When you’re looking for a car that can offer an education in automotive technology, you’ll be glad to find one of these popular project cars.
Most of these cars are older models that you can buy for a low price. Why do you want an older car? If you’re not used to working on cars, and it’s your first project, you don’t want to have a bunch of complicated computers that require specialized tools to work with or around them in your project car.
Here are ten that can be great for you.
Acura Integra
The Integra comes to you at an affordable price a few generations ago. You’ll love the low upfront cost that makes it easy to put it in your garage and begin to work on this machine. There are many aftermarket parts to support the build and give you an easy way to figure out how to make your car look and perform the way you want. Enjoy the experience of putting this car together and enjoying a new look go your Integra.
Chevrolet Camaro
Another car that’s been around for several years that allows you to have a great car to work on is the Chevrolet Camaro. This is easily one of the most popular project cars you can buy to work on and drive. You’ll love the availability of aftermarket parts that support your project. Upgrade the powertrain with a new crate engine that turns your Camaro into a high-performance machine. How will your Camaro look when you’re done building it? This is a car that you’ll love to drive.
GMC Jimmy
If you want to create an incredible off-road machine that rides higher than everyone else, an old model of the GMC Jimmy can be the right car for you. This big SUV won’t cost a lot, and it delivers a powerful and impressive package of driving qualities for you to have the ride you want on the trails. Take this fantastic car out through the mud and have a lot of fun wherever you want to go to experience a high-riding off-roader with this GMC Jimmy.
BMW E30
Do you want to turn an older luxury car into the car you build with your own hands? One of the most popular project cars is the E30 M3 which comes with a ton of performance for some serious fun on any road or track. Grab a 325i model and enjoy one of the most impressive straight-six engines under the hood for some great fun and a build you’ll admire and enjoy when the project is completed. When you want European performance, the BMW E30 is an excellent option.
Datsun 280Z
Before the Z cars became Nissan models, they wore the Datsun badge. Today, the 240Z, 260Z, and 280Z are all reasonably priced cars, giving you an impressive sports car to drive. If you want a classic car that should be relatively affordable to rebuild and enjoy, the Datsun 280Z is the car that offers you a fantastic experience. This car can be a lot of fun to work on in your garage every night until it’s done.
Ford Mustang
You’ve probably seen many older models of Ford Mustangs on the road every summer. If you want to have one of these cards of your own, you can spend a little and get one of the cars that deliver pure Americana for your ride on the road. The Mustang is easily one of the most popular project cars. You’ll find an extremely affordable price for the Mustang you want to drive and enjoy every day. Find your Ford and begin the work to create a fantastic Mustang you’ll love for many years.
Suzuki Samurai
One off-road SUV that stands out as a vehicle that can be fun to build and improve yourself is the Suzuki Samurai. This is one of the last such vehicles to be offered. The Samurai is small and agile, offering an impressive off-road presence and plenty of great features for you to have a lot of fun. You might want to add some stuff to this SUV; the original model only offered a top speed of 65 mph when you’re behind the wheel.
Porsche 944
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of transforming a high-class Porsche into a fantastic performance machine. The Porsche 944 is one of the most popular project cars. You’ll want to buy this car but should know that parts come at a premium price because they are rare. The money and time spent working on this car will give you the feeling of success and satisfaction you’re looking for in the vehicle you’ll become one with when you build it with your own hands.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Do you want to work on a small roadster that’s made to be a lot of fun on the road? If so, an older model of the Miata could be one of the most popular project cars that you want to work on and build with your own hands. This car has always been affordable, and it can be one of the most affordable projects you enjoy. Those new to building cars will love starting with Miata because of how easy some of the items are and how reliable these machines are once put together.
Pontiac Firebird
Reach back a few decades and find one of the Pontiac Firebird models that can become the car you work on and enjoy building with your hands. This car is iconic, somewhat rare, but still highly affordable. The low cost and availability of parts make this car one you’re sure to enjoy building and working on every day. You’ll be more than happy to get inside and take your project for a drive when you’ve finished the job.
