eBay Motors is chock full of hidden gems. Every week, we scour eBay vehicle listings and highlight five of the coolest and most affordable rides. They are all under $5k.
Our picks run the gamut from fun daily drivers to rusty resto projects. When you’re trolling in this price range, it’s all about potential.
Here are the winners for this week:
- Best sports car under $5,000
- Best race car under $5,000
- Best classic car under $5,000
- Best sports car under $5,000
- Best fun car funder $5,000
Nominate your favorite $5k car for next week!
Best Sports Car Under $5,000
1981 Mazda RX-7
The first-generation Mazda RX-7 might be the least sought-after generation. But the supply-to-demand ratio works in a buyer’s favor. This bright red beauty is a restoration project in process. According to the retiring seller, it’s about 80 percent there who happens to have “35 years of owning, maintaining and restoring first-generation RX-7s.”
Buy this one to drive and enjoy. Although it has a mature 175,000 on the clock, there’s a rebuilt 13B engine from Rotary Engineering—with Weber carburetors under the hood, along with a new clutch and pressure plate.
Best Feature: It’s drivable
What It Needs: Interior bits, undercarriage surface rust removal
Best Race Car Under $5,000
1946 Midget Race Car
This sweet little midget campaigned as the No. 15 Podriznik Offy Special in the Midwest in the 1940s. Somebody stored it under favorable conditions. The seller states that “the body is extremely solid and retains its original dashboard and its distinct hood, radiator and grill assemblies.”
The car has a narrowed early Ford rear, but the original Offenhauser engine and transmission are long gone. It’s a unique slice of racing history that won’t take up much room in the garage. Restore it. Race it.
Best Feature: It doesn’t take up much room
What It Needs: A new driveline and a full resto
Best Classic Car Under $5,000
1972 Ford Pinto Woody Wagon
Ford built a whopping number of Pintos back in the day. But the vast majority have succumbed to the elements. Not this 1972 Ford Pinto Woody Wagon. Fresh paint and woodgrain on a 115,000-mile four-speed manual California car make this little Woody a treat for the eyes. And it’s easy on the wallet.
The interior needs some work, but it’s solid. The big question: Keep the original four-banger or transform the car with a V-8 swap?
Best Feature: Its potential as a power wagon
What It Needs: Tires and upholstery
Best Sports Car Under $5,000
1971 Fiat 500 Abarth
The Fiat Abarth makes the shortlist for most itty-bitty sportscar lovers. This survivor looks to be in solid shape overall with a nice interior.
The downside? It needs a new nose. The rectangular headlights work (they’re functional), but they don’t work (design-wise). Bring this little critter back to stock, pull it out of the garage on sunny Sundays, roll back the top and the years, and drive, drive, drive.
Best Feature: It’s a classic Abarth
What It Needs: Stock front fascia
Best Fun Car Under $5,000
1953 Pontiac Woody Wagon
Two woodies in one week? Why not! Whaddya get when you drop a 1953 Pontiac Wagon body on a 1996 Ford Bronco 4X4 chassis and go wild in the woodshop?
This one’s an affordable, bizarre art car. It’s sure to attract a crowd. How it drives on the highway is anybody’s guess. But we have to wonder how it would look with a 12-inch lift and 37-inch tires.
Best Feature: It’s lovely wood finish
What It Needs: The right home (calling all carpenters)
