Technical Barn/garage find car question...

So I found a very rare and valuable car today. It is an original 1 owner 11k mile car that has been parked for sometime...
Im being a sellers agent on this car and already have a potential buyer...
Now the question... It has original EVERYTHING including tires (3 of which are still pumped up). So, should I clean the car up or leave it as it sits?...
It is in pristine condition considering its completey original...
It is an O/T car but the info would relate either way...

 

It's obviously worth $$$. To enhance resale it could realise more if tidied up. Then again 'As Is' may enhance value. Hopefully there is commission for you upon sale. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

 

Agreed. Tough choice to make. What is the car in question?

 

I never understood the attraction some people have to dirt and dust accumulated on a car. Clean is always better to me.

 

I'd pump up that flat tire...

 

If you have a potential buyer let him make that decision. If you sell the car as-is there is less liability on you. Even a wash job can screw up a deal. Make your money and walk away.

 

Without more information I have to say don't touch it. Be sure you gather up everything you can find that would go with the vehicle. Ownership papers and keys of course. Are there any spare keys? Spare parts? Owner's manual, repair manual, even old books and magazines with info on the car? Hunt around the garage and house. All that stuff might as well go with the car and some things you can set aside and charge extra for, like literature.

Why I say without more info don't touch it. If it is the car that won the Indy 500 in 1914 and has been sitting untouched since, cleaning it may depreciate the value. If it is a 97 Buick sedan you might as well wash, wax and vacuum if you want to get the best price. But once you clean it you can't unclean it which is why I say the default position is leave it alone.

 

1970 etype convert, v12, Ac car

 

1970 etype convert, v12, Ac car

 

Wash it.

 

The dirt may be covering hidden stuff best leave it as is .But once its mind I would want to clean it up. I' m not a fan of dirt. Can we see it ?

 

Leave it as is, let the new buyer unveil what's under all the dust.

 

I think I'd keep it original as found, ...but make it 'presentable' ....get that other tire fixed up, and clean it so it looks respectable and shows it's character. If it's presented nicely, I would think the potential buyer would appreciate the value more clearly. ....my 2 cents worth anyways.....I would be curious to see it also, before you sell it... pics???

 

Like or not like dirty cars......there is a current trend now of leaving them as found and just making them safe for the road.
Some folks go to great lengths to retain that "pulled out of the barn look" and it appears to appeal to lots of buyers!

To your question.....I'd leave it.

 

Coming from someone who will never afford a "rare car" I'm from the thought do what's best for the customer. In this case being a classic and desirable car I'd say clean it up to show the full potential to the future owner. With detailed pictures of the total process of course. Joe

 

Its just like Christmas,,
Do you like to watch people unwrapping presents?

Or do you like to unwrap the presents?

 

Paint the wheels red ...

 

Selling it dirty with a flat tire and not started in many years, people are going to expect a bargain. Sure they love to find them that way, because then they're a lot cheaper.

 

I will post pictures after everything is said and done. I have to respect my customer and our dealings...
Yes I am making commission, if the deal works as its going, a very handsome one...
There is currently a deposit.

 

Ask your prospective buyer, and don't come down on the price later.......someone is going to want it, really bad.

 

Look for the "how to clean a barn find" thread. Ask the buyer if you should at least wash it. Heavy dirt can scratch the paint in transit, ie. brushing against it.

 

How about a Link to said vehicle, would that be ok to post?
He might not want a million PMs.

 

If you are sellers agent, & it's considered sold, What's the question?
Sold, take delivery, don't wash.
If buyer wants to see it cleaned up or "as-is barn find", I guess they will tell you before they give you the cash?

 

There was just that Datona Superbird barn find at the Mecum auction, sold for $90,000 I think. Grungy looking thing, I would have prefered to see it cleand up a bit more than it was presented.

 

Well, I just got off the phone with the buyer... It will not get cleaned... He is picking it up tomorrow at 3pm...
Coming from NY... I'm in NC...
I told him that the quick arrangement prevents me from doing any cleaning or detail on it, he did not care...

 

Leave it as is - the crud is probably whats holding it all together.

Oldmics

 

sounds like the buyer knows what is best to preserve the value. but, if you have a portable air tank to try and air up flat tire will make movement much easier. if not, even a floor jack would help.

 

Install a 305 low compression small block chevy in it to enhance it's value.