2003-12-22 09:16:17 | Lofty writes:

Ebay item 12/22/03
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Current bid $8k (Reserve not met), 8 bids, 6 days left in auction.

Sellers comment:
Red with biscuit interior, steel wheels, automatic transmission, and air car conditioning (the air was not operational when I last drove her). This is a professional hardtop conversion car that has had all the metal work accomplished (e.g., body work and conversion) that needs finishing. I don't have the time to complete this car therefore am offering it for sale as is. My loss is your gain. The car is very straight and solid. It ran when the conversion/restoration process was started approximately 5 years ago. I can provide serious buyers with the name of the company whom I purchased the professional 'metal' conversion kit from upon request. The car has a brand new set of Michelin tires on her and has several new parts that go with the car such as a new soft top frame for the car which is still in the box (from Martin Roby at a cost of close to $1,000), new center console, new V-12 floor mats, new shocks, etc. I would think that a person could finish this car for approximately $5,000. Could be less, could be more depending on the level you want to take the car to and the amount of work that you can do on the car without having to outsource (e.g.., pay high labor rates).

This car comes with a very long story. The readers digest version of the story is that I paid a man in Oklahoma to completely convert the car from a 2+2 to a roadster and restore the car in the process (e.g., metal conversion kit, new paint, new interior, etc.) and hence I have over $20,000 in this car. This man was very experienced in accomplishing these 2+2 to roadster conversions and showed me several examples of is work (good jobs) during my conversion process he experienced some life changing evens and did not complete the job. The car did not require any additional supports or reinforcements to the body therefore none were accomplish as not to alter the correctness of the car. Evidentially the 2+2s were exactly the same as the roadsters from a structural standpoint with the exception of the roof of course. The man did complete all the conversion metal work necessary therefore to the best of my knowledge the car does not require any additional metal work.

The car was a nice, solid (virtually rust free) running and driving 2+2 when I took it in to have the conversion process accomplished. I drove her to the man's shop to have the work done. I have not started or driven the car in some time so I suspect she will need the carburetors rebuilt, the gas drained, the brakes bled, etc.

Recently I asked a mechanic friend of mine go take a look at this car and see if he could get her running and hopefully even driving. Much to my surprise, after sitting so long my mechanic was not only able to get this car to turn over but he also got it to run and was able to drive it a short distance and she sounded pretty good (exhaust sounded good, etc.). Since then we have replaced all and I do mean all the hoses in the car (20+) as well as the fuel lines and the hoses. The last time we fired her up we noticed that the right rear carburetor was leaking so we turned her off and this is where she stands presently (needing probably all the 4 carburetors rebuilt).

The soft-top material is pre-made for the top frame (came this way in the kit that I purchased). It is a sand/beige color to match the interior. The car will need carpet although it does come with some trim material that came in the kit.

This is a good solid car that with some time and attention will make someone a very good car that will bring them a lot of fun. If I don't sell it the I will probably invest the time and get her running really good, finish the interior, spot or repaint her, fit the soft top frame and material, and drive it around with a for sale sign but as you can appreciate, the price will be significantly higher then.