not to hijack but i have a similar story..sort of..
only.. I was the contractor..the guy wanted a large french door install onto his porch and skylights installed in the porch roof.
after showing me the work needing to be done..the subject of cars comes up..he begins to tell me how he had this thunderbird and that thunderbird..
then i tell him i like cars..but it was late and i wanted to leave..so i kept it real short..
He then says..i have this old car in the garage would you be interested in barter for it.?
Im thinking a thunderbird..so i politely pass.
but he is insistant..we step into the garage an he turns on the light....
and this is what i find in the garage.
my first thought as it comes into view is..im looking for the shine off the chrome on the rear door handles...
best part...there was no rear door handles..