A program I would like to see involves the Hot Rod/Motor Trend folks. Set a total budget that is acceptable to the “Race of Lemons.”
Take Dulcich, Freiburg, Finnegan, Lucky, etc and divide into 3 teams. Each team has to find a car - not from their own stockpile or a gift from a friend/fan. Craigslist, local newspapers, wrecking yards, etc do vehicle source. Then prep it for a Race of Lemons or one of their rallies.
Show the cost (including the parts they have on hand) and work involved in car prepping the for the race, and show how they did. Sell the car after the race (end of the season), do it again the next season.
Seriously, who has the budget and parts just sitting on the shelf in their garage to buy a rust free A-Body, drop in a 500 HP engine, and then drop in a blower and a big Dominator carb and top of the line Mallory ignition they just happened to have sitting unused on the garage shelf. Include a pro built 9” rear, tub it, huge tires, etc.? Would be nice to know what that all cost - give people an idea what their dreams may cost them.
That’s why I like the Race of Lemons format. That would be more reality.
