It's interesting how some topics turn into discussions about why we have these cars - as if there is a "right" reason.
I bought mine because I had a 67 convertible in high school (1976). It was the nicest car in my HS school in my opinion and it was just a plain original 326. I resisited many telling me to put on headers and a 4-barrel carb etc. My car was not the fastest by a long shot but it was the best in my eyes - I just liked the idea of keeping it original. I think I'll scan a picture of it and start a new topic about our first Firebirds.
I now have a 68 Firebird that I found and that is the replacement for the one I got rid of in 1982. I didn't expect to "restore" it becasue I liked the idea of making a driver out of it and keeping the original paint etc. But I got sucked in. As I looked into all the various parts that needed replacement, I ended up stripping it down. I will not end up with a professional restoration and I doubt it will be worth much more than I put into it but that's not what I'm after. I want to make it close to original (not show) and enjoy having my second oldest son (high school senior) involved with it.
My Rule of Thmb:
Take the original estimate in time and money I expected to put into the car and triple it.
Banshee:
The car you found is terrific in all aspects. From an investment point of view it's a great deal. From a Firebird lover who appreciates an original rare car - it's awesome! (or as we say in the Massachusetts "it's wicked awesome". (I've learned from my son who attends U of M that anyone who says wicked in MI stands out as an obvious Bostonian:)
Yellowbird:
It's appears that you're becoming a Firebird collector by the number of cars listed in your profile - we want a picture of you with all those cars?!