Weekly Project Finds: Mountain Dew van, hot rod Rambler and more

How much blood, sweat and tears are you willing to shed to get a vehicle, formerly consigned to oblivion, back on the road? This new weekly project car series will highlight everything from abandoned muscle cars to long-retired pickups. It is dedicated to the passionate restorers, gluttons for punishment and hardcore hot rodders. Join us as we ponder possibilities, especially if your tetanus shot is up to date.

1956 Ford F-100 – The 1956 F-100 was the only year for this body style and is easily identified by the wrap-around windshield and vertical pillars. The seller purchased this car for a frame-up restoration, but plans changed and now he is moving. The previous owner claimed the engine ran, but the carbs need rebuilding. Would you return this truck to its original condition or make minor repairs, slap some new tires on it and drive? According to Hagerty’s Valuation tools, this pickup’s value reaches up to $28,000 when fully restored.

1965 Ford E-Series Van – Ford was the first manufacturer to offer a series lineup of vans, and the first generation, such as this 1965 Econoline, is the most iconic. Once used as storage for old parts behind a transmission shop, the seller got this baby back on the road with a few simple repairs. He swears that the low-mileage Granada engine happily runs and the transmission shifts smoothly. If it were my van, I would drive it as is: The classic green Mountain Dew theme makes it truly unique.

1965 Chevrolet C-10 – The Chevy C10 is regarded by many as the best truck ever built — it’s the truck that rides like a car — and as a result it is heavily sought-after by collectors. This example is ready to roll down the road: That’s right! It seems everything has been done, including a detailed and painted frame and motor, and a new clutch and brake master cylinder. The owner reports the pickup as being completely gone through, and the bidding starts at just under $5,000. Restored examples are valued up to $16,000 and up to $28,000 for concours, but this truck is amazing as-is.

1960 AMC Rambler – This AMC hails from the final production year of the Rambler’s first generation. It doesn’t come with a motor, but that just means the possibilities are endless. Considering the space in the engine bay, it could easily fit a small-block, or if you want a challenge, keep your eyes peeled for the 3.2-liter overhead-valve engine offered in the top-of-the-line Custom model, new for 1960. The interior appears to be in exceptional condition and the body solid, and the modifications already performed pave the way to a great little hot rod.