catalogs logo
catalogs.com logo

Top 10 Best Cars to Restore

By Editorial Staff

A list of the top ten best cars to restoreContributed by Paul Seaburn, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

If you’re restoring a car because you want a car that looks like the first one you owned when it was brand new, you already know what make and model it is.

On the other had, if your interest in restoration is because you want a good investment or you want to sell the car for a profit, then you need to know which are the best cars to restore when it comes to resale value and parts availability. Some makes, models and years are very popular – 60’s muscle cars especially – and many are not, but even a Yugo will appeal to someone!


Before you continue reading about the Top 10 Best Cars to Restore there is a special announcement we would like to share with you. Catalogs.com has negotiated special medicare rates for our vibrant community of seniors. If you are over the age of 60, you can head over to our Seniors Health Section which is full of information about medicare. All you need is your zip code and a few minutes of your time to potentially save 100s of dollars on your medicare bills.

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

10. Ford Falcon – 1964-1965

A list of the top ten best cars to restore

A popular first car for many people, the Ford Falcon is a good vehicle to restore because it uses many of the same parts as Mustangs and Cougars of the same era. Falcons are mechanically simple so they make a great first project for the novice restorer. Body and engine parts are readily available. Carefully painted hardtops, convertibles and GT models have the best resale value, but be sure to protect your investment with a protective car seat covers, and a good quality vehicle cover – and use it even when your Falcon is in the garage.

9. Packard – 1951-1954

A list of the top ten best cars to restore

Early fifties cars are generally not as popular as the sportier late 50’s models. An exception is the Packard, which was stylish and well-made and has a good number of clubs in the U.S. Mechanical and electrical parts are easy to find but body and trim parts may have to be made. The Packard is a great-looking classic that many restorers decide to keep once the project is done.

8. Ford Model A – 1928-1931

A list of the top ten best cars to restore

There are plenty of Model A cars still available in various stages of rust and repair and lots of suppliers for new and reproduction parts. These older cars have simple engines that are easy to upgrade for performance. Roadsters and coupes are the easiest to sell, although prices aren’t as high as you might expect. This is a model you definitely want to market through a collectors club.

7. Chevrolet Corvair Corsa – 1965-1966

A list of the top ten best cars to restore

Despite Ralph Nader (look it up), the Chevy Corvair Corsa is a great restoration project due to the large number of clubs, its rear-engine and its unique look. The Corvair engine is surprisingly easy to work on and parts are surprisingly easy to find. Go with the larger engines and 2-door models for resale.

6. Chevrolet Camaro 1967-1969

A list of the top ten best cars to restore

If you’re looking for a car to soup up as well as fix up, the 1967-1969 Camaro is a good choice. Many are still available in decent shape and there’s a big supply of performance Camaro parts. A well-restored Camaro in a hot color is an easy car to sell.

5. Pontiac Grand Prix – 1962

A list of the top ten best cars to restore

The Grand Prix was for guys whose parents or wives wouldn’t let them drive a GTO – it had similar performance for a lower price and without the muscle car reputation. This was the first year for the Grand Prix but it sold well and many are still available. New and reproductions Pontiac and GM parts are abundant.

4. Chevrolet Nova – 1968-1970

A list of the top ten best cars to restore

The Chevy Nova with a small block V-8 was a muscle car that didn’t look like a muscle car. There are still plenty of these cars in junkyards and barns and they’re a good car for novice restorers. There’s plenty of Chevy Nova parts available plus some hot performance options. Stick with the 2-door models for better resale.

3. Ford Mustang – 1964-1968

A list of the top ten best cars to restore

The original Ford Mustang was revolutionary in style, performance and price, making the first sporty car for many drivers. It has a huge following and restored cars, especially from the first four years, are easy to sell. Mustang parts are everywhere and Mustangs are easy to work on – if you need help, there are plenty of clubs nationwide.

2. Pontiac GTO – 1971-1972

A list of the top ten best cars to restore

You can’t go wrong with cars that inspired songs, so the Pontiac GTO is a great choice. The later models are cheaper to buy but are still hot-looking when restored. Another car that many like to supercharge, there are plenty of suppliers for both reproduction and high-performance GTO parts. If you loved the song, you’ll want one with “three deuces and a four-speed and a 389.”

1. Chevrolet Bel Air- 1955-1957

A list of the top ten best cars to restore

Popular Savings Offers

One of the most popular classic Chevy models of all time, the ’57 Chevy Bel Air is the best car to restore. Virtually every part is readily available, there are still many to buy in junkyards, barns and old garages and the market for resale is large. The ‘55s are not quite as popular but you can probably pick one up for less money.

cc

Top Deals

See All

Recent Posts

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

Categories

Saving Tools

Follow Us

Logo

Since 1996, Catalogs.com has been considered the web's catalog shopping authority. Our trends experts have carefully reviewed thousands of catalogs and online stores and have featured only the most respected, distinctive, and trusted ones. From popular favorites to new discoveries, you'll shop and save with exclusive coupon codes!

Invitations for applications for insurance on Catalogs.com are made through QuoteLab, LLC and transparent.ly. Submission of your information constitutes permission for an agent to contact you with additional information about the cost and coverage details of health and auto insurance plans. Descriptions are for informational purposes only and subject to change. Insurance plans may not be available in all states. For a complete description, please call to determine eligibility and to request a copy of the applicable policy. Catalogs.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. By using this site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.