Recommendations: Top 5 Cars To Restomod

May 13, 2018

The fine art of restomodding is kind of like learning a new language. The difficulty scales considerably depending on what vehicle you choose to work your magic on. Were they only produced for a few years or in small numbers, meaning getting your hands on one will prove to be a monumental task in itself? Is there good aftermarket support for them, or are spare parts and owners’ clubs as rare as hen’s teeth? In this article, we’re going to look at the best cars to restomod, the ones that are great as either a first project or another addition to your garage that you don’t need to spend years waiting on.

5. Chevrolet Bel Air

Ah, the Bel Air. Where would we be without this wonderful little tri-five? While other years’ Bel Airs are great, as we discussed last week, the tri-five models hold a special place in the heart of every car enthusiast. They look wonderful, handle beautifully, and when restomodded well, will be the envy of everyone. The amount of different ways you can do that are practically limitless, too. You could take the minimalist approach like this guy, upgrading the engine to a 383 small-block while retaining the vintage looks. You could drop it low and transform it into a racer with a mighty 502. How about modernizing it inside and out with bucket seats, new A/C, air ride suspension, and a new engine?

Let’s get down to brass tacks here, how much, and how easy? Well, Bel Airs don’t tend to come all that cheap in good condition, but that’s good and bad news for you. While a pristinely restored Bel Air can easily top $100K, so too can an old jalopy be yours for under $10K. Restore it well, and if you’re so inclined, you can reap extraordinary benefits for your labor. Parts are easy to come by, thanks to the Tri-Fives’ popularity in the car world, and there’s a wealth of clubs and associations out there to offer support.

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