Question for the PT crowd?

[Off Duty]

I've been hanging around here for a while, and have seen some absolutely amazing builds.

While I absolutely love the 1st and 2nd gen Camaros and 'Birds, I also have a love for the boats, the Impalas, Chryslers, and big Fords, not routinely associated with "road hugging" performance.

I've had the desire to get back into the "fray" lately and have been wanting to do something a bit different.

Recently, I found a 1965 Ford Thunderbird Coupe very close to me.
It's ready for paint, but doesn't run, and was the lady's husbands "project" before he passed away.

The price is right, and the body seems to be solid from what I see in the pics.
I'm going to look at it on Thursday.

I did some searching here and found one very short thread on a 65 Bird build, and I don't think it was followed up.

I've looked all over the net, but apparently no one has bothered to PT one of these cars.

So here's the question!

What does the PT.com crowd think of the potential for such a ride?
To start with, it's a heavy SOB at over 4k lbs!
So, I'm thinking some weight reduction in the form of some CF is going to be in order.

Of course, a modern power plant and running gear goes without saying.
Any suggestions there?

For the chassis, I'm thinking a tubbed rear and bags, if not a full on custom build?

Intended uses:
Sure, I want it to corner well.
I want it to be quick.
And I want to be able to get in, put the wife and grand kid in, and go to a show or event, or across the freaking country, in style and comfort

Something "different"
Something "unique"



Give me your ideas, suggestions and your feedback please.

TIA