Strategy to purchase a car that's "not for sale"

[DM69SS]

I'm not sure if this is the proper forum to post this. Please move it to the correct one if it isn't.

I recently ran into a person from the town where I grew up (and my parents still live) and was talking cars with him. He was telling me about a stash of several musclecars that have been in a barn since the early-mid 80's. You know the drill "They all need resto's, will be restored eventually, and are not for sale". The point of all this is that he started talking about a 65 GTO that was in there. Turns out it is my father's old car. It's a long story, but the last guy it was purchased from before it was put in a barn is the person who used to own it and race it. There were other things as well and I am 100% sure this is the car. This is the first car my father ever owned and he even put off buying a car until he was 18 so he could afford it. He has owned other musclecars (and still does) over the years, but has always said that was his favorite car to "drive".

I would love to get a hold of this car and suprise him with it, but have no idea where to start. Do I just call the guy who owns it now, be up front about it, etc.? I don't know anyone who has done something like this, so I don't even know where to start. I don't mind paying somewhat of a premium for it, but I worry that if I let on that it has sentimental value, I may as well just bend over right away. Any ideas?

Thanks