Reply to "Restore or not?"

Undoubtably, that estimate was for new stock parts; there is also the option of using used parts that are in better shape than what you have, at a significant savings. plus, some restorers charge $50 an hour while others are nearer $70.hr so there a range on the labor end (assuming you don't do your own cutting & welding). Fially, does the car absolutely have to be completely sytripped? Perhaps only the damaged areas need work? This alone will shave thousands off. I agree, if you decide to throw the car into a high-end restorer shop, you'll likely never recover the cost- and this is true of Mustangs, CAmaros and most other production cars, not just Panteras. So what remains is the basic question- are you gonna keep the car or off it & get another? If it sin't going to stay, I suggest you make some kind of deal now for what work the new owner wants and agree on a price. From what I've seen recently, a good driver with some problems is $25K, a turn-key car with almost no problems is $30+ and a perfect car depends on the buyers lust...