Guest Silverghost Posted April 16, 2007 Share Posted April 16, 2007 I would still like to know how these two dealers found out about this car...and bought it out from under our noses??? I had a good friend Richard that possibly was interested, BUT...He never got to see it at all; as well as several on this forum...Dealer/Restorers Mark & Gene beat us all to this deal... They seemed to have had "RADAR" to have found this hidden car!How I will never know! DRATS!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted April 16, 2007 Share Posted April 16, 2007 Again, Happy Birthday Brad and thanks for posting this. I will continue trying but so far no answer. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 She's not answering!!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Can you go over and put a Sold to Lamar Brown sign on the car for me. I'm serious <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 I tried too, Mr. Earl. Don't make me buy it and become a RASG. It is the car I have been searching for forever. I'm serious too, brother. My favorite Buick.Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Lamar,Good luck. I don't know about this week, but I may be able to get down to Phila next week to see if you need some help getting it loaded. Sounds like quite a bit of work just to get it out. Can the move be delayed - horrors, maybe it already went to someone local.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Thriller Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 I really like those '54s...this may be one of the last few affordable ones out there...maybe I should just wait for Suzanne to make her millions, then buy it from Lamar after he's restored it <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontiac59 Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Shoot, I'd hire a rollback guy to drag it out if I had to (get the milk crates out from under there first). If a magled '53 is worth $2600, this one aught to be worth 4 or 5 times that easily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Mike, Kevin anyone else interested in this car. I am bowing out. If I were to buy this car, I would have to sell all my Roadmasters and my newly acquired 54 Muscle. I couldn't stand to do that. I started thinking of it more as an investment but Mike, I have heard you say before that the 54 Sky is your dream car, so given that and the fact that the 54 Roadmaster is my true love, please don't hesitate because of me to persue this car. I would never be able to afford to restore the Sky to the extent that it would require whereas I hope to someday be able to at least do a frame on on Buttercup, Dora B and 54 Muscle. So go for it my good friends. And may the best Buickman win. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Silverghost,I tried a message a bit ago and it seems it did not go. Do you think some old wheels and tires are around to put on to roll the car out?It seems Lamar has had trouble reaching the owner, but I may try tomorrow ands see what happens but I would welcome your thoughts as it looks like we have little time to get the car out of the garage.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> So go for it my good friends. And may the best Buickman win. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>Cheers, Sir.Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 John and Brad,I am going to try to call later today, I am up to the task. Put me in coach, I'm ready to play. Any chance you guys could help if I can get up there? I can bring rolling wheels, jacks etc. My wife has given full go ahead. Also, Brad, do you know if there is a way to get a lost title? I suppose I could apply for a junk title, but that doesn't look so good, does it? I will be away from my computer for the rest of the day, but feel free to call me if you need to contact me.512-294-8401Thanks,Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">She's not answering!!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Can you go over and put a Sold to Lamar Brown sign on the car for me. I'm serious <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>She's still not answering. Go over and put Mike Middleton's name on it. I'm VERY serious. Nuts too.Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Silverghost Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Post deleted by Silverghost Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Brad, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm already trying to line up a diesel and trailer (since my last trailer outing didn't fare so well). I could leave Friday night after work and be in Philly hopefully Sunday morning.MikeYeah, I know I'm supposed to be at work. Rain delay. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Mike,Frustrating isn't it. I tried a few times today also. I wonder if Brad can get a phone number of someone else in the family. I have a vision of this going off to the scapr heap, crusher, the dock and soon to be part of a Chinese 2007 Buick. No matter what the condition, there are just so many of these '54 Skylarks. I just have to believe we can save this. Mike, if you do bow out, I have a restorer here in CT that has an interest; however, from the description, he would not offer her asking price.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Brad,Another quick point. Is there any chance you could get a couple photos of the car, to access condition, but perhaps more important a few ofit in the garage, so some thought can be given, in advance, of how best to move it out and onto a trailer or flatbed. Thanks for anything you can add.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Silverghost Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Post deleted by Silverghost Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Silverghost Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Post deleted by Silverghost Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BJM Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 The 1st thought that crossed my mind, despite it's horrific condition, is that it is one of 836. In ths rare instance, with this crazy market we are in, this car can justify a multi year six figure restoration tab. The person that gets it may not sell it right away, but the value would remain. Please keep us all posted. This is akin to Pete's rare 63 Wildcat convertible 4 speed. Some cars just deserve extra comment and invite cooperation and cheering on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Brad,Thanks for your help. I wrote to Mike to see if he can get you his e-mail address so you can send the photos to both of us. Yes, I know what you mean about the "time critical" situation. I also know what you mean about the price, but you painted a rather bleak picture of the condition. Let's see what Mike wants to do before we worry about this other party. Me, I am now 70, so this is too much a project for me. Sounds like he is about all set to go.I look forward to your responmse this evening.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 I honestly don't care if another restorer gets the car. I have been disappointed in the past by ebay losses and other, that's life. Heck, I emailed Mr. Earl before I let my intentions known here. I don't want to start anything with my friend. That being said, what I would be physically sick about would be if some dude came with a forklift and loaded it onto a flatbed trailer and headed straight for the dump/ recycler. I really want it, I realize I have tipped my hand on that, I realize it will take more cash than I have Right Now. I can always make more money, I work hard for it, but like John said I have time a bit more on my side. I'm turning 40 in July so I guess I have time and a total lack of sanity right now. Thanks for your assistance thus far Brad, I really appreciate it.Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 What I don't understand is why anyone that is seriously considering this car isn't already on their way to Chelthenham Ave. Philadelphia PA with a trailer, 4 wheels and tires, couple of jacks, a couple of comealongs, a winch, chain, shovels, a refrigerator box (portable garage floor)cover alls and some HEAVY GUAGE wire to tie the torque tube to the frame with. So what's a few hundred miles even if it is sold when you get there. I keep four wheels and most of the afore mentioned stuff in a corner of the barn ready to go for when I haul all my junk home. Oh and what if there's already a couple of trailers in the driveway when you get there...you may want to take about $15,20,000 with you if you really want the car. After all Brad did say $5000 "or best offer".Brad said the trunk is sound. Dudes, the rear 3rd of this car is worth double the asking price. Come on guys, you're snoozing.Wake up and get on the road.Brad you can send me the pictures and I'll post them if you need me to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 I'm working Lamar.Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Silverghost Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Post deleted by Silverghost Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 That guy has been trying to sell that Skylark for a couple of months. I have seen it listed several times. I think he wants at least $25k, probably worth it, this car might not get to that point for an additional $20,000, but I ain't got 25 grand. I just talked to a friend who just moved his mother out of her long time home. He said that the car is probably the last thing on THEIR minds. Unfortunately the more "interest" they get the more they (the handlers) will want. Frankly, yeah, It is a parts car. $2,160 in my Old Cars Price Guide. This is another reason I'm not on the road yet. I'm not taking off work to drive 24 hours straight to show up and get hassled by Philly's Phinest without talking to the owner first. Sorry Mr. Earl.Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 Was the cop's son the same one with the beer distributors fork lift? Money or not, that is no way to try to build a rod, unless he has some unique customizing technique. I hope this work out, but it is getting more puzzling all the time. Yes, the more interest, the more the price might rise. Keep me posted I will try to get down Sunday if you can make the deal.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 Thanks John,Ya know I don't know if any of you saw the 54 Skylark street rod at last years Nationals, it was a very well done car, gorgeous in fact. The guy said he got it in similar condition, if not worse, than this car. He said that the money would have been ridiculous to find Skylark only emblems etc., thus the modifications and "shaving". I have, however never seen (and frankly never want to see) a Skylark Rat Rod. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontiac59 Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That guy has been trying to sell that Skylark for a couple of months. I have seen it listed several times. I think he wants at least $25k, probably worth it, this car might not get to that point for an additional $20,000, but I ain't got 25 grand. I just talked to a friend who just moved his mother out of her long time home. He said that the car is probably the last thing on THEIR minds. Unfortunately the more "interest" they get the more they (the handlers) will want. Frankly, yeah, It is a parts car. $2,160 in my Old Cars Price Guide. </div></div>Old Cars Price Guide also says the '53 is worth $70,000 tops and the last couple at auction were a lot closer to $200K. Like I said, if a wrecked, rotted, sat upside down on it's top for 30 years, no front frame stub and no motor or trans '53 will bring $2600, a rarer '54, mostly complete and straight, has to be worth at least twice that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 I'm not disagreeing with you P59.Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Silverghost Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 Post deleted by Silverghost Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Silverghost Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 Post deleted by Silverghost Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest my3buicks Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 I know both Mark & Gene - they are heavily into Buicks and have restored MANY MANY Buicks over the years. Mark owns a body shop and has restored more Buicks than I could even venture to count. I know he has done at least a couple 54 Skylarks, he specializes in 58 Buicks and has restored countless Limiteds. Many of his restorations are BCA & AACA Senior cars. These two guys know their Buicks well enough that it went into knowing hands. They both appreciate what a 54 Skylark is <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> What they or anyone that may buy the car do with it is really their right and business wether we like it or not. Although if they would keep the car, it wouldn't become a custom,that I am sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kevinshea Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 As a 54 SL owner I stayed out of this discussion until now. I got mine in pretty much the same condition. The color of the car was rust and there were no floors to speak of, the cowl was detached from the rear. But, it was a SL, and had most of its parts and I could see through the issue. I purchased a CA 55dr HT with excellent floors and grafted the two together and now have a whole car, just weeks away from receiving paint. At $5000 I almost got in the car myself and went in search of it. $5000 is a steal. You can't get the SL unique parts for less than that, the car is likely worth $10K in parts. IMO the car is worth in the order of $15K site unseen. If someone is going to Carlisle, or knows Mark and Gene, it would be interesting to see how much markup they want. If someone really wants this car call them before they go, call them NOW!And Brad, yuh, agree, if you ever see what you know to be a good deal, take it! you can always sell it within a couple of hours. It is also funny how a good deal gets heard by many. If anyone here gets the car, let me know and I can help them understand the route to a successful restoration of the SL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 See Mike, I told you not to get on the road yet,<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> . Seriously, because I have a trailer and can take off work on short notice I would have gotten on the road and been camping out in the driveway til either the lady came home or I got arrested. But I realize other peoples circumstances are different. I was merely trying to tell help in telling how critical it might to be to get there as soon as possible. But you were right, looks like you would have gotten there at about the time Brad found out it was sold. I just lost out on a Roadmaster and a couple other parts car?s at salvage prices ($250-300) because I couldn?t find a three car hauler to bring them to me at a price I felt was cost effective. I should have just bought them and went after them one at a time.I?m really, really sorry you didn?t get the car Mike.You were the main influence in me and Rita deciding not to persue it. I know you would have restored it and probably taken a Gold the first time out. (Plus I would have had another RASG to sell 54 parts to. That?s a joke son, a joke) Hopefully you can contact the new owners and given the fact it will be known what they paid for it, they may sell it to you at a still decent price. Sounds like even a 100% mark up might possibly still be a good deal. Again I wasn?t meaning to be critical re telling you to get on the road, just trying to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Silverghost Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 Post deleted by Silverghost Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest my3buicks Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 Just spoke to Mark - he has no knowledge of this one at all. He said there is a Mark Twiner(I think he is the fellow that hashad all the 54 Skylarks on ebay in vrious states of disrepair over the past year) fom Annapolis MD that is into Skylarks so it could have been him. Mark will be at Carlisle, so he said he would let me know what he sees Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 I called Willie this morning to borrow one of his trailers, I left a message. At about 2 o'clock he called me and told me I didn't need it. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Ya know, it's hard to be really bummed about a car you didn't even know existed Sunday. Like I said before, I don't care that it went to other restorers, or even dealers who want to sell it. I just didn't want it to be "wasted". Yeah, I wanted a project. Yeah, I wanted a 54 Skylark. There will be more. Mr. Earl, it would have been a totally different story if the car had been in Dallas, hell, It would have been different if it had been in Kansas City. I would have done exactly what you would have done. Dropped everything and camped on the doorstep. But... it was going to take me AT LEAST 30 hours of driving. Knowing me, I would have done it all at once and I ain't a kid anymore. I would have been wasted by the time I got back to Austin. (cue touching music)The one thing I will take from this experience is how cool all of my friends are:one to loan me a trailerone to loan me a brand new Dodge diesel duallyone that offered to drive from Connecticut to help me one that I have never even met going to and from an essentially abandoned house to try to help any way he couldAll for essentially just a favor.Oh...and all you other bozo's cheering me on while calling me nuts, either to my face or behind my back <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />Thanks, y'allMike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 Nah,You would have at least owed me a ride in it, and some future National.I know some people that will be a Carlisle also, so I will have them keep an eye out for it.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BJM Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 Thanks to everyone for keeping the posts active on this car. When there is a rare car for sale, no doubt the word gets around and someone with cash and nerve is in the right place at the right time. Isn't this car the same as a rare "barn find"? We see those on ebay a lot these days. This car and it's method of purchase intrigue me. I have seen it all too often. If it is THE car you want, I certainly understand butthe rarer the car, the more unscrupulous people become. I am not saying there was anything unethical in this transaction but we wanted the car to go to "one of our guys" and it didn't. We don't know how it got into the hands of the people it did and finally, although nice (Marie) how come when you want to close a deal, elderly owners disappear, change the terms, or (heaven forbid) pass away? How many elderly owners simply won't sell until it's too late? It just drives me crazy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 I just spoke with Marc, the ebay guy. He didn't buy it. He has other project cars so I may pursue them. Anybody want to buy a 63 Wildcat convertible? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I thought about being Buick 5563X, but I doubt I'll be able to keep my kitty...or a Model A Ford with a nailhead? I got the bug, boys. Mikeps. I was going to let this thread die. Sorry.Oh yeah, My 25k estimate for his dipped 54 was WAY off. Like by twice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now