The Best Project Cars For You

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Buying a salvage vehicle is a perfect opportunity to start a new project car. Whether you’re a wrench wielding weekend warrior looking for your next whip, or a full-fledged gearhead looking to get grease on your hands, there’s nothing more fun than a new car. If you’re in need of inspiration for your next purchase from AutoBidMaster, check out our suggestions below.

Chevrolet Impala

The Chevy Impala is definitely one of the best deals that you can find on salvage auctions. These cars are very common to find because they were so abundant back in the day. They were made in the millions and there is a cult following along this badge.

The best years for this model are definitely between 1965 and 1970. But there are some people who want to get a modern classic.

These modern classics include Chevrolet Impala models from the 90s. Produced between 1994 and 1996. The Impala SS is one behemoth of a car. This full-size sedan captivates everyone with its incredible presence on the road.

Underneath the hood, you have a powerful 5.7L LT1 V8 that makes some serious power. Specifically up to 260 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque.

Painted in all-black, the Chevy Impala SS is a real sleeper on the road. We recommend this car to anyone who is interested in building a sleeper car. 

Ford Mustang

One of the most popular project cars that you can get is definitely the Ford Mustang. The Mustang is a true American icon with many generations and millions of cars produced.

But we don’t recommend any Mustang, our pick is the S197. This model was the great revival of the Mustang back in 2004.

The S197 was produced up until 2014, there are millions of these cars on the road and also in the salvage yards.

Most importantly, these cars are dirt cheap to obtain. Often costing only a few hundred bucks in salvage condition if you really want to get a project. While in good running condition, you can find one for less than $5,000.

The highlight of the Mustang is its timeless looks and also the incredible power these models have. Powered by powerful V8 engines that create a serious rumble. This generation is a true modern classic.

Mazda Miata

For all the JDM lovers out there, we decided to add one JDM model to our list. This is the legendary Mazda Miata.

But not any Miata, we are talking here about the one with the pop up headlights. A true 90s icon. This model was produced between 1989 and 1997.

The Miata proves that you can still have fun in a small package. This model has an ideal 50-50 weight distribution. Making it one of the most fun cars to drive.

This is why the Miata got its legendary status all over the world. And what is also good about this model is the fact that it was produced in some serious numbers. So, finding one is not a problem.

However, in recent times, Miatas started to be collectibles. So, finding one for cheap is no longer possible. However, you can find some of these cars in salvage yards for a really good deal.

Chevrolet Caprice

Let’s now add some PPVs to our list of best project cars. This is the case because these cars are dirt cheap and they are available at police car auctions across the country.

The first PPV on our list is the Chevy Caprice. The Chevy Caprice badge has a long legacy in the US market. The model was introduced in the 1960s and gained a ton of popularity because of its reliability.

Sadly, now discontinued. The last model that was used was the Caprice PPV. An Australian market Holden Commodore rebranded as Chevy Caprice only for the US market.

This model was used exclusively by the police in the US, so no civil cars. The only way to find one of these models is through government surplus auctions, or possibly by a private seller who got this car already from these auctions. 

What is so great about this Caprice model is that it is packed with a powerful 6.0L LS-based V8 engine that produces up to 355 hp. This is easily one of the most powerful PPVs on the market right now. Great for high-speed chases.

On top of that, the Caprice has cop brakes, cop suspension, and a lot more goodies that make this car one of a kind. It will last forever. Everything on these cars is made to be tough. These cars are available for dirt cheap on the police car auctions. You can find one in good condition for up to $6k.

Chevrolet Tahoe

Another solid model that we must recommend is the Chevy Tahoe. The Chevrolet Tahoe is a real American legend used by the force for many years.

This model is also available at government vehicle auctions. What is also good is the fact that you can get one of these SUVs for a really good deal.

The PPV version of the Tahoe comes equipped with a powerful 5.3L V8 engine. This LS small block engine produces up to 355 hp and delivers this power reliably.

These engines can basically run forever if you maintain them. If you can find one with 150,000 miles at a police auction, you can manage to squeeze another 150k.

The police Tahoe is also very good because it packs a ton of goodies meant for the police departments. These include a powerful engine, better brakes, and stronger suspension. The Tahoe is an excellent deal for everyone out there.

Chevrolet Silverado

Another great project that you can get on confiscated pickup trucks auctions is the Chevy Silverado. These trucks can also be found in police auctions because they are also heavily used by the force.

There are many different generations of the Silverado. But the best deals are definitely the older models. These models can be found for relatively low cost and you can get an excellent deal.

When it comes to its specs, the Silverado is packing a 5.3L V8 engine. Basically the same engine as the Tahoe. This engine produces up to 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. This is a healthy amount of torque. Excellent for high-speed pursuits.

Besides its on-road performance, the Silverado is an excellent truck for off-road duties.

If you are an off-road guy who loves to drive on the trails, this model will be perfect for you. It packs a powerful 4WD system that will take you anywhere you want.

Not to mention that the aftermarket is huge when it comes to these trucks with an abundance of parts offering for everyone’s taste.

Dodge Charger

One of the vehicles most synonymous with the police is the Dodge Charger. The Dodge Charger is the current backbone of the police force. These cars are used across the country in all of the states.

This is the case because the Charger is one really solid car. This model is a proper muscle car, perfect for high-speed chases and crazy maneuvers.

But what makes this model different compared to the regular Charger is the steel reinforced frame, heavy-duty suspension, heavy-duty brakes, and most importantly, the powerful engines.

There is the 3.6L V6 and the most popular among the police is the 5.7L V8 HEMI. And if you want to get a Charger PPV, the HEMI is the way to go. This engine is extremely powerful, making 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque.

This allows the Charger to have incredible acceleration and high top speed.

If you look for police impound cars for sale, you will find the Charger as well. This model is also a great getaway car. Popular among the ones who don’t obey the law and impound lots are full of these cars. 

Ford Crown Victoria

The Ford Crown Victoria, often referred to simply as the “Crown Vic,” is one of the most legendary police cars.

The Crown Vic was the backbone of American police from 1992 up until recently. These cars are still used by the police to this date. Although, slowly but surely getting disposed of.

This is why you can find them as police auctions cars. These cars are abundant and the government surplus auctions are full of them.

What is really great about the Crown Vic is the fact that you can find these cars for very cheap. A good sample can cost you only $2,000. Making it a great deal.

What makes the Crown Vic so good is the fact that this model uses a body-on-frame chassis. Unlike the Charger or the Taurus, this model uses a truck chassis.

This truck chassis makes the Crown Vic extremely durable and able to withstand a lot.

And the main highlight is its 4.6L V8 engine. This engine might not be a powerhouse but the reliability it delivers is something incredible. This is why it is an extremely popular option. These engines can last pretty much forever.

AutoBidMaster has plenty of these Crown Vics for sale in many different configurations. So, you must check them out.

Ford Taurus

An excellent project car is definitely the Ford Taurus. This model is a one-of-a-kind police car that was meant to replace the Ford Crown Victoria. It was built by Ford between 2012 and 2019 when Ford decided to abandon the production of sedans for SUVs and pickup trucks.

This is a shame because the Ford Taurus was a really popular model that packed a ton of power. Specifically, this model used the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine that is used in the current F-150. This engine produced up to 365 hp. Making it excellent for high-speed pursuits.

What is good about the Taurus is the fact that just like with any other PPV, this model packs a ton of goodies that are meant for PPVs. This means improved suspension and brakes. Allowing it to handle anything you throw at it.

In addition to this, this model packs ballistic door panels, reinforced frame, advanced airbags, and a ton of other safety equipment that you didn’t have with the regular Taurus.

And since these models are slowly but surely getting disposed of from the force, you can find them for a really cheap price on salvage auction websites such as AutoBidMaster.

Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango, particularly the Pursuit model, has become a popular choice for law enforcement agencies requiring a powerful, versatile, and spacious vehicle. 

The Dodge Durango is a model that has been in production for quite a while now and it is an excellent idea for a project car. Especially the PPV version that is extremely abundant. These models can be found for really affordable prices.

This model, just like the Dodge Charger, came with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the 5.7L V8 HEMI. Out of the two, the HEMI is definitely the most attractive option because it packs so much power.

This model is really robust and packs a powerful AWD system that ensures excellent performance in any weather conditions.

The Durango PPV comes with plenty of goodies that include heavy-duty brakes, upgraded cooling systems, and a pursuit-rated suspension, making it a reliable and effective tool for police work.

On auction sites such as AutoBidMaster, you can find these models for really affordable prices.

That’s a Wrap

Now that’s a wrap, we really hope that you enjoyed our list of the best project cars for you. We chose primarily police cars because these vehicles are available for a really good price compared to regular cars.

These models pack very powerful powertrains that produce a ton of power. And most importantly, these models pack a ton of goodies such as upgraded brakes, better suspension, and reinforced frames.

This means that these models are built like tanks. So, if you want to get a powerful ex-police project car, these PPVs might be the best choice for you.

Find your next project car at AutoBidMaster.com!