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First on the list would be safety items: brakes, steering, suspension. A reliable engine and drive train would be next, then to the appearance items. Once you get a safe and reliable driving car you can see what you want to do next. By the way, the car will never be finished no matter how long you have it or how much you do to it.

(O{}o)

I'm afraid I more than adequately demonstrated my hopelessly pedestrian mentality about cars in general by focusing on the appearance. You are correct, first and foremost are the mechanical aspects of the car. What good is it to have a beautiful car if can't be driven out of the driveway without breaking down?

It's at times like these that I wish I knew something about cars. Of course, I can always learn. But, living in an apartment with no tools or place to work on a car is quite a handicap.

kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Been there as I suspect many of us here have also. It gets better.

(o{}o)

Garrett keep looking something is out there with your name on it. Take a look at this 37 115 sports coupe with rumble seat:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/4565136685.html

Nice looking sport coupe. Interior: Seat and doors have been recovered in some kind of modern fabric (-); has a hot water heater (+); radio and defroster delete panels (+/-); banjo steering wheel (+); and "thingy" on LH side of steering column (?). Presentable. Engine compartment: A mix of 115C and 120C horns and not mounted very nicely (-); auto choke converted to manual (-); water shut off valve on water pump, should be on cylinder head. Presentable. Exterior: Center front bumper guard (+); driving/fog lights (+); and repainted in some modern color (-). Nice looking car, overall.

(o{}o)

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I appreciate them. You are right about knowing it when it I see--complemented by having the adequate funds on hand.

I'm afraid I'm one of those poor slobs who's going to have to save and save and save, or borrow the money. When you teach school for a living, borrowing money is basically a way of life, if you're ever going to have anything you may want, considerably different from what you need.

I do know that I want either a 120 sedan or 120 coupe with a straight-8. The 115 you showed me looks nice and is reasonably priced. For superior the 120 coupe I saw on Autotrader for $21K needing at a minimum another $12k in restoration work.

I've got good vibes about this site. I'm certain to find what I'm looking for through networking. Everyone here has been just wonderful to me in the scant two weeks I've been a member.

kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Here's another 37 coupe:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/cto/4495373025.html

I like this one the best of those that have been shown. A 115C not a 120, and no rumble seat, but a more authentic looking one. Seems to have been well cared for and has not had a lot of "improvements".

(o{}o)

Ok anything is better than this:

http://worcester.craigslist.org/cto/4567002890.html

Or this

http://worcester.craigslist.org/cto/4559123709.html

Here a decent coupe:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/4557056199.html

Ok I know you rather have an 8 cylinder but here's another 6 cylinder coupe

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/4485066293.html