Actually, after posting the picture, I realized that picture is pre-re-restoration. For those of you who weren't following the saga (soap opera) of Esmerelda, I took the car to auction as you see in this picture about four years ago and had a very disappointing result. So, being the good Soldier that I am, I fell back, regrouped, and am trying again.
The re-restoration included new paint, chrome and a kick-ass engine compartment detailing. I found out that 1969 Cobra Jet engine compartments are a LOT easier to finish off than 1970 engine compartments. My last attempt was on Marylin (1970 four speed CJ) and that took three years just to round up all the parts.
Esmerelda now has a date-coded engine compartment, complete with smog. The body panels are much better aligned, and the underside has been properly detailed. There were a couple components, like the axel housing and engine crossmember, that were so badly pitted that I had to replace them. It's the old story: where do you stop? I got the car back from paint and assembly, and the front grille that looked fine before now looked horrible. So, off it comes and away for rechrome. A couple grand later, I have a dazzling front grille. Then, you look at the engine and what was great before now looks like you forgot to open the hood when you bought it. And on and on it goes.
I am hoping for a huge result that will fill my bank account (and pay all the bills!) and float the model to a higher level all the way around. However, I wound up with a lousy time slot (0930 Saturday morning, Lot S12) so that may not happen. If the car wasn't already in Indianapolis, I probably would not have bothered with this auction at Mecum but would have gone straight to eBay. If the auction doesn't meet reserve, you'll see it this summer on eBay.
Esmerelda's little sister is done and I am having a blast driving her around. The M-Code small block is a lot easier to drive, and the car is not so expensive as to risk financial calamity in case of a fender bender or worse.
