Hi Everyone.  Not new to the website but I finally have a reason to post...I'm newly into the market for a GTO!  I would like to get everyone's opinion on a '64 Tempest GTO clone that I found online.  I realize that within my price range, I'll have to sacrifice matching #s and original engines (for the most part).  What I'm looking for is a big, strong engine, cleanliness, and of course, coolness factor...just a starter because at my age (29), spending more than $8K-$9K for a toy isn't in the cards.  Here is the link to the car - just copy and paste to your browser:

http://classiccars.com/Classifieds/Listing.aspx?data=5BB5AD7412F9FBE9600654A1707178274936755E878CDE05F1F28AC5E89B5B39&cs=11

For the price, is it worth it?  What do you think?  Thanks to everyone for their help!  

Hi Krank, I looked at the listing and I agree it looks like a good deal. You are never going to find a real GTO in that price range in anywhere near that shape. Buyer beware though, check it out carefully to be sure you're not getting a Bondo buggy or a bunch of mistakes wrapped up in a nice package. If you can't check it out yourself, have it looked at by a knowledgable friend or even pay an appraiser to look at it. A couple hundred bucks spent to find out will be well spent if it turns out to be a lemon.  

Krank,

Just my opinion on the car; It seems to have been designed/restored with an interest towards drag racing with that kind of horse power, and may be a bit unruly on the street, with possible engine temperature issues depending on where you live. Though if your going to race it on the weekends it would seem to be a relatively good price. "Barneyformula" raised good points, it's always best to inspect the car in person or have a professional take care of it for you.  I can't count how many cars I've turned down after a close-up inspection following online photo reviews.  There's just no replacement for due diligance.  

barney and markg, thanks a lot for the replies.  Any input or advice is greatly appreciated.  I love these cars, but unfortunately I'm pretty clueless as to what to look for under the hood when shopping around.  Markg, can you elaborate on what you mean by it might being unruly on the street?  Thanks.  

As the others have written, do not jump to quick.  It is a buyers market and you will continue to see more 60-85% restored cars come up for sale as people are tight for money.  As an example, I traveled 225 miles to look at a 1968 Firebird convertible.  It was advertised as having a newly rebuilt 400 V-8, 400 transmission, newer paint and little to no bondo.  After driving for four hours I looked at his car that did appear to have a newly rebuilt engine, "a chevrolet engine", and the bondo was 1 1/2-2 inches thick at the bottom of the rear quarter panels. No thanks.  
 Long story, but I ended up buying, a more rare,numbers matching, 1969 Firebird convertible with a 148,000 original miles, from the second owner with original documentation (window sticker and build sheet) as well as documentation of the recent engine rebuild.
 Get creative.  I found mine because I saw an add on Craig's List advertising (2) Firebird's with no engine or drive train.  I figured he was a Firebird person so I called and told him what I was looking for.  He called his female friend of twenty plus years and she sold me her car.  Keep looking, there is more and more coming available!