I've had two heart attacks and have 8 stents. I'm not the man I used to be when comes to hard work, but I make progress on my restoring my Chevelle everyday, while maintaining a full time job, family and home without any help from anyone but God. Unless he has some other complications that severely limit physical activity, I don't see what's stopping him.
if it really is his life time dream, he can borrow the money. If he was in need and asked for food, shelter or something he NEEDS, That would be different. Nobody NEEDS a classic car. It's a hobby, an extra, almost an extravagence. Give him the number for the 'Make a Wish Foundation'.