That last bidding session goes to show people that are knowledgeable about restoration are only willing to pay so much.
It's a solid car where it counts but I'd just about guarantee once you get into it you'll find some stuff, and saving all the original front sheet metal likely wouldn't be worth the time. Both of those fenders took a pretty good hit as evidenced by the severe wrinkles in the wheel arch areas on both sides, right where they normally fold in a frontal impact. You can almost bet they have been shoved back slightly towards the doors. Even after spending the time to straighten those fenders you'll probably have even more fun getting the gaps right, and they may never be right after a hit like that. Better off finding another used pair that are better to start with.
I always get a chuckle out of these adds when people use terms like "Easy Restoration" or "Little needed"
If that were true then why aren't they restoring it themselves?? There is almost always nothing easy or cheap about this stuff, and they know it.
I think you guys hit the nail on the head, $10-$12k is pushing the limits of what I feel it's worth. Otherwise you'll be in over your head quickly on this one and still never have a matching number car.