Contacting Car's Original Owner

[cudino]

One other thing to prepare for is if they ask about the car’s current value, and/or how much you paid for it. Certainly these cars have gone up in value since their ownership, sometimes significantly. In my experience, especially if you are normally humble/private about this kind of info, I’ve found just answering these questions without reservation is the best. After all, you have contacted them, basically a total stranger, asking them to relay information to you, so be prepared to do the same. Initially, I was concerned that prior owners might feel bad about letting a car go that is now considered “valuable”. Especially in the case of original or early owners, who owned these value-less cars while they were still depreciating, for the most part I’ve seen just the opposite. The fact that they have historically played a key role in the ownership, or perhaps even ordering, of a car that not only still exists today but is also considered “valuable” is something they cherish. Of course not every prior owner will have this same response, but for the most part that’s what I’ve seen.

Plus, here’s one other thing I’ve seen. You might be surprised how many “facts” these early owners will share about their cars, “facts” that simply cannot be true based on the knowledge-base we have today. I’ve also found to leave these memories alone and just listen, there’s no benefit in questioning these “facts”. Like I said, listening and answering questions seems to be the best approach, at least through the first contact.

Best of luck, and let us know how it goes.
- Wade