If this is your first vehicle restoration, there are a few things you want to keep in mind when looking for the best project cars. In the words of Dirty Harry, “a man has to know his limitations.”
There’s typically more to completing a project car than mechanical know how. Metal work, welding, painting and other skill sets that you probably will have to farm out may be required.
It’s going to take longer than you think it will and it will cost more than planned. Don’t get discouraged, because the end result will be worth it.
Generally speaking your first project car ought to be one that runs. Never buy an incomplete car. “Perfect condition, just add a transmission” type of ads are a dead giveaway for problems ahead.
Price is also a consideration, of course. All the cars on this list can be found for under $7,000. The more “value” you can buy, the less work and expense you’ll have in the project.
So make sure you’ve got the right tools in your garage and let’s get started. These are some of the best project cars. Some of these old RWD rides are going to surprise you. But once you see these and see the possibilities, we think you’ll get excited.
Yeah, everybody has one. But there is a reason why. Ford built a ton of them, so there is a good used inventory. And if you buy one made after 1987, you are getting the advantage of more effective fuel and air flow.
These rides are lightweight, in relatively abundant supply and have more support forums than most other brands. Toss in the fact that the aftermarket for Mustangs is massive and you have one of the project cars that’s halfway home when you buy it. Expect to pay somewhere between $1,500 and $5,000 for your pony.
Yes the Impala is a big honking car. Chevy sold over 1 million of them in 1965 alone. They are big, they are good looking, and if you can get a good deal, they make perfect classic car restoration projects.
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Granted these behemoths will not carve up curves but you can shred rubber in the straightaway. Why? Because these sedans came with monster engines. The rumbling, thundering L-88 is a 427 cubic-inch big block V8.
Also in the lineup of Impala power plants are an array of small block V8s and of course the monster 452 cubic-inch big block that replaced the L-88. There is a fairly large support community and parts are relatively easy to come by, so it’s definitely one of the best project cars. An Impala without a big block engine should run between $1,500 and $7,000.
Competing directly against the Chevy Vega, this lightweight Ford packed a 302 cubic-inch small block V8 that gave it plenty of punch. The rap on the stock models was mediocre steering and handling. Enter the aftermarket and tubular control arms and your Maverick now becomes a curve carver.
These are fun, easy to work on cars that have a small but active support group. The 302 engine is one of the most popular in the industry, meaning modifications galore. These rides should be priced between $1,500 and $3,500 making them an inexpensive entry into project car land.
This is a major switch from the big cars of the ’70s but the Miata is worth a look. Plenty of people talk trash about the Miata. It’s too short, the Miata is under powered and worst of all, it’s “cute”…very unmanly.
This writer was a committed RX-7 fan and blames the Miata for driving a stake in the RX-7s rotary engine. On the other hand, over 1 million of them have been sold. It is the most popular two-seater ever in the U.S.
You want power, drop a turbo onto the four banger. Parts are everywhere and relatively cheap, making it one of the best project cars. Miatas are on the high end of the budget because of their popularity. Look to spend $4,000 to $7,000 or more.
Channel your inner cop and explore the possibilities of the car Batman would have driven if he didn’t have the BatMobile.
These were the last body-on-frame cars made in America. They are more than a bad memory appearing in your rear-view mirror. These rides were ready for abuse with fully boxed frame, rack and pinion steering, and four-wheel disc brakes.
Under the hood is a 4.6-liter SOHC V8 that is the start of a powertrain that is designed to stand up to speed. Parts and mods are easy to find. Prices can range from ridiculously cheap ($1,000 at city auctions) to pricey for the newer models. Don’t let high mileage scare you off these old war horses.
Remember, this is your first project car. This is where you learn and gain experience. This car is where you make mistakes. Your objectives should be to have fun, end up with a cool ride you built, and be able to sell it to finance your next project.
Get ready to scrape some knuckles.
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