[tom406]

Obviously there's no single way to do this. Every seller is different, with different levels of sentimentality, pride, and/or mental illness.

I'm surprised nobody has given the "show me the money" technique. I know of two sales of original owner cars ('67 Shelby GT500/Hemi Challenger) that weren't for sale, but were purchased when the interested parties showed up with the money they were willing to spend in briefcases. While its kind of "in your face", I do believe that the "idea" of money is easier to turn down than acutal stacks of bills.

As an addition to that, I would try to make the offer in the presence of their spouse or significant other. If there are a number of unfinished car projects in the garage, there's probably a few home improvement projects in the house that haven't been done, either. Thus the spouse may become your ally in convincing the seller to turn that unfinished car into cash.

The cash push is almost like an "all in" poker bet, made after a couple of visits to read the seller, verify the car, and develop some trust or common ground.

Good luck to you.

TOM