Paul Dobbin Posted September 13, 2016 Share Posted September 13, 2016 5 hours ago, John_S_in_Penna said: But did you realize that the price of a postage stamp went DOWN to 47 cents? John, I'm still using "Forever Stamps" that i paid 49 Cents for. Restorer32, I said nothing about trying to buy his car, just a friendly letter of introduction. Re-read my earlier post. We can be civil, even if there is no response, I know a guy who was one of many who asked a lady about her 1976 Eldorado Convertible and she sold it to him. Upon return to take her for a ride in the finished car, she told him "she sold him the car because he had a crease in his jeans". He went home and thanked his wife for ironing his jeans. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C Carl Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 I am finding this discourse on proper etiquette interesting , civil and informative. I , like the elderly subject gent , have age related diminished capabilities , and I also have too many Cadillacs. Apparently , rumors as to the premature demise of each of us have been somewhat exaggerated. I submit that we are both DECREASED people. If you all are so lucky , you will be there , if not now , eventually. Something to think about as the hour is drawing ever closer. Who gets our cars and parts ? Probably better just a little too soon , than a little too late. - Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike6024 Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 3 hours ago, Paul Dobbin said: ...I'm still using "Forever Stamps" that i paid 49 Cents for... wow, never realized that could happen, my forever stamps now worth less than I paid for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 I once bought a '32 Packard parts car from a recluse who only sold it to me because it was in the way of a paw paw tree he wanted to cut down. He wouldn't actually talk to me but he took a shine to my then young wife. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercer09 Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 I wouldn't be so paranoid if people weren't plotting against me all the time this is what I have gathered from this thread and yes Paul, the government got you again-me too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Wildeisen Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 If you live in a house that is over grown and the windows are boarded up. It sounds like he has written off the outside world. Nothing wrong with asking about the car, a nice letter would be the way to go. But in all honesty, it sounds like some one that needs a friend. All of these old cars mean something to us. That one might be all he has left for the good memories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 (edited) 18 hours ago, Restorer32 said: Being friendly is one thing, being friendly because you want something is another. Well said. Genuine sincerity, not fake sincerity, is important in any undertaking. I think a courteous letter is a good compromise: "Dear Mr. Snufflehaven: I have always appreciated Excaliber XK100's. My uncle had one when I was growing up, and he always let me ride along with him to buy food for his goats. If you would ever consider selling yours, please talk to me first. Or I'd be happy to meet you some time just to talk about cars. Sincerely, Nelvin Needlemyer, phone 222-333-4445." Edited September 14, 2016 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drwatson Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 I think the letter is a good way to ask if the Caddy is available. The owner appears to be in a increasingly distressed situation. He's the way he is because he doesn't trust anyone and wants to protect what he has....privacy, for one! I don't see a letter violating privacy and it gives the Caddy owner control over his situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seldenguy Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 I have seen the letter of intent work many times during my association buying old cars. Once with a close friend whom had a very rare early car made in Buffalo. He passed away and when the family went thru his papers settling up his estate they found a 8 year old letter from a collector admiring his Buffalo built car. His closing sentence was "If it ever becomes available for sale I would be interested". The family contacted him and he got the car. It was a win- win situation for both parties. -Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A. Ballard 35R Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 I hope that what has been gathered from this thread that the first thing to do is determine whether or not the person is deceased. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VONZ72 Posted September 22, 2016 Share Posted September 22, 2016 I think I will send a letter to the owner who may very well like to sit down and talk to someone about his baby. I would be very interested in hearing his story and learn the history of the car. One of the things I like the most about the hobby is talking to people about their cars and reminiscing about the "Good Old Days". If I end up with the car great, if I don't it will still have been a learning experience and may bring back some good memories for the owner. I am somewhat of a crotchity old guy myself and it does me good to get out and talk to people about my cars or my grandchildren! Thanks again for all of the ideas and advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick8086 Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 Watch for it on craigslist.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 16 hours ago, VONZ72 said: I am somewhat of a crotchity old guy myself and it does me good to get out and talk to people about my cars or my grandchildren! I resemble that remark. Good luck with your quest, we are all curious how it turns out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 (edited) 16 hours ago, VONZ72 said: I would be very interested in hearing his story and learn the history of the car. One of the things I like the most about the hobby is talking to people about their cars and reminiscing about the "Good Old Days". If I end up with the car great, if I don't it will still have been a learning experience... You said it well. That's a perfect way to phrase your letter. Don't even ask about buying it, though, in this first friendly encounter. Edited September 23, 2016 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 (edited) PLEASE don't call it his "baby." That sounds condescending to me and for some reason, always sounds silly. He may not have any sentimental feelings about it, and every time someone refers to one of my cars as "my baby," I'll admit I get a little annoyed. Why, I can't say, but I rank it right up there with the morons who say, "Gee willikers, you should call Jay Leno to buy this car!" Edited September 23, 2016 by Matt Harwood (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amphicar BUYER Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 I agree! ^^^^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChazA Posted September 27, 2016 Share Posted September 27, 2016 On 9/4/2016 at 2:35 PM, VONZ72 said: 1965 Eldorado convertible Thanks to all who have responded so far. Some good info that will hopefully lead me to the owner. Thinking of selling my extra '65 Eldorado (needs resto). If interested, pm. Not many '65s made, only 2K or so in '65 so there aren't actually a lot around for 65-66. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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