Here’s a common theme for Rough Start cars from the past: Fox body Fords, most any RWD GM, whatever Mopar isn’t rotting from rust or has genuine potential, an AMC that isn’t priced to death, and the occasional odd but workable import. And maybe a steaming pile or two along the way. Sound about right? Here’s the thing with a five thousand dollar budget: you are really tying your hands together if you want to make a unique project work. Sure, it’d be sweet to make a 1972 Barracuda appear, but that blew the budget just considering the option. Sure, you might find a fourth-gen F-body in the price range, but what’s the likelihood that you’ll spend a lot more in work to get it to useable? There’s a possibility, but at least you’ll find parts, unlike what you’d experience if you got a screaming deal on a 1982 Stutz Victoria, for example. Go ahead and look that one up. I’ll wait.

Now, with that in mind, let’s look at our pick for this week. It’s a 1974 Sterling, a canopy roof kit car that first popped onto my radar when I found this V8-swapped monster five years ago. Based on a Volkswagen pan, Sterlings certainly look early 1970s exotica but like most Volkswagen-based builds, shouldn’t be too hard on the pocketbook. The natural question should be, how far do you want to go with it? I’d leave the VW components to typical VW tuning ideas, get those wheels cleaned up back to their alloy finish, and drive the snot out of it. Okay, let someone drive the snot out of it. From what I’ve heard, Sterlings aren’t too friendly for tall folk…

Facebook Marketplace link: 1974 Sterling