jagamajajaran

Early last week, I came across a 1954 Corvette for sale on eBay. It was being sold by Golden Classics in Clearwater, Florida. I showed it to my 70 year old father and, to my surprise, he said he would be interested in buying it. So, at 11:09 a.m. on Wednesday of last week, I called Golden Classics and spoke to the receptionist there. She took my number and said a someone would call me back. By late afternoon, having not received a return phone call, I sent messages via eBay as well as email making an offer of $40,000 to include shipping to Oklahoma. I sent messages again on Thursday.

Finally, at 5:43 p.m. on Friday, I received a phone call from Golden Classics. I could not answer the phone at the time, so the caller left a voice mail message that stated they would "accept 40 for it" and that I should send an email and that they would get back to me. On Friday evening, I sent and email and expected to hear back from someone on Saturday. No one replied on Saturday, so I left a voice mail and sent another email.

On Sunday, at 1:08 p.m., I received a phone call but could not answer at the time. A voice mail message was left for me stating that my email and message was received, but that the $40,000 would not include shipping. I was instructed to call anytime after 9:00 a.m. on Monday so everything could be worked up for me. Once I listened to the voice mail, I called Golden Classics (15 minutes after their call), and left a voice mail message stating that my dad would accept the deal for $40,000 plus shipping.

I can't tell you how excited he and I were about the car. But our excitement was extinguished this morning when I called Golden Classics 38 minutes after they opened only to find out that someone had called before I did and had made a deposit on the 1954 Corvette that I thought would soon belong to my dad.

My dad was ready to make a deposit last week, but no one returned my calls or emails until Friday after business hours. They accepted our offer and I followed their instructions to complete the transaction. And then someone else was allowed to buy the Corvette right out from under us.

Someone from Golden Classics sent me an apology email this afternoon, but that doesn't do anything to take away the disappointment. I'm sure we will find a nice C1 eventually that my dad can afford, but we were ready for one right now. Life goes on...

GUSTO14

Sounds suspiciously like someone made a better offer, albeit after it would appear they had accepted your offer. Don't know Golden Classics, but hey you could always call them back and make them an even better offer...

Good luck... GUSTO

jagamajajaran

After speaking on the phone with someone there an hour ago, I found out the buyer paid the same amount that my dad was offering. He just made the deposit right then. Had I actually had someone return my phone call on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday during business hours, we would have made a deposit at that time. :/

But thanks for the post...it would have been a good idea, but I'm not sure I would even want to do business with these people at this point.

SS409

Sorry for your loss. But if I was in your position I would have been close to the phone and not have let them go to voicemail. Just saying.....

Al T

I do not know this dealer and have absolutely nothing other than an opinion, but they did call you back twice. If you had really wanted the car you would have found a way to answer the phone. It sounds like it was a good deal..... I would have been answering the phone from the emergency room.
From the dealers side, If I was selling a car, had an agreement but no deposit, had tried calling the buyer twice with no answer, and had a second "live" buyer sending a deposit.........
Just my $.02
I really hope you and your Dad find the car you desire.

Allan

jagamajajaran

I agree...however, the calls were after hours from one of the salesman who had no way of taking a deposit. Thus, the reason he told me to call their office this morning, which I did. Unfortunately, I should have called right at 9:00 a.m. and not at 9:38 a.m., even though I had an appointment at 9. It is what it is. And why didn't someone call me back during business hours on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday!? Regardless of who screwed up, it's disappointing.

redvetracr

obviously the other guy answered the phone when they called him...

jagamajajaran

They didn't call him. He called them for the first time this morning, ready to make a deposit. I did the same thing LAST WEEK and they took my number and told me someone would get back to me.

Bluestripe67

I am surprised at the price, and more so that no attempt to see the car in person was made by the OP. Some serious issues must have existed with this car at that price. You may have saved yourself from some big troubles. Dennis

jagamajajaran

Maybe so. Hopefully the guy who bought it as a birthday present for his wife doesn't have any issues to deal with.

Revfan

I agree with Dennis. Its probably a blessing that your Dad didn't get the car.

Revfan

just posted on Craigslist...
1954 corvette - $64000 (norfolk)

jagamajajaran

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, it's more than my dad can afford right now. But thanks!

Gary's '66

Your "misfortune" may have been a God send.

rcooper

Jag, so sorry that the deal did not work for your dad. As others have said, may be your good fortune to have not gotten the car. Although I am one that believes that a mans word is his bond, the dealer should have given you first right of refusal.
Even if the car needed work at 40k it was a good deal.
I also believe that good people will get good things... just wait a bit I am sure that yours is coming.
.

nassau66427

A very good friend of mine bought a "numbers matching" Roadrunner from them.

It was not an experience he would care to repeat.

Redbird

Jag, sent you an email.

John F

jagamajajaran

Thank you for your post.

This is the point of my post. I'm a man of my word, even if it costs me in the end. But I believe it's for the best in the end. Thank you!

They don't appear to be a business of complete integrity.

Thanks, John! I emailed you back.

TNVettGuy

That place gets a lot of complaints from what I can see. May have been a good thing. 40k for a 54 vette is an amazing deal.

haccpguy

They advertised the VIN on the car as being #39. The registry shows #39 is a red, restored car owned by a guy in MN.

Who knows what the yellow car actually is.