In 1976, when looking for my first car, I had to pass up a Dodge Charger Daytona AND a Plymouth Superbird, both with a big blocks, one with a 4 speed. $5000 for either one, both just average used condition (sitting on used car lot). I didn't have much money and wound up buying a 1973 Barracuda, 318 auto. At that time,I was looking for a car to drive to work, not a hotrod. I kept (and drove) that car until 1999, then sold it to someone who restored to real nice.
On a side note, at the time (1976) I was renting a house with 3 other guys and the drive way was WAY cool. My Barracuda, a 196? Dodge R/T, a 1970 Chevelle SS 396 and a 1969 Ford Torino Talladega.
The other thing I would have done back then would be buy a aftermarket block or two when they were available, even if I had to borrow the money to buy them.
Hind sight and fore sight...

Brian