Well, I finally went ahead and did it. After looking at car after car here in the US and not finding what I wanted at the right price, I decided to go looking abroad.
Consequently, I have a car on a ship as we speak heading from Europe towards our shores.
A 1965 Morris Mini, export model (LHD from the factory), and former FIA Historic Rally Car. That should do nicely. As long as it really is as good as it looks in all the photos I'll be very happy. It looks as though it's been really well prepared, so fingers crossed.