[Shop Rat]

Some who have come here looking for help don't know what they have found or what it might be worth to someone. They need help because they are not in the hobby. They found it while cleaning out the home/garage/out building of some relative or friend. Or they got stuck having to liquidate an estate and they have no idea of the value of vehicles or parts. And with stories in the papers and the news about some long missing piece of art or wildly valuable knick-knack they want to find out before they part with it.

Our neighbor that died about five years ago was a hoarder of sorts. There is a 30's era Ford in the garage that hasn't run in the twenty-six years we have lived here. Several cars, trucks and boats sitting in the yard. And he told Bill that years ago he bought out the parts department of a Ford dealership when it closed. All of that stuff is still somewhere.

You can take this to the bank, his two sons are going to need help when it comes time to deal with all that when their mom either has to move out of the house or dies.

[Ivan Saxton]

Comment to me in 1980 by the late Ray Wolff, Duesenberg Historian. Someone may trade a $10,000 dog for two $5,000 cats" !

[Dandy Dave]

A good old friend of mine was selling some old gas pumps several years ago to another friend. The buyer asked "What are they worth?" The seller answered, " Why they aint worth nothing! But if you want them, you'll pay for them!" I stood on the side lines and was LOL..... Yep, even usless stuff has value. Of course the buyer bought them all. Dandy Dave!

[First Born]

Guys, probably most of the time they dont have any knowledge of the hobby. BUT we all had to start somewhere. What better place than here where there is so much? Also, they are probably only looking for an idea, a starting place.
My thoughts.
Ben

[Amphicar BUYER]

Originally Posted by Gary Hearn

I have been collecting stuff since I was a kid. My wife does not understand it and wishes it was gone (and probably me with it). She constantly harps on how she will be saddled with my junk when I die.

Gary - This make me feel badly for you. For her to feel like your passions are a burden to her, that is sad. I feel for you! I really do. I'm blessed with a GF who loves cars but more importantly loves me and because of that she at least tries to see my point of view as I do with her. We both found out we actually like many things that we may never have tried before.

My collection is worth everything to me, it saved my life! After my head-on wreck a year and a half ago I was left without any income, the guy who hit me (his fault) did not have insurance and I didn't have enough uninsured motorist coverage (Please check yours!). So I now also have over $60k in medical bills to pay and another surgery to endure all at my own cost. Because it was a car wreck, my medical insurance will not cover it.

Several of my Amphi friends donated money to me when I needed them the most. I can never adequately thank them for what they have done for me.

On the other hand, I have sold a couple cars since then to keep my head above water (good thing with an Amphicar!) While in the hospital I purchased another Amphicar from my hospital bed. A man in Mn was loosing his home and needed $ fast. I paid him twice his asking price and sold it for 3x what I paid. Everyone was happy. He saved his home, the friend who picked it up for me got a new TH-400 trans for free from the guy because he was so happy I didn't screw him even though I could have and I made money on the deal and now I'm restoring that car for a local guy. Everybody is HAPPY!

So because of my collection, friends and reputation, I am able to pay the bills. My collection brought me closer to other people who love Amphicars which in turn added many friends to my life and they saved me when I needed them the most. In spite of my protests, they insisted on extending a helping hand. I only hope one day I can be there for them when they need me. So I have to reiterate, my collection saved my life! I hope that maybe one day when I'm gone, whomever gets it all, will enjoy it or sell and at least turn it into something that they can wrap thier arms around.

[TheMoneyPit]

I agree that the value is in the love of the collection, but also think that we should keep our loved ones in the know regarding the actual cash value of a collection. I know that what I've collected will end up being sold after I'm gone and I'd want my wife to get a fair offer rather than be blinded by some opportunistic a** with a good line of BS. There have been many instances locally where a loved one has lied to his spouse about the true value only to die and their familly sell off their loved cars for less than a fair value.

[41_packard]

I understand totally what you all are saying about enjoying your collection, whether its cars or whatever. BUT, one must be smart about it and try not to go too crazy so some day a $ value could be recouped if necessary. I have never lost money on an antuque car, probably because I've kept them long enough to benefit from appreciation over the years. I'm also very careful not to over-restore (don't do concourse shows). My cars are "drivers" so its much easier to not get in too deep when you "accept" a little pitting on your chrome, etc........

[Gary Hearn]

I have compiled a list of my largest items (cars, trucks, tractors, farm equipment, horse drawn vehicles, trailers, etc.) that includes purchase price, approximate amount spent since purchase as well as the expected market value. It also contains names and numbers of people who are knowledgeable on the items and can assist with disposition.

[Bob LIchty]

Even though I am a classic car dealer and auction company, which during my day job, it has to be about money and values. I am, always have been and always will be a hobbyist first. I have cars in my own collection that will never be for sale. It is a runaway hobby that put me in the crazy business I am in. And, it is comforting to know that after 39 years of working in this hobby/industry as my career, hobby and passion, I know that the money is meaningless and if I was not doing this as my career, I'd be putting out money to do it as my hobby only. I have said for years, "If I worked this hard at doing anything I hated for the past 39 years, I'd be a rich guy by now." But, instead I am one of the most blessed guys I know. I get to do my hobby everyday. My career and hobby has been a passion and priviledge. AACA has been part of every day of it.

[Shop Rat]

Originally Posted by Amphicar BUYER

I only hope one day I can be there for them when they need me.

And if they never need that help, a guy like you will help someone else that does because you know what that kind of help means to someone. Kind of the "pay it forward" idea.