Was going to buy a "classic" car this time around, but prices are ridiculous for what you get. I didn't want an original car, but more of a resto mod, something that's reliable and has modern upgrades like suspension, EFI, AC, etc. I've looked for months and now have switched back to late models. I've owned a Dodge Magnum SRT8 and 2011 Camaro 2SS convertible in the past, which both were used( extremely low miles and like new) and I upgraded pretty extensively. I put in fuel systems, superchargers, suspension, wheels/tires, interiors, hoods...pretty much tackled anything I could find help on the forums. Stupidly I sold them as I kind of get bored with things quickly, and yes, lost my shirt on both sales.

I thought I would try my hand a Mustang. #1 reason I'm looking at Mustangs is I can get in a convertible, my wife's preference(trying to be considerate this time around). I like the Mustang because there's a ton of mods out there and lots of online support. The bad for me about the Mustang is the stock looks. So, either I play the waiting game and find one that's been modded with things I like or buy something stock and build it the way I want, but you know how that turns out money wise in the end.

I like going to car shows, so showing up with a stockish car doesn't float my boat nor does a stockish car satisfy my likability of performance and styling UNLESS is something like a Gt500, but even that I would have to mess with style wise to make it personal. I'm leaning heavily towards getting a Gt500, but I'm not sure if I should start with something like a basic 5.0 and do a supercharger myself along with other performance mods? I think I can buy into a 5.0 and supercharge it cheaper than I can get an older low mileage gt500 and probably get some other upgrades from a previous owner of a 5.0 as there's so many of them out there.

I've attached a picture of a Mustang that I really like the looks of (and a stock gt500 for quick comparison). I think the major transformation to go from stock to the other car would be about7-8k and that's me doing all the work.
Sorry for the long story, so short version is: Should I buy a basic model and build up or try to buy something complete(ie. already modded or good base like the GT500)? All in I would like to be in the 45k range when completed.

 

 

It all depends on how much you like to work on them, vs, willing to work on them. For me, it's buy complete.

 

If you have the money, starting off with a more powerful car that already has forced induction will probably be your best bet, but yeah it really comes down to how much work you want to do yourself.