Age old Mystery!! Owner won't sell!!

[FIA-ERA]

Thanks everyone! You all have hit the key thoughts I'm going through. Tommy, you've hit it dead on. The owner is in his 70's and although I haven't met him yet I can almost tell a lot about him. The one wrench in the works is the car is at a shop and I wonder now if the shop owner has control over the car. It's been there a long time and with out much work done to it. I'm going to try the "trading" side. I've been there twice and missed the shop owner both times. I don't want to be pushy but I really and genuinely am taken by this car and it's history. I'm trying not to show too much interest but it's really hard. I do believe trading might be the only way as they could step into that car that they might consider an equal and have instant satisfaction. I'm leaving here shortly, wish me luck. I have nothing to loose. If they accept, I have a great car to totally redo and if not I drive my great car home with a huge smile! Thanks for the responses guys!! I'll let you know! Regards, Matt