The 15 Best Classic Cars to Restore in Australia
Author: Toby Date Posted:6 December 2024
Classic cars hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts across Australia. For those looking to restore a piece of history, nothing compares to the satisfaction of bringing an iconic Aussie sold model back to life. From budget-friendly compacts to legendary muscle cars, our local automotive scene offers a wide range of options that don’t require the hassle (and cost) of importing.
This guide dives into some of the most sought-after classics from the 1970s to the 1990s — We’ll rate each car based on current prices, parts availability, performance, and driving comfort, and provide insights on what to look out for or avoid.
Toyota Classics
1. Corolla (KE35, KE55, KE70, AE70, AE86, AE101) – 1978 to 1999
%20%E2%80%93%201978%20to%201999.png)
| The Corolla is notoriously the world’s best-selling car and for good reason too. Models like the AE86 have achieved mythical status in the performance scene for their agile handling and tuning potential. If you’ve got a lower budget an AE102 Corolla will give you a bit more bite with a 1.8L 7AFE engine and relative modern luxury than its older siblings. |
- Price: ★★☆☆☆
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★★★☆
- Power/Performance: ★★☆☆☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★★☆☆
2. Celica (TA22, RA23, MA45, ST162, ST183, ST204) – 1971 to 1999
%20%E2%80%93%201971%20to%201999.png)
| The Celica made its name as the poor man’s sports car. The early models, like the RA23 with its R-series provide reliable performance. Look out for the GT-Four ST185 model in the later years with a 2.0L Turbo 3SGTE Motor and a 4WD Drivetrain. |
- Price: ★★★☆☆
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★★☆☆
- Power/Performance: ★★★☆☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★☆☆☆
3. Toyota Soarer (MZ11, MZ21, UZZ31, JZZ30) – 1981 to 1999
%20%E2%80%93%201981%20to%201999.png)
| A luxury coupe with a powerful punch, the Soarer offers the choice of a smooth V8 or the legendary turbocharged 1JZ-GTE engine, known for its incredible tuning potential. This model remains a top choice for those after luxury, style, and the thrill of a turbo or V8 under the hood. |
- Price: ★★★★☆
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★☆☆☆
- Power/Performance: ★★★★★
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★★★☆
4. Starlet (EP71, EP81, EP91) – 1984 to 1999
%20%E2%80%93%201984%20to%201999.png)
| A fun, compact hatchback, the Starlet has earned a solid reputation for reliability and affordability. With a lightweight body, it's popular among enthusiasts who love small, agile cars. Look for the turbocharged EP82 GT models for a bit more power and excitement. |
- Price: ★★☆☆☆
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★★☆☆
- Power/Performance: ★★☆☆☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★★☆☆
5. MR2 (AW11, SW20) – 1986 to 1999
%20%E2%80%93%201986%20to%201999.png)
| The MR2 brings a unique mid-engine layout, offering handling dynamics more commonly found in high-end sports cars. The AW11, especially with the supercharged 4A-GZE engine, and the turbocharged SW20 are favorites for their performance and thrill. |
- Price: ★★★☆☆
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★☆☆☆
- Power/Performance: ★★★★☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★☆☆☆
Nissan Classics
6. 1200 Ute (B110, B120) – 1970 to 1973
%20%E2%80%93%201970%20to%201973(1).png)
| The 1200 series (also known as the Datsun 1200) is lightweight, making it a favorite for modifications and swaps. It’s a straightforward, budget-friendly classic that can be transformed into a high-performing little machine with engine upgrades. |
- Price: ★★☆☆☆
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★☆☆☆
- Power/Performance: ★☆☆☆☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★★☆☆
7. S Chassis (180SX, 200SX, 240SX) – 1988 to 1999
%20%E2%80%93%201988%20to%201999(1).png)
| A cult classic in drifting circles , the S Chassis cars offer rear-wheel drive, balanced weight distribution, and ample tuning potential. Look for models with the SR20DET or KA24DE engines for the best performance. |
- Price: ★★★★☆
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★★☆☆
- Power/Performance: ★★★★☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★☆☆☆
8. Bluebird – 1979 to 1984
| The Bluebird has a subtle appeal as a “sleeper” car, with understated looks and strong potential for performance modifications. The 910 series with an L20B engine is a solid choice for reliability and ease of tuning. |
- Price: ★★☆☆☆
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★★☆☆
- Power/Performance: ★★☆☆☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★★☆☆
Ford Classics
9. Falcon (XA, XB, XC, XD, XE, XF) – 1972 to 1995
%20%E2%80%93%201972%20to%201995.png)
| An Australian icon, the Ford Falcon was designed for long-distance cruising and rugged conditions. For those interested in performance, look out for the early GT models with Cleveland V8 engines. Later models, like the XF, offer a balance of power and affordability. |
- Price: ★★★★☆
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★★☆☆
- Power/Performance: ★★★★☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★★☆☆
10. Cortina (TC, TD, TE, TF) – 1972 to 1982
%20%E2%80%93%201972%20to%201982.png)
| Combining practicality with a hint of British charm, the Cortina is a fun, budget-friendly option for restoration. Enthusiasts favor the TC or TD models with the optional 2.0L engine, which provides a bit more punch for everyday driving. |
- Price: ★★☆☆☆
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★☆☆☆
- Power/Performance: ★★☆☆☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★★☆☆
11. Escort (MK1 - MK6) – 1968 to 1999
%20%E2%80%93%201968%20to%201999.png)
| A small car with a big motorsports reputation, the Escort is loved by rally fans and performance enthusiasts. If you’re after a spirited drive, the Mk1 and Mk2 models with the RS2000 engine are highly desirable for their performance pedigree. |
- Price: ★★★☆☆
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★☆☆☆
- Power/Performance: ★★★☆☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★★☆☆
Holden Classics
12. Commodore (VB, VC, VH, VK, VL, VN, VP, VR, VS) – 1978 to 2000
%20%E2%80%93%201978%20to%202000.png)
| The best thing to come out of Australia since Bob Hawke. Look for models like the VL Turbo, featuring the iconic Nissan RB30 engine, or V8-powered HSV additions if you’re after power and an exhaust note you can hear 10 streets away. Most of these have become collectors items so good luck on getting your hands on something that doesn’t require rebuilding from the ground up at a decent price. |
- Price: ★★★★★
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★★★☆
- Power/Performance: ★★★★☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★★☆☆
13. Torana (LC, LJ, LH, LX) – 1970 to 1978
%20%E2%80%93%201970%20to%201978.png)
| With a strong racing heritage, the Torana is a true Aussie classic. If budget allows, hunt down the LH or LX models with the 308 V8 engine — enough power to knock your nan over. |
- Price: ★★★★☆
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★★☆☆
- Power/Performance: ★★★★☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★☆☆☆
Mazda Classics
14. RX Rotary (RX-2, RX-3, RX-4, RX-5, RX-6, RX-7)
.png)
| Mazda’s rotary-powered RX series is renowned for its unique engine sound and high-revving thrills. Models like the RX-3 and RX-7 with the 13B rotary engine are highly sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate the raw, untamed performance. Keep in mind these are great for the track but not ideal to casually drive. |
- Price: ★★★★★
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★☆☆☆
- Power/Performance: ★★★★☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★☆☆☆
15. 808 – 1972 to 1978
| The Mazda 808 offers an accessible entry to classic Mazda ownership, with retro styling and easy maintenance. It’s not a powerhouse, but it has the charm of a classic Japanese sedan. |
- Price: ★☆☆☆☆
- Parts Ease of Access: ★★★☆☆
- Power/Performance: ★☆☆☆☆
- Daily Driving Comfort: ★★★☆☆
Ready to Tackle Your Next Project? Superspares Has You Covered!
Have you figured out which car you’re going to begin pulling your hair out over? Check out our website whenever you’re ready, as Superspares is the ultimate auto aftermarket store with the largest range of parts for Australian vehicles, new and old.
