Need Some Project Car Inspiration? Here Are the Best Project Cars to Follow

The best way to get the extra kick to get your own project done, is to watch someone else completing theirs. It gives you a sense that it is possible to put together the heap of parts in your garage. I compiled a list of the best of the best on YouTube and ranked them. Let’s dive into why you need to start watching these channels and start getting some ideas and momentum behind your own projects.

1. Bad Obsession Motorsports – Project Binky

Project Binky is the most ridiculous project I have ever seen on YouTube. Not because it’s so weird or impossible, but because of the level of detail and care put into this project. On the surface, it’s 2 English blokes trying to fit a Toyota Celica GT-4 engine and drivetrain into a classic mini cooper. In reality, it’s thousands of hours of work unified in their shared love for building custom brackets and making sure everything is level. As of writing this, their series is not completed and is currently waiting for the project’s final reassembly after paintwork. I stumbled upon them about 25 episodes into Binky and I was instantly hooked. Mostly because of the skill they possess, but also because the show is damn funny. One of their best quotes is “Overkill is my second favorite type of kill” which highlights that not only are they clinically insane, but that they take a lot of pride in their work. If you love projects that shouldn’t be possible and dry witty humor, then this is one you cannot afford to miss out on. 

2. Stanceworks – Mike’s Ferrari 308

What happens when you collide insanity with logic and reason? Mike’s Ferrari is what happens. This series follows Mike and his outside-the-box plan to build a K24 swapped Ferrari 308 with a Rocket Bunny widebody kit. At first, I was skeptical about this build but after diving into it, it’s obvious that Mike is the real deal. He is building a Time Attack car with the goal of weight reduction with his Ferrari. There is something so simple about a 308 with a Honda engine. My favorite part of this build is how unapologetic he is about his build. Mike is building the car he wants, and is inviting all of us to tag along. His project mission is of the mind of “Don’t like it, then don’t watch”.  With occasional humor and deep details on custom fabrication, there is plenty to enjoy with this ridiculous project.

3. Donut – The Money Pit Miata

Of the best project cars to learn from, The Money Pit Miata is leaps and bounds above the rest from an overall view. While some of the episodes are a little down the rabbit hole, I appreciate the fact that they answer many questions that I have asked myself. Whether it’s new seats, dashboard refinishing, or engine swaps, Money Pit is always working to cover all bases. The host Zach uses his knowledge from previously working at ECS Tuning to explain all aspects of project cars from a very real perspective. Not every episode goes to plan and that is the best part, sometimes the project does not go well, or even work. It showcases the true parts of a real project car build. While the spend on the project is massive, if you look at it as an educational show, it’s the best place to start before you modify your car.

4. Restore it- E30 Touring

The last one on the list is sort of an oddball. I stumbled on this channel while looking for dashboard refinishing videos on YouTube. The Restore It series has many videos, but recently they have started a series surrounding an e30 touring in rough condition. At this point there are about 4 videos of just dismantling and to say they are meticulous would be a massive understatement. Literally every piece of the car is being removed to be replaced or restored. The video series lacks in the production department but they are immensely informative. It’s pretty cool to watch someone who knows what they are doing disassemble a car. I can’t tell you how many times I have broken something on my car because I didn’t know what the hell I was doing. If you have any interest in detailing or refinishing videos, then definitely take a look for this rebuild project.

5. Honorable Mention – Ant Anstead Master Mechanic

This is not a YouTube vlog type series, but I could not make a list of the best project car builds and leave out the “special”. Streaming only on the MotorTrend app to my knowledge, is a series hosted by Ant Anstead from Wheeler Dealers, where he builds his dream car (Which is a replica Alfa Romeo Formula 1 car) from scratch over the course of the series. His level of detail and craftsmanship combined with his hosting ability is unparalleled. It’s rare to have someone that talented, also be able to explain what they are doing in a way for anyone to understand. Every time I lose momentum on my own project, I rewatch this series to see just how easy it is to get back into it if you put your mind to it. Working on a project car is hard enough, but building one from the ground up is just insane. I highly recommend this series over any other. Hopefully it will get you to dive into your projects without hesitation. Plus, who wouldn’t want to learn how to build their own 1950’s era formula 1 car?