Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

badhuis · Joined: 20 Aug 2008 Posts: 1469 Location: Netherlands

My favorite car sellers line.
Back in 2000 two friends and I thought it would be fun to own a Humber Super Snipe Estate. We would share ownership and do maintenance together.
I found an excellent candidate on Findit.co.uk - remember that? Before Ebay came in vogue it listed many classic cars, just like Loot.com had.
A green 1966 HSSE was for sale in London:

I asked some questions, reply about the condition of the carpets was:
The carpets are the original, there is slight wear and tear on the drivers side.
When we went to look at the car, we found that in front of the drivers' seat the carpet was rotted away almost completely.

Apart from that, the Slight bubble on one wheelarch nearside rear turned out to be existing full of filler, the doors all were rotted, etc etc.
A complete waste of time. I do not think the car has survived.
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a car stops being fun when it becomes an investment

norustplease · Joined: 11 Apr 2011 Posts: 825 Location: Lancashire

It always amuses me how advertisers wil say in one part of an ad that the car is in good condition and then further in, will advise that the car needs welding for MOT, or words to that effect.
The term patina covers a multitude of sins, and when I read needs tlc , I generally move on!
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1953 Citroen Traction
1964 Volvo PV544
1957 Austin A55 Mk 1
Boring Tucson SUV

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22784 Location: UK

An A40 Farina front wing has been listed a few times in "good condition" or words very close to that. Sounds promising thought I, until I looked at the photos and noted that the lower rear section had rotted away entirely, as had most of the front section near the headlamp.

I'd hate to see a bad one, alas it's no longer listed else I'd post a link.

RJ
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Rick - Admin
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Riley Blue · Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Posts: 1751 Location: Derbyshire

I once bought a front panel described by the seller as "as new".

It was only I after examined it more carefully back at home after collecting it I discovered it was pieces of two panels welded together. As I urgently needed it, it was fitted to my car but not before it had been cut apart and re-welded so it fitted correctly.

Rosco663 · Joined: 17 Dec 2012 Posts: 257 Location: South Australia

The term 'Slight Wear and Tear' - in collectable car circles - is sometimes replaced with 'Mint Condition' often followed by 'Rare Barn Find' Shocked

But not in coin and stamp collecting discussions Cool

Cheers
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Rosco

lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1600 Location: Le Mans

I once replied to an advert for a Jaguar for sale with "minimum mileage from new". Photos looked good, but it turned out that while the speedo read 16,000 it was the second time round!

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22784 Location: UK

Aha here's the A40 wing, repairable yes but in "good condition" !!??

380832327055

RJ
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Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop

badhuis · Joined: 20 Aug 2008 Posts: 1469 Location: Netherlands

That wing is only savable if you weld in parts from another wing...

Another sellers favorite is the quote: good condition for year.
Absolutely rubbish! Maybe it has some meaning for say a 8 or 12 year old car which lives outside all the time and looking as new, but for any 30 plus year old car it is meaningless.
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a car stops being fun when it becomes an investment

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7215 Location: Edinburgh

Good condition for year. Wink

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1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

baconsdozen · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 1119 Location: Under the car.

"Slight wear and tear" is often a better description of the owner of a classic,"Good condition for age" maybe another.
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Thirty years selling imperial hand tools for old machinery(Now happily retired).

PAUL BEAUMONT · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 1281 Location: Barnsley S. Yorks

Hey Peter, be fair it was a bad year! Wink

gresham flyer · Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 1435

Beware.....

Fully restored or part restored.

By whom.?

People walk around Homebase buying crap decorating equipment.....

Does not mean they can decorate.

Would they get the contract to decorate the interior of a listed 16th century country house owned by the national trust.?

Another....

"What do you expect"..."it is an old car".

Or...." you can finish it off in a couple of weekends".

Or the best one you find a lot up and down the country.

" vehicle was stripped....no time to finish". All parts in cardboard boxes.

Never mind not even starting the project.!!!

G.F