Project Cars

Original 307: 1971 Chevrolet Camaro

We’ve recently seen a few classics cross our desks at Barn Finds that have been part of the same family since Day One. This 1971 Chevrolet Camaro is a perfect example of the breed, and the time has come… more»

Straight-Six Project: 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle

Anytime a car comes around that seems as entry-level and original as this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu, the purist side of me hopes it will be restored as it came from the factory.  On the other hand, what’s not… more»

Mechanic’s Special: 1971 Porsche 911S Targa

A “mechanic’s special.” This used to be a fairly popular concept, with the local repair facility offering a car for sale that the even the on-duty mechanic was tired of dealing with. 30 years ago, you might even see… more»

One Family Owned: 1966 Datsun 1600 Roadster

Long-term ownership is often an important factor when an enthusiast commences their quest for a classic to park in their garage or workshop. Cars of that type have typically been cherished and avoided the abuse that can plague less… more»

Patina Project: 1964 Ford Falcon Wagon

Some project candidates leave potential buyers spoiled for choice, and this 1964 Ford Falcon Station Wagon is all that and more. The seller has eliminated the worst of its rust problems and slotted in a larger engine to improve… more»

Just Out of the Barn: 1966 Buick Riviera

The Rivera joined the Buick lineup in 1963 as a “personal luxury car” and remained a fixture there for the balance of the century (except for 1994). The car was treated to its first rework in 1966 and –… more»

5-Speed Super Coupe: 1989 Ford Thunderbird SC

The Ford Thunderbird had been available for over three decades when the tenth-generation cars were introduced in 1988 for the 1989 model year. An interesting fun fact is that there were only three generations of Thunderbirds that had manual… more»

Highly Original: 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad Project

In their three years of production, the buying public never really warmed up to Chevrolet’s Luxurious Sport Wagon “experiment.” In total, only 22,375 Nomads were sold for the 1955, 1956, and 1957 model years. It was probably a combination… more»

Two-Owner Survivor: 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza

The Chevy Corvair was a novelty among U.S-built automobiles. It was the only one in the 1960s to have an air-cooled engine in the back. They were popular (initially) and sold 1.8 million copies in 10 years. But more… more»

440 V8 Project: 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T

Dodge entered the 1967 model year focused on the youth and/or performance market. The new Charger was in its second year and the Coronet would gain a powerful model, the R/T (short for Road/Track). It had a 440 cubic… more»

Cheap Project? 1968 Mercury Cougar GT 390

Cheap project candidates almost invariably divide opinions. Some enthusiasts view them as an opportunity to create the car of their dreams, while others will see nothing but a mountain of work before the vehicle even gets its first sniff… more»

Original 429: 1969 Mercury Marauder X-100

When an owner cherishes a classic so much that they wear away its paint from washing and polishing, you know it isn’t a passing infatuation. Such is the case with this 1969 Mercury Marauder X-100. It presents well as… more»

Original 383/4-Speed: 1969 Plymouth Road Runner

Muscle cars fell out of favor in the 1970s as manufacturers focused on complying with emerging safety and emission regulations. The badges lived on, but the vehicles wearing them were shadows of their predecessors. Thankfully, enthusiasts preserved cars like… more»

Desert Dweller: 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk

Studebaker’s Hawk series took flight starting in 1956, with an array of variants topped by the Golden Hawk. Styled by Raymond Loewy, the Hawks incorporated both pillared coupes and pillarless hardtops, sharing a low stance and a prominent radiator…. more»

Grandpa’s Project: 1953 MG TD Midget

The TD was a variant of the MG T-Type Series which was in production from 1935 to 1955. TD sales began in 1950 and continued through 1953. The body was old school as not much had changed since the… more»

Column Shift: 1970 Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air III

The 1970 Pontiac Trans Am made its debut on February 26, 1970 at the Chicago Auto Show. It was a revolutionary design that looked different than anything produced prior to that date. It was introduced so late int he… more»

Barn Finds