[SS427]

Rob,
I see NO indication that would make this car subject to being a clone. As you said, why would someone do that way back then when they were a dime a dozen and then let it rot. The picture that I can see of the steering shaft appears to be a BB coupler but it too small for me to really tell. The steering wheel is certainly no reason to make it suspect and as stated before, someone could simply have replaced the complete steerin column.

Unfortunately the car looks pretty rough. I am assuming it is a very early car. I also cannot make out the date on the cowl tag. The car is what it is and it would be nice to try and save it. Good luck. Hopefully you can get in touch with the owner and save the car.
Rick