Don't be bummed about the needles. I have owned 3 of these machines and have found needles on ebay twice, just had to wait a bit. I found some bobbins also, but only because of Janey (or Mickey, I can't remember the post), and they came from England.
Regarding the motor, check the back of the pillar and see if there are holes tapped in for a motor bracket. The two motorized ones I've had have had the motor mounted from the back of the pillar.
I have this machine
The Vandervoort
which uses the same needle, bobbin, and bobbin case. I have no plans for it, but I don't know if you're anywhere close to SE Missouri.