Garage stored 1975 Coupe Deville

[drbrommerich]

My father-in-law installed a different motor and had it completely repainted 33 years ago.  31 years ago, he parked it in this garage, and it was only driven apx 5 miles since, only starting it up apx every 5 years. My father-in-law passed away last month so the family has decided to sell the car. Today we opened the hood, checked the fluids (all ok) and installed a new battery. We poured some gas down the carburetor and when we turned the key, the motor only went around once and STARTED RIGHT UP! and ran like a clock, very quiet and smooth running and NO signs of blue smoke. The interior looked very good but it doe's need a back bumper and tires. Would any body be interested in this car? Thank you,  Dave

[chrisntam]

Dave looks like he's in Minnesota, is that where the car is?

[drbrommerich]

Yes I am in southern Minnesota

[Ednardo Benevides]

Interesting...and what's the price?

[Bryan J Moran]

Dave

A few more details would help.  What is the shown mileage?  500's are long lived so is the mileage high? 

Photos of the rear bumper and surround would help someone decide. Most folks don't want to do any work. 

How soon do you (they) need to move the car.  It's January.  I have actually passed on a couple of cars because of all the snow/salt. 

[V63]

I probably have a nice rear bumper available. Shipped from 85004

[71 Fleetwood]

You might think about cleaning up the spilled corn and the dead mouse. 

[Big Fins]

You might think about cleaning up the spilled corn and the dead mouse. 

I almost choked on my dinner laughing so hard!

[drbrommerich]

Hey 71 Fleetwood!  I have to say that you are pretty smart and intelligent to notice that. The next time I find a car that has been parked for 31 years and right after I take the cover off, I will wash it and clean it up first, then  will call you for your expertise opinion. Thank you very much!  Dave

[71 Fleetwood]

You're welcome. 

Assuming that you plan to market the car after you get the free feedback here, you'll take the knowledge to heart.  The tough questions will come later from buyers that want to know real details and you can't shuck and jive them with "I dunno, it was already like that"  Put some effort into it and you'll see a better return for the family - which is what you're doing, right?

[chrisntam]

Ya know, in Dave's defense, (I'm thinking) he put it here to see if there's any interest, pretty much as it sits.  It's likely they want to move it as is.

Otherwise, he would have cleaned it up, prettied it up and then put it for sale.  I can see past the all the storage related stuff.  No need to beat him up on it.

chris.

[Bryan J Moran]

Agreed Chris.  The family just took some quick photos to show general condition.  I sold my 60,000 mile 1976 CdV in nice running condition for $3400.  I would think this non running but nice car is a $1800 car. 

[Carfreak]

I would think this non running but nice car is a $1800 car. 

Today we opened the hood, checked the fluids (all ok) and installed a new battery. We poured some gas down the carburetor and when we turned the key, the motor only went around once and STARTED RIGHT UP! and ran like a clock, very quiet and smooth running and NO signs of blue smoke.

Non-running? Are you talking about the car in the original post?

[Roger Zimmermann]

Ya know, in Dave's defense, (I'm thinking) he put it her to see if there's any interest, pretty much as it sits.  It's likely they want to move it as is.

To awake interest, a clean vehicle (without dead mouse) will spark more interest than a dirty one. Of course, if Minnesota has about the same weather than right now in Switzerland, washing a car is something I would push away for at least 2 months!

[Bryan J Moran]

Non-running? Are you talking about the car in the original post?

Good point, I missed that.  It will likely need trailered.

And yes, it will be - 10 tonight in Iowa.

[Big Fins]

You can keep that -10 stuff. I was complaining about 35F where I was last night. I hate it below 70F anymore.

Good luck with the sale Dave!

[71 Fleetwood]

Oh quit being victims, please.  That poor mouse still needs a burial. 

[Bryan J Moran]

To awake interest, a clean vehicle (without dead mouse) will spark more interest than a dirty one. Of course, if Minnesota has about the same weather than right now in Switzerland, washing a car is something I would push away for at least 2 months!

Roger
That is true about cleaning up a car for a better selling result.  As one who frequents selling markets I can tell you that many next generation sellers "just want the car gone" as is.  This seems to be the case here. 

It's EVEN colder today, so I can't imagine what Minnesota is experiencing.  There is a value in having someone do the "heavy lifting" when selling a car.  You get less money but less headaches as well. 

[drbrommerich]

Good morning from -4 degrees Minnesota this morning. Arrangements have been made to take the car in and get it in good running condition and get it cleaned up. We have not found the mouse yet, but we will keep every one posted. Watch for new pictures in a couple of weeks.  Dave

[Roger Zimmermann]

Oups Dave, it's really cold!
By the way, the mouse can be seen on the 4th picture; its on the concrete floor.