Thanks for the input so far. Speaking to all the posts - I am being wary, thanks for checking

Car is located in lower BC but was repainted in Saskatchewan in 1986 so I must assume it's had brine on the bottom at some point in its life. Again, a lift and check with professionals is happening tomorrow.
I do appreciate that a remote diagnosis is impossible. My objective is to gather whatever information is available so I don't play the game without a card or two in my hand.
I am suspect of the clutch and components as well. The chutch-in test mentioned above was done in neutral. I should have thought about the "put it in gear" check per ZR1 Pantera, I'll do that. Thanks.
I will go forward then with the assumption that a whine is OK, as I've read that in a few places already. I will also check for smooth shifts.
Tomorrow will be telling. Thanks all.
Jeff C.