I've always lived in the suburbs within 50 miles of a major metropolitan area. In fact, the two most populous cities in the nation where land and housing is congested and expensive. I've always dreamed that I could move to a more rural setting. A place where I could have a moderate sized house, but a HUGE barn like structure. I'd spend my free time acquiring 50's, 60's and early 70's era cars. Nothing elite, just your basic Falcon, Comet, Maverick, Fairlane, Pinto, Nova, Dart/Valiant, AMC American etc. In addition a select group of foreign cars too. These would not have to be pristine cars, just serviceable. Then I'd either economically modify them, or do engine swaps. In this dream I saw the cars costing no more than about $2,000 each even after the alterations. Everything sourced from junk yards and swap meets. It seemed that $100,000 would have bought me just about every car I'd attempt and I'd acquire that cash from my suburban sell-out.
Currently I have a daily drive, and..., a Turbo Pinto, 64 Studebaker Daytona (350/700R4), and a 73 Valiant, all of which run and are registered and insured. In addition I have a Sunbeam Tiger, Datsun 510, Rambler American and a Corvair station wagon. All these are not (yet) roadworthy. They are part of the dream, but not the complete dream.
Today I'm a hop, skip and a jump from 60. And, even though I have more tools than I've had in my life and live on 1/3 of an acre (large for suburbia) to store cars, I see my dream fading - F-A-S-T. I can't even get projects going that have been in the pipeline for 20 years now. Yet, I seem to spend hours each week trolling Craigslist for that "irresistible" opportunity. I mean I need another (project) car like I need a hole in the head. 15 years ago I had a similar group of eclectic cars. Back then I thought I had come to my senses when I convinced my wife that if I bought ONE significant car I would wisely divest myself of the others. That significant car was the Sunbeam Tiger. It checked a lot of boxes for me.
Well..., I never divested myself of the other cars and even acquired a few. I was still holding on to that dream. Today my body is starting to show its limitations. Cars that were $500-$1,000 not that far back are now $3,000-$5,000. Junk yard prices are rising. My wife still NEVER wants to move. I'm torn between reality and what is now seeming to have been fantasy. I see these mega buck guys on TV and their toy boxes full of high dollar cars. 2% of what they have would likely have fulfilled my dream. It isn't that I'm jealous, but sad. I have had a dream. Are there others out there like me?