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Search Tips for Classic Cars for Sale

There are no shortages of websites that show classic cars for sale. Between 
private seller classified ads, classic car dealer ads, auto auction ads, it can be 
almost overwhelming. 

Where do you start? Here are some tips that will help sort through the process. 

First, zero in on what car you are looking for, or at least in a range of years. 

For example, before I bought my “62 Corvette, I was looking between 1958 and 
1962. That narrowed the field. Then after some time I decided I wanted the “62, 
and it got a lot easier! 

Next, you need to know what condition of car you want. Show car, project 
car, solid driver, etc. Formal ratings range from Excellent to Parts Car, and each 
is priced accordingly. 

So, if you want a “good” condition 1967 GTO convertible you would be 
getting a car that probably needed some work, mostly minor, had been 
either well maintained or had a decent restoration at some time (not recent). The 
car as it exists would be a solid driver and probably not too hard to get into “Very 
Good Condition” (near perfect, great driver). 

With this information, next go to some of the many dedicated vehicle sites – just 
type in 1967 Pontiac GTO in Google and start reading. Once such site is 
http://www.gtoalley.com/. Tons of information on the standard options, VIN 
number decoding and things you should now. 

Many of these sites have books for sale that have great detailed information 
that a lot of professionals don’t even know. Pick up one or two. It will be money 
well spent. 

Based on the above, you are now armed and marvelous, as they say. You 
should have an idea form the various price guides what the relative values are for 
your car. If you have not posted on any forums looking for your car, now is a 
good time to start. You’ll get some good information. 

The next decision is how far geographically you will search for your car. 

Some will only look in their back yard; others have no problems with distance. 
Decide your preferences and plan accordingly. 

If you find a listing from a private seller, rejection is your friend. Sounds odd, but 
you need to quality him / her as a legitimate seller quickly or move on.

• How much do they know about the car? You should be armed with VIN, 
Trim Tag and rear axel numbers so you can quickly determine how 
original the car is – or that the seller really doesn’t know. 

• Do you have a lot of pictures that show detail? If not, then ask for 
more. If the seller hedges, then they may not actually have the car. Digital 
cameras are cheap and there is no reason why several more can be 
taken. Their version of “good” may not be the same as Hemmings Motor 
News. 

• Does the seller have the proper documentation and authentication? 
For example, GM cars had Protecto-o-Plates, a metal credit card like plate 
glued into the Owners manual with VIN, Trim Tag & Drive train Decoding. 
When the car was taken in for service, the dealership would take an 
impression. How can they prove the car is authentic? 

• If the seller wants a deposit or he will sell the car to someone else, 
then that’s a red flag for me anyway. I understand having skin in the 
game, but sending someone a few hundred or thousand dollars site 
unseen is not realistic. If they car seems okay, then agree to have it 
inspected. Once you get the inspection, you can make a decision. First, 
you’ll know that the seller really has the car! Second, you’ll know what it is 
worth. It may cost $200 for you to walk, but better than buying the wrong 
car. 

• When contacting dealers, go through the same questions. They 
should have all the information at their finger tips. Once thing to realize is 
that many dealers purposefully do not update their inventory. They may 
show your car for sale and when you call – oops – it’ sold. They will offer 
to find one for you though. Your call. If you get a good feel it may be worth 
it. DO NOT enter into any exclusive agreement where you are obligated. 
Bad idea. 

• If using ebay – all the above applies. There are scams everywhere and 
you need to be careful. 

Don’t want to spend the time dealing with the flakes and scammers? Let Your 
Dream Car Finder do the heavy lifting. We know cars, where they are, and can 
find and deliver your car to you with no hassles. 

We hope you enjoyed this article! 

Cheers 
Tim Leary 
Elon Block
www.yourdreamcarfinder.com 
www.classiccarbuzz.blogspot.com