Is it a bad time to sell?
 

After installing a new Randy Gross F100 steering box, aligning the front-end, and getting my ’29 cabriolet running and driving perfectly, I put it up for sale again. I originally asked $16,500, but after putting more than another thousand into it, I’m now asking $17,500.

I thought I would get a lot of response with summer coming up, and it being a convertble. However, I haven’t got nearly as much response as I did when I advertised it for $16,500 a month ago. I’ve only had one guy who I think was a scammer respond to my ad on Craigslist.

I know that a lot of you are leary as hell about Craigslist and rightfully so. I’m not worried about scams because I will only sell my car for cash and even then I’d take that cash to the bank to have it verified and deposited before I turn over the title.

My question is: What’s going on? This car of mine is definitely rare and is in really good shape, and the pictures I posted with the ad show that. My asking price is very fair considering that MAFCA and MARC both consider the minimum value of a driving 1929 cabriolet to be a minimum of $25,000. I consider that to be high and have priced the car accordingly. Am I asking too little to get serious buyers and collector’s attention?

Is there something going on that makes it a bad time to sell something like the cabriolet? If there is, I’ll pull the ad and wait for a better time. However, I really don’t want to do that because I think that it’s the perfect time to sell a car like this.

You can look at my ad and see what you think. https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/6551823839.html


Any advice will be appreciated,

Mike

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

I mean no criticism towards your car, it is a fine example and am rather new to Model A's,
but the thing that jumps out at me is the color. I don't think this is an original color. Another problem is that there is a lot of Model A's for sale right now. It's a buyers market.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

The color could be one of your problems, also the non stock additions to you engine and engine compartment.

Having said that. I still feel your car is priced fairly. Please understand I am only going by pictures.

I would advertise it on Hemmings. We have had very good luck using them. Last car we sold in five days with three offers, one overseas.

I do believe the market is very good for stock Model A’s. The more original the better.

Your car has been customized to your tastes. It might not appeal to as large a group of buyers as a more stock car would.

I would try it on Hemmings at your asking price.

Nice car. Enjoy.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Mike,
I noticed that you had it listed in the MAFCA classifieds before, but not now. That classified seems to have higher priced listing. No bites on your previous ad?

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Just a quick comment on the color. Several years ago I went to the Clive Cussler Museum in Denver and noted that there were at least a dozen French classics from the thirties that were painted in pastels. Not correct, never the less very striking. I suspect if there is a woman involved in the decision to spend 17K on a toy, the color won’t detract from the deal.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Never good time to sell a Model A!!,

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

When I first advertised on MAFCA, I ended up running into the most persistent scammer ever. MAFCA strenuously warns about scammers and I’m glad it does because this guy or gal took up hours and hours of my time and totally pissed me off. The time and effort this person put into trying to screw me over was immense. I’ll never be able to figure out why someone would work so hard to mess someone else up when if they put that much effort into making their life better, they’d probably be very successful.

That said, nothing has been done to this car that couldn’t be fairly easily undone to make it appear original. Since the Canadian Vehicle Registration had the Briggs body number on it and being a Canadian car had no frame number, I don’t know if the original engine is in it or not. I do know that the engine was manufactured 7-12-29 and the body was 7-22-29 so they could match. Who knows?

When my wife and I first saw this car, it was hot and the sun was unbelievably bright. When that sunlight hit that blue paint, it glowed the most beautiful sky-blue we’d ever seen. I know it’s not a stock color for 1929, but at least it is a Ford color.
If my car was put side by side with a 1929 cabriolet painted that stock yellow, and the sun was out, my car would make that original yellow paint look pretty drab. It is almost impossible to make yellow paint drab, but my blue could do it. Since my car is a one-stage paint job, it didn’t cost an arm and a leg to paint it, and it wouldn’t cost a fortune to paint it the correct color. This car is so rust-free that it wouldn’t take that much to make it into a show car that might even win something. I’m not into that kind of thing at all because I’m not competitive. Besides that, I hate to lose, but I think that kind of competition is fine for others. Just not me.

I’m still amazed that an open car has survived as well as mine has, and I would think that anyone who knows how rare it is for one of these things to still look like this one does would be as well.

I’ve priced the cabriolet so someone who could never afford a rare car like this one can buy it and not have to put an exorbitant amount of money into the initial purchase price. I’m hoping that my car might be a starter car for someone who isn’t as old as god to get into the model A hobby. Wouldn’t it be nice to see someone driving this thing who didn’t have white hair or none at all?

By the way, it’s raining like mad and truly yucky outside so I am not taking time to write this that would be better spent playing with my car.

Thanks for responding guys, I really appreciate it.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

I think you would attract more serious Model A buyers on Hemmings than Craig’s List. Many on Craig’s List May not know much about Cabriolet’s and how uncommon they are. I sold a friend’s Roadster for his widow on Hemmings several years ago, and was very happy with the responses.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

I have experience as a dealer selling antique Fords, although it was in my younger days. I found then the best time to sell an open car like a Cabriolet or Roadster or Phaeton was in the Spring. The cars that sold quickest had few if any accessories. A big big plus was a paint job in good condition, authentic colors, authentic stripe. Buyers want accessories to choose for themselves, not someone elses choice of accessories. A plain Jane type car with perhaps a motometer will sell fast if priced right. A car loaded with accessories is generally a slow mover in selling it. You mention that your car is Canadian. The interior photos did not show clearly enough for me to tell if it has Robertson screws or not.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

The more $1000 you are going to put in it, the more difficult it will be to sell your car...

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Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

I guess I could pull up the front seat to expose the Robertson screws and take a picture, but is that even important? I really don’t know if it is or not. After all the trouble I went through to get that car titled in Oregon, I guess I tried to forget all that.

About me living in the Northwest, I would think that with SKPE and all the other ways for a potential buyer to ask questions about the car and then be able to see immediately what they asked about on their phone or computer screen would be most satisfactory. Maybe I’m wrong, but that’s what I’d do. Then, if I was truly interested in the car, I go see it or have someone who knows what to look for go see it for me.

I’m not selling a coupe, tudor, fordor, or roadster. I’m selling a car that is so much rarer than any of those cars are. They are all neat cars, but mine is one of the first convertibles ever made by Ford, and it is strange, weird, and unique, and it runs and drives great. For all I know, it might be one of the first ’29 cabriolets in Canada.

I’m only selling this car because I’ve discovered the hard way that I can no longer drive an old car like this for any long distance. I’ve gotten to the point where driving 100 miles in an antique car is too much for me. Arthritis sucks. It is about 150 miles round-trip to the beach and back, and I’ve made up my mind that I’m going to get something that at least looks like an A in which I can make that drive.

Mike

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

I'd have a look at how Ford flogged an open car.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/59/c5...f078a2a2c6.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/83/21...30d97309ba.jpg

It's about creating an image of a lifestyle.

I'd lose the unfashionable aeriel things and the stone grill, and the engine in bits photos (too much hard work there!).

Top down pictures in the sun with flash boats and horses. It'll fit right in.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Mike,
Model As are not a fast selling item. A lot of folks make a habit of bad mouthing eBay. But thousands of cars are bought and sold there. The key is a complete description and LOTS of photos. Like any selling venue, care must be taken to avoid be taken. Good luck.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Put it on ebay. Or advertise it as looking to trade for a shay. Some on ebay right now, contact the seller and see if there is an interest in a trade.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Even after buying mine 6 or 7 years ago, I still ck the ads every where every day, Hemmings each month. Prices (asking) seem high and/or ridiculous. Location is a BIG factor ! You're on the west coast, I'm on the east coast so if I give you what you're asking I then have to spend another 1500-2K to get it home. Right away I've crossed you off the list.
Another thing today with the recent ups/downs of the market many have lost confidence and are unwilling to pull funds to make a purchase.
Just saying. Good luck.
My avatar will be going on the block as soon as it warms up a bit, at a realistic price. If it sells it sells, if not I'll keep.


Paul in CT

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

I agree with all of the posts written. Location immediately cancels out my interest, because Like Paul, I am on the east in NJ.
I find much of Mafca pricing to be wishful thinking and in a perfect world, perfect prices.
Ebay will bring you back to reality. Doesnt matter what you think your car is worth, ebay will clarify that immediately according to supply and demand at the moment.
I also agree that you are a bit early in your sale. Warm weather makes everyone smile.
also agree, that as you improve the car and raise the price, you are shooting yourself in the foot. Price and quality sell.

Good luck!

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

OK wingski, grab a cup of coffee and have a seat, because you are going to want to sit down for this.

Rule #1 of Model A ownership...do not expect to get all the time and money out of your Model A when you sell

Rule #2: Your Model A is not rare

Rule #3: See rule #1

There are many more rules to Model A ownership, but dwell on these three for starters

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

1. you need better pictures and more of them.
2. I don't mean to disparage your car, it's probably great for what it is, but what I see is a car that was restored without attention to detail. Too much chroming, hanging too many reproduction accessories. It might be a great candidate for a complete restoration. Your car is in that spot where you either have to enjoy and accept it as it is, or face a restoration that cost more than the car is worth.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

If you look at the chart in this link you will see that there are quite a few
cars that are rarer than the Cabriolet. http://www.mafca.com/data_production.html

Bob

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Many of the pix are kinda dark. The ad says it is RHD but it appears to be LHD. agree w/above

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

There were 670 1929 Model A Cabriolet's for which Ford of Canada assembled (if it is a Canadian car). 83 went to Export plus 10 from Ford Detroit; and 587 staied in Canada. If it is a true Canadian car...It is very interesting to know that Canada also stamped their gas tanks. Did not know that. So IF it is a July 1929 built car in Canada...then Walkerville only turned out 194 that month.

Pluck

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

I agree that there are a lot of Model A Ford’s out there.

But! Most have gone through many owners, have had poor maintenance, have had non stock/after market jewelry added that serves very little purpose, are a combination of many different cars, basically garage tinker toys.

If you are selling a stock, two or three owner, not overly restored, professionally maintained/correctly maintained car. “That is well priced”. It will sell.

Just read on this forum all the NEW to the hobby owners that are saying “hello guys I’m here”.

High priced over restored cars, poorly maintained cars, cars out in the middle of nowhere, are going to take some work to UNLOAD.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

My car has 7-22-29 stamped on the gas tank.

Mike

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Ok, We know its not a "rare" car, Now look @ wrong color $$, Wrong wheels, tires, hubcaps (4) $$$.. Maintenance ?? Top grease fitting missing out of spring hanger.. Spring lower eyelet looks very close to the Axle ?? .. What else up close ??..

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

There's no 160-B on that list, not sure if I'm happy or sad about that.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Here are two pdf files, Body Numbers by Dennis Smith, and a sorted file of 68A, B, C and 160A, 160B, and 160C production numbers I put together from Dennis Smiths data.

The files have numbers for the production of the 68A, 1930 68B, 1931 68B, 68C.

The 160B production numbers are included in with the numbers for the 155C (31).


Here is the link to Dennis Smiths data file on the MAFCA web site.

http://www.mafca.com/downloads/Techn...dy_Numbers.pdf

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

winski, I hope you have thick skin. Model A'ers LOVE to degrade every car that comes up for sale, except their own! To most, the car for sale isn't worth anything, their own is priceless. Looks to me like you have a very nice car and are asking a reasonable price. If you want to unload it in a hurry, drop a few thousand. If you want to wait it out, add a few thousand and you may get lucky.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

What's the jar of red stuff hanging off the firewall? Just curious!

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Aha! Thanks... didn't know such a thing existed! Here's more:

http://www.ampcolubes.com/

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Model A market is very slow no matter how original or modified. Many of the guys that like them are old and dying in their 80s and 90s. I sold two freshly restored and as original as possible and it took forever 6+ months. I priced them as you did $5k+ below the asking price of any of the same model out there. My 28 RPU AR with fresh restoration was priced cheap and the guy that bought it insisted on offering less as well. At least it is gone!

Never did join a local club. I took a picture of my car to a meeting and all I got was what was wrong with it like many of the comments in this post.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

If I was new to the hobby and looking to buy an A, the negativity here would cause me to have second thoughts. I suspect that anyone looking to buy a "correct" A would be pretty knowledgeable going in and would ignore the posts here. On the other hand, a first time buyer could very well be intimidated by the "expert" opinions posted here.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

I keep hearing the same thing, that buyers or owners are old, that no one wants these cars, that they take forever to sell if they even sell at all.

Well I will say again that there is a good market for Model A Ford’s.

After reading comments on this forum, I think the biggest problem is some owners are just cheap.

They think that their cars are restored because they have cleaned and painted old worn out parts, they think adding stone guards and side mounts or trunks really increases the value, or how about adding some speed equipment, that will really drive up the price. Maybe taking those old worn out springs apart, grinding them down and repainting them, now my car has “new” springs?

If your Ford Dealer today worked like that, what would you say?

Realize what your selling, spend some money to advertise it properly, take plenty of pictures, and be honest with your self and the buyer.

For an example. There are a lot of Model T’s out there, the junk is junk, the good ones are still in demand. The same holds true for our Model A’s. There really is a lot of junk out there. Some of that junk is in over priced over restored cars. Some of it is in just plan JUNK.

Its just a hobby, these cars are hopefully not part of your 401K’s.

I think you can sell a well maintained 20 footer all day long in the $14,000.00 to $17,000.00 range.

How many of us really own a well maintained car?

That’s my soap box comments on a car that I have enjoyed for 60 years. Sorry if I have angered anyone.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

To all of you who haven’t knocked or belittled my car, Thank you very much.

If I would have verbally knocked and pointed out all the defects to the owners of cars I’ve bought in the past, I’m sure I wouldn’t be here. I would have been kicked, stomped, shot, or knifed. Maybe all at once. When I looked at a car that I wanted to buy, I saw all the things that I’d have to do and kept my mouth shut unless a fender was falling off. All those things wrong were why I was buying the car in the first place. The excitement of seeing those things and knowing that I could fix them was enough for me. If the fame was bent, I’d talk to the owner and find out how it had happened and explain to him or her what I’d have to do to straighten it. They were usually amazed at how much work I was willing to do to get their car back on the road and sold it to me accordingly.

I was taught to keep my mouth shut unless I had something good to say. I consider constructive criticism as something good to say. I consider bad-mouthing someone or something that someone else owns to be the height of direspect. Anyone who does such a thing drops pretty low in my estimation.

That said, fire away,

Mike

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

Selling online is about looks. I would remove all unnecessary accessory that it didn't come with from factory. lights, dual carbs, marvel jug, mirrors, and exposed wiring. Hide it away or remove it you can give them a box full of it if they want it. I would sell it all on ebay and return $500. Take down the picture with the head off. People dont want to buy cars that were worked on by the owner. No matter your skills they dont want to see it or hear about it. Let them figure out on their own a model a is a labour of love or wallet. All these cars have had work done you dont see it in the adds. Also craigslist is a collection of scams low ballers who wont value rarity and experts who watch the flow of cars and saw yours for cheaper last month. You dont need to change your price the right buyer may come along. But you may have cost yourself money by listing for cheaper before. Most of all open wiring in cab on a car that is so simple is unacceptable if you want the most for it.

Also your add is confusing about if the car is assembled currently or not by the photos. And the text should be changed to reflect mileage, how long you have owned it, if it runs drives stops, and when the paint/interior/engine/trans/brakes/tires were done. You could get an appraisal and that might help a person that wants a Model A that will appreciate but knows nothing about what really will as far as rarity and has the money to spend.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

I have noticed the whole Early Ford market has declined and the rate of decline has increased. It started a few years ago.
The population is aging their interests are changing.

Re: Is it a bad time to sell?
 

I’ve been thinking of selling my Sport coupe and have the same concerns. I know it isn’t how much I have invested but rather what the market will bear. I just wish the market will bear a little more. I have seen other cars out there that are not quite up to the level of mine but are asking more. I put mine up and all I get are scam calls or a third party wanting to sell it for me. It is very discouraging. I don’t have the answer but I can relate. I may just put it in the back yard with a cover over it and someday it will be my kids problem. 😁