How to sell a 1960 Bugeye

[longbridgehealey]

Hi, everybody. I've got a 1960 Bugeye with no title, and the motor has been out of it for 10 years. We pulled the motor to do a rebuild, and then life took one of those periodic downturns, and I never got it done. Since then it has rusted pretty badly along the lower sides (you know what I mean). The hood is in really good shape. The seats are gone. Here's my question - should I try to sell it complete, as a parts car, or should I part it out. I know that pictures would help, I'm taking some tomorrow night of my 100-6 to send to someone who is trying to figure out their top frame, so I could take some pics of the Bug, too. It's jammed in the back of my garage to made room for the other lbc's. I'm not trying to make a lot of money on this car, I'm just looking for advice on how to sell it. For years I thought that "someday" I'd restore it, but it just doesn't seem that it's going to happen. I'm always playing catch-up on the other Sprites and the 100-6, so I think it time to let it go. How should I sell it?

Larry

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Since there is no title, you are pretty much limited. And it sounds like a real basket case. I think I'd try to sell it as a package deal. Then, if that fails just watch ebay for a month and see what parts sell. Then pull those parts and scrap the rest.

 

[jlaird]

Since Miss Agathas pop grew up in Towson Md and such I think I would give it to him just so I would know all those parts had a good home.

 

[longbridgehealey]

That's what I was thinking. I lost the title years ago during a move, I guess I could get one from the state if I applied for it. For sentimental reasons I'd kind of like to sell it complete, but you're right, it may end up going out on e-bay as parts. It's got all of it gauges, the windshield and frame, wheels, grill, etc - a lot of the parts I used to need for my other bugeye, but didn't want to use in case I finally tackled this one.

 

[John Moore]

In some states having a title doesn't matter. For example in NY for any car over 25 years old all you need is a bill of sale. Good bonnets are always on demand, but the downside is they are extremely difficult to ship.

I would suggest trying to sell it whole, if no takers try parting it out.

 

[longbridgehealey]

Jack, having watched Miss Agatha's progress over the years, if I was giving it away, it would come to you for sure. You've built the kind of Bugeye I always hoped to be able to do with this one. Unfortunately, I've got to sell her to keep going on the Bugeye that is sitting in front of her in the garage! Part of the dilemma is that a lot of the parts that will sell on e-bay are the same one's that I could pull and hang on the garage wall in case I ever needed them on the 59 Bugeye. That's why I'm leaning towards selling the whole car at a lesser price, just to keep the temptation to pull her apart and junk the rest from getting to me.

Larry

 

[longbridgehealey]

I think I'd be happier selling her whole, maybe I'll list it here in the Forum, and see if anything happens there. E-bay is always the last resort, if I have to part her out.

 

[Bob Claffie]

Here in the United States of Massachusetts a title isn't necessary but the DMV requires a chain of ownership. That could be a previous registration in your name or a tax bill on the car. Or possibly a notarized bill of sale from the previous owner to you. Our DMV is pretty hard nosed concerning untitled car but there are ways around it. Bob

 

[tony barnhill]

Alabama doesn't require titles for old cars like that...just a bill of sale & then an inspection by the highway patrol before going on the road - mainly a VIN check to see if its ben reported stolen.

 

[jlaird]

However, our vins are too short for the system. All vins today are 17 letters and numbers ours are quite a bit shorter and do not work in the system. They just kind of throw up their hands.

 

[mightymidget]

I would love to see some phots just cause I am a visual person. You are the second person I have talked to in past weeks that have let the weather consume their project

 

[bugimike]

Photos would definitely be of interest, Larry!! :wink:

 

[longbridgehealey]

OK, here come the pictures. These are the best that I could do, because it's jammed into the back of the garage up against two walls. The motor parts are hanging on the pegboard wall! I actually think that the pics make it look better than it really is?

 

[longbridgehealey]

More pics!!

 

[longbridgehealey]

And still more....

 

[longbridgehealey]

And finally, the end. That's a lot of pictures, but there she is. Is it worth selling, and how much should I ask? Or should I part her out (don't really want to).

Larry

 

[John Moore]

Yes, there is rust, but looks like a great project for someone!

 

[Jim_Gruber]

I see a rotiserie in someones future. This one is salvageable, Frank's saved far worse than this one. Some blasting and it will look entirely different. Would love to have this one to start with.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

It's salvageable, but I think some of you might be surprised by what is there after it is sandblasted. Still, I would advertise it as a restorable car. I'd expect to pay $700-$900 if you could get a title. But that is just my opinion.

 

[longbridgehealey]

Thanks, Trevor - I'm pretty sure that Ican get the title. I'm going to start the process on Monday with the MD MVA - good luck to me...