So a buddy of mine tells me of a Model A friend of his mother owns but doesn't want to sell. It belonged to her late hisband. Sentimenyal value and all. I ask him to show it to me anyway. We go to he house...nice old lady. She takes us to the shed. While walking there, she tells me that her husband liked the car because it was the same year he was born...1932. She said yes... it is a 1932 Model A. She open the door and under an old piece of carpet mat is a1932 3-window. After my erection went away, and with my best poker face, I asked again if she would sell. Again she says no. Not only does she want to hold on to the car for sentimental reasons she says' Honey...I don't even think it will start." Do I offer her a fist full of cash anyway ...like 10 grand. Or sit on it for a while . I don't know what to do...I gatta have it. Any suggestions...by the way, don't even ask where it is.
It's not a B it has the flathead V8. She just seems to think it's an A. But it's a 3 window deuce. Suicide doors and completely unmolested. I'm going back up on Monday to talk to her again and ask if i can take a few pics.
Don't run in with a handfull of money. That won't work. Go to her and tell her you know you understand how much that car ment to her husband and you would like to finish his dream of getting the car up and running just the way he would have wanted it. Tell her, even though you would own it, you will give her a ride in it and make it available for family gatherings etc. I'll bet it will work if you keep trying.
You might want to find out if she has two sons named Guido and Luigi before you begin negotiations to low ball a very valuable car away from an old lady.
I would go to see her with a camera. Ask if she would mind you just taking pictures of the car. Reguardless of the condition, praise the car and her husband for having it. Don't push but earn the right to buy the car when and if it is sold. You will learn more about the condition of the car and her thoughts about its value this way.
I'd take it easy on this, if she kept it this long it means more to her than just dollars. Other people must have made offers, just try to get yourself to be first on line, and find out if there are other family members that may be ahead of you.
Exactly what '37 said. Don't lie to her, she's heard lies before, she will know. I'm working on something similar myself right now.
Find out when her birthday is and take her out and get her drunk then tell her to sign here on the dotted line ...........
I will wait for Bruce Lancaster to chime in with production numbers, but I'm fairly certain there were a small number of banger-powered Deuce 3Ws. Be nice to the lady and make it clear that if she chooses to sell it, you would appreciate being in line for the car. Ask her some questions about the car, such as why it was so important to her husband, that kind of thing. You will get a good story out of it and will end up on her good side. As has been said, I guarantee she has seen fistfulls of dollars and turned them down..
Now that seems good advice , weve all been there and untill you actually make an offer or swap whatever you dont stop thinking about it , then if the answers "NO" get you life back to normal and get a therapist....
Just found this.... another "widows" car. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...ndexURL=0&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting
I realize 10k is stealing the car, but I hinestly don't think she has a clue what it is worth. I'm actually going to take my dad along with me. he is 78 and loves old cars. I think i'll work the angle that we are going to build the car together. We'll see if that works. If not, the sex thing isn't out of the question....ever see the movie "Kingpin"?
Oh yeah...working the angle is always the best method....lying is the perfect way to get something from an old lady.
Okay Next Time .. Pick One Ask How Much The Husband Had Paid For It..how Long Ago.. Double, Triple , Quadruple It And Ask If That Would Make Her Happy Have A Cash Down Payment Ready.. Just Give Her Money Down Until She Decides ......with Out Asking The Price.... Like $200.00..give A Reciept(blank Check If Your Brave) With Your Name And Such.... Even If You Don't Get It Its A Way Into The Deal...1 Nites Beer Money Gone With A Great Story Warn Her If You Must About The Dangers Of Non Running Vehicles Being A "city Saftey Hazard"...she Does Not Want The City To Condemn Her Property You Mom's A Freind Tell Her To Explain How You Will Enjoy It .... As Said Here Before ....bring It Over Running "sorta" What Could You Do To Help Her Out ... Paint ..mow... Move Furniture ..take Her To Church/casino With You.....get Groceries.......clean Out The Shed?.. If Your Clever Enuf To See It You Should Just Get It Somehow.... Bring Your Whole Family And Hang Out
i think i have a pic of that one here, somewhere.........we ran across that same ole' lady (sweet as pie, ain't she).......when we were chasing leads on a model A....turned out to be a 32 3w........we left her with the old "IF you decide to sell it, would you please give us a chance at it"......she agreed but we'll see.......we carry nice little magnetic cards on them with our names and phone #'s that way they can put it on their fridge.... hahahaha, did your stomach sink! well, IF you pass, pass along the location... keep quiet, be patient, be nice, stay in touch....... keep us posted!
Let the lady keep the memories of her husband, when she is good & ready, she will sell the car,until then just leave her to dealing with the loss of her husband. If she would want someone to have it, she will let you know. You can always ask her to keep you in mind when it comes time to sell.
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