I think a few of you have missed the point I was making.
There's nothing wrong with asking anyone if they'd like to sell their car. Go for it. But I feel a line is crossed when the discussion is wrapped within a greeting, and support, etc.; especially to a new person. It makes it sound like you're talking out of both sides of your mouth.
The respectful thing to do is to send them a private message first, and then go from there. Putting someone on the spot--in particular a new person, I feel (in general), is kinda tacky.
These message boards are meant to help folks and to encourage the enthusiasm for the car we all love--the GT/CS. If someone new comes along, and is looking for help, and support, comraderie, etc., and then mixed in that support, is asked to sell their car, then (I feel) that's a turn off, and it makes for distrust. Most of us bank our thoughts, answers and enthusiasm here on mutual trust. I'm hoping that that sense of trust continues.
Some of us think of our cars like a member of the family. Long term associations with cars can be strong. Others think that it's OK to buy, sell, trade, or haggle for profit within the hobby, and those cars usually have no "real" attachment. They become objects of wealth, or status, which can fuel auto actions to the very high values.
You don't have to agree with my line of thinking, but don't patronize me for speaking my mind. Where I come from is by the (literally) hundreds and hundreds of letters and photos and notes that I've received since 1985 by owners of the GT/CS that all say basically the same thing: "We LOVE our car! We want to restore it; and we get all kinds of attention." It's for those folks that I will always speak out for. I run the registry as a support for those who have a passion for their GT/CS, and want to keep it.
As for the CJ car, I'm not directly connecting it to the Green Hornet, just in that it's a very rare big block GT/CS, and the first CJ made at the Milpitas plant. We thought originally that the GH would sell for $40K. Then over the years, it sold for $100k, then about $200K.....then a printed value of $2.2M. I'm not saying that this car would also do that necessairily, but anything is possible.
Paul N.
p.s. Scott--excellent engine detailing advice!