What to do... 1966 Barracuda

I’ll try to be succinct:

Last year I spotted a 1966 Barracuda a couple blocks from my house, tail end sticking out of the garage door. Now, I like an early A, so I worked up the courage to talk to the owner.

He and his wife bought it new in 1966. Almost all original, even the certicard is there. At least one mediocre repaint. 273 commando, 4 speed, 8 3/4 rear end. Manual brakes, manual steering, AM radio, vinyl black interior. Car starts (fired up after two clicks today) and drives, but needs some maintenance.

Car is not perfect by any means—owner used it to haul tools when repairing rentals back in the day.

Last year he told me he wasn’t interested in selling. Fine by me, money doesn’t grow on trees. All I ever really wanted was to see the thing closer.

He called me recently to tell me he’s ready to part with the car. Ultimately he wants it to go to a good home. I’ve done all the scheming I can think of, and I think the only wiggle room I have is to part with my Dart (just about unthinkable). I’ve had a couple buddies offer to float me a loan, but I don’t know if I can do it. How and when do you folks decide to part with a car?

I was able to go over to the guys house and clean up the car today. I did some vacuuming, slight maintenance, etc. just because it’s not everyday you get to touch an original car. Anyway, don’t know what I’m looking for, except for some sympathy. Hoping to get him to pull the car out of the garage this weekend.