Pricey Vintage Cars to Restore
Classic cars are loved by all enthusiasts, old and new alike, but some vehicles are just not worth the time, effort, and money when it comes to returning them to their former glory. Read more to discover the vintage cars that are too expensive to restore.
Jaguar E-Type
If Enzo Ferrari dubs this one of the most beautiful cars ever made, then you know it's going to be a prize for any collector. However, today, the handmade body easily corrodes and, paired with its rare SU carburetor, makes this relic an unfortunate money pit to restore.
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Even non-enthusiasts gasp in awe at the Gullwing doors on the lightweight frame of the 300SL. Its fuel-injected 3.0-liter, straight-six engine made it the fastest production car in 1954. With only 1,400 being made, it's extremely rare to find one, and finding a qualified mechanic is even harder and oh-so-expensive.
Ferrari 250 GTE
The 250 is notable for being Ferrari's first car that could accommodate four people. The car features the powerful Colombo V12 and was marketed to the family man who wanted some oomph. Unfortunately, finding components for the 250 makes it a challenging vehicle to restore and a costly one at that.
Aston Martin DB5
Known by James Bond fans for its appearance in 1964's Goldfinger, the DB5 is a British icon and the definition of class on the road. Only 1,059 were ever built, making it a marvel to come across. Restoration for classic Aston Martins are always pricey, but the DB5 takes the cake, with its rare trim and hand-built construction.
Porsche 356 Speedster
Emerging from the 1950s, the 356 was a featherweight speed machine designed for the sporty American market. However, its age has unfortunately not protected it from the ravages of rust and structural damage, and finding original parts, such as the classic bucket seats, is very rare and costly.
BMW 507
Only 252 of the 507s were ever constructed, and two of them were famously owned by none other than the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. These ultra-rare roadsters featured aluminum bodies that were hand-hammered. The 507s were known for their fragile V8 Engines, and today, getting one restored can easily put you in six-figure territory.
Lamborghini Miura
Designed by the genius mind of Marcello Gandini, the Miura was a technical phenomenon of its time, as it was the first mid-engine supercar to be introduced in 1966. It was beautiful but brittle. And although it houses a whopping V12, its transverse engine, custom interior, and hand-shaped panels make it a nightmare to restore.
Shelby Cobra 289
The Cobra 289 is where the Brits and Americans meet in the middle. It's compact, it's sleek, and it's a Ford 289 V8 that fits inside a nimble AC chassis. Original cobras are rare to come across, and for good reason... Restoring them with period-accurate parts is a serious hassle.
Citroën DS
It's undeniable that the DS looked futuristic and still does. Launching in 1955 with hydropneumatic suspension, front disc brakes, and directional headlights, it was like a spaceship on wheels. However, this comes at the cost of being nearly impossible to restore.
Toyota 2000GT
With Yamaha's help, 351 of the 2000 GTS were produced, making it one of the rarest cars to come out of Japan. It has a 2.0-liter, straight-six that gave even European sports cars of the time a run for their money. However, when it comes to restoration, things become tricky as it is extremely difficult to find and import new-old-stock parts.
DeLorean DMC-12
Everyone recognizes the DeLorean as the "Back to the Future" mobile, and enthusiasts and collectors alike attempt to restore it. However, with wonky electronics and a fragile exterior, making sure one is in good (and safe) condition has resulted in many projects piling up into endless money pits.
