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A New Year’s resolution can encourage personal growth. Every year, eager self-improvers buy guitars, running gear, and stacks of books to be a better them for the next year. However, an oft-overlooked option is that project car you’ve been dreaming about for years. This year, consider a classic car or tuner to wrench on instead of a generic resolution. 

A project car can be a meditative outlet you can drive

A father and son tackle their New Year's resolution: a project car.
A father and son wrench on a project car | Artem Peretiatko via iStock

Believe it or not, there’s a project car for just about any budget and experience level. For instance, an S197 Ford Mustang or Z33 Nissan 350Z is an affordable prospect for drivers who want a boulevard cruiser, autocross toy, or canyon-carving weekend ride. 

Furthermore, a modern performance car doesn’t require much to become a fun track toy. Bolt-on upgrades like stiff springs, big brakes, a cold air intake (CAI), and a tune can really awaken a modern, fuel-injected sports car. 

However, enthusiasts who really want to learn and express themselves can opt for a classic car like a Pontiac LeMans, a first-generation Mazda Miata, or the perennially popular first-gen Ford Mustang coupe. A classic project can require as little as some TLC or a complete restoration. With patience, a devoted enthusiast can tackle many of the tasks of caring for a classic. 

A classic project car doesn’t have to be a rotisserie restoration. For instance, many builders choose to turn a classic into a restomod. It’s a fair compromise between a newer project and an old-school ride. For instance, installing a fuel-injection kit can take the guesswork out of running a carbureted classic.  

Looking for something to do with your kids or a relative? A project car can be a shared experience. Working on a classic Mustang or BMW is a great way to bond, teach problem-solving skills, and foster patience in your children. 

Of course, one of the finest parts of choosing a project car instead of taking up watercolor painting is functionality. At the end of your efforts, it’s a car. You can drive it to events, enter it in racing events, or just go for a cruise. Just think about it: your New Year’s resolution could be your weekend toy when you’re done.

Happy New Year from MotorBiscuit. Get wrenching.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).