[Crazy Dazz]

Yes, this is a Ford forum.
Sad thing is that the prices of ****ty old Fords have reached truly insane levels.

If you just want a nice v8 Lane or Monty, there are plenty of cheap but nice ones from the 90's and 00's. But if you're looking at pre 80's, forget it.
$10k will get you a busted *** Falcon, in a model you never wanted to begin with, the engine and tranny long gone, that some muppet has dismantled, left to rust, and is now selling as a "project".

Have to laugh at those complaining of finding rust in an old Merc. Have you looked at a pre-90's Ford? Look for one with a nice paint-job, because that will at least old the rust in place.

I'm no fan of mercs, and really don't think I'd ever have one. but you can't deny they were better engineered, better built, and better equipped. Especially during the 70's.

As a general rule, parts for euros are expensive and hard to find. But its also increasing hard to find parts for old local Ford's that aren't egregiously priced pieces of crap. If old mate doesn't sell his project as is, he'll flog the parts for $20k on ebay.
Plus if you're looking for parts for an international car, there's a whole world out there to scour.