Steve_Mack_CT

To echo West I am not sure the OP's intent was to suggest anything less than "above board", that said, he is stating the obvious that the internet has fundamentally changed the hobby. Sometimes even lower end cars or projects are moving at a lightning pace despite the junk economy as Bob points out. Hobbyists now compete with online dealers who are knowledgeable about what they can make a profit on and are not afraid to buy online. "finders" doing the type of matchmaking the OP describes I think is getting to be more of a peripheral thing. Here is an example of what I am talking about. I have been looking for a couple of cars lately, an XKE coupe being one of them. A couple months ago I spot a 2+2, NOM, manual but non original transmission, Series II, in complete but non running condition for $5,500. Described as solid and appeared so in the pics. Day of it being posted on CL. Not really what I want for a lot of reasons BUT it looked good enough in the pics that I felt based on prices for these, it was not going to last. I am looking for my next keeper and was not inclined to chase it myself. Well the car shows up within a couple of days on a NY dealer's website, and the description, while simillar had lost the fact about the non original manual trans. (an aside, but makes you wonder...) It was absolutely the same car as both the CL ad and dealer pics were very good. Dealer had listed it I think around $7,500 - CL ad was still up! The car was gone in a matter of a couple weeks from the dealer. I also saw that scenario play out with a Morgan in NJ not too long ago as well, which based on description was absolutely the same car. Moral of the story, Internet is not just a tool for high end sales. If you are scouring the usual Internet sources, you are competing with dealers who know a deal when they see it, and are willing to make a phone deal. On the flip side, guys like Gullwing and Bev. Hills provide a service in that they do bring a lot of project cars to market, so you may pay their markup but may not have to wait years for just that special car. This is just a small example of how Internet has fundamentally changed the hobby, but I think it has diminished the "locator's" role a bit - a good thing, IMHO as it weeds out some of these guys. Maybe it is worth it in some instances as a Packard specialist for example, may be aware of cars that are not yet being marketed. Another thought on CCCA type cars, many owners are not Internet savvy so networking seems to work better there, but by and large, it is not the 80s anymore.

Bob, exactly the type of car to enjoy with Spring and Summer right around the corner here in CT!! At 30 years old, in original shape, and a drop top, you will have a lot more fun driving it around than the jelly beans that normally populate our parking lots here, right? And I am sure it will draw some interest - maybe more than you would expect. Yet not too valuable to leave in the shopping center parking lot, right? In some ways that is the perfect "old car" - register it, enjoy it, use it, and put an optomistic price tag on it if you don't fall in love. You may not lead the charge to include 1982 models at Redding come September, but I bet you fall in like, at least!

Pat, are you saying you have some complete cars - I would be interested in the 1948 Bentley if it is complete and reasonably decent - Thanks

Thanks Gents. Dave, apparenty the fellow in the picture was washing cars in Nazi era Germany. The OP with the question was very appreciative, and the guys on the Benz forum are impressed (credit given appropriately!! )

Why am I not surprised? Thanks A.J.

Picture believed to be taken in Poland; helping out someone trying to research this and I am stumped. Would not want gent in the picture mad at me... Note the European style roofline and lack of running boards - hoping fender accent can be a clue. Already tried to re-size and read hubcap, no luck. Thanks

Sounds like a pretty interesting project. Hope to see some pics of the progress. A period color is a very good idea. Tough to tell in the pic you posted of the roadster body you sold, and it will likely be painted, but the only criticism I would have had from a distance is it looked like a metallic color in the pic, still stunning, though.

Glenn, I have taken this before and scored same - the early 50s Mopars got me - I do not know them well enough to differentiate between Plymouth, Dodge, etc. just by the paint and trim. This is a fun activity. I will tell you some of the Mercedes SL guys on another forum scored 100%. (another excuse I have is that I was not around in the 1950s... )

540K, just curious, what type of chassis did you have your body on? Looks like new owner got a nice piece of workmanship for sure. Are you still building a project?

Great video West! My oldest (ten year old) GSD - the one who got herself in a jam, however, prefers to watch the snow from the comfort of her (was once mine.. :confused: ) living room chair...

Getting back to David's initial post, agree the "preferred subscriber" is the new subscriber indeed!! Just picked up "Road & Track" for 8 bucks, as I have done over the years on and off. I figure I have enough of an interest in new cars that if I read only one or two articles on the performance sedans and sports cars I get my money's worth, recycle to the kid who will do the same, can't go wrong. HMN Classic Cars and Sports & Exotics for $12, not bad either... A.J. - I agree with your thoughts on HMN - but while I no longer get antsy if it is a few days late when it does show up in the mailbox it is still fun - like a "hi old pal, here I am again... "

Pitchers and Catchers have reported for work so spring is indeed, inevitable!!!

True, and my guess is RedVac has left the building, but hopefully the info helped him and when the time is right he jumps into the hobby. OTOH I think the thread is alive due to some of the interesting offshoots it spawned - i.e. is a collectible or quasi collectible car ever a good idea for a DD, what would be an interesting ride for a younger/budget minded collector, what is a "musclecar" and some of the technical fine points of Corvair/VW/TR suspensions... All good. As much as I love them I have limited time for forums and do not read every thread, if something looks like it is interesting I have a look, otherwise, I skip over the majority - assuming most do the same, what is the harm in keeping one running as long as their is interest?

Steve I remember that Spitfire picture from one of my old Triumph books, each wheel, it seems wants to follow its own path!

Helfen, I would think a definitive list of what constitutes a musclecar and what does not would be kind of a tall order. CCCA has been at that for Classic era cars for 60 years and they have many imperfections on their list. This would be equally difficult at best, no?

Great example of an inexpensive entree into the hobby, Marty. I think the '73 - '77 Cutlass was the number one selling car in America towards the end of its run. When was the last time you saw one?

I hear ya Steve, but this strip just fits the now all too familliar media mode of "anyone in a position of authority must be an idiot" be it clergy, bosses at a company or parents. I remember an interview with the VP of "Nickelodeon" once when it first came out and she decribed that very attitude as what young people wanted and needed. Really? I am not saying authority is always right and never to be questioned, but this smarmy attitude is a big reason for many of society's problems today. Their are many, many things you would not dare make fun of (and truthfully most would be innapropriate to do so)in this PC world today, but old cars and old car people are part of the "old establishment" therefore fair game. Oh sH#%, I violated my New Year's resolution to avoid non "old car only" posts. Well, I think we all see eye to eye here anyway... Can't argue with your logic, Joe P., but how can you reach out to a group who is not interested? Best not to frustrate one's self, I think...

Bump. Phil bought the distributor but I still have all the other stuff. Can Deliver to Spring Rhinebeck Show!

Opened the front door Saturday morning and before I could stop her one of the Shepherds bounded out and within seconds had sunk up to her neck - so here I am barefoot, in sweats and a T-shirt shoveling to get to her before she panicked and hurt herself! Well they eventually made some of their own paths - proof there is strength in numbers!! This is one time of the year I am glad we are down to 4 cars here, at least 2 are in a garage!

Never been a big fan, I think 58Mustang has this clown figured out...

Apologies gents, for being a bit lazy earlier. Mike, as an aside I know from experience ten feet of the stuff won't cool the footwells in that TR-6!!! This from an MB forum was what I was thinking of - did not take too much time to find... Interior rebuild getting closer, Dynamat installed. - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

Dwight, FWIW this has been discussed in detail on other forums and while I cannot speak from personal experience, consensus seems to be that their is an insulation product available at the big box home centers (Lowes, Depot) that has ALL of the properties Dynomat does except the logo, for a fraction of the price. Before you order you may want to check that out. Great to hear you are closing in on a running chassis, always a big milestone!!

Yep, their are several definitions of classic car vs "Classic Car" that have been discussed on this forum ad nuseum. Those that interested can do a simple search on this. I think it is great to inform a new member about "commonly accepted nomenclature" but that said, I think it is really obnoxious to call any non-classic (as defined by the CCCA) simply a "used car". Let's be honest, what you are basically saying, "well if it is not on MY list, it must be junk". Full Classics are incredible cars, but not for everyone. BTW I could rattle off literally dozens of non classics that exceed most Full Classics in terms of market value. Not that market value should drive one's interest but it is a reflection of trends and popularity of various collector cars. Sorry, but that mindset serves only to deter newcomers from AACA or CCCA membership and perpetuate the negative impressions of CCCA that many members of this forum have voiced in the past. BTW, having been a CCCA member, I firmly believe that while a great organization, their classification process is less than perfect. It is a great organization that covers a very special group of cars, but not the be it all end all of the hobby.

RedVac, good thinking and planning on your part. You know what level of committment you can make at this point of your life, good news is learning is largely free. You may consider joining AACA where you can learn more about Musclecars or whatever peaks your interest. If you do, definately find your local region and join up. Chances are you will at least get to copilot some cars and see close up if that is what suits you. I would imagine their are forums simillar to this one that focus on Mopars as well. Good luck and hope you stay interested -

The last time I drove in LA traffic it was not moving all that fast - we were tempted to get out and walk....