I bought mine while I was stationed in CA with my moving allowance (stupid, stupid, stupid!). While I was in Aghanistan for a year, it stayed in my mother's driveway and turned from a spotless gem to a rust pocketed nightmare! Make sure it's painted/primed right after you get it home!
And about this car...
Most of the people on this board wouldn't think twice about dumping a Z that isn't absolutely spotless, so sometimes it's hard to get an opinion that factors in sentimentality. I'm going to be acid dipping and having my 280z straightened, welded, and painted for 10-15k, and even I wouldn't touch this car! Hope that gives some perspective.