I took this car/project over after my father passed; about 5 years ago. If I recall correctly he bought it from a longtime friend in Ridgecrest, CA around the year 2000. The previous owner was the original, or possibly second, and it lived its life out there. I have the original dealer license frame from Ridgecrest!
Not sure how to check if it is an "E" body. I don't have the fender tag nor build sheet, just VIN.