Gosh, I didn't think I was being out of line.....

. This is a great place to ask once you get the door tag info. Be specific with him and he will give you every bit of info you need off it!
Ford Mercury Edsel Lincoln VIN Information
As far as not seeing the sense in an actual "market" for barn finds, tell that to the professional restorers who actually search for these kind of things, throw about 30K into it, then sell it for double that at these high end auctions. So, yes, there is a definate market for rotting, original iron nowadays. Between the scrappers, restorers, guys like you and me, ebay parts sellers, and local ordinances getting tough on cars that just "sit", your average 500 dollar parts car lying around turned into a 3-4K "restorable classic".