There is no "Used Car Factory!!"

 I get sick of people moaning that they can't find the type of musclecar they want, and usually the problem isn't price. These people are too picky. They act like it's still the 1960's or 1970's and you can go to a local dealer and order your dream car.  Except you can't. These cars we love are all more than 30 years old, so the chance of you finding one that has the exact engine, transmission, axle-ratio, interior trim, and color scheme you desire is almost nil. There is no used car factory to order from. You think I'm kidding? Here's some true stories about people I know that DIDN'T buy very cool cars in good condition at reasonable prices, because They weren't "Exactly what I was looking for." Idiot # 1 wanted a 1970-72 Z/28 Camaro with the LT-1 engine. He passed on an unrestored, but exceptionally well-maintained '70 model because it was an automatic. He also passed up a gorgeous four-speed 72 model "Because it wasn't original." The problem? It had a set of headers on it, and a #4779 Holley 750 double-pumper carb on it instead of the original #3310 780!! Idiot # 2 wanted a 1965-66 Shelby GT350 Mustang. He passed up a slightly rough, but running and rust-free 66 GT that had the 225 hp 289, factory air, factory front disc brakes, the Rally-Pac guages, the "Pony" interior, and the original "California Megaphone" exhaust system with date-coded mufflers intact. For $2,500!! His objection? "It's still not a Shelby."  Idiot # 3 wanted a 1968-70 GTO with the 400/4-speed powertrain. He passed up a nice 68 model because it didn't have the hood tach or disc brakes. He passed up a great '70 model because it was an automatic. When he turned up his nose at a gorgeous 400, 4-speed, loaded, hood tach equipped Carousel Red Judge, I had to restrain myself from literally strangling him to death. His objection? "It's a fake." Mind you, this was a pristine 1969 GTO. Not a Tempest or LeMans that someone cobbled up, it was a for-real, numbers-matching 400/ 4-speed GTO. However It was not a Judge. The car dealer had bought it at a private auction, and figured he could get more money for it if it was painted like a Judge, and admitted this when we said we knew it wasn't a "Real" Judge.  But it was a "Real" GTO and it was a first-class paint job, and all the decals and emblems were in the right place. And the guy agreed to lower the price substantially if we wanted to make a deal. "It's a fake." my stupid friend said. I got angry. "This is the nicest GTO I've seen in years, and everything but the Judge paint job is correct." "And the price is right." "Christ, if your that anal, get the paint code from Pontiac historical services and paint it the original color!" "But your never going to find another car this nice, at this price!"  "It's still a fake."  That was 10 years ago, and he's still whining that he can't find a GTO. The bottom line is, you might have to lower your sights a bit, but you can still find a great car at a fair price if your reasonable about your expectations.  Mastermind