[Bob Ashlock]

Here's a situation that some input would be good on. I've got a neighbor who has a '77 Targa locked up in his garage for the entire 21 years I have lived here. About 19 years ago I drove by and saw it running in his driveway with clouds of blue smoke billowing out big time. I suspect it had already sat for several years at that point and accumulated oil in the exhaust. He pulled it back in the garage and it's been there ever since. A few years ago I walked by and saw the garage door up. I seldom see him out, so it was surprising to see him there. I introduced myself as a fellow owner and he let me take a quick look at the car. I was impressed that the interior was "as new" and the odometer showed only around 30K miles. The top looked good, but paint was pretty oxidized and showed some flaking in several areas, not due to rust, but more like the galvanize was lifting. Notable was a primered deck lid. I expect it had once blown the airbox, had a small fire, and repairs were made. I told him I'd like the project. He goes hot and cold on selling. Back when the price of these mid-year cars were still low, I made him a under 10K offer, explaining my reasoning to him, citing the downside of letting that car sit so long. I explained potential issues like the fuel system, brake calipers/lines, needing to be smogged, and most notable, the wear issues with these 5-blade fan, thermal reactor equipped engines. "The worst of the worst years". He clammed up since then. I likely pissed him off. I've sent him a few notes in the mail reminding him I'm still interested and asked him to propose a price. I recently 'pinged' him again as we are both getting up there in years. So there's my long story to get an opinion on a current fair price to offer for a car like this without knowing much more.