Strategy to purchase a car that's "not for sale"

[Canuck]

Patience
I bought my original W-30 convertable by becoming aquainted with the oroiginal owner and the car "was not for sale" he eventually gave it to his daughter. A year leter she was fed up with the car and I got a call from the dad. I never asked if the car was for sale while I knew him but offered on several occasions if they needed any assistance in locating parts or service for the car I could assist them. When the time came to sell I got the call asking "Do you know anybody who might be interested in buying the car?". Guess what?

I suggest you contact the guy and state you may have some history on the car and ask to meet the guy and see his collection,in particular the GTO. Take a long stroll down memory lane when you talk to him. Broach the subjet by saying its the only car you ever wanted-take it from there based on his response. If you have anything original to the car-photos-paperwork-dig it up,use it as a ice breaker or bargening chip. Offer to have the photos reproduced-dont give up any originals. You may want to plan two or more visits as a strategy.

If you think the guy reads this forum, forget the above and hit him with some some grovelling, don' hesitate to plan the health card.
Good luck!

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

Honesty always pays off IMO.. I'd contact him, but first have some Proof that this is indeed the car you Father owned., or risk being taken as just another guy with a story to try and buy a car that is not for sale. Then just be honest and ask if he would consider selling it and if he says No, they ask for right of first refusal when it comes time... be gracious for teh opportunity and don't think the theory of everyone has a price works.. ie., don't take the NO and then make him an offer..

Good Luck

Mike

[bulletpruf]

Don't count on the right of first refusal working, however. I'd stay in touch with him and let him know that you're still interested. Too many stories out there about folks who got screwed on their alleged right of first refusal.

Good luck with it, and hope there's a happy ending to this story.

Scott

[SS427]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't count on the right of first refusal working, however. I'd stay in touch with him and let him know that you're still interested. Too many stories out there about folks who got screwed on their alleged right of first refusal.

[/ QUOTE ]

........and I am one of them and we stayed in touch 2 times a month. I even offered to send him some money to hold my name on the car but was told "that was not necessary". As was said, DO NOT depend on that. When it comes to selling, the first guy standing there with the $$$ often time gets it.
Rick

[SBR]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Don't count on the right of first refusal working, however. I'd stay in touch with him and let him know that you're still interested. Too many stories out there about folks who got screwed on their alleged right of first refusal.

[/ QUOTE ]

........and I am one of them and we stayed in touch 2 times a month. I even offered to send him some money to hold my name on the car but was told "that was not necessary". As was said, DO NOT depend on that. When it comes to selling, the first guy standing there with the $$$ often time gets it.
Rick

[/ QUOTE ] It just happened to me, first do not tell anyone else about the car, word travels fast and if the car is highly desirable news of its whereabouts will get around and will increase the likely hood of someone else getting the car that you want. Stay in touch, be honest and hope for the best.