It's done. The Mighty Dodge sold yesterday.
Since we've been gone so much, I didn't put it back up for sale until I knew we'd be home for awhile. We got back from L.A. on the 26th, and I listed it on Craigslist the next day. In a day, I had two inquiries for it.
The first people to come see it turned out to be a couple who were looking for a car for their nineteen-year-old son. The father, it turns out, owns a number of older vehicles and maintains them himself. No tire-kicking for him! He went over the Dodge with a fine tooth comb before we even took it out for a drive. After talking it over with his wife and calling his son, he decided to take it. No negotiating or grumbling. Just the feeling of a good deal made on his side, and a feeling of relief on mine that she'd go to someone who could complete her restoration and love her like I do.
Another potential buyer had been on the way over, so I called him to let him know the car had sold. He asked to come by to see it anyway, just for curiosity's sake. When he got there, I was really glad I'd sold the car to the first people. He stalked around the car like he was still going to buy it, mumbling that it needed this or that work done and generally proving to everyone within hearing that he was, in fact, a complete and utter douche bag.
The couple left the car for a little while, saying they'd be back to pick it up. I wrote the new owner a note, telling him I was glad The Mighty Dodge had found such a good home and telling him the story of how she got her name. I hope he appreciated it!
My friends came over to help me drown my sorrows, and what would have been a morose night of tears and depression was made happier with good company and absolutely zero cocktail control.
I'll miss her, and part of me will always regret that she's gone, but I'll always be glad that she was such a huge part of my whole life, and that she went to a good home.