Yea I know.....
So I go to this local show being held at one of my associates body shop, Boothill Auto Resurrections in Erin Ontario.
Parked out on the road I spot a Challenger convertible, but even from 100 yards away I could tell it was a pretty tough looking machine and probably a good idea it wasn't really "in" the show.
Being relatively board at the show I reluctantly went for a walk to check out this car....
What I found was a turd painted some dark shade of blue with 72 fender louvers....blue interior, but what intrigued me the most was that it was wearing a shaker hood with 383 call outs and a rear deck spoiler. Couldn't help but notice the pistol grip shifter in the console either. One quick look at the VIN tag confirmed it was an "N" code 383 1971 Challenger convertible.
As I was crawling all around it noticing it's driveable but very poor over all condition....an elderly couple (early 50's maybe)...walked up and asked what I was doing. I introduced myself and it turns out that they were just looking at my car and was wondering if I could quote them on a restoration....
Turns out they bought the car in 1979 from the original owner and have been enjoying it ever since. During the conversation the owner pops the trunk to throw his jacket inside and there's the original broadcast sheet lying there in a plastic sleeve...he said he knew what is was but had no idea how to read it....
Well....I do...
383 4bbl, 4spd, B3 blue, B5 interior, white top, white pin stripe, factory rear spoiler, factory shaker car, wide nose chrome, SE belt moldings, and so on....WHAT A CAR
Turns out they brought the car there to see about a restoration, then saw my car and wanted my opinion as well. Sad thing is...There total budget for a full restoration is like $15K...$20K tops....When I laughed out loud and let them know that wouldn't even cover the rust repair and paint work they got truely dissappointed...
The conversation continued for over an hour and I think I've talked them into just detailing what they have, address some of the major issues and just contunue to drive and enjoy the car....I hope I will be seeing them again, and I'll be sure to have a camera....I don't own a cell phone.
They made it quite clear the car would NEVER be for sale
