well there's a start!
but I guess I was looking for some unique ideas - i mean, I could just go buy an Evo MR or an STi, or an '05 Mustang, but there's not much unique about all that.
here, i'll throw out an example
Buy a '75 CVCC hatch - less than $1000, maybe free!
Strip and lighten the ole CVCC - free!
Buy such and such engine model - $2000
Buy viscous limited slip for such and such drivetrain - $1200 or maybe more
Buy light rims and some good Kumho rubber - $1200
Try desperately to fit such and such engine in the tiny little F'er - Lots of time and effort or maybe $2500
Fix her up and paint her - $1000
Total - like $8500
Having the only pre-80's 4 banger under 5.5 0-60 in your state = priceless
just an example..... stuff that's whacky and odd, that makes a good sleeper, but still will get those 'badass car' comments, ya know?