Go build a T-Bucket. If you are just starting out, it's an ideal build. Relatively inexpensive to build, parts available at lots of vendors. You can stuff a V-8 in it or just get a inexpensive 4 banger. Not much of a cold weather ride, but can be loads of fun in the sun.

Other choices: look for a project car in your local paperr, in Old Car Trader, Collector Carr online, or in Hemmings. Get one cheap that someone started and then gave up on. Check out Mopar project cars they tend to be cheaper than Bowtie or Blue Oval cars. Don't even include the word motor (and especially hemi) in your vocabulary......it won't be in your price range.

Think small....start small.... work your way up.