I didn't pay much attention to this thread until now. I just thought it was another EBAY referral.
What piques my interest is that the seller actually wrote to us. A certain welcome to them (!!), and I should say that coming into a message board like this can be kinda harrowing, especially if the car you're selling is being scrutinized so closely. If you think of their apprehensions they may have coming in here, you'd understand their opening line, whether it sounds right or not.
Let me put a few things into perspective:
First, thank you, Ron for letting the seller know about us. That was an excellent idea. Getting all parties together is a good thing.
It's funny, 'cause last night, I was just writing about "tolerence" on the other thread about "Clones in the Registry or not"... Not to scold anyone, but I think we, as a group should be a little more understanding before we make snap judgments on the cars we see for sale on line. Bad grilles, wrong grilles, wrong hood and no, or wrong fog lights are more common on authentic GT/CSs than you'd think. All it takes in one front end collision, and parts all of a sudden become hard to find--especially during the 70's and 80's-- before my books, and this site, etc.. Who would know not to use a '68 grille? Or where to find Lucas lights, much less how, or where to mount them?
However, I know how there have been several other dealers that have either not understood the authenticity of a true GT/CS, or don't care, or think of this limited edition is like adding A/C to a Mustang, etc.... There is a lot of ignorance to go around, and it's up to us to "educate" them. Perhaps we've become cynical by the past record of dealers and individuals that bring these cars to the net. For those reasons, please (Mr. Dealers) know that we're skeptical until proven otherwise for those past reasons.
Internet auctions can be hyped a lot, and we tend to be defensive at that hype, because it may appear as disingenuine. If the information is true, as it appears in this case, then we can go on, and appreciate the sale of this GT/CS. For the price, I'm sure someone will go grab it and restore it themselves. At least I've got another CS for the Registry--with the Marti info provided.
Historically, this CS was one of the BIG BATCH built in early Feb. It was one of the hundreds built, mostly for the L.A. District. It was sent to Coberly Ford, one of L.A.'s biggest dealers, and it's a Coberly ad in my 1989 book that promotes the GT/CS.
One would have to really hustle to get this car up to Barret Jackson standards. I'd hate to see things rushed (quick interior, paint and trim) that might affect certain details that an owner that wishes to do a thorough restoration might do. I'd frankly would rather see it sold "as is" for the price. Under $2,500 is a good deal (if that is the price as of now). A restored , nice version of this GT/CS could be worth $10-20K (off the top of my head)...
On another note....Tim states: "Tho I'm not highly regarded by purists, I have learned alot & continue to grow my hobby in a wonderful way by sticking around."
...I don't know where that came from, Tim. Whether you, or anyone else--what you own, restore (or not) and how you enjoy it; is not, and should not be a measure of your "regard". If I'm one of these purists, I don't measure you by whether you live by the "pure aspects" of owning a GT/CS (or many) or not. Total restoration is never meant to be a value judgement for any vehicle, nor for it's owner. (Heck, get dat through your thick head, guy!!!)
Paul N.
