When to let your Model A go

A man that owned a small junkyard died about 30 years ago,and his 30 coupe sat in his garage.His widow decided to sell it,because he had told her it was worth a small fortune.It was way overpriced,and she figured that out pretty quick.Lots of his former customers wanted it,but for a street rod.She didn't want to see the car cut up,as he husband had driven it around for over 50 years.One of the old boys visited her on Saturday morning,and told her how he would love to preserve that car just the way it was,Solid,nice driving 50's restoration and paint.Saw no need to lay a wrench on that car to improve anything.She loved what he said,and even loaned him her wrecker to haul it home.I don't know what he paid for the car that Saturday morning,but on Sunday afternoon I owned the front fenders,splash aprons,hood,headlights,horn and wheels and tires.My friend owned the engine and trans,both axles,and the interior.We split the bumpers,one got the front and the other the rear.The guy was going to box the frame,so he kept that.He decided to buy a chassis,so I got the frame a few weeks later.I got the story months later when I happened to be talking to the woman that sold it to him.I didn't have a clue until then.
 
Keith True said:
A man that owned a small junkyard died about 30 years ago,and his 30 coupe sat in his garage.His widow decided to sell it,because he had told her it was worth a small fortune.It was way overpriced,and she figured that out pretty quick.Lots of his former customers wanted it,but for a street rod.She didn't want to see the car cut up,as he husband had driven it around for over 50 years.One of the old boys visited her on Saturday morning,and told her how he would love to preserve that car just the way it was,Solid,nice driving 50's restoration and paint.Saw no need to lay a wrench on that car to improve anything.She loved what he said,and even loaned him her wrecker to haul it home.I don't know what he paid for the car that Saturday morning,but on Sunday afternoon I owned the front fenders,splash aprons,hood,headlights,horn and wheels and tires.My friend owned the engine and trans,both axles,and the interior.We split the bumpers,one got the front and the other the rear.The guy was going to box the frame,so he kept that.He decided to buy a chassis,so I got the frame a few weeks later.I got the story months later when I happened to be talking to the woman that sold it to him.I didn't have a clue until then.
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That was just all wrong. That guy was a real a-hole lying to that woman to get that car. He obviously knew the back story on her wishes and used that to emotionally separate her from that Model A.
What a class A jerk.
 
40 Deluxe said:
Be cautious about selling at a "very reasonable" price! I've seen too many cases where someone gushes over an old car and begs to buy it, but "can't afford it". So, the owner cuts him/her a good deal, thinking the car is going to a good home. Surprise, within a month the new owner has sold the car for a big profit!
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I'm seeing more and more of that same scenario.....
Thanks to the TV 'reality' nonsense...
Before doing that I would contact a local auction house and sell the car THAT way. You can even discuss a reserve price in private with the auctioneer.
Last spring a local guy sold all of his antique cars through a well known local, in business for 40 years, farm auction/estate dealer. Each car brought very big dollars there was heavy bidding a LOT of interest. He had Model A's, T's early Mustangs, a '28 Chevy sedan a '29 Pontiac tudor, all with fairly good restorations all running condition.He made out very well! I was glad for him!
 
Keith True said:
A man that owned a small junkyard died about 30 years ago,and his 30 coupe sat in his garage.His widow decided to sell it,because he had told her it was worth a small fortune.It was way overpriced,and she figured that out pretty quick.Lots of his former customers wanted it,but for a street rod.She didn't want to see the car cut up,as he husband had driven it around for over 50 years.One of the old boys visited her on Saturday morning,and told her how he would love to preserve that car just the way it was,Solid,nice driving 50's restoration and paint.Saw no need to lay a wrench on that car to improve anything.She loved what he said,and even loaned him her wrecker to haul it home.I don't know what he paid for the car that Saturday morning,but on Sunday afternoon I owned the front fenders,splash aprons,hood,headlights,horn and wheels and tires.My friend owned the engine and trans,both axles,and the interior.We split the bumpers,one got the front and the other the rear.The guy was going to box the frame,so he kept that.He decided to buy a chassis,so I got the frame a few weeks later.I got the story months later when I happened to be talking to the woman that sold it to him.I didn't have a clue until then.
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I realize this is legal. However, I consider this a dirty-trick. I hope karma catches up with this guy. He deserves it.
 
The guy that bought and cut up that A knew the family very well.He owns a repair shop,and was a very good customer until the owner died and the place shut down.As I understand it,he did step up and pay well enough for the car,but his intentions were not what she was aiming for.She did haul the car to a few swap meets for a couple of years,(she did have her own ramp truck),but she always put an awful price on it.She did come over to visit a couple of times before she sold the car,but I was not interested in buying up and running cars back then.I bought things to build,because that was all I had actual cash for.
 
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