What Makes a Good Platform?

When looking for a platform for your next custom build, first think of what you want to do with the car. Most folks are not looking to build a trailer queen, but want something to drive and enjoy. Do you want to go 4-wheeling in Moab, cruise the boulevard with friends, have a track-ready hot-rod, or just enjoy driving a modern version of a car you loved from the past?
1978 Corvette

In any case, there are some basic rules when looking for a car to reimagine.

Not Too Classic

If you are looking for a platform to reimagine, stay away from the top-tier collectibles. I can't think of anyone that would get a 1957 Ferrari 335S Spider and drop an LS engine into it. Likewise, you would not take one of the few remaining unmolested 1967 Sunbeam Tigers and replace the Ford Cobra engine with a V8 Coyote.  In most cases, you want a car that is more affordable and not a hot commodity. 

Leave Well Designed Cars Alone

The 1992-96 BMW 850CSI is a pretty nice ride. The Ford Raptor is a well-designed kick-ass truck. Some late-model C7 Corvettes are amazing track-capable sports cars. Sure you can put new wheels or upgrade the exhaust and maybe even flash the ECU, but these are examples of very nice and well-balanced cars. Get one to tweak (if you must) and enjoy as is. 

Look at Iconic Platforms

Some cars were designed to be modified, and the Jeep is probably the best car to reimagine. There is an entire industry around modding Jeeps and so the cost for parts and kits are low, some work can be done at home and you can go as far as your budget will allow. There are Jeeps out there in just about every size and budget. While looking at Jeeps, don't overlook the XJ Cherokee. Also in this category are some of the less collectible pony cars like Mustangs, Camaro, Challenger and one of my favorites, the Nova that are great candidates to for a resto-mod. 


Get a Pickup!

I was blown away at what folks were getting for reimagined pickup trucks at auction this past year. Like other categories, pickups are among the easiest to work on and have great parts availability. Some like the Dodge PowerWagoins can be amazing to look at and if reimagined well, can bring a lot of money when you are done driving.

Late 70's

The Feds through a huge monkey wrench into the auto industry starting in 1968 that culminated into some pretty horrible drive trains in the late '70s. The thing is there are some pretty nice looking cars built during this period and computers were not widely used. One of my favorites is the 1978 25th Anniversary Corvette. This is a great looking car that was available with a pitiful 185 HP 350 V8. Accident-free examples models can be had for under $10,000 and lend themselves well to stroker and LS conversions. Once again, Mustang and Plymouth had some contenders as well. 

Good Body

1974 Ford Pinto
I like to limit my purchases to cars with a good serviceable body. In most cases, this means rust and accident-free examples. If your goal is to do an engine swap, nonrunning examples are great choices. Breaks, suspension, tires, and wheels will all probably be upgraded, so in some cases, the more work it needs, the lower your initial acquisition cost will be. if you are keeping the frame, be very careful to make sure you have a good foundation on which to build. 

Older Than 25

Check with your state laws because many have lax or no restrictions for cars over a certain age. Even California is a great place to own and operate a classic car that is over 25 years old. Additionally, there are some great cars not made available in the US can be imported from Japan and Europe without federalization. Think about all of those G-Wagons that were built for the German and Austrian army and the well cared for Toyota Trucks in Japan. 

Summary

In the end, it has to be something that speaks to you so you get a thrill every time you drive it. I always look for a great story because if you do this right, somebody will always look at your car and start asking questions and that gives you a chance to tell a great story!

What are your favorite platforms? Leave a comment and you may be profiled in future entries. 

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