"He said it was not rusty though did not sound too certain and said with a new battery would run, but it needs restoration."

"I don't care who you are, That's funny right there", Larry the cable guy.

Ummm, Tom, that is exactly the same thing which was said about the first FIAT back in about 1903.

So, if you're interested in buying a 30 year old car, last of it's model year to boot, why not a Yugo? At least they are biodegradable (and will usually dissolve while you are moving in the car) and will merely appear to be an eccentric as opposed to being in a FIAT and being the object of pity.

Your first reaction would be the wise one.