Sometimes a project car evolves out of something you already own, or perhaps something you have inherited. But at some point, you may get the itch to seek out a car specifically to build as a ‘project.’ That may be a restoration, a race car, a high-performance build or a show car. Regardless of your project intentions, choosing the right subject vehicle can avoid numerous pitfalls that might derail the best plans.
Over the last 30 years, I’ve acquired several vehicles for different reasons and with different expectations. And while I’ve generally seen the projects to completion with favorable results, it hasn’t been without challenges. Some have cost me more time and/or money than they really deserved.
Currently knee-deep in the restoration of a very complicated vehicle, I started thinking about advice I’d give my younger self about future project ambitions. Below are ten suggestions for anyone considering their first (or second, third, fourth…) project car purchase based on my experiences.
I have ignored at least eight of these over the years, sometimes repeatedly. Only the last two have I been fairly successful at following. And you may do the same, but at least you’ve been warned.
1 – Find something relatively common
If you’ve never built a project car before, you don’t want to start with something obscure. Regardless of what you plan to do with it, you’re going to need basic replacement parts at some point. Find a model that is well supported by aftermarket vendors for new parts, performance upgrades, or accessories for your needs. Walk a local ‘pick-a-part’ salvage yard and see if there are examples commonly available for used parts.
Beyond parts, you should also be able to find shops that can the work you can’t. It’s no secret why so many people build Mustangs, Camaros, American pickups, VWs, Subarus, and other popular models. I bought a Saab 900 when I was younger and was forced to buy most parts at the dealership. I also had to find a specialist shop to even work on the thing.
2 – Research specifics
Even popular, common vehicles occasionally include undesirable variants. Whether it’s certain model years to avoid, or specific engines, options, or packages, knowing what to avoid is valuable. Once you’ve figured out the general vehicle you’re considering, reach out to the communities that support that model for advice. Between Facebook groups, Reddit, and even old-school discussion forums, get educated before you buy.
I fell in love with a 2005 Range Rover and bought it simply because of its interior color. It turns out that was the last year Rover used the troublesome BMW V8 engine. A 2006 model was essentially the same except that it used the dead-reliable (and more powerful) Jaguar-based motor. If only I’d shopped more, I might still have a newer Range Rover.
3 – Buy the best example you can afford
Continuing on the thoughts in the above example, avoid buying the first thing you come across that fits your budget. A low purchase price can be tempting but often comes at a higher price later. A clean, well-maintained example at a higher purchase price is often cheaper in the long run.
Run a vehicle history report like Carfax, look for thorough service records, make sure common problems have already been repaired. A little extra money spent at the time of purchase could be an investment in future happiness. Buy right, don’t be cheap.
4 – Avoid rust, collision damage, and blown engines
Unless you are practically stealing the car, dodge any major issues like severe rust, accident damage, or serious mechanical failures. Overcoming these challenges will cost you both time and money that could be better spent doing the fun things on your project.
Having said that, I got my first Land Rover for just $600 because it had a seized engine. I had less than $3,000 into it once it was back on the road. I also bought a Volkswagen convertible that had been T-boned in the driver’s side for $800. After years of work, the completed project car was featured later featured in a magazine. Unless the goal of you project is simply resurrection, these kinds of vehicle are generally better as parts donors.
5 – Make sure you get a title
If you ever want to drive your completed project on the street, you’re going to need papers. Because we’ve all heard stories about how easy it is to get titles out of certain states, it can be tempting to be lured by a cheap vehicle with no title. Trust me, it’s a trap. First, you run the risk of spending money on a project that you may never be able to register. Second, you may find yourself in trouble without proof the seller actually owned the vehicle they sold you.
I’ve bought a few cars and had to chase paper later. I spent $10K to restore a VW GTI that had sat abandoned in a hotel parking lot. The title took years to get as the project was in progress and it arrived just in time to get it on the road. Only a year ago did I get the title for the Range Rover I’m currently restoring, seven years after I collected it from the yard. A 1960s Mini I picked up as a garage cleanout I eventually sold as parts only. There wasn’t even a VIN on the car, let alone papers.
6 – Don’t buy sight-unseen
These days, online ads are a common starting point for a purchase. Pictures can be deceiving, and in some cases, scammers don’t even post pictures of the actual car they’re selling. Regardless of the deal you think you’re getting, you need to see the vehicle in person first. If you’re contemplating a long-distance purchase, reach out to community groups. For a reasonable fee, you can often find someone willing to inspect a vehicle in their area. Arm them with a list of things to look for and get a confirmation that it’s the same vehicle shown in the ad.
While living in Chicago, I bought a BMW sight-unseen from a seller in Huntington Beach, California. We exchanged several emails and I did the entire deal by mail. But I only did this because the seller was the brother of a good friend. Still, I took my friend with me for good measure and had him help me drive it home.
7 – Take inventory of your skills and tools
If you’re looking to build a Chip Foose-style resto-mod out of a clapped-out muscle car, you’d better pack some skills. Those TV shows make it look easy to move through a major project. The truth is it takes dozens of skilled craftsmen to make those builds happen. Plus lots of tools and equipment.
Know what you are capable of before you get in over your head. Understand what tools you have at your disposal. Looking to build an ‘all motor’ monster ride but don’t even have an engine stand or cherry picker? Think again. Great engines aren’t built in place. The same for paint and bodywork. These processes not only take time to master but also require special equipment and facilities. Be honest with yourself.
8 – Know where you’ll store it and work on it
An often-overlooked consideration is where the project will be built. You may need to perform some major disassembly that could find you storing parts in strange corners of the house if you’re not prepared. Even a rolling project may get laid up for a period while work is being done. You should have a dedicated space in mind for it if possible.
I bought my current Range Rover project with intentions of restoring it. For five years, it sat on my driveway untouched because I didn’t have a proper space to work on it. Today it’s in the workshop here at Eastwood, where it’s now effectively three projects. The body is on a rotisserie, the frame is taking up a second-floor space, and the parts are in 20 plastic bins on a shelving unit. And that’s just the stuff here at the office. The interior takes up part of a spare bedroom at home.
9 – Network with other owners, clubs, social groups
Looking back at #2 on this list, the best information sources for any vehicle are the folks who already own one. Most popular car models have established clubs that should welcome new owners and enthusiasts. Find one and get connected. Hang out with other owners in their garage if you can; there’s no substitute for hands-on learning.
The internet is a more passive way to connect, but offers infinitely more communities. It’s also searchable in case you just need a quick answer to a perplexing problem. Before you commit to buying anything, get connected with the people who know the cars better than you do.
10 – Know what you want out of it when you’re finished
This last bit has been important for me. Whenever I’ve bought a project vehicle, I’ve gone into it with a vision. I know – in a general sense – what I want out of the finished project and how I plan to use it. Buying the right car for the desired outcome will save a first-timer many hassles and dollars. Cut your teeth on something, see the project to its finish, and enjoy the results.
