Project Cars

Work-In-Process: 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 RS

Due to a labor strike in 1972 and sagging industry pony car sales, the Chevy Camaro was a threat for cancellation. Fortunately, the car bounced back in 1973 and only just recently retired altogether. This 1973 edition is both… more»

Hugger Orange 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS

If cars could talk, this one would probably have some interesting stories to tell. It’s been in the same family since new, sports what once was Hugger Orange paint, and likely had at least one teenager take a crack… more»

Fuelie Project: 1962 Chevrolet Corvette

At first glance, this 1962 Chevrolet Corvette looks like just another C1 begging for restoration. However, we must delve below the surface to discover the ace up its sleeve. Only 13% of buyers that year splashed the considerable extra… more»

1 of 178? 1970 Dodge Challenger 340 Convertible

Dodge waited until 1970 to get into the “pony car” market that Ford had dominated with the Mustang since 1965. The all-new Challenger sold nearly 77,000 copies in the first year, and one of the rarest may have been… more»

Life After Studebaker: 1972 Avanti II

After the last Studebaker Avanti was sold in 1964, everyone thought that was the end of what would later become an iconic car. Then two Studebaker dealers rode in on white horses and saved the day, buying plant, equipment,… more»

Needs Engine Transplant: 1968 Datsun Fairlady 2000

While many of us feel guilty for harboring thoughts of modifying a good car to make the ride of our dreams, in some situations, that is forgivable.  If a vehicle has suffered enough damage or is missing crucial parts… more»

Beautiful But Needy: 1960 Triumph TR3

One of the more iconic British sports cars is the Triumph TR3.  Remembered for its cut-down doors and jaunty good looks, the TR3 has but one enemy: rust.  If you are looking for a handsome, easy-to-work-on British sports car,… more»

Modified Postwar Rarity: 1952 Muntz Jet

The history of the automobile is filled with stories about larger-than-life personalities who have come and gone from the industry.  None was more flamboyant than salesman extraordinaire Earl “Madman” Muntz.  His Muntz Jet was an early sports car based… more»

Former Fuelie: 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

Sitting in this garage is a 1964 Corvette Convertible that will leave its new owner with decisions to make. It originally featured the desirable “Fuelie” V8, which was an expensive option, but that motor is a distant memory. Another… more»

1 of 593:1963 Chrysler New Yorker Salon

Except for the Imperial, the New Yorker was Chrysler’s flagship model from 1940 to 1996. Using the Forward Look platform from the early 1960s, the New Yorker was heavily restyled in 1963 and looked like a different car. The… more»

Easy and Affordable: 1949 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe

When you examine modern passenger cars, their styling has become quite generic. Occasionally, a manufacturer will introduce a new feature, but the financial risks involved are now considered too significant to justify treading a radical styling path. That brings… more»

Ready to Restore: 1959 Imperial Crown Southampton

Choosing a project candidate can be challenging, but the sheer variety of motor vehicles produced over more than a century means there is guaranteed to be something to appeal to almost every taste. Those seeking 1950s luxury and excess… more»

Health Forces Sale: 1985 Renault Alliance Convertible

One of the sadder aspects of many Barn Finds write-ups is that sickness and/or death is the reason that many of these vintage, classic, and collectible vehicles are on the market.  We all have projects that we want to… more»

It’s All There: 1970 Volvo 1800E Project

I must admit it, I’ve never been a big Volvo fan. Sure, their durability and safety-enhanced designs are part of their justly deserved legacy – they just, ah, seem a bit boring. Except, however, the 1800 series such as… more»

Older Shelby Tribute: 1966 Ford Mustang GT

A lot of iconic cars debuted in the 1960s. The Pontiac GTO and the Plymouth Road Runner are two that come to mind. But at the top of the list would probably be the Ford Mustang, selling nearly 1.3… more»

One Prior Owner: 1956 Chevrolet 210

Given that nearly five million of the “Tri-Five” Chevrolets were built in 1955-57, quite a few are still out there today. In the middle year, 1956, the 210 2-door sedan was the third most popular model/body style at more… more»

Barn Finds