I think you'll be super impressed if you take the time to meet the guy and go by his shop. It seems like a lot of money, but when you see the time and quality he puts in builds it becomes obvious why he gets top dollar.
It was actually the guys brother selling a Bronco, but he was so nice and helpful that he gave me his number in case I ever needed help in the future. I was picking his brain on torches and welding a lot at the time.
I bet he'd do a lower budget build specifically for you if you talk to him and you identify a Bronco to start with.
Before I left I told him he should keep the Bronco, and restore it. The only reason I didn't buy it was that, stupidly, I went there without a trailor. It was not up for the 2.5 hour drive back to my place.
Let us know how it goes, and good luck in the search.