1982 CHP Mustang E870255

[Steve]

Well, the search for 870255 has come to an end. Didn't take long; the vehicle still exists---or at least part of it does.

I called the shop that last smogged the veh in 2001, and they were able to put me in touch with the owner. I called and talked with him, and he still has the car. Or what's left of it.

A number of years ago, he was driving on a mountain road at night when a fox ran out into the road into his path. He swerved to avoid it and struck a concrete utility fixture, severely damaging the body and suspension. Being unibody construction, there wasn't much he could do with the body. He pulled out all the running gear and put it into another 1982 Mustang body. He says it was a lot of work, but he liked the car so much he did it. Along the way, the car has been through three transmissions and two differentials. Yeah, they had fun with it (sounds like they ran it a lot harder than I did). He bought the car from his Nephew for $300 in 2000. Can you imagine that?

Anyway, I am going to visit him, see the car, and show him the pics. But at this point, I'm not feeling like trying to buy it or do anything with it. I think a completely new body takes it out of the restoration realm. Really, only the engine is the same at this point. I juts don't see how it can be worth it.

What do you guys think?