Dear Forsaken, I turned 16 and got a '72 Dodge Charger with a 400 BB. Great fast car for a 16 year old. Big back seat also!

Concerning affordable "muscle" cars comes back to the old question..."What years and what cars are considered "muscle" cars?" Thats a WHOLE different subject. And a hotly debated one to this day in the site as of others as well. Everyone has a opinion AND THAT IS GOOD!!!!

Leaning towards the MOPAR way, I suggest the following:
'70 to 74 Dodge Darts and Dusters
( older ones are hard to find in good shape) You can get one of these with a slant six, drop in a big block and go "spanking" some ricers. They came with disk brakes and most came with 727 trannies. You may have to get a stronger rear end tho.
They are cheaper and lighter than the Challengers, 'Cudas, Chargers and Road Runners.
I will also agree with the '78 to 81 malibus, cutlass. I had a '81 Cutlass that I put a Z28 engine in with dual exhaust and a shift kit and had a BLAST street racing it. ( I don't condone this! )Some came factory with V8's and to hi-po them would be easy. Also look at the mid 80's fox body Fords. The mustangs and such. Alot of hi-po prospects there. Don't forget the Mercury Capris of the time either. Alot alike the Mustangs. Dont' qoute me on this...I am remember a MOPAR guy.

It comes down to this...look at a car. What is the potential of it. Imagine it in skinnies and tubbed. the perfect stance, a hood scoop, and such. What may be cool to some one else may not be cool to you. Find a car that the "lines" look good to YOU!
Good luck and keep us all posted!!
DCON