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TR2/3/3A Offer made on my '59 TR3 -- What do I do?

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Do you really want to help export some more of our automotive heritage? .... Just my 2 cents worth

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The loss of "American" automotive heritage through exporting previously imported cars. The irony is palpable....

I really don't know what to say....

Particularly so when its well known that relatively fewer of these cars stayed in their homelands. With the current exchange rates a small number more Britons are now able to realize THEIR dreams of owning a piece of their own heritage....
 
Well I'm glad you asked for opinons. Personally, I think you should contact the lady and tell her the story. She likely could have done the same thing herself if she just wanted the money. She sold you the car for a great price on TRUST and now you want to sell it for $9500. Some people would sell there soul for a few hundred dollars. What is your price?
 
I agree with N2Stom and billspit.
Obviously the lady who sold you the car believed you were sincere when you said it was for your Father.
I can tell you from personal experience that most old people are frugal. Even if they have enough money to support themselves until they pass away they are very careful in their spending. They are also a bit gullable at times. That's why so many are taken in by confidence scams.
Their minds, bodies and emotions are frail. In my opinion, going back on your word to an older person is pretty low. Particularly when she passed up a higher offer because of your promise.
She forsook money to insure the car went to the right type of buyer. Regardless of the amount on either side of the question you owe it to her to maintain your promise and keep your integrity intact.
Sorry to be so blunt, but you asked.
(Visions of lawyers, developers and greedy CEO's come to mind)
On the brighter side, keeping the car and following through with your original plans adds to the provenance of the vehicle. You will have another car to enjoy and another story to go along with all the stories that will accumulate as you restore and experience the car. When you get it back on the road I guarantee that the lady who sold it would be overwhelmed if she can see the car and maybe take a brief ride in it again. That would be priceless
 
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You guys are all absolutely right. That's why I asked.

I'd rather clean this one up and let my dad drive it. After driving it for a season or two, if he comes to the conclusion that he wants to sell it and get something else (like trading up to a Healey 100,) then we'll take that as it comes.

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I think you made the right decision Sam; keep the car.
 
Dad used to say "It's all about money" whenever these situations surfaced. He wasn't swayed.

I'd give anything including selling off everything I have to have him back on earth.

'nuff said?
 
I've decided to keep the car...

But I did want to point out a couple of things just to clarify...

- The only other higher offer the previous owner received was for $50 more than I offered. Over the last few years, she had received a couple lower offers.

- When I saw the car, the engine was locked tighter than a drum. It wouldn't budge with the crank handle. The thought was the engine was locked. Three out of four wheels wouldn't turn either.

- The lady approached me at a Triumph show if I was interested in the car. When I went out to look at it, I told her that it was my INTENTION if I was to buy it to give it to my dad, since I already had one.

So, I just wanted to clarify that it's not like someone offered her $5000 or $7000 for the car, and she decided to give it to the rosy-cheek confidence guy promising to keep the car forever. (That's what the car broker is doing to me /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

But again, I'm going to keep it, get it ready for the road, and if my dad wants something else down the road, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
 
Sammy, I think you are genuinely concerned what others (we) (you) think about your final decision. In my heart of hearts, I see no reason whatsoever for you to not sell it to the right buyer. Yeah, a broker tends to have a smell, but from what I have seen dragged (literally) across this forum to restore, and very proud of their finds indeed, I think that the right domestic buyer is out there that would love to have this car and restore it to a Mickey-level restoration. I, for one, would be very interested in making an offer; thank goodness I live so far away. The car was meant to be sold to the right owner, thank goodness the middle man is you and not some broker or used car lot. Do the right thing - find it the home it is calling for. It would also be good for the economy, Moss,TRF,et al need the business.....

Now, just how do I get there from here?

Bill
 
Sammy
Thanks for the additional info. That changes things considerably. My biggest concern is that I have been looking to replace my 3 for years, only now I can't afford one since collectors, brokers etc have driven the price through the ceiling. The only way I'll ever replace it is to find someone who has one that they want to pass to someone that will keep it and appreciate it instead of flipping it for a profit. So far no luck!
 
Thanks guys.

That's what I love about this forum, as compared to some of the other car forums out there: people are honest, mature and have some really good insight.

So now all I have to do is get the dang brake calipers back from Rapid Brake (I couldn't get the pistons out, because they were badly corroded,so I took them to a professional...and I ordered new pistons, and just figured I'd let them press them in.)

Even if I get the car roadworthy...it's snowing now!!! (Yes, snow in Olympia, WA in November -- crazy!)
 
Sammy,
I think you made the right decision. Money isn't the only thing involved here. Although I believe it was the heart of the dilemma. Money is nice but a TR3 is better.
 
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