Thanks for your opinions everyone, I appreciate it. Finally got an opinion on the red one in Hermosa Beach from a mechanic who restores cars and his exact words were "Don't touch that car with a ten foot pole." The kid who was selling had kept the car at the beach for 15+years and it's probable the rust was indicative of it being a "moist car." I turned it down.

Great to get everyone's take on the black one too - I'm gonna check it out and was thinking $12K would be a reasonable offer if everything checks out (even with the vinyl top?). I'll ask about the trim tag, etc.

Hopeful that photos will come soon of my new bird....