This is where some of the greatest innovations in automotive history began
and where many concepts are born, far from the engineering laboratories of the world’s biggest automakers. Every day, in garages and shops across the country, friends and family members meet-up to have a few beers and turn some wrenches on their project cars.
A project car is typically considered as a vehicle that is purchased inexpensively and needs a bit of love in one form or another. As the auto industry has evolved, so have the DIY guys and aftermarket shops, and nowadays there are entire industries dedicated solely to producing third-party components and accessories.
Of course, America will always have its favorites when it is time for a tear-down, as muscle and sports cars continue to take precedence on average. But muscle cars are rarely cheap, and even in poor condition they typically fetch a premium price. Since virtually any vehicle can be considered a project car, certain models can be acquired on the cheap.
We’re talking about the bargain busters here: The inexpensive options that cost little to buy, are easy to fix, and parts for them cost about as much as a pack of pudding. The guys over at Super Street Online put a good amount of time and energy into researching the topic a few years back, and we have opted to supplement a portion of their list with some entries of our own.
1. Toyota Corolla (1984-1987)
Toyota has built some of the longest-lasting vehicles to ever roll off an assembly line, and while the Corolla may appear to be a cut-and-dry commuter car to most, it is still a great car to wrench on. According to Super Street, models found between 1984 and 1987 offer the best chassis build options as back then Corollas were rear-wheel drive, and engine rebuilds are relatively straightforward, as this vehicle was naturally aspirated. Just beware of gearbox issues and be forewarned that their fuel pumps are prone to rust, so removing them can be a real bitch.
Source : Sam Becker /Autos Cheat Sheet
