Muscle cars have, in one form or another, never left us. Even the emissions regulations and oil crisis of the '70s didn't quite kill them off, muscle cars simply lost their biceps and were forced to live a few years more bark than bite. The genre made it through the '80s with a few notable, leftfield models, and the '90s showed some promise too, before cars like the Mustang and Charger got their swagger back in the 2000s with modern/ retro interpretations.But generally, we accept that the OG muscle cars are those from the so-called "golden era" of the '60s and very early '70s. This is the time from when the Pontiac GTO kicked off the genre to the first fuel crisis in America in 1973, when gas prices went through the roof. Most of us dream about having at least one of the all-American performance cars from this time in our garage at some point in our lives.But while these iconic muscle cars can be had in small-block form, a big-block model holds a particular appeal. These huge mills represent the carefree times when there was no replacement for displacement, and were also the first to feel the wrath of these changing times. When gas prices went up, the big blocks were quickly reined in. These days, get a rumbling big block muscle car from the '60s and early '70s, and you're living the dream.The only problem is, that dream costs a lot. But exactly how much? To get your hands on one of the big block muscle car icons of the '60s and early '70s could cost upwards of $100,000, and right up to $600,000 to $1,000,000 for the really rare models. Unless we sell our houses, these cars are mostly out of reach, then. But what if we said there is one big block muscle car from the golden era out there that can be bought for as little as $6,000? If you are prepared to think outside the box, here's how to get big block muscle on the cheap. The Buick LeSabre Is A Cheap And Forgotten Slice Of American Muscle Bring A Trailer The Buick LeSabre arrived in 1959, looking like your schoolteacher when you forgot to do your homework. The opulent jukebox styling was pure '50s, with a drooping front grille and peering eyes that looked like you were about to get a detention. This was no muscle car – they technically hadn't been invented yet – but it did come with an optional 300-horsepower V8, which was considerable for the time.Bring A Trailer Buicks may have a reputation for being stuffy and conservative, but in the '60s, the company was creating some pretty forward-thinking machinery. It probably seemed like a car company better suited to your dad's generation than, say, a Pontiac, but Buick was quietly doing its own thing, buoyed by a healthy development budget from GM. Buick had a lightweight 300-cid V8 that tipped the scales at the same weight as some six-cylinder units, and according to Hagerty, it was excellent quality, precision-cast, and manufactured at the company’s own Flint, Michigan, engine plant. The Buick LeSabre Was A Well Engineered Car For Its Time The LeSabre's chassis was also top-notch, with bi-metal drum brakes that were constantly improved. The third-generation Buick LeSabre arrived in 1965, with an option of convertible, two-door fastback hardtop, four-door sedan, and four-door pillarless hardtop, with Base and Custom trims available. The cars were good quality, rode and drove well, and were affordable – no wonder Buick was doing well. But the best was yet to come. Buick Dropped A 455 Big Block V8 Into The LeSabre Bring A Trailer We know what you're thinking: the Buick LeSabre isn't a proper muscle car, right? It could be argued that the models were more grown-up, gentlemen's (or gentle-ladies') muscle cars, with a bit more comfort and luxury than others. But in 1970, Buick decided to drop a 455 big block V8 into the LeSabre, which definitely gave it more muscle cred than ever before.There had been the optional “nailhead” 401 V8 of 1965, and, a year later, the 1966 cars received a 340 V8 in place of the 300. In 1968, the LeSabre was fitted with Buick's in-house bored-out 350 V8, with power increasing from 230 to 280 horsepower. But it was the final year of the third-gen LeSabre that received the most interesting engine. The Big Block Buick LeSabre Had More Power Than A 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge Pinterest Buick’s new big-block 455 V8 had a mighty 370 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque – not that far off some of the most powerful and legendary muscle cars of the time – as an option, although this mill was standard in the new full-sized, LeSabre-based Estate Wagon. For comparison, a 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge had 335 horsepower.There aren't many acceleration figures out there for the LeSabre or the wagon, but it's worth baring in mind that a 1970 Buick GS with a 455 Stage 1 V8 could hit 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and cover the quarter mile in 13.38 seconds - big figures for the day. The Fourth-Gen Buick LeSabre Arrived For 1971 The Buick LeSabre of 1971 was the fourth generation of Buick’s B-platform car. Buyers could choose Buick’s 230-horsepower 350 small block V8 or the 455 big block, now with 315 horsepower. By 1972, power was down across the range, with just 160 gee-gees from the 350 and 250 from the 455, with the big block dropping to 205 horsepower shortly after that. Ultimately, if you are looking for a cheap big block machine from the muscle car golden era, it's worth looking at 1970 to 1972 – and there are some bargains to be had. There are also good value cars to be had later in the '70s, but it's worth remembering that power was down as it was with many American V8 models. Here's How Much A Big Block Buick LeSabre Will Cost In 2025 Bring A Trailer The Buick LeSabre with a 455 is a relatively affordable entry into the world of big block muscle. A good-condition 1970 Buick LeSabre Custom 455 costs $8,400 in 2025, according to Hagerty. The price for all Buick LeSabres from 1970 (regardless of engine option) is on average $4,784, says Classic.com.We found this 1971 Buick LeSabre Custom 455 on Bringatrailer with just 42,000 miles on the clock for $8,000, although, admittedly, it's a sedan. This 1975 Buick LeSabre Custom Convertible with a 455 and just 38,000 miles also sold on Bringatrailer, fetching just $21,000. If you are willing to forsake the 455, then the LeSabre gets even cheaper – this 1970 Buick LeSabre Custom with a 350ci V8 sold for just $4,784 in 2025. Ultimately, if you are looking for a bit of muscle on a budget, the LeSabre is worth a look.Sources: Classic.com; Hagerty.com.