Those questions are for the seller. That is like saying restomods with modern engines and suspensions demanding six figures. How do you know if shortcuts were taken or not? In fact those same questions would be asked for a stock built car. It is up to the buyer to personally inspect or have an inspection done by an expert to answer those important questions. When anyone makes any attempt to buy a vintage car, the risks are high to get a lemon. Many restorers will tell you buyer beware, unless you know their reputation. $35K is a subjective number. I don't think anything is stock color on this car.
I too like the stock look and would pass on this one if I was looking for a 73. For some, they may love it as is or do something else with it and the $35K is reasonable. I would never buy a car without an inspection.
Funny how owners having an asking price is so different from what a buyer thinks. Its all about the negotiation and you could probably ask to take off $50 for a shifter. I do agree, seeing a bit of "tape" on something just drives a person to look more closely. We all know appraisals are artificial vs real world pricing. But then, there are appraisals that are very close to reality.
A friend of mine purchased a '41 Willys. Owner had receipts where the build was $250K. It was done by a custom shop back in 2006. Its one gorgeous car, very well done. My friend found some stupid builder flaws. The shifter was not installed correctly where it would go into Park intermittently. It was a B&M shifter. No relief valve in the intake with a 1471 blower. Just these little things really bothered him, but was able to remedy himself. Just goes to show, not everyone or everything is perfect.
