Buy These Project Cars on eBay Today Without Breaking the Bank
Cars aren’t made to last forever by themselves. Restorers are capable of a certain kind of magic that keeps classic models alive long past their expiration date. If you’re looking to perform a bit of magic yourself, take a look at these 50 cars that you could turn into your next project.
1978 Ford Capri Mk2 1.6 1600 Pinto - £2,400.00
Essentially Ford Europe’s answer to the American Mustang, the Capri Pinto was a fastback coupe with tons of style and personality, as well as decent performance (by European standards, at least). This one’s a bit of a fixer-upper, but not nearly in as bad a state as some other project cars you’ll come across.
1980 Ford Capri 1.6ls - £2,050.00
Another popular sports coupe courtesy of Ford Europe, this 1980 Ford Capri was part of the third generation of Capri’s (which began in 1978). Its body work will need some serious attention, but with mileage at under 6,000, this could be a fantastic vehicle with the right restoration.
1972 Hillman Imp Super - £360.00
Found abandoned in a barn, this ‘72 Hillman Imp Super has clearly seen better days. Its interior looks to have been completely stripped down, and while we’ve seen worse exterior damage, it’s definitely going to need a fresh coat of paint. Still, priced at just £360.00, this project car has some serious potential.
1992 Classic Mini 1275 - £6,000.00
There are few classic cars that can match the sheer quaintness and charm of a Mini. Unlike many of the other vehicles on this list, this particular model has gone through extensive restoration already, and is in working condition - there may just be a few minor kinks to work out.
1989 VW MK 1 Golf GTI - £3,000.00
The original “hot hatch”, the VW Golf GTI, introduced in 1989, was famed for its sporty handling and very reasonable price tag. Not much has changed since then, and this particular model is still highly sought after by collectors. Fortunately, while it may require some restoration, it’s been kept mostly intact.
2008 Daihatsu Materia 1.5 Manual - £3,000.00
A fairly recent release (at least when compared to many of the other classics listed here), the 2008 Daihatsu Materia was only produced for over 3 years, making it quite a rare find. Its condition and mileage are both in fantastic order, but due to it being parked for 8 years since 2017, it will need some light restoration.
1967 Triumph Gt6 Mk1 - £8,500.00
A sporty coupe that drew inspiration from the classic Triumph Spitfire, this fantastic vehicle was a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts back in the day. It’s remarkable that it’s been kept in such great condition since then; only very light restoration is required.
1981 Ford Fiesta XR2 - £7,350.00
With the demise of the Fiesta nameplate in recent years, old Ford models like this will soon become highly sought-after collector’s items. If you want to get ahead of the curve, this model is currently listed at a very reasonable £7,350.00, but it will require some brushing up both on the inside and outside.
1989 VW Golf GTI MK 1 - £14,000.00
We’ve already waxed lyrical about the original VW Golf GTI. Suffice it to say, these cars were popular for a reason. This particular model - currently listed at a steep £14,000.00 - features all-original parts, and has seen zero modifications since its release, making it a certifiable classic.
1974 Dodge Challenger - £27,500.00
Introduced as a literal challenger to the supremacy of the Ford Mustang, this 1974 Dodge Challenger has had some extensive work to get in shape (including a full engine rebuild). Its price is rather steep, but you won’t easily find a classic American muscle car in such fantastic condition.
1977 Chevrolet Camaro 350 - £5,000.00
With its distinctive black grilles and swanky rocker panels, the ‘77 Camaro was an icon back in its day. As one of the most sought-after classic muscle cars, these beauties typically don’t sell for cheap. This one, however, is going for a mere £5,000.00, though it will need a bit of restoration (particularly its transmission).
1999 Jaguar XJR V8 Supercharged - £4,500.00
A high-performance variant of the ever-popular XJ series from Jaguar, this lean, mean machine first hit the roads in 1999. It’s incredible, therefore, that this particular model has been kept in such great condition, with only minor restoration necessary to return it to mint condition.
1989 Mini Mayfair - £2,000.00
First introduced back in 1989, this classic Mini Mayfair is in fantastic condition. And at such a low price, you can easily sink even more money into restoring it properly. It starts and runs just fine by itself, and features new brakes, but some minor work is needed to make it truly pristine.
1981 VW MK1 Golf 1.5GL - £6,000.00
This particular Golf - first introduced in 1981 - is older than the previous two that have featured on this list, making it even rarer. That said, most of its internal components have been replaced - an “original” this is not. Still, at £6,000.00, it could be well worth your investment.
1972 Sunbeam Alpine Sports Coupe - £1,380.00
A regular feature on the British sports car circuit, the 1972 Sunbeam Alpine was a luxurious two-seater coupe that offered a comfortable ride and plenty of style to boot. This particular model has seen some restorative work already, but it’ll take a little more to get it show-ready (including a fresh coat of paint).
1984 Classic Mini - £10,000.00
Don’t buy this Mini unless you’re up to the challenge - while it’s had plenty of restoration already, it will still require a whole lot more before it’s ready to be taken for a spin. To those who are prepared to take on the challenge, we salute you.
2010 Dodge Ram Car Transporter - £10,950.00
Specifically intended to transport cars, this 2010 Dodge Ram definitely has some “niche” appeal. Still, you aren’t likely to find another one like it anytime soon. It still runs perfectly and is a great choice for those who enjoy completely overhauling their vehicles.
1936 Graham-Paige Crusader 80 - £6,500.00
The word “classic” gets thrown around more often than it probably should (including by us), but this one’s a bona fide legend. Fewer than 50 are known to exist worldwide, making this one of the rarest vehicles on this list. What’s even crazier than that is that, somehow, this nearly century-old beauty still runs.
1979 Ford Cortina 2.0 Ghia - £7,750.00
The Cortina was a regular fixture on the roads in the late 70s and early 80s, and they’re not easy to come by today. This particular model has already seen plenty of restoration, but could use just a little more to get it ready to face the roads once more.
1983 Rover SD1 3500 Vitesse - £2,500.00
First registered in 1983, this classic Rover model has been garage-stored for some time and may require a bit of work to get it running properly. Besides that, however, it’s been immaculately maintained in the years since it first hit the roads, and it could be yours for £2,500.00.
1952 Riley RMF - £2,250.00
A classic saloon-style car, the Riley RMF was only produced for a single model year, making it somewhat of a rarity. Currently listed at £2,250.00, the car has been kept in decent condition, but will take some work in order to get it looking great and running properly again.
1938 AUSTIN 7 RUBY - £3,000.00
A classic economy car from the 30s, the Austin 7 Ruby was as significant as the Beetle in terms of popularity. This one is - miraculously - still in perfectly drivable condition, but could probably do with a bit of work regardless, just to be safe.
1957 Jaguar XK150 FHC LHD 3.4l Auto - £17,750.00
They don’t make ‘em like this anymore. This ‘57 Jag has already had some work to get it running, meaning you’ll just need to take care of the body.
1966 MGB GT - £999.00
The ‘66 MGB GT was probably one of the most luxurious vehicles to grace the roads in the '60s. This particular model has been kept in storage for almost half a century - and it definitely shows. Needless to say, this is one for the truly dedicated restoration artists out there in need of a big project.
1993 FORD ESCORT XR3i - £4,201.00
The Escort nameplate has been a popular choice for many motorists since as early as the 60s. This ‘93 model is still in perfectly drivable condition, having already had some extensive restorative work already.
Limited Edition NISSAN NAVARA 2.5 CDI PICKUP Truck - £7,000.00
In celebration of the release of Die Hard 4, Nissan manufactured 444 Limited Edition Navaras with custom decals and other cosmetics that you couldn’t find anywhere else. Naturally, this is a real collector’s item in every sense of the word, and still drives perfectly.
1978 Porsche 928 4.5L V8 - £6,750.00
This ‘78 Porsche still runs perfectly without any issues, but some of its internal mechanisms could still use a bit of work.
1990 VW T25 T3 2.1 Auto Power Steering Crewcab - £9,500.00
For those looking for a decent hauler, you can’t go wrong with this well-maintained VW Crewcab from 1990. A bit of surface-level rust here and there shouldn’t be difficult to get rid of for someone who enjoys the restoration process.
1968 Mercedes-Benz W108 - £3,500.00
A rare saloon-style sedan from 1968, this Mercedes-Benz model has been kept in remarkably good condition, considering its age. The interior could do with a fair bit of work to get it looking as pristine as possible, but at £3,500.00, this is a project well worth investing in.
1955 Fiat 600 Abarth Tribute - £6,500.00
This fantastic Fiat tribute model dates all the way back to 1955. Since then, it’s been driven sparingly and has otherwise been immaculately well-maintained. Plenty of work has already gone into making this vehicle as pristine as possible.
1936 Hillman Minx - £500.00
This ‘36 classic is perfect for hot rod enthusiasts and those who enjoy extensively modifying their vehicles. Otherwise, it’ll still require plenty of elbow grease to get it looking as good as it once did nearly a century ago.
2002 MG ZT-T 2.5 V6 - £2,995.00
A fairly recent model, this 2002 MG has already had plenty of work, and has clearly been lovingly maintained, with new brakes, a new battery, and a new water pump. All it really needs now is a bit of polishing up.
1995 Jaguar XJR Straight 6 Supercharge - £5,750.00
First registered in 1995, this iconic Jaguar model still looks as good as it did when it first hit the roads. These models are quickly becoming rarer and rarer, so finding one in such great condition and at such a decent price is exceptional.
Ford Fiesta 1.6 XR2i - £5,000.00
This fantastic retro car is quickly becoming a rarity, so finding one at this price is a big deal. In terms of damage, there’s some minor corrosion along the wheel and window arches, and in general, the body could use some work, but it’s otherwise perfectly drivable.
1972 Series 3 Land Rover Lightweight - £7,000.00
A bona fide military relic, this ‘72 Land Rover is an incredibly rare find. A significant number of restorative efforts have already gone into ensuring that it still runs, but it could still do with a bit of polishing here and there.
1964 Classic Mk1 Morris Mini Cooper S 1275 - £27,500.00
There are few cars that can match the Mk1 Morris Mini Cooper in terms of significance. This vehicle used to be all over the roads at one point, but finding one now is a bit of an undertaking. This one has already had plenty of work, but the engine will need some attention.
1920s/30s Austin 7 Special - £9,750.00
A true British classic in every sense of the word, this early Austin 7 Special was custom-built to showcase its heritage (and even features Union Jack livery). It’s already showroom-ready, but it’s in good enough condition that you could easily drive it around as well.
1972 MGB Roadster - £3,500.00
Found languishing in a barn, this classic British roadster has already had some work done, with several newer parts added. At £3,500.00, you may as well be committing a robbery.
1969 Morris Mini Cooper Mk2 - £12,500.00
Another fantastic British icon, this original Mini Cooper from 1969 has seen some restoration already, with only a few new bits of paneling so as to maintain its integrity. Still, some extra work is needed if you want to make this a real show car.
1985 Porsche 928 Classic Sports - £3,500.00
If you’re in search of a real project, then this classic Porsche model is worth your consideration. It’s in need of restoration across the board - from cosmetics to mechanics - but is sure to be a show-stopper once it’s complete.
1962 Morris Minor Series III Convertible - £2,500.00
A genuine convertible here all the way from the '60s, this ‘62 Morris Minor Series III still drives well, but will definitely need some more attention in order to restore it to its former glory.
1973 Triumph Stag - £4,000.00
This classic vehicle from 1973 is a bit of an oddball - some parts are entirely original while others are completely new, and they don’t fit together as seamlessly as they should. Someone with a keen eye for restoration would be able to give it the attention it deserves.
1993 BMW E30 316i Touring Lagoon Green - £1,500.00
A classic BMW from 1993, this touring model still features its original lagoon green paint job and is otherwise in fantastic condition, barring a few cosmetic issues here and there.
1972 VW Beetle Classic - £1,100.50
Is there any car from the latter half of the 20th century more iconic than the Beetle? This ‘72 model was originally saved from being cut up, but still needs some restorative magic to get it on the road again.
1962 Austin Gypsy - £7,995.00
For those just looking for something to polish up on a lazy Sunday afternoon, this ‘62 Austin Gypsy is for you, since pretty much all of the restorative work has been done already.
1972 Land Rover Series 3 - £3,500.00
Those looking for a project they can really sink their teeth into will love this ‘72 Land Rover. All body parts are included with the purchase, but will need to be fitted by the buyer.
1957 Austin A35 - £1,140.00
This classic Austin model from 1957 has only ever had one owner, yet somehow has been remarkably well-maintained for all these years. Some light work will be needed just to get it back to its sparkly original condition.
1977 Reliant Kitten - £115.00
Another huge undertaking for any restoration fan, this ‘77 Reliant Kitten is going to need plenty of elbow grease just to get it in working condition. At least the price reflects its current sorry state.
1956 Morris Minor SPLIT SCREEN Classic - £2,100.00
Another classic British vehicle, this ‘56 Morris Minor is already fit for the showroom floor and is sure to make a great addition to any collection.
1998 MG - £2,495.00
A highly rare car from the late 90s, this MG model still looks just as pristine and immaculate as the day it rolled off the shop floor, and is great for anyone who wants to do some light restoration.
