Restoration is an expensive proposition. Even if you can
perform most of the work yourself, it's still going to cost you a tidy
five-figure sum to buy the necessary parts, materials and paint supplies needed
to transform an old car from a worn-out relic to a dazzling show beauty.
If you've decided to restore a particular old car because
you have a longstanding attachment to that model and are not concerned about
its value or whether parts can be easily found, then we applaud you--that
mindset should be the primary focus of this great hobby of ours. However, if
you enjoy old car restoration but prefer your projects to be easy and
relatively cheap to do--with, perhaps, the added bonus of making a few dollars
on it when it's done--then these are the cars you should consider for your next
venture.
Of course, the majority of these cars won't make you stand
apart from the crowd at a show or cruise-in, but you will be able to complete
their restoration far faster and a whole lot cheaper than if you chose a car
that was rare, or had only been made for a few years.
Another factor to consider is the actual purchase price of
the car. While some of the cars listed here can be bought for around $5,000,
others will cost four times as much even if they're basket cases--but keep in
mind that those higher-priced cars will also bring four times the money when
sold, so it kind of equals out.
But the one common feature enjoyed by most of these
cars--and the main reason why they are on this list--is that they're backed by
a huge parts supply, making them a lot easier to restore than something rare
like a Pierce-Arrow, a Forties-era De Soto or a V-16 Cadillac. The availability
of an extensive line of reproduction parts, especially new body panels and
exterior trim, makes restoring these cars incredibly straightforward. In fact,
their restoration will be so uncomplicated that you'll find yourself interested
in undertaking more restorations in years to come.
Sometimes going mainstream has its advantages.
Buick Riviera -- 1963-'65
There's no question that this is the absolute best-designed American car of the
post-war era--it's simply spectacular. As a result of that fine styling, more
people are starting to restore and collect these beauties. Expect to pay a
premium for the 1964-'65 versions with the dual-quad carb setup, though all
models are well worth restoring. Several companies are now beginning to offer
reproduction parts, which will make future restorations less difficult than
they are now, should your car require replacement panels and trim; reproduction
seat covers and door panels are already available, and they're excellent.
Restored correctly, an early Sixties Riviera will remain forever on the Most
Wanted list.
Chevrolet Bel Air -- 1953-'54
If you love Fifties-era Chevys, these cars make a great alternative to the
ever-popular Tri-Five models, especially as more and more Bowtie enthusiasts
are starting to appreciate their handsome yet conservative looks. Reproduction
parts continue to increase in selection, and the prices are very affordable.
All mechanical and electrical parts are easily bought, and for reasonably low
prices, while used parts are easy to come by. Disc brake conversions and other
high-performance upgrades are also readily available.
Pontiac GTO -- 1971-'72
Even with the prices of early GTOs, especially those with Tri-Power and Ram
Air-spec V-8s, beyond the price point of the average Joe, you can still own a
Pontiac with those three little letters on the front grille: Just consider the
1971-'72 models. They're an extension of the reshaped A-body that bowed in
1968; apart from a few changes here and there, they still retained that
menacing look of a GTO. Tons of body and trim parts have been reproduced, along
with a whole host of go-fast goodies to tweak your car for better performance.
This country is filled with GTO fans, so values will continue to rise, but only
for factory-correct cars that have been restored well.
AMC AMX -- 1968-'69
Clearly the best looking of all the AMXs built, interest in these cars continues
to grow as more enthusiasts realize just how special and fast they really are.
You'll pay a premium for the 390-cu.in. Go Package models, but the non-Go
Package 390 is equally desirable. In fact, even the smaller 343 V-8 models are
now sought after, with the 290 V-8 less so. Reproduction parts are available,
but the line isn't that extensive, although it continues to grow, and many
mechanical parts interchange with those from the Big Three. The cars are pretty
basic, so they are not hard to restore. For American Motors fans, these are
considered the AMC muscle car to own, followed by the 1970 version, so there
will always be a market for them.
Lincoln Continental -- 1961-'66
Rarely will you meet someone who doesn't like early Sixties Continentals. Their
upscale, classy shape means they'll never go out of style, so there will always
be a strong demand for these models. While some body and trim parts have been
reproduced, there isn't an overly huge selection, although most mechanical
parts can be found fairly cheaply, and pretty easily, too. It's perhaps not a
car for a first-time restorer, as these were essentially hand-assembled
automobiles--an experienced specialist may be needed to make it right. But just
try to find a more affordable four-door luxury car that can be easily located
and quickly sold, and that's fun to cruise around in with five of your
buddies--we bet you can't.
Ford Model A -- 1928-'31
This is the Mustang of the pre-war era. Literally every part is available,
including new body panels and all trim pieces. There's also a growing
aftermarket of speed parts such as performance cylinder heads and five-speed
gearboxes. A huge production run means lots of cars to choose from--and cheap.
Support from two large international clubs means that experts ready to provide
help are everywhere. Best of all, the cars' simplistic nature means that they
are very easy to rebuild. Roadsters and coupes seem to bring the most money, but
even a Fordor sedan has a market. Still, don't expect to make any money
restoring one, because the Model A market is, and will most probably always be,
a buyer's market due to their popularity and availability.
Packard -- 1951-'54
Fifties cars continue to climb in terms of desirability, and the absolute
best-built models are those with the Packard nameplate. Aside from the
Caribbean, which is too pricey to include here, these are beautifully styled
cars that are very well constructed, with lots of quality detailing throughout.
Nearly all mechanical and electrical parts can be bought new, and for lower
prices than you'd think. Body and trim parts may be a little difficult to
locate, but if you know where to look, there shouldn't be any problems; good
club support means you'll be able to find what you need quickly. You'll never
have a problem selling a well-restored Packard. Of course, once you drive it
you may never want to sell, as the experience will make you feel oh-so-special
behind the wheel.
Ford Mustang -- 1964-'68
Mustangs make ideal first-time projects because practically every part you'll
ever need is only a catalog or website listing away. In fact, we can't think of
any part that hasn't been reproduced. And there are literally dozens of
companies supplying all the parts and accessories you'll need. Mustangs are
also backed by excellent club support, with numerous experts everywhere.
Projects are still easy to find and, when restored, early Mustangs almost sell
themselves.
Chevrolet Camaro -- 1967-'69
Same as the Mustang: Everything you need to rebuild one, no matter how rusty it
may be, is available brand new. As Terry McGean, editor of Hemmings Muscle
Machines, put it, "The '69 Camaro is the '32 Ford of today," which
means there will always be a huge demand for these cars. You just can't lose
restoring one. Best of all, they are fun to drive, reliable, and can be made
very powerful thanks to a huge aftermarket for performance parts. The only
downside is that even rust buckets and rollers can no longer be had for $2,500.
Dodge Challenger -- 1972-'73
It's the same story as with the Plymouth 'Cuda listed later. While most Mopar
fanatics seem to prefer the 'Cuda, the Challenger is actually better appointed
and detailed, with a more upscale look about it. Reproduction of parts
continues to grow, making even the rustiest project car salvageable. These
later models with the small-block V-8s are the most affordable to buy and the
easiest to find, but they sell quickly due to an ever-growing demand for E-bodies.
This is one of those collector cars that must be restored to exacting
factory-original standards for it to be worth anything.
Pontiac Grand Prix -- 1962
It seems to be every Pontiac fan's favorite Grand Prix: If you had to restore a
GP, this would be the one. Its popularity never seems to wane. Basically, it's
a full-size muscle car, but at half the price of a GTO--yet it, too, is powered
by a 389-cu.in. V-8. Reproduction parts are increasing in availability, while
every mechanical part (not to mention lots of performance parts) can be bought
new, and at moderate prices. Interiors, including door panels, have been
reproduced. Their handsome styling and racing heritage make these first-year
Grand Prixs the ideal Sixties-era Pontiac for those seeking something
different. With more than 30,000 built, they're not hard to find; as an
alternative, consider the Catalina, which is a bit less expensive.
Cadillac -- 1965-'66
"Big, bold and beautiful" best describes these comfy land yachts,
which offer perhaps the best bang for the buck of any Sixties-era collector
cars. Every mechanical part is available, and at very reasonable prices,
although some trim parts are hard to find. To replace body panels, you'll have
to settle for used parts, but that has the advantage of being cheaper than new
panels (if they were available). Engines offer plenty of power, and the
spacious interiors can accommodate a family of six. Best of all, it won't cost
a fortune to buy one; they're far more affordable than you might think.
Studebaker Golden Hawk -- 1956-'58
More than just Studebaker fans covet the classy Golden Hawk: This is one of
those cars that it seems everybody wishes they could own. Plenty were built, so
you should have no trouble finding one to restore. And a whole lot of body and
trim parts have now been reproduced--plus, there's a good supply of NOS parts
remaining. Quality construction throughout means that Golden Hawks aren't any
more difficult to restore than your average Chevy or Ford. Thanks to their
upscale character and show-stopping good looks, a well-restored Golden Hawk
will command a premium price tag.
Pontiac Firebird -- 1970-'73
Early second-generation Firebirds, just like the Camaro, have become highly
sought-after these last few years in response to the soaring prices of the
first-generation F-bodies, which are now beyond the reach of the average
enthusiast. Although the high-performance Formula and Trans Am are the most
desirable models, their higher values don't make them as accessible (if you can
find one for a good price, though, those would be the models to buy). There are
lots of reproduction parts available, including many new body panels. The cars
are easy to restore and easy to sell, assuming you restore them correctly to
factory specs.
Chevrolet Bel Air -- 1955-'57
Due to the fact that you can buy just about every single part to build yourself
a brand-new model, including all-new body shells for the '57, how could we not
include the lovable Tri-Five models? The huge following of enthusiasts
worldwide ensures that these cars will always sell quickly and for good money;
demand for them will probably never falter, at least not in our lifetime.
Thanks to being produced in large numbers, there are still many project cars
available; '55 models are the most affordable. Stripped-down 210s are the
cheapest, but they, too, are fast becoming very collectible--it's not just
about the dolled-up Bel Airs anymore.
Mercury Cougar -- 1967-'68
Below the skin, the Cougar is all Mustang, which makes finding mechanical and
electrical parts a breeze. But even some body panels and trim pieces have been
reproduced for the early Cougar, so restoring one is not a hard proposition.
Complete interiors are also available, along with tons of performance parts,
brake upgrades and suspension parts. Solid club support means there's lots of
knowledgeable enthusiasts to assist you, and a solid demand from both Mercury
and muscle car collectors. The supply of restoration-ready cars is plentiful;
also consider the 1969-'73 models, especially convertibles.
Oldsmobile Cutlass -- 1968-'72
While muscle car enthusiasts prefer the more expensive 4-4-2, the less powerful
Cutlass offers the same great ride and inspiring good looks. Its chassis parts
interchange with all the other GM A-body cars, so finding brake and suspension
parts is a piece of cake, and highly affordable, too. Exterior body and trim
parts haven't been reproduced to the same extent as a comparable Chevelle, but
lower production numbers means that these are a lot rarer--and yet not so rare
that you can't find one to restore. They're out there, and for reasonable
prices, too.
Ford Falcon -- 1964-'65
Like the Cougar, the inner structure is all Mustang, so brake and suspension
parts are pretty much the same. Lots of body, trim and interior parts have been
reproduced, and the line of aftermarket parts to increase power is very large.
Many Falcons were built, so they are easy to find today. And their simple
design makes them a great project for the inexperienced. The models that will
return the most money are the hardtop and convertibles, especially the
better-performing GT versions. Also consider the earlier 1960-'63 Falcons,
because many fans prefer the early, rounded shape over the later, squarer body.
Plymouth 'Cuda/Barracuda -- 1972-'74
Hardcore Mopar fans want the 1970-'71, while the later models, especially the
1973-'74 cars, are the cheapest to buy (and they're even cheaper with the
smaller 318- or 340-cu.in. V-8s). An extensive supply of new body, trim and
interior parts makes restoration a breeze. Just make sure the body isn't
twisted due to serious rust, because there is no frame. In time, values will
rise for the later models, as well as those small-block engine cars. Demand
will always be there thanks to their good looks and wide appeal.
by Richard Lentinello
