Appraisal of a 1917 Cole in Iowa

[IndianaCarGuy]

I am trying to purchase a 1917 Cole in Iowa, but the owner is reluctant to sell because they have no earthly idea what the car is worth. Although I have made an offer, and a decent one considering the condition of the car, which is not so hot, I was hoping I could locate someone honest and knowledgable in Iowa whom this person can contact to tell them it's worth as a car, and that I am not crazy or degrading this car. Please e-mail me or leave a contact note here.<p>[ 09-02-2001: Message edited by: IndianaCarGuy ]

[IndianaCarGuy]

Much thanks. You just answered my question, as I already gave that amount as a value,... just wanted someone to confirm it. I would place it in #5 condition.

[Guest]

Indiana ~ If the owner of the car feels that their car is worth a fortune, nobody that you could refer them to for valuation would likely convince them otherwise. It is likely that they would just feel you recommended one of your buddies to assist you in "stealing" their priceless gem.<P>If you could get them to look at Old Cars Price Guide that would be a start. But then, to them their car, albeit a #4, would be a #1 or at worst a #2 in their eyes. <P>Good luck. ~ hvs

[IndianaCarGuy]

From the pictures I saw, it was a number 5, at best, all there and complete, but needing everything. There are also some incorrect parts that are glaringly obvious. I understand, and I agree, but I am making an honest effort,...and I am sure a reasonable person will see that. I have seen lots of #5 condition cars that the owner sees nothing wrong with them at all,.. "A little paint is all it needs" hahaha,... I wonder how many people actually realize what it takes to make a care a #2, or a #3? Any car that has been sitting, unmoved, unkept, unstarted, and NO maintenance is a number 5,..... anyone will tell you that who has worked on one.<P>By the way, I know the person who bought the 1913 Cole that some of those estimates are based on, in 1995,...it has since been restored, and was sold from the estate, in Illinois,..if anyone has seen a 1913 Cole 2-seater roadster which used to be in northcentral Illinois, please forward to me the owner's name or address. I think I have found a script clock for it. It is for a 1913 or 1914 model, and has a blue script Cole on it.<P>[ 09-02-2001: Message edited by: IndianaCarGuy ]<p>[ 09-02-2001: Message edited by: IndianaCarGuy ]

[Guest]

The Standard Catolg of American Cars 1805 -1942 has a price guide for the 1911 Cole. Most models are about $4000 in condition 5. Need model and condition if you want and exact amount.

[IndianaCarGuy]

HAHAHAHA! Well,..My respect for the AACA has grown, I was impressed that someone posted the exact value I had given these people,..and it had to have been a real revelation that their fortune dwindled in the sight of reality,...No, they have not bothered to answer my e-mails since this post came out, and I doubt they will,...as I am sure I BURST someone's bubble about getting rich from old cars! Take care, all you people who place enormous and unrealistic prices on your vehicles, we are not as dumb, or uninformed as you may think, and the internet has allowed us to get information, resources, and expert advice that can PREVENT people from being taken advantage of. With resources such as this site, Hemmings, and a host of experts within keyboard reach,...we can determine value, rarity, and locate a wealth of information within hours, not weeks or months.<P>Yeah,..I feel bad I am not going to be able to save a 1917 Cole from slowly rusting away into history,..but look how much I have gained in respect to available expert advice and resources. This is a wonderful place with great potential, and I am glad to be a part of it.