Edwin Klinkberg Evans, the host of Top Dead Center, purchased a 2020 Fiat 500 Abarth for under $2,000 at an auction. The car had a troubled past, having been stolen and the ignition barrel ripped out by thieves. Edwin aimed to fix and upgrade the car for his girlfriend, who had been searching for a new set of wheels, but many of the cars they looked at had hidden issues.
Edwin’s initial task was to repair the ignition barrel, which would cost around $4,696, including labor. However, after a deep clean of the car to remove years’ worth of trash, food, and textiles, the car’s interior was transformed. The car’s original interior issues were resolved, and the ignition barrel could be replaced for less than $1,000, significantly reducing overall costs.
To keep the project under budget, Edwin also updated the car’s door and seats, resulting in a significantly improved final product. The end result was a stunning transformation, with the car looking “amazing” and far exceeding Edwin’s initial expectations. The project demonstrated that with creativity, skills, and determination, it’s possible to purchase a car for under $2,000 and still achieve a remarkable restoration.