Beware: These Classic Cars Are Not Worth Restoring

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

That dusty coupe might whisper, “bring me back.” Don’t listen too fast. Beneath the charm, a few of these classics are better off untouched. Trust the rust—it’s trying to tell you something.

Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

The stainless steel shimmer couldn’t hide a sluggish PRV V6, infamously underpowered. Gullwing doors could be difficult to operate due to weak struts or poor build quality, and panels often had issues with fitment. It may scream Back to the Future, but your wallet will scream Back to the Shop. 

1975 Bricklin SV-1

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

For this one, you’ll pay double for parts—if you can even find them. Safety Vehicle One delivered frustration. Hydraulic gullwings failed mid-lift, and the acrylic body panels cracked like brittle candy. Then, vacuum issues crippled drivability. Ready for that hustle? 

Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

1980 Fiat X1/9

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

It handled like a nimble go-kart, praised for its mid-engine balance, but underneath? Italian drama. Cooling systems leaked, and the electrical system failed. Changing the timing belt was yet another headache. You would need metric tools and prayers if you want to drive one daily without cursing it.

1969 AMC AMX

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

It could clock 0–60 in under 7 seconds, but sourcing AMX-specific parts today is a challenge. Unless you hoard AMX parts, you’ll spend years just hunting pieces. Body panels, trim, and even dashboard components are often salvaged from wrecked vehicles. Do you have a wrecked one? If not, skip.

1982 Maserati Biturbo

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

They came turbocharged and tailored, but these beauties blew head gaskets like birthday candles. They were first riddled with poor metallurgy and failing intercoolers. Add to that disastrous electronics that made it an Italian grenade. Giving this a second lease is a risk; consider yourself warned.

1960 Renault Dauphine

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

Quirky and cute? Sure. But it rusted really fast. Its water pump design cooked engines, the swing axle rear suspension handling was weak, and the body panels crumbled in coastal air. Thinking of a restoration? Do it only if you’re fluent in frustration.

Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

1977 MG Midget

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

This pint-sized Brit might charm you with its grin, but don’t be fooled. Chassis flex, weak synchromesh, and leaky carbs await. Refurbishing one rarely pays off because the cost often exceeds the resale value by a significant margin. “Midget” refers to the size, not the project.

1961 Chrysler Imperial

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

Suicide doors and push-button gear selectors dazzle, until something breaks. A massive size means storage and transport costs add up quickly. One snapped window motor? Hundreds. Revamps become a money pit before you’ve even touched the transmission.

1972 Citroen SM

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

Hydropneumatic suspension, swiveling headlights, and Maserati power. Sounds exotic, right? It is—right up until it fails. One leak in the fluid system can sink you financially. Attempting repair without specialist tools? Fool’s errand. French flair meets engineering chaos.

1984 Pontiac Fiero

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

Rebuilding one means revisiting General Motors’s biggest design blunder— fire hazard—and hoping history doesn’t repeat itself in your garage. The Fiero appeared futuristic, but early models were prone to catching fire. Literally. Engine fires and weak suspension design made headlines you don’t want to rekindle

1979 Triumph Spitfire

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

The 1979 Triumph Spitfire looks like a blast. But have you seen underneath? Rear suspension geometry’s notorious for snap oversteer. Parts rust faster than you can replace them, and British electrics? You already know. For the money restoration demands, you’re better off with something that starts daily.

1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

That Busso V6 sings like an Italian tenor. The cost of keeping it in tune? Opera-level drama. The transaxle layout complicates basic repairs, and corrosion creeps in fast. The bill will start small, but it will keep adding up before the engine even comes out of the car.

General Motors introduced a diesel engine into a luxury car and hoped nobody would notice. They noticed. It cracked heads and leaked fuel. The ride also struggled uphill. Restoring this vehicle means tracking down rare diesel-specific internals that mechanics now refuse to touch.

1968 Sunbeam Alpine

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

Sean Connery drove the Tiger, not this one. The Alpine’s a tamer sibling, underpowered and prone to body rust in hidden seams. Repairs usually uncover structural rot that requires thousands of dollars in metalwork. You’ll need more than polish to save it.

1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

Sure, it oozes class, but under the hood lies complexity that bleeds cash. The self-leveling suspension fails like clockwork, and brake system repairs can cost more than a used car. Luxury fades fast when restoration requires a royal budget.

1973 Opel GT

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

It mimics a Stingray’s curves, yet its German heritage brings rare parts, oddball mechanics, and poor rust protection. Giving one life again isn’t just pricey—it’s slow. Chasing parts will consume a lot of time, and it will be disappointing to find out that the market still doesn’t love it back.

1986 Sterling 825

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

Sterling mashed British flair with Japanese internals, and still flopped hard. The electronics shorted early, and the trim fell off. Let’s not forget that the panels never fit. While the engine’s Honda-strong, everything else breaks. A rebuild is like wrapping a Civic in regret.

1967 Saab 96

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

Bring back the Saab 96 only if you’re armed with sheet metal and stubbornness. Why? That oddball profile hides two-stroke quirks and wheel arches that rot invisibly. Even the engine mountings are weird. Once corrosion sets in, bodywork becomes a metalworking marathon. 

1975 Chevrolet Monza

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

Designed to squeeze in a rotary engine, it didn’t. Instead, General Motors shoved in V8s and hoped for the best. Heat management? Awful. Wires melted. Parts? Rare. By the time you fix the overheating, the vintage car restoration project’s already cooked and burned through your budget.

1963 Studebaker Avanti

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

Supercharged and stylish, but Studebaker closed its shop soon after launch. That left restorers with few options for spare parts. The fiberglass cracks and mechanical parts require scavenging from donor cars. Want a complete rebuild? Better start hoarding older cars.

1987 Yugo GV

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

A joke when new, now a tragic restoration project. The Yugo had poor welds, weak engines, and plastic interiors that disintegrated. Mending one requires sourcing from Eastern Europe or custom fabricating. That’s a lot of work to revive a punchline.

1976 Dodge Aspen

Just Because It’s Old Doesn’t Mean It’s Gold, Sicnag, Wikimedia Commons1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 1975 Bricklin SV-1, Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons, 1980 Fiat X1/9, 1969 AMC AMX, 1982 Maserati Biturbo, 1960 Renault Dauphine, Acabashi, Wikimedia Commons, 1977 MG Midget, 1961 Chrysler Imperial, 1972 Citroen SM, 1984 Pontiac Fiero, 1979 Triumph Spitfire, 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6, 1968 Sunbeam Alpine, 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, 1973 Opel GT, 1986 Sterling 825, 1967 Saab 96, 1975 Chevrolet Monza, 1963 Studebaker Avanti, 1987 Yugo GV, 1976 Dodge Aspen

It earned awards, then rusted overnight. Door hinges sag, and the Lean Burn system malfunctions frequently. Its carburetor issues are also prevalent. You’ll pour thousands into a car that still feels clunky. Some awards don’t age well, and this revamp doesn’t pay off.

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