I couldn't afford a SS 396 at 18 and 50 years later I still cant.

[LEEVON]

I'm younger than ya'll, but when I bought my '71 in 1994 we had looked at sunday classfieds cars for over a year, including countless muscle car projects that were $3-5,000 but were ruled out due to rust or drivetrain issues that I wouldn't even blink at today. I remember driving a white 1966 Chevelle SS396 listed for $4k but Dad didn't like the transmission leaks lol. I mean re-sealing a TH350 was a deal breaker and patina paint would get you laughed at. Yet somehow we landed on my '71 Cheyenne that needed all of the above and more for $4800! Dad was convinced they were the next big thing and trucks were cheaper to restore and work on. He was right, gotta love Dads.

Turn of events, Dad had a '68 Z28 that he had to sell when I was born...I am now looking to buy/surprise him with one for a retirement project.