Yeah, find something you like, turn key, in your price range. At today's prices it would be very difficult, if not impossible, for most, to buy a body and build from scratch, for what they can buy a decent turn key car for.
And I'm not talkin about the dime rockets, but a popular body style and engine you like.
For example: Since I'm a long time Pontiac guy, I'd prefer a Pontiac powered Bird or A-body, or even an X-body.
If I had the $$, I'd buy this '77 Bird tomorrow.
http://www.racingjunk.com/Stock-Supe...la-K-M-SA.html
I'd also like to have the Don Turk Grand Am.
http://classracer.com/classforum/showthread.php?t=64941