Hi all,
I just thought I would weigh in on this conversation since I am the one who asked Chris (Ohmess) to look at the car for me. It also just occurred to me that I really should come out of the shadows and introduce myself, since I have been lurking on this forum and benefitting from your collective wisdom for the past year or so.
I am new to the e9 world, but not new to classic cars. I'm primarily a Porsche guy - but don't hold that against me!
I have also gone through a "British phase" with MG's and Triumphs. I have been in and out of many classic cars over the years, and have always had one or two as time, space and money would allow. I currently have a couple of older 911's including a backdate project. With my kids all out of college, I have the means to pursue some of the other marques that I have always admired. I recently added a 1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV to my little "collection". The point is, I am not a newbie to the world of buying and selling classic cars, and I have come across all kinds of buyers and sellers throughout the years.
In the spirit of "giving back" and contributing to this forum, I thought I would share what I know about this car:
When I saw the eBay listing, I called and spoke with the seller. He struck me as just another "car guy" like me. In fact his primary interest is older Porsches as well, so we had something in common and had a very pleasant conversation. He did not know much about the e9 (it was the first one he has owned) but, he said the car had been "restored" about 10 years ago. When I asked him I asked if he had any details on what was involved with the restoration, he said he thought he had some invoices he could send me. He sent me several pages of detailed invoices of work that was done in 2002. It included $2500 in upholstery work, $6700 in body work and paint, and R&R engine and transmission as a ton of miscellaneous odds and ends for $14K. All of which adds up to a lot of money in 2002.
This was ticking a lot of boxes for me. I like the color combo, it seems like a solid car with some serious work having been done, and the price is within my budget. So, I'm really interested and can feel my check-writing hand start to quiver. But, since Chris (Ohmess) graciously offered to take a look at the car, I figured I would take him up on it. When I called the seller to set something up, that's when things really went south. He did not have time to f*** around with someone who pretended to know about these cars, etc. I pointed out that Chris was local and would simply stop by to take a quick look at the car to be my eyes. He went on to say that he owns at least a dozen cars and doesn't have time for this BS. I was stunned. When I pointed out that his listing and pictures didn't reflect a lot of detail, and that I would just like someone just to lay eyes on it, he became even bigger dbag (as Stevehose put it). Ultimately he said that if I did not trust him that I shouldn't buy the car...in fact, if he might as well just keep the car himself. And if I needed more detail I should just enlarge the pictures that he provided. Seriously??? Again, I was stunned. I don't know if he was having a bad day or what the deal was.
In any case, I am really disappointed. As I mentioned it really ticks a lot of the boxes on my wish list.
So, I am now out of the shadows...and looking for a nice e9. I will post a separate WTB with some additional details. Thanks!
