I got a chuckle out of Richard's comment about fire..................just because I know he was there the day it was named........

There's been quite a bit said already, and all added up those comments just scratch the surface. Not trying to make it too complicated for you but there's a lot to consider. If I knew what sort of muscle stuff you were into I maybe could give you a contextual comparative. But I'll just add some more logs to this fire.

First, you're getting into this segment of the car hobby at a very good time, but also a treacherous time unless you've got money to burn. While there are still younger and newly interested folks getting in, the number of us old guys who are dying off is greater in number. That means a lot of cars are hitting the market relative to what was going on say a decade or two ago. That means you have LOTS of options, and with each passing day there will be an increasing number. So, in a broad statement, selection is high, competition is low, prices are soft as a result. Yep, there will be exceptions, and yep, you'll find those who'll argue. As support for my side of the argument I'll use a personal reference. Almost 20 years ago I got the bug to have a '36 Ford roadster. There aren't very many of them out there to start with, and lots of folks liked them. I searched high and low for a couple years trying to find a decent one to build. Plenty of false leads, a deal or two that fell through, and finally ended up building one from bits and pieces to end up with what I wanted. In the past year I've seen about half a dozen of them for sale at what I would characterize as relatively cheap, a couple haven't sold yet. It's a different market.

I'm more in line with Big Jim on the pricing stuff, though Matt isn't real far off. Ten grand=ish for a restored stock A is realistic, and if patient, could be had for less. They've taken a pretty good dump the past two years. If you could buy a stock, RESTORED '32 coupe for twice that..............dislocate your shoulder reaching for your wallet........that would be the steal of the century in todays market. Restored would value closer to $50k.......genuine '32 Fords are THE market exception as the segment shrinks........demand and availability are both high.

Dated cars are a real drag right now. As the owners (or often their survivors) are getting motivated to get rid of them. People usually have a dated car because they haven't kept up with the market for a variety of reasons. This often results in them thinking that what they have is worth just as much as a similar model that's more in tune with current market tastes. Of course they're wrong and as often happens with people, they need to go through a somewhat painful learning curve. You need to determine where you are in the marketplace, assess your skills and desires, and then be either patient to wait them out if they have your dream, or be ready to strike quickly if you are actually presented with a genuine opportunity. Good that you're asking questions first as there is a lot to learn to really know where you are in that range.

That ebay ad Jim linked is a good talking point. The asking price isn't too out of line if the car is pretty complete and not too overly rusted out. It didn't sell, likely because there was no title. Had it had a title, it may have sold. To some that's crazy money, but to a serious potential '32 buyer it's not. Well intentioned folks who aren't in a specific market slice may not give you meaningful advice would be the lesson there.

To your specific example. The Corvette rear would be a deal breaker for me personally. There's nothing inherently wrong with them, they just don't look "right" and the odds are the stance of the car is "wrong"........which to my tastes means it's too high. With most other types of rear suspension (leaf or coil over) it would be comparatively easy to adjust ride height, not with the Vette set up. Sure, the frame could be modified to replace it, but that circles back to the ever increasing market supply of alternative cars.............it would take a HEAVY discount to make it be worth the effort/trouble. There's lots more to discuss here, but without knowing your level of actual interest, and more time available to me it's not in the cards right now.

While I don't share Richards views on construction choices, his advice to drive and learn is spot on. What he finds objectionable as he noted I may see as acceptable "for a hot rod".........as long as it's not dangerously cobbled stuff. If you were really into the muscle scene you probably have a good idea of the nuance of that market segment. For instance, "why is a SOHC Ford more valued than a 400m engine?" Or something like that. It took time and study for you to appreciate that difference and thousands more. It's pretty much the same for this hot rod slice of the hobby. Lots of details make a difference........some significant, others less so. Not trying to overwhelm or discourage you, just giving some guidance. You're asking questions which is smart.........just know you've got many more to ask. We're coming into the hottest selling time of the year almost everywhere in the country. Most people, not all, wait til spring to hit the market. They think they're smart because it's "just before the season". They're mostly right, it's just that almost everyone has that same idea, so there's lots of competition for your interest. Take your time, you dream ride is out there, probably at a right price for you, and without needing to knock yourself out to get there. Let the hunt begin!