When enthusiasts choose project cars, practicality often takes a backseat. We’re drawn to machines that evoke excitement and emotion, even if they’re unreliable or expensive to maintain. These cars might be too small, too low, or temperamental, but the driving experience they offer can be euphoric.
Despite the headaches, many are willing to endure the frustrations—frequent repairs, poor fuel economy, or costly parts—for the rare thrill of everything working perfectly. It’s the price of passion for many drivers who value joy over convenience.
1. Mazda RX-7: Rotary Magic, Maintenance Mayhem
The Mazda RX-7, especially the 2002 Spirit R, is a legend thanks to its Wankel rotary engine and sharp driving dynamics. However, this performance comes at a significant maintenance cost. Engine rebuilds every 50,000 miles, excessive oil consumption, and poor fuel economy are all part of the ownership experience.
Still, fans argue that the RX-7’s lightweight handling and unique character more than compensate for the hassle—if you’re patient and financially prepared, it’s a thrilling ride worth the occasional breakdown.
2. Alfa Romeo 4C: Emotion Over Logic
The Alfa Romeo 4C is a striking sports car with exotic looks and an engaging driving experience, but it’s plagued by Alfa’s infamous reliability issues. Enthusiasts are often seduced by its beauty and the raw excitement it offers.
It’s a car that connects on an emotional level, compelling owners to forgive its mechanical shortcomings. However, constant maintenance issues and high repair costs can sour the experience over time, making it a car that rewards the passionate but punishes the unprepared.
3. Lotus Esprit: Style Meets Struggle
With its angular 80s design by Italdesign’s Giugiaro and impressive performance, the Lotus Esprit remains an eye-catching classic. However, beneath its striking body lies a nightmare of rust-prone metal frames hidden under fiberglass, and notoriously difficult access to engine components.
Lucas-sourced electronics, known for their unreliability, compound the frustration. The Esprit promises vintage performance and aesthetic appeal, but frequent mechanical attention is the norm, not the exception. It’s a beautiful beast that demands dedication and a generous maintenance budget.
4. Alfa Romeo GTV6: A Love-Hate Affair
The Alfa Romeo GTV6, known for its soulful Busso V6 engine, captures the classic Alfa spirit—beautiful, innovative, and dramatically flawed. This was one of the last models before Fiat’s takeover, and while it boasts surprising capability and charm, its complexity often leads to reliability nightmares.
Owning one is often a labor of love, with emotional highs from spirited drives and lows from surprise breakdowns. If you’re willing to pour your heart—and wallet—into it, the GTV6 offers an unmatched driving connection.
5. BMW E60 M5: Power at a Price
BMW’s E60 M5 is renowned for its screaming V10 engine, once hailed as a technological marvel. However, its notorious rod bearing issue and general high-maintenance nature turned ownership into a financial gamble.
While many early buyers received warranty repairs, others weren’t as lucky, facing massive out-of-pocket expenses. Today, it’s a tempting used performance bargain, but getting a well-maintained one feels like spinning the wheel in a very expensive game. Few cars match its thrill; fewer match its risk.
Also Read: 10 Best Synthetic Oils for Engine Longevity and Peak Performance
6. Lancia Fulvia Coupe: Charming and Complicated
The Lancia Fulvia was ahead of its time in the 60s, featuring front-wheel drive and a spirited V4 engine that helped cement its status as a rally legend.
While its elegant design and agile handling continue to impress, the Fulvia is also well-known for its mechanical complexity, which can make ownership challenging for those unfamiliar with its intricate engineering.
Even factory-trained mechanics once struggled with its twin-cam complexity. While it’s a collector’s dream today, owning one demands either serious mechanical skills or access to costly specialists. The reward is driving a slice of Italian automotive history—if it runs.
7. BMW 335i (N54): Trouble in a Turbo Package
The BMW 335i, particularly those powered by the N54 engine, has become synonymous with under-the-hood woes. Despite offering strong performance and a refined ride, the engine is plagued by a laundry list of issues—defective vanos solenoids, failing turbochargers, and problematic fuel pumps, to name a few.
Even though it delivers driving pleasure and tuning potential, its reliability record makes it a risky buy. It’s a cautionary tale of German engineering that pushed boundaries, often at the expense of dependability.
8. Jaguar E-Type: Iconic, But Temperamental
The Jaguar E-Type remains one of the most iconic car designs ever, combining style, performance, and British charm. However, reliability was never its strong suit. Even in its prime, it was known for erratic electrical and cooling issues.
Modern owners face sky-high maintenance costs and difficult sourcing for parts. But for those who can afford it, the E-Type offers an intoxicating blend of history and aesthetic. It’s less of a car and more of a rolling sculpture—one that needs frequent restoration.
9. Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce: Beauty with a Bite
The Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce epitomizes Italian automotive elegance. With timeless styling and engaging dynamics, it’s a car that stirs the soul. However, the passion quickly fades when mechanical problems arise.
Even well-preserved models can require constant attention, and parts can be expensive and scarce. Owners often describe it as a relationship, one filled with highs of pure driving bliss and lows of breakdowns and regret. Still, those who love it swear there’s nothing else quite like it on the road.
10. Lancia Delta Integrale EVO 2: Rally Royalty with a Price
The Lancia Delta HF Integrale EVO 2 is a motorsport icon, dominating the WRC scene in the late 80s and early 90s. Its aggressive stance and all-wheel-drive prowess make it highly desirable among enthusiasts.
Yet, its specialized components and limited parts availability make ownership a financial burden. Finding a well-maintained example is tough, and keeping one running is even tougher. Despite its rally-bred credentials, the Integrale is a commitment. It’s a car for those who revere motorsport history—and have deep pockets.
All these cars represent more than just transportation—they’re statements, dreams, and sometimes obsessions. They challenge the notion that a car’s primary job is to get you from A to B. These vehicles make the journey itself the point, albeit often at the expense of time, money, and peace of mind.
For the mechanically inclined or the romantically reckless, the cost is part of the experience. Just don’t mistake them for sensible choices—these are cars for the bold, not the budget-conscious.
