They are three of the most iconic symbols of the golden age of the American automobile. Mustang, Camaro and Charger embody the muscle car spirit of the 60s and 70s - but each one has a very different personality, history and buyer profile. For anyone considering buying their first American classic or expanding a collection, the choice between these three is not obvious. We've analyzed the strengths, weaknesses and 2026 market values of each model.
Ford Mustang: the pioneer of the segment (1964-1973)
Launched on April 17, 1964 at the New York World's Fair, the Mustang created the "pony car" segment and became an unprecedented commercial success: more than 1 million units sold in the first 18 months.
Strengths
- Availability on the European market - By far the easiest muscle car to find in Portugal and Europe. It was offered in Coupé, Convertible, Fastback (2+2) and Shelby versions.
- Various engines - From the economical 6-cylinder 200 cu in (3.3L) version to the monastic 7.0L Boss 429. The 289 V8 (4.7L) engine from the 1965-1967 versions is the most popular and easiest to maintain.
- Parts and repairs - It's the American classic best supported by the afterparts market. Virtually any part (from the seat to the transmission) can be bought new from specialist suppliers (Eckler's, NPD, CJ Pony Parts).
- Refuge value - The end customer immediately recognizes the Mustang. Resale in Portugal does not require market education.
Weaknesses
- The base models (6 cylinder) have little collection appeal
- Very common on the market - rarity doesn't play into it (except Shelby GT350/500, K-Code, Boss 302/429)
- Original suspension is loose by today's standards
Average prices in Portugal (2026)
| Version | Average price |
|---|---|
| Mustang Coupé V8 1965-1967 (good condition) | 22 000-32 000 € |
| Mustang Convertible V8 1965-1967 | 30 000-45 000 € |
| Mustang Fastback 2+2 1965-1968 | 45 000-75 000 € |
| Mustang Boss 302 / 429 | 150 000-500 000 € |
| Shelby GT350 / GT500 | 200 000-1 200 000 € |
Chevrolet Camaro: General Motors' direct response (1967-1969)
When GM saw the brutal success of the Mustang, it didn't take three years to respond. The Camaro was launched in September 1966 (model year 1967) on a new platform shared with the Pontiac Firebird.
Strengths
- More aggressive lines - For many collectors, the 1969 Camaro is aesthetically the pinnacle of the muscle car era. More muscular lines than the Mustang of the same era.
- Version Z/28 - Created for Trans-Am racing homologation, with a 302 cu in high-revving engine. Iconic.
- SS396 - Big-block 396 cu in (6.5L) engine with 350+ hp. Brutal performance.
- Consistent valorization - Camaros 1969 SS and Z/28 have risen by an average of 10% a year in recent years.
Weaknesses
- Less common in Portugal than the Mustang - takes longer to resell
- The base models (s/Z/28 or SS) attract fewer collectors
- Parts not always as readily available as Mustang
Average prices in Portugal (2026)
| Version | Average price |
|---|---|
| Camaro Coupé base V8 1967-1969 | 28 000-42 000 € |
| Camaro Convertible 1967-1969 | 40 000-60 000 € |
| 1969 Camaro SS396 | 75 000-120 000 € |
| 1969 Camaro Z/28 | 90 000-180 000 € |
| 1969 Camaro ZL1 (very rare) | 500 000-1 500 000 € |
Dodge Charger: the Mopar giant (1966-1974)
The Dodge Charger is the most "brutal" of the three muscle cars: bigger, more powerful and rarer in Europe. It became a movie icon with films such as "Bullitt" (1968 - he was the villain in Steve McQueen's Mustang) and "Fast & Furious".
Strengths
- Impressive presence - The "coke bottle" lines of the 1968-1970 Charger are some of the most recognizable in automotive history.
- HEMI engines - The legendary 426 HEMI Elephant (7.0L V8) was offered in R/T versions. Great power.
- European rarity - Finding a Charger in Portugal is rare. Exclusive positioning.
- Strong valuation - The 1968-1970 Charger R/T has seen the highest percentage appreciation on the muscle market over the last 5 years (+15% per year on average).
Weaknesses
- Parts much harder to find than Mustang
- Monastic fuel consumption (HEMI engine does 4 km/L in normal driving)
- Maintenance requires specialized Mopar mechanics (rare in Portugal)
- More limited resale market - typical customer is already an informed collector
Average prices in Portugal (2026)
| Version | Average price |
|---|---|
| Charger base V8 1968-1970 | 45 000-75 000 € |
| Charger R/T 440 1968-1970 | 95 000-150 000 € |
| Charger R/T HEMI 1968-1970 | 180 000-350 000 € |
| 1969 Charger Daytona (rear wing) | 250 000-500 000 € |
Direct comparison
| Criteria | Mustang | Camaro | Charger |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU availability | High | Average | Low |
| Price of entry | Bass | Medium | High |
| Maintenance costs | Bass | Medium | High |
| Parts available | Excellent | Good | Limited |
| Daily classic" appeal | Excellent | Good | Limited |
| Valuation potential | Medium | Strong | Very strong |
| Resale liquidity | Fast | Average | Slow but appreciative |
Which one to choose according to your profile?
If it's your first classic American car
Mustang Coupé 1965-1967 with 289 V8 engine. Good value for money, easy to maintain, affordable parts, active owners' community in Portugal and throughout Europe.
If you're looking for pure performance and originality
Camaro 1969 Z/28 or SS396. Visually more aggressive, superior road handling, consistent value.
If you are investing for the medium term (5-10 years)
Dodge Charger R/T 1968-1970 with 440 or (budget permitting) HEMI engine. Greater potential for appreciation in the global collectible market.
If you are a professional reseller
Mustang Coupé or Convertible V8 1965-1967. Greater liquidity in the Portuguese market, fast resale cycle (4-8 weeks on average), consistent margins of €4,000-7,000 per car.
See vehicles in stock
At Autozilla we currently have stock in Porto: Ford Mustang Coupé 289 V8 1967 gray (Edelbrock 4-Barrel, headers, exhaust), Green 1966 Mustang Coupé, Mustang Coupé 1966 red, Mustang Convertible 1966 bordeaux and much more. See all available stock.
We will soon be taking delivery of a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS - contact us for priority booking. For dealers and professionals, access B2B resale prices.