It was my first also. Bought it for $150 in 1973 with a siezed engine. I took it apart, replaced the rings, and learned to work on cars which I still do from time to time. Very fun car, except in the winter in Mass. where I lived at the time.
Winter? Phooey! Heater? Who needs it!
I have fond memories of brushing the show off the tonneau cover so I could drive it!