Originally Posted by
Bob Andrews
Very interesting, Scott. But if I might make a
suggestion, go back and read through this entire thread. As an
objective observer I see:
Avanti said to be R3
Massive interest, as can be expected with an R3 claim
Vague description
Seller that seems to have no idea what it really is
Seller lists several points of misinformation
When contacted, gives vague and evasive answers
Son of owner responds to thread
Interested parties ask specific questions
Son gives more vague answers and 'I think' responses
Owner tells son he will "TRY" to give more info
After several inquiries and over 600 thread views, we get one small, distant picture and one grainy interior shot
If you look at the situation as a whole, you will see that this is no
way to sell a car for $40K. Folks would be nervous about buying a $3K
car under those circumstances, let alone $40K!
I have a background in sales; and I appreciate nice cars; so I suggest the following:
Prompt, complete, exact answers to inquiries
Accurate description of all components (exactly which Paxton is it? As
Jack asked, supply a complete list of everything that makes it an R3)
Clear, plentiful pictures of everything- engine number, visible engine components, interior, hog troughs.
Complete list of documentation- bills, parts receipts, etc.
Again, clear, sharp pictures of all of it!
Yes, this is a lot of effort. But that price is VERY premium money- too
much for a basic R1 car, but fair for an R3. So the key is lots of
detailed information. It's the only way to get premium money,
especially in this economy. I know lots of businessmen who are
skeptical about what will happen going forward and instead of expanding
their businesses are holding cash and waiting. They're nervous about
everything, including stocks and bonds; even cash. So there are those
that might like to hedge their portfolios with an investment-quality car
or two. But answers that appear evasive are a red flag, and they will
just move on.
I know you might not want to get that involved with your father's sale,
but at least he should know the seller is not doing him any favors. You
don't get that kind of money for a car with a vague, inaccurate mention
in passing with a description like "never hit". A car of this
magnitude should have a whole page with all the above info clear and
accurate; one needs to make potential buyers comfortable and confident
before they'll open their wallet; remember, 95% of potential buyers will
not be able to see the car in person until it rolls off the transport
in their driveway.
One more tip: This forum would be a great place to post all this. Yes,
us looky-loos love to see it, but the best part is the exposure.
Picture this scenario:
"Hey, guy's got a nice Avanti for sale. Says it's an R3."
"Really, where?"
"Minnesota. Looks like a nice car."
"Boy, that's just what I want! I might be interested, but I hate to call somebody until I know a little more."
"Well, there's a thread all about it on the SDC forum. Go have a look!"
It's like a free website for the car!
Anyway, food for thought. Good luck to your father on his sale.