One of the most common questions among VW enthusiasts is, “Where do I find a classic VW to restore?” Finding the right classic car is one of the very first steps of car restoration. Since it’s a big investment, you certainly want to find the best one for you, your budget, and your needs.
Find a VW Project Car Online
As with most things in the 20th century, your best is likely to find one on the internet. There’s tons of classic car enthusiast websites out there that can be a great resource for those trying to find classic cars and all kinds of parts. For instance, TheSamba.com has been doing this for close to 30 years. If you try these types of websites out and don’t have any luck, you can also try out places like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. They have become the go-to for finding all sorts of things on the internet in recent years.
Find a VW Project Car Offline
There’s plenty of other ways to find a classic car to restore outside of the internet. Sometimes you’ll encounter classic cars listed for sale in the newspaper, or parked somewhere public or in a driveway with a For Sale sign in the window. Once you’re on the lookout for classic cars, you’ll start seeing them everywhere. So, just keep your eyes peeled for one that’s up for grabs!
If you can remember the days before the pandemic, perhaps you’ll recall that there used to be lots of classic car shows you could find and go to. Many of these would have what’s called a “car corral” which features all of the classic cars you can buy. You can usually find a decent car for a pretty good price at these events. That's because some sellers are really just trying to get rid of them. So, if you hear about any classic car shows in your area, it could definitely be worth checking out.
What Matters Most?
When you’re searching for the right classic car to restore, it’s important to consider the fact that the better the quality and the more solid the body is, the more you’re going to have to pay. This is because more solid cars with minimal rust are easier and often cheaper to restore.
In terms of budget, oftentimes you’re probably better off going for the more expensive, better quality car. THat's because with a solid body, the restoration requires way less metalwork and body work which can get pricey. However, redoing the paint job, the interior, the electrical, the motor, and almost everything else is going to cost pretty much the same regardless of the car you choose. But with a more intact body, the easier the restoration. If rust is present, this indicates that there’s more damage to the car.
If you keep searching for long enough, you’re sure to find the perfect classic car to restore. Once you find one, it’s time to get the restoration process started. Whether you’re doing it yourself or having a professional team take care of it, it’s bound to be an exciting journey with a great payoff.
