Donor Vehicle

[400TT]

If you want to save money on a build then buy a wreck/front cut.

Best bang for buck choices are:

Ford Falcon with EFI 302w
Toyota Crown/Soarer/Celsior/etc front cut with Lexus 1UZFE engine.

I've used Crown front cut for a Cobra build. You get really good value out of it, especially if you are happy with an auto. You should even be able to use the radiator and lots of other small things that save you money. Plus there are in-demand items you can sell for good money - power steer pump, air bags, aircon compressor etc etc.

Check with your state authorities to see how much longer you will be able to register 302w & 1UZFE.

With Jag stuff just shop around, you should be able to do it cheaper if you buy a wreck, but it's a lot of hassle for just suspension and rear-end and other odd parts. If you don't want the hassle of another wreck, make sure you call interstate Jag suppliers, prices vary dramatically for parts. I just bought some Jag parts came from SA.

Also hit as many swap meets as you can. Time consuming, but you will pick up a lot of parts at these dirt cheap.

Plan your build carefully as you can save big money on simple things. Like ask the manufacturer for a body you can leave in gel coat, at least to start with. Get it in a good colour, black is an excellent choice. Then with a few days, maybe a week of body work you can have a reasonable looking polished finish. Just like a boat. The Harrison I built with my brother is still in black gel coat, it was a vinylester body. Has numbered rondells, guard stripes, bonnet/scoop rivots etc and I reckon it looks good. Expect to pay a little more for a coloured body as it's a bit more hassle for the manufacturer, if you don't pay more, then you have a bargain.