I too vote for the x73 chassis. I have an 86 x73 and love it. They are essentially a four door Supra. If it fits suspension and engine wise on a MkII Supra, then it will work for the cressy. 5 speeds are rare. If you want one, you will have to make it. 5 speed swaps are easy though, just need a Mk3 Supra for parts. The x73 is divided into two groups, the 85-86 and the 87-88. They changed the front end and the taillights in 87-88. Mechanically, they are pretty much the same though. Good rust free Cressidas will run anything from 200$ and up depending on mileage and upgrades. Once you get one, Celicasupra.com and toyotacressida.net will come in handy. Cressida.net may take some time to get registered, but once you can post and such, there is lots of great stuff on there. Here are some pics of my x73
First time I saw it, day I picked it up. It had sat in this same spot for close to 8 years. Drained the bad gas, slapped in a new fuel pump and she was back on the road.
Cut 1 1/2 coils out of the fronts and slapped on some P-types. Still have to do some work on the bumper. It was in a small fender bender at some point and I believe I need new bumper supports. Right now the bumper is only held on by two small bolts on either fender.
Here it is with my buddy's wagon. We got this one for about the same price as mine. It needs a fuel pump just like mine did. We haven't done that just yet as his gas tank is way worse than mine was.
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One more thing, if you get an x73, expect to hear everybody ask why you drive a maxima...
Of course, you could look for a gangsta x32
not oldskool but still a toyota