Cheers for the ideas guys, some random thoughts that's for sure.
Had a look at Carsales with the missus last night just to guage her taste. She hates the Jag, Trans Am, doesn't like BMWs, early Mercs (sorry Benz) and Cadillacs. Mid/late 70s Benz, Rovers, Rolls Royce, Fairlanes are OK. Showed her an XD S-pak with 12 slotters and she liked it. To be honest the colour was probably more her concern...
I only set the budget at $10k so if it goes pear shaped that's all I'll lose, not that I've got that like spare change sitting around. I won't be worried about it at the shops/parking lots unlike my mates with $25k+ cars, understandably they get very picky where they take their cars and park them.
Something like this is also tempting. If the motor dies, 302 or BarraT would be a decent project!
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/clar...le-/1240808018