Hey Steve,
If the car is as good as it sounds buy it. Don't change the color, just restore what needs attention.

How is it as far as rust? ... I grew up in Concord Mass., before moving to Californication (irony intended), I've seen what road salts can do to a nice car. If the car is rust free and runs well, with service records, you can't really go wrong... that's a sweet ride.

Enjoy it!

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1993 190E 2.6 135k
1989 Ford Thunderbird SC 5 Spd 79K