My Ebay Gamble

[Bull Durham]

Well I had been looking for a 57 Bel Air for quite a while. I've wanted to drive it up to my firestation on a nice weekend day. I didnt have a whole lot of cash for one, but sure had the itch, and it was bad. So after scrolling miles upon miles on craigslist, autotrader, ebay, etc, etc, etc I found that all I could afford in my price range was nothing but rusted out shells (for the most part). So one day at work I was cruising around ebay and found a 1957 Chevy Bel Air 4 dr sedan. The car was complete with interior, motor, tranny, chrome, trim, windows, and not too badly rusted but had been in storage for a while. I look at the auction price and it was only at $1200.

Well I knew better than to get excited because it is an auction and it still had several days left. But I figured what the heck I will give him a call and just offer him everything I had and see what happens. So I give the gentleman a call and offer him $2000 cash ($2500 is all I had). He tells me that somebody has already offered him $2500. So instead of me upping the bid I asked if it was a matter of who can get you the money first. After a short pause ( I could tell that wasnt what he was expecting to hear) he said sure that sounds good.

So I very nervously arranged for the funds to be wired to his account. I knew if I got the car I couldnt lose money, I was just worried about actually recieving the car. When the shipper finally got in town with it I was ecstatic!

The only thing I did to get it running was a $40 fuel pump and a battery.
After going through and checking everything out and changing fluids. She is almost my everyday driver. I plan on restoring her completely one day but for right now, Im going to enjoy my $2500 gamble for the lucky lady.

Thanks
Casey (Bull Durham)

[tbm1949]

great story, I'm glad you were able to get the car. did it come with those wheels?

[Bull Durham]

Originally Posted by tbm1949

great story, I'm glad you were able to get the car. did it come with those wheels?

Thanks, I found the wheels for $175 on craigslist

[4door]

Im happy for you, you got really lucky Man what a deal

[Wedwagon]

Casey....good for you, it's a nice looking car.

David aka "Wedwagon"

[T,s 55]

You got lucky! Nice ride.

Shawn

[nhramike57]

hi casey, ebay insures vehicles up to $100k against fraud..i've been a ebay powerseller for 8 years..bought and sold over 2000 items. my belair was listed on ebay with 40 hi resolution pictures..i hired a reputable appraiser to look it over and with his recomendation made a deal and had it shipped 3000 miles. i was very happy with what i got..the fair market price and the ease of importing a classic vehicle into canada.

[tjsdelivery]

Glad to hear it worked out for you Casey. I was expecting a bad ending to your story. Nice to see it was a happy ending. Enjoy.

[dnsdoor]

fine looking car bull way to go

[chevman57]

Casey it looks like you found a good car to drive around in. I`d like to find one about the same myself. Mine was that color of yellow when i bough it in 1978. Be careful or yours might change shades of yellow too.
Terry