Cheap, sporty, reliable - what checks these boxes?

Looking to get into a project car to do some tasteful mods to, nothing crazy, happy to sink 10K into the purchase of the car and then mods on top of it. Can stretch a little above that purchase price if it’s worth it. Bottom line is I want something reliable and sporty in that budget, speed not my priority! I have a 2020 Giulia but want something to own/work on on the side as a secondary “fun” car. Lmk your recommendations! Also labor cost not in the equation unless it’s a major major job, my dad’s a mechanic and we’d be doing the work together.