It was 1976. I bought a '69 GTO 400 Ram Air, $125. Was sitting under a tree covered in bird droppings. Old woman said the mechanic told her the rods were knocking. I priced a used wrecking yard motor for $300 so, I went back the next day and aired up the tires and towed it home.
It turned out to be the starter gear stuck. New starter, good wash/wax, drove it for a yr and sold it for $1000. I should have kept it along with the 68 Chevelle SS 396 I sold for $600.