Project Cars in the UK

Browse project cars for sale across the UK — barn finds, non-runners, rolling shells and unfinished restorations. Every listing is from an enthusiast seller who knows exactly what they've got. No dealer stock. No eBay clutter. Just proper UK project cars.

What Counts as a Project Car?

A project car is any vehicle that needs work before it's finished, road-legal, or fully restored. That covers a lot of ground. A barn find is a car that hasn't run in years and has been sitting in storage — often unloved, usually undervalued, and full of potential. A non-runner is any car that won't start or drive under its own power. A rolling shell is a stripped body with no drivetrain, ready for a full custom build. A restomod is a classic or older car that's been partially or fully modernised — upgraded mechanicals, modern interior, custom bodywork — while keeping the original look. And an unfinished restoration is exactly what it sounds like: someone else's project waiting for a new owner to take it over. All of these are welcome on theRestohub.

What to Look for Before You Buy

Condition varies hugely between listings, so always check the basics before committing. On a barn find or non-runner, look at whether the engine turns over, how severe the rust is on the chassis, sills and floor, and whether a V5C and any history paperwork is included. On a rolling shell or part-built car, check how complete it is and what's missing — a list of included parts from the seller is essential. On a restomod or modified build, check what work has actually been done versus what's been claimed, and ask for receipts or photos of the build in progress. For a full checklist of what to inspect before buying any project vehicle, read our complete buying guide.

Budgeting for Your Project

Purchase price is only the starting point. Restoration costs in the UK range from a few hundred pounds for basic mechanical work on a running project, to tens of thousands for a full nut-and-bolt rebuild or a quality restomod. Barn finds and non-runners are typically priced below market value to reflect the work needed — but factor in parts, labour, storage, insurance and MOT costs before you commit. If you're building a modified car or restomod, budget separately for the custom work on top of any restoration. See our full UK restoration cost guide for realistic figures before you start.

Is It Legal to Drive Your Project on the Road?

Not every project car is road-legal the day you buy it — and the rules vary depending on what type of vehicle you're buying. A non-runner will need at minimum a valid MOT, road tax and insurance before it goes on the road. A rolling shell or heavily modified car may need an IVA test (Individual Vehicle Approval) if it's been significantly altered from its original specification. A restomod with major mechanical or structural changes may also fall into this category. And a barn find that's been off the road for years will need recommissioning before it's legal to drive. Read our guide on the legal requirements for driving a project car before you take anything on the road.

Selling a Project Car, Barn Find or Modified Vehicle?

theRestohub isn't just for buyers. If you've got a project car, barn find, non-runner, restomod or unfinished build you're ready to move on from, listing it here puts it in front of the right audience — enthusiasts who are actively looking for exactly what you're selling, not scrolling past it on a general classifieds site. Listing is straightforward and takes minutes. Read our seller's guide for tips on pricing, photography and writing a listing that gets results.