Th 68 HO, I understand ALL aspects of what is needed, required, demanded.

As far as my family, I have $20k a year in expendable income for my job after all bills are paid off. I worry not about incidentals or anything.

If the car costs me $15k on the high end to restore completely, I already planned that and have it all planned out.

I have all my avenues, costs and related planned and buffered for a +/- 20% fluctuation. I know what it will cost and I have the satisfaction and knowledge that my 25k investment is done right and correct and not a 40k store bought, lot purchased generic paint job "X" and motor build "X" car.

Yes, buying a completely redone 68 HO at 36K is nice, but at least I know who did what and where and it is done right. So my 26K investment I save 10k and know where the car quality stands. And on top of that, tell me when you last seen a 68 400 HO in that condition for that price. Been looking for 13 hard years. I dont personally care of any negatives. Mattison seen it, and all is well, overpriced or not. BTW, he stated $17K w/o the carb and manifolds.

With the carb and intake and complete resto, the high end of the car value will be 30% more than what I have in it and increasing. Jim estimates around 3-350 HO's for 68 remain. I am in the best position I can be barring the same car in numbers matching RA I or II

This is an investment and not a status symbol.