every time.   If you do purchase a car this way, make absolutely certain that you ask a lot of questions about the vehicle and if you’re ever in doubt, walk away well before you make an offer.  Never make an offer online without seeing the car first.

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