Went to see a '63 R2 yesterday

[Bernie]

Long story.  This car was for sale locally in 1969, after work I was planning on making a deal with the owner.  Mentioned it to a good friend when he came to work on 2nd shift, he says, he just bought it!

My friend passed in 2020.  His wife, same high school class, we had our 60th reunion recently.  I asked her what she had done with my friend's cars, he had a collection of Corvettes, a '64 Plymouth Sport Fury, and others, plus the Avanti.

Shes says  she has sold a lot of the cars.  I asked about the Avanti, she still has it!  I asked if someday I might see it, she said OK, but its not for sale.

So yesterday was the day, I drove the 60 miles to see the car.  It was last on the road in '73, and moved to the new location in 2009 where they had built a house and large storage building.

I was heartbroken when I finally saw the car, as the photos show.  Total neglect.  Only good news it is in a dry building, up on blocks.

Even if she ever sells it, I imagine the motor would need to be gone through, supercharger rebuilt for bearings and seals, paint, does not have the original wheels, dash pad torn and probably mice, brakes. hog troughs, steering spindles, etc.  I was so disappointed - other cars in the building were approaching this condition also.

I would appreciate any suggestions on to the value of a car in this condition.  I am #1 on the list if she ever decides to sell.  R2, automatic trans.

[mfg]

I’ve seen a lot worse…. A thorough cleaning may reveal a jewel in the rough!

[Mel]

It looks like the car is basically all there.  You have to decide how much you can do yourself and how much you are willing to spend.  Personally, I have about twice invested in my car than I'll ever get back, all the (extensive) labor on my part being free; I don't regret a single penny spent.  These cars are an absolute joy to drive and always get great comments.  Good luck!

[AG-R3]

Do you know the serial number?

 

[John C]

           I'll have to agree with Ed. I think there is a better car under that crud than it appears. A lot of hard to find trim parts are there. Remember...  You have to clean the oyster to find the pearl!                                                                 Best Of Luck,  John C.

[Bernie]

Thanks to all for replies.  As I said she doesn't want to sell right now, but I will remind her in a month of two.  I forgot to get the VIN/S/N, I was so excited to just see it after 40 years!  

As to what it's worth, I haven't found any comparable cars on the 'net, most have been worked on and dealer offers.  When the time comes, I'll let her throw a number out and we will go from there I guess.  Probably going to be a long winter - - - -

[cursed avanti]

It would be great if she told you why it was parked in the first place.

Kevin

[lschuc]

It sounds like the husband was a hoarder..... 

[Bernie]

Ischuc - yes, her husband was a collector - mostly Corvettes, he had I think 7, including a first year '53.  Had a beautiful Nova station wagon, rare.  '64 Plymounth Sport Fury, among others.  I think the Avanti was just because it was priced right and avaialble locally.  I think the asking price was $6K back in '69.

[Nelson]

Back on 1969 $6k was a ton for an Avanti.

[billsr2]

Maybe she is going to restore it someday...

🤨

[Bernie]

billsr2 - Although her husband has been gone 4 years already, she has trouble letting go, I realized that when we toured the beautiful home they built 10 years ago.  He had his own sawmill and cut all the lumber from thier own woods.  She is extremely pround of the home, he designed it, they had it cusom built. Things like his model car collection, and even clothing are still there  as if he hasn't left.  Hard to understand if one hasn't been thru something like this I guess.

[Mark L]

My wife is the same. Her father passed 10 years ago, but she's holding on to some of his things that we'll never need or use because they remind her of him.

[aardvark]

You cannot talk a spouse into giving up memories. They will need to make those decisions when and if ready.

All You can do is show interest and when / if they change their mind or get cash strapped You are available to help.  

A good Friend passed last Christmas. He had a collection of firearms that is likely valued at $150k. The Widow knows that IF she sold 2/3rds of em, She would be able to pay off all debts. Still, She's not ready to let go.

This is a very sensitive situation Your looking at. Might be better to just go out and find a different Avanti. They're out there and no hard feelings would come out of going a different direction. Someone in the Family is going to accuse You of lowballing the Wife if You buy from Her. Do You really want to be in that situation over a Car?

Edited October 29 by aardvark

[Bernie]

aardvark  very good reasoning, and a lot of truths for sure.  I guess what attracts me to this car is the fact he was a good friend, and his wife still is.  Had I been 3 hours quicker in '69, the car would have been mine!

I know she is having some family situations, her mother passed and left almost everything to her, she has two brothers and they have literally disowned her - even though she was the one that cared for their mother in the last years, and really deserves the inheritance, my estimation.

I will give her plenty of time, winter coming on, let it settle out, next Spring and see if anything comes of this.