Which cars are renovated the most?

In the UK, the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Corsa are topping the rankings for best-selling car. The economic value and reliability of the vehicles make them firm favourites with drivers across the nation. However, many car enthusiasts love to sink their teeth into a renovation project – or have it on their bucket list to do so. With prices of top-standard classic cars out of reach for most of us, the next best thing is to buy a poor-conditioned model and restore it to its glory days yourself. Then, not only do you have a top-notch motor, but you also have the pride of seeing your hard work in action.

Here, we take a look at a selection of the most renovated cars from across the globe.

1964-1968 Ford Mustang

Thanks to the fact every part you’ll need is only a website listing or catalogue away, classic Mustangs make ideal first-time projects. The Mustang is also backed by excellent club support and has a number of experts all across the globe. Due to the fact so many have been produced, it’s quite easy to find a used Ford Mustang to work on and once you’ve completed your project, your early Mustang will almost sell itself – if you wish to part with it.

Ford Capri

Since it was discontinued in 1986, Ford haven’t replaced the Ford Capri with anything suitable. It was the company’s European attempt at the Mustang and was a truly stunning vehicle. While there’ll never be another Capri, there are plenty old, run down models available to turn into your very own dream car.

Austin-Healey Sprite

With its distinctive frogeye headlights, the Sprite had pinpoint handling and a diminutive size. First launched in 1958, this car offered a great open-top freedom on the road. Updated in 1961, the car was given a more stylish look and this is what has them appealing to makeover specialists across the world. Luckily for anyone looking to get their hands dirty on this car, there are plenty of spare parts available to purchase to help you recreate this little piece of history.

Chrysler 300L -- 1965

Of all the Letter series models, the L is the most affordable to buy and the easiest to restore; it shares many body and trim parts with other mass-produced Mopars. Like the cars that came before them, L models are very well built and finely assembled, with distinctive trim and robust mechanical parts. These cars will continue to rise in value, although finding one to buy with restoration in mind may take time, because only 2,405 hardtops and 440 convertibles were built. However, that means there will always be a demand for them. More importantly, it won't cost any more to restore a 300L than a comparable Imperial or Fury, so choose a 300L if you can.

VW Campervan

Back in 1947, the loveable Volkswagen camper that we all know so well today, was being established from the imagination of designer Ben Pon, who got the idea from the vehicle used to transport parts around the factory — a Beetle chassis. The German campervan is the one of the most revered options among travelers throughout the world, but why? The manufacturer successfully managed to combine timeless style with quality engineering. One reason many renovators tend to opt for the Volkswagen is simply due to the fact it holds its value incredibly well — treat it with love and care and you may actually see a profit. Similarly, by buying into the VW camper, you are also buying into the family — Volks Power is an annual festival for all the family, celebrating everything great about the brand.

Volkswagen Beetle

This unique model is classed as the ultimate restoration car for many. While Volkswagen re-introduced the Beetle in 1999, fans still clamour to restore the original vehicles from the 1930s onwards. It was the biggest selling foreign-made car in the United States in the 60s and remains one of the world’s most sold cars to this day.

Citroen 2CV

Perhaps the most unusual car to appear on our list, when initially developed in the 1930s, the 2CV was designed under incredibly strict requirements — to travel across a rocky field, carrying a basket of eggs, without breaking them. What now, would simply exist as a factory suspension test, was in fact pioneering by Citroen — and they created an impressively robust suspension at that. Interestingly, the entire engine initially was held together with just four screws, making it a popular choice for those looking to get involved in the classic restoration hype.

Thousands of cars every year in the UK make their way to the big parking lot in the sky, via a visit to the scrap yard. However, a lucky few, with a twinkle in their eye, are fortunate enough to be picked up and dusted off. It is a hugely rewarding feat to restore a motor, but are you up to the challenge?

Georgie White is copywriter on behalf of Projected Image.