i love that the 78-79 malibu found its way onto that exclusive list of cars... (but im biased:
https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=12781) i think that bill howel will agree with me on this one.. it requires a stubborn enthusiast to sink that kind of money into a car that atleast for the time being has no real intrinsic resale value....
the safe bet is the 1.gen... and i happen to like the yunick car better than the penske... but if you really are a border collie.. you wont find it that sattisfying to build a "bolt together" car.. i mean you can buy everything for them.. everybody is goung to second guess your desicions on parts and it propably wont be that personally gratifying to have somone gawk at a car that is as personal as a swingset-- save for the paint and choice of wheels (im propaply stepping on some toes here... but id much rather have libbys 67 fairlane than half of the 1.gens on this board)
The 65 malibu is also fairly safe and less mainstream...
as for new suggestions
66 impala SS
61 tempest 2dr on a new chassis with lsx power...
71 buick riviera boat tail