well, when I was 14 my cousin gave me a '65 VW beetle that was not running and my dad and I rebuilt the engine and put in new floor pans. I spent my own money, earned putting up hay, on the engine and carb rebuild kits, new exhaust and a new fuel pump. I ended up selling the little 'Dub and buying a '71 Fiat 850.
I honestly can't remember if I got the Fiat before or after I bought my Pontiac Fiero... I think the Fiero came first.