A Collection Can Start Without an Auction Paddle

Road & Track has assembled a guide for the enthusiast who wants a car with real character and a real history but is not ready to bid against the deep-pocketed crowd. The list sets out models that carry the appeal of a true classic at a cost that sits well below what the established collector market commands. Its premise is that some of the most rewarding older cars are the ones that have been overlooked, waiting in ordinary driveways and small-town listings rather than under the lights of a sale tent. For a first-time owner choosing a weekend car, it is a reminder that the hobby has a wide front door.

With reporting from Road & Track.