Tips on inspecting/buying a 40 year old car?

It was not until I rode behind it that I found the problem. The rear end was not lined up with the front. Somebody did a good job covering up that little fact. Ugggggg! I have not bought another old car since, but if I ever do, I am going to take a ride behind it if I get a chance.

Yup - my Dad taught me to stand in the street and have somebody drive the car away from me to look to see if it's going down the road 'dog fashion' (back end kicked out to one side)