When I was in college, a friend had a 62 Impala SS Convertible anniversary edition - what a beautiful car. So when this one came on the market, I couldn't resist. An Anniversary Edition convertible - with a 4 speed dual-quad 409, no less! I bought the car, had it shipped home, got it insured, and called in an appraiser to see if I got ripped off.

The appraisal went well at first. When the appraiser wanted to take it for a ride, I started the car in the garage and we talked for a few minutes about where we would go. And then I saw the flames coming out from around the hood.

I backed it out real quick and thought "Now what do I do?" Just then a UPS truck drove by. The appraiser jumped out, flagged him down, got his fire extinguisher, and we managed to put out the fire before it took the whole car. I felt sick and hopeless.
Fortunately, I called and had the car put on my insurance policy, and was awaiting the premium notice. I paid that right away (you can be sure!) and had it take to a body shop that had a great reputation in dealing with classic muscle cars.

It was in the body shop almost a full year. (The body shop guys had to pay their rent with collision work, which came before mine did... but I didn't care, I wanted it done right, not fast). I ran into a slew of problems I didn't know existed, and a bunch of stuff that was easier to repair with the car taken apart than it would be to handle later. (And cheaper, too, since insurance paid to take it apart and put it back together). It has a fresh new paint job, refurbished exterior trim, and an engine compartment restored to pre-fire glory. It's in the mechanics shop now, getting some mechanical problems fixed, before it goes into winter storage.

In the spring it will get an interior refresh and a new convertible top, and I will FINALLY get to drive it.