can't decide...

I've been wanting an old 1970 GTO my sister's Godfather won in a raffle. The poor thing's been sitting out in his lot for a LONG time. Its been wrecked, and it's pretty badly rusted, the doors sag a bit, the body has cracks in it, and it has horrible bondo work in a couple of spots. The interior is a bit torn up, it'll need new weather stripping, and basically new everything else. It has a running 455 that starts up nicely. Anyway, the thing is that i want to ask him if he'll sell it to me but i cant think of a reasonable price. Also, this will be my first project car... am i getting into more than i can handle? I mean, i fell in love with the car since i first laid eyes on it so i'm willing to commit to the restoration. I just want to make sure it's worth it.

'70s are right up near the top of the list of muscle cars wanting to be restored. If it's a Ram Air car, you can't go wrong, as long as you do a quality job of the restoration. Even if it isn't, if it's the original 455 in it, that too, is quite valuable (the 455 CAR, not just the engine).

If you're looking for the "perfect muscle car" to drive, it's hard to beat '70 GTO, both figuratively AND literally. 4-speed cars are worth more than auto cars. But, '70 is considered among the meanest looking of ALL muscle cars. Also one of the best handling (in corners).

It all keys on doing a REAL restoration, and not just a "buff up". Those cars you see on the B-J auction and elsewhere, bringing over $100K, are 1st class restorations. This car, if done in a similar manner, will bring similar money.

Hope this helps.

Jim