You will have to spend a lot of money to get a fast American car. A project car is another way for gearheads on a tight budget to get this kind of car. You can transform an old American car with the right modifications and upgrades.
There are a lot of awesome used American cars in the market. If you have a $20,000 budget, we found the 10 best American project cars.
10 Jeep Wrangler JK – $19,000
One of the greatest off-road SUVs of all time is the Jeep Wrangler. The off-road SUVs that can double as daily drivers were created by Jeep in the ’80s.
If you want a Wrangler that’s under $20,000, you’ll have to go with thejk generation. The JK had a new body, frame, and suspension design. bumpers, entry guards, wheels, and lift kits are just some of the mod options for the Wrangler.
9 Ford Mustang – $15,000
The first car most people think of when Ford is mentioned is the mustang. The mustang is one of the greatest muscle cars of all time and has been a staple of the American auto industry since the 1960’s.
There are lots of affordable models out there because the mustang has been in production for so long.
8 Chevrolet Corvette C5 – $18,000
If we had to pick just one Chevrolet model to own, it would be the Corvette. The Chevrolet Corvette was introduced in the 1960’s to attract returning WWII soldiers.
The best value for money when buying a sports car is found in the eighth generation of the Corvette. You can get a C5 Corvette for less than $20,000. Cold air systems, intakes and superchargers are included in the popular C5 Corvette mod.
7 2008 Dodge Challenger – $19,000
The gearheads were destroyed when Dodge discontinued the Challenger. Dodge listened to its fans and created a new generation of Challengers.
The early base models of the Challenger have the same styling elements, which is why you should choose them. A 2008 Challenger can be turned into a beast that can destroy the latest Challenger Hellcat Redeye.
6 Fourth-Gen Chevrolet Camaro – $13,000
The Chevy Camaro is one of the most popular muscle cars on your list. With rumors that Chevrolet is planning to kill off the Camaro in four years, now is the best time to buy one of the last remaining muscle cars.
The fourth- generation variant of the ’90s is less expensive than the modern ones. It has a modern design and a lot of upgrade options that make it a great project car.
5 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am – $19,000
The Firebird was still a great car even though it wasn’t as well known as the GTO. The screaming chicken logo on the Trans AM of the late ’70s is one of the prettiest muscle cars you can buy.
Even though the 1977 Trans Am is expensive due to it’s role in Smokey and the Bandit, the 1978 model is under $20,000.
4 Ford F-Series – $15,000
Over the last century, the F-Series has sold millions of units. The F-Series has been a reliable, capable, and affordable work truck for a long time.
If you’re looking for an affordable project pickup truck, there are many different F-Series generations to choose from.
3 Chevrolet Cobalt SS – $17,000
Many people didn’t like the performance figures of the first- generation Cobalt. Chevy went back to the drawing board in order to build the Cobalt.
The Cobalt was powered by a 260-hp Ecotec engine, making it the most powerful car on the road today. It had new electronics, 18-inch split-spoke wheels, and high- performance tires.
2 Old Ford Bronco – $15,000
SUVs are more popular than any other type of vehicle. The reason for that is the Ford Bronco. The Bronco was a three door SUV for five generations before it was discontinued in 1996.
After 25 years of being off the road, the Ford Bronco was revived in 2021. Since it costs more than $20,000, budget-minded gearheads should go for the old Bronco versions which have lots of upgrade options.
1 1961–1969 Lincoln Continental – $17,000
The Lincoln Continental is an American icon. The Lincoln Continental is one of the most beautiful American classic cars.
If you install a modern air suspension system, the Continental’s low-slung body still looks elegant.