I have owned a 29 coupe for 45 years and use it.Not restored. For the past year I have been searching for a steel back Victoria. Buying cars has changed in the last almost 50 years with the advent of internet and I know Victorias are more complex than the coupe. My question for those people that buy cars without seeing and driving them: WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ONE SHOULD ASK THE SELLER BEFORE BUYING OR MAKING THE TRIP TO VISIT THE CAR? Thanks, Bill
First things first
- Thread starter Bill Cal.
- Start date
Tom Endy
Well-known member
The first question to ask is does the car have a title and a current registration. Trying to unscramble an undocumented car can be a daunting task. If you are interested in a Victoria you might consider joining the Victoria Association. The dues are only $10 a year. The January newletter is about to come out and has a Victoria for sale advertised. To join You can look up the association web site or contact me for more information.
Tom Endy
Tom Endy
Charlie Stephens
Well-known member
Bill,
Joop and Tom are right but I would also post the question here "what are the cost drivers on a Victoria and what are the usual problem areas"? I think they had a lot of wood and a many of the parts are unique to that body style. Even with pictures and the first hand viewing by someone else there is no way I would buy a car without seeing it in person (although others have). An airplane ticket is probably the cheapest insurance you can buy.
Charlie Stephens
Joop and Tom are right but I would also post the question here "what are the cost drivers on a Victoria and what are the usual problem areas"? I think they had a lot of wood and a many of the parts are unique to that body style. Even with pictures and the first hand viewing by someone else there is no way I would buy a car without seeing it in person (although others have). An airplane ticket is probably the cheapest insurance you can buy.
Charlie Stephens
Gumpy
Well-known member
the first thing I ask is does it run,,what is the history on the car and condition? Is the frame solid thats a big one for me....I have acquired title for cars after the fact....you can always run a dmv check on the ownership...or if you find an old registration slip.....look for evidence of it's life under the seat of the car...I found a live shotgun shell in the trunk of my 40 coupe....and numerous papers in glove box...even a title one time....check for service station stickers on the door pillars....Upon first sight I always ask how long it been seetin there? It's true ---pictures do not give a complete view of a car but I have been pleased more than dissapointed because a seller was honest with me ...GUMP
pat in Santa Cruz
Well-known member
If I remember correctly, Vickys had thinner seat backs than Tudors, but its not uncommon to find Tudor front seats in a Vicky. They do have lots of wood in them, and the condition is very important as replacing it is very expensive. You should definitely seek advice from a Vicky expert (like Tom Endy). Try to find a Vicky Assn. member in your area to bring along, or in the area where the car is located who will look at it for you..