Sarah/others:
re: never washed the '79 Avanti? well, some Springs, I hosed down the lower part, but don't like getting water down the windows.....so usually sponged-off and waxed in the Spring........dust with a waxed flannel cloth after every drive. Want more symptoms of mania? When new, took all the chrome off and sealed the back with epoxy...........never sat on the leather when the temp was under 45 to keep it from wrinkling.........had a flannel-lined cover, but that got dusty so I covered that with sheets. Oh, and you paint the underside with linseed oil every Spring to make sure nothing corrodes.
I love cars and I love driving.......but whichever is my "toy" has to stay pristrine. Absolutely stupid..........when I sold the Avanti, I got maybe $5000 more than one in typical above-average condition,. But the buyer got a virtually new car.....and is driving and enjoying it.
And yes, the '06 Mustang is getting the same treatment. Man, takes a lot of Q-tips to clean that engine. But at least the new Ice polish is quick and doesn't leave residue. I've had the top down once - had to use a hair dryer to smooth out the wrinkles.
At the risk of boring you (more): my first brand-new toy was a '74 MGB (last one with twin carbs and chrome bumpers) I kept it 10 years, managed to put 14,000 miles on it, but that English paint started to age anyway. (Did I mention that I had the windows removed from the garage so the sun won't damage the cars?). Anyway, I sold the MG to a friend at work.......he got it on a Friday and drove it to a car show the next day......and won. Then his kid wrecked it.