Top 5 Classic Cars to Restore
When choosing a car to restore, with resale in mind, factors such as purchase price, parts availability, restoration cost, desirability, and restored value are important considerations. Your time and money will be better invested with some cars than others.
Restoring a classic car is no easy feat, from purchasing the car to sourcing parts, you can end up investing a lot of time and effort, not to mention the monetary investment. Depending on the classic car you choose to restore, you could also end up with more invested in your restoration than the car will ever be worth.
We’ve compiled a short list of cars that are easiest to restore based on availability of parts and resale value. This list is, by no means, set in stone. If you have a car you love and want to restore, restore it!
1. Ford Mustang (1964-1968)
When looking at popular cars to restore, the Ford Mustang is a clear winner. The Mustang started the pony car segment and accelerated the muscle car competition among car makers. From the initial year of production (1964.5) to 1968 Ford produced over 2 million Mustangs. This means plenty of surviving cars and reproduction parts are readily available. With the large fanbase that Mustangs have, finding a club, online group, or event is easy as well.
2. 1957 Chevrolet
1957 Chevy Bel Air | Teddy Pieper photo for RM Auction
Chevrolet had multiple models to choose from in 1957, the basic 150, the mid-level 210, and the top of the line Bel Air. They also offered the Townsman, a 4 door station wagon as well as the Nomad, a 2 door station wagon (these are highly sought after and do not come cheap). Due to their popularity, replacement body panels, parts, and aftermarket performance parts are easy to find. There is an almost cult-like following for the 1957 Chevy and you will find there are a multitude of clubs around the world.
3. Ford Model A (1928-1931)
1929 Ford Model A | Photo source: autocollectorsgarage.com
With production numbers exceeding 3,500,000 between 1928 and 1931, finding available cars and parts will be no issue. You can find reproduction parts and body panels, as well as an expansive array of aftermarket performance parts. There are numerous clubs and organizations around the world offering support and advice from experts
4. Chevrolet Camaro (1967-1969)
1968 Chevy Camaro Pro-Touring | Owner: Patrick Darling | Photo sourced from: Forgeline.com
Similar to the Mustang, you can get every part for these cars brand new. First generation Camaros are in high demand so selling one after it has been restored will be no problem. With the availability of aftermarket performance parts, Camaros can be powerful, fun to drive cars. The only downside to them is that due to their high demand, even the roughest of cars don't always come cheap.
5. First Generation Ford Bronco (1966-1977)
1966 Ford Bronco | Photo source: GR Auto Gallery
This recommendation deviates from the others as its not a "car" but more akin to a Jeep or International Scout. You won't have a hard time finding parts resources for these as multiple companies sell replacement parts as well as aftermarket performance parts. The first generation Broncos can be built in many different styles, from factory stock to lifted 4x4 off-roader. No matter the style the Bronco remains ever popular.