When looking back in history, many American classic cars have actually been the exact opposite of unassuming. There have been plenty of muscle cars that are powerful and look the part too. We aren't surprised that many love the outlandish looks and appeal of American classics, and many often like to use them as project cars to upgrade and keep alive into the 21st Century. Take the current Dodge Demon as an example of an American car not ashamed to boast about its power.
However, some unassuming American classics prove looks can be deceiving. These cars don't have the ducts, bulges, or stripes of showy muscle cars, but they could teach them a lesson on the drag strip with the right modifications. Despite not looking the most extreme, we think that these unassuming American classics are great value for the money.
10 Ford Crown Victoria
The Ford Crown Victoria, also known as the Crown Vic, was launched in 1992 and production only ended in 2012. A staple of US car culture for years it's now a great sleeper car to build. The faceless looks and rugged dependability make it an excellent base for a sleeper.
Even the most powerful Crown Vics (the version used by police forces) came with only 250 bhp from a 4.6-liter V8. And while this doesn't sound like much, the Modular engine is easily tuneable and can easily handle 400 bhp. Also, remember that the 2003 Mercury Marauder is basically a factory-built Crown Victoria sleeper car so it can handle some more power.
9 Chevrolet Impala SS 1995
The Chevrolet Impala SS is a great sleeper car in its own right. The stock engine came with 260 bhp, which is unsurprising as it was an LT1 V8 powertrain. But, it is also a modern classic to work on as a project car.
Many Imapalas are great to modify, and people like to update their engines to upgrade the power. The Impala is starting to rise in value, so pick one up before it's too late to get your hands on one.
8 Ford Pinto
The Ford Pinto is often at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to Ford cars. It wasn't the safest of vehicles and there were quality issues. However, the car is a decent project car because owners can modify the Pinto into quite a safe and powerful motor.
Some modified versions of the Pinto have been known to output 300 bhp, which definitely is a massive improvement over the 88 bhp stock. The safety features of the car should be enhanced if enthusiasts are thinking of working on one of these, as with the proper equipment the car does make an unassuming classic.
7 Chevrolet Nova
The standard 1968 Chevrolet Nova is quite unassuming. There was the Nova SS which came with a V8 engine that could output 375 bhp. Already being quite powerful, the car is actually a fantastic car to modify. Non-SS Novas are quite a cheap car to buy and are a great way to get into restoring old vehicles.
Many enthusiasts enjoy the Nova as a project car as buying parts is quite easy and there are many available. Also, the car is great to put a newer V8 into and to boost power.
6 Chevrolet Camaro 1993
The fourth generation of the Camaro is often considered as being quite ugly. While the styling is a bit off, the car is quite the unassuming vehicle in terms of power and tunability. The stock car can actually output 330 bhp in the top model, which is brilliant. But it also works as a fantastic project car.
Being quite cheap to purchase is a bonus and the car is great to modify. The car can easily be modified with different powertrains and the LS1 used towards the end of the 1990s is a great engine to tune.
5 Ford Mustang - Fox Body
The Fox Body Ford Mustang was considered to be quite the flop when it launched. This is especially true in comparison to the hype received about the Ford Mustang in its first generation. The car also had the SN-95 as its successor, which is also a great project car.
The car is cheap to buy as many aren't overly interested in buying this Mustang. The car comes as a great option to use a project because it is easy to update without the hefty prices, and it is unassuming since it isn't as much like the first generation of the Mustang.
4 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
While the Chevrolet Cobalt SS is not often a fan favorite, it isn't actually that bad a vehicle. The SS came with a turbocharged engine that could output 260 bhp. While looking like a bit of a dull car, it is worth buying as a project vehicle because the pre-existing power is great to boost.
The Cobalt SS, while being a great cheap project car, can be quite difficult to find. But, if enthusiasts can manage to get one, they can definitely put some great power into the vehicle and it is a great modern classic.
3 Dodge Ram Van
For many individuals, the Dodge Ram Van isn't exactly the most obvious car to modify. However, the unassuming Ram Van is actually a fantastic project car. Despite being quite a big van, the car is actually fantastic to work on and upgrade.
The car is great to take on the track and have some fun with, but probably isn't going to perform like a sports car. However, it is a great vehicle to play around with and not take too seriously on the track.
2 Ford F-100
The Ford F-100 is a fantastic classic truck to buy, and it is great to use as a project car too. Because of the off-roading capabilities of the F-100, it is often an unassuming vehicle when it is looked at by many. It is also a cheap truck to buy, making it a great opportunity.
Many like to upgrade their F-100 with modern tech or by fully restoring the vehicle. Either way, the car is an unassuming classic and it is a great one to update and bring into modernity.
1 Pontiac Firebird Third Generation
The earlier generations of the Pontiac Firebird are often highly regarded among enthusiasts and muscle car fans. Yet the later generations are less regarded and are often cheaper due to them being less historically important in car culture.
Buying a third is a great way to own a muscle car, but also the vehicle can easily be modified and upgraded to bring in some new tech. Despite being unassuming because of its less-regarded status, the Firebird still comes in as a great classic that makes a perfect project car.