John Estes' 1995 Intermeccanica Estate Sale

Good car, good price, and the CV boots aren't torn.

John Este's car is a very nice representation, someone will be a happy owner.

They will, and for another $1,500 (or less) in minor parts beyond the asking price they will have a show winner - it’s that nice a car. Really solid on the road, too.

I suspect this one will move quickly at that price.  How often do we see an IM in great shape for anything under $35K?

I was honestly surprised at how clean the engine and transaxle were - Puts my Pearl to shame.

Just curious on how the passenger seat leather got worn like that.  Usually the passenger seat is 80% better than the driver seat.  Maybe is was John's golf clubs.  I remember he liked to golf.  Great car for someone to refresh.  The leather and other cosmetic stuff is a pretty easy fix.   

I honestly don't know, Marty, but your assumption sounds pretty good.

John and his friend Tom were regulars at the golf course at the Caddie Shack every year at Carlisle and there isn't a lot of space to put a set of clubs in a Roadster.  

A couple of applications of "Leather Therapy" (recommended by Dusty Johnson) would make a world of difference in that dry leather, and it still feels supple to the touch.  I used to use Leather Therapy products on the saddle leather seats in my pickup (again, Dusty recommended it) and it made a world of difference.

Beautiful! Still in the middle of paying off some debt... if only this was available a year from now. GLWS!

Please note:  

I don't often get involved with car sales - the last one for me was Carl Berry's car and parts stash - and when I do get involved it is for a car worthy of a good home with another like-minded Speedster/Roadster owner who will take good care of it.  

This is just such a car, a low-mileage, pampered Intermeccanica that has recently been serviced by Northrup's Import Auto Service in Rhode Island (see ad details above) and is totally ready for this driving season - Just get in and go anywhere you like with no worries.

So I'm a bit surprised that there has been no interest expressed to John's son (or me) by potential buyers.  I thought that we had set a very fair price for this car, but I guess not, so John's wife has authorized me to do two things:

1.  We're reducing the price of the car to $28,000 just for people on this site.  But you'll have to act fast, because:

2.  She will be contracting with Intermeccanica to put an ad up on the Intermeccanica "Pre-Owned" page starting May 1'st (five days hence) with the price set back at $30,000.

So, if you've been dragging your feet trying to decide, now is the time to act.  Once it's up on the IM site with their wider audience of people looking specifically for an IM, I'm sure it will be gone.

If you've been wanting a really good Speedster or Roadster and would appreciate the potential of roll-up windows and A/C, now is the time to act.

Contact Info:

For technical questions - Gordon Nichols at

speedstahguy@gmail.com or Cell at:  (508) 241-8848  

For seller/purchase info, please Contact David Estes (John's son)

Email:  destes@theproutschool.org

Cell:  (401) 741-9959

Gordon, you are a good man & friend for doing this for John's family! I'm sure they truly appreciate the time and effort you're putting into this. But then again, you're just that kind of guy!  @Gordon Nichols

Anyone have knowledge on how much it'd cost to have it shipped to los Angeles? Also what it may cost to get the A/C back and running?

I'm really interested but again, Timing just isn't right. Hoping the person that does get it knows how lucky they are. 

*sigh* 😞

The A/C needs a compressor and mount (I suspect IM could tell you where to get one)  and the lo/hi pressure hoses going to it.  I will ask to look around John's garage if I get down there to see if it is lurking there, but since the car left Florida with the second owner, (John was the third) I suspect they may not be there and would be suspect of them if they were.  Better to get a new one and, again, Henry or Robert at IM could help with that and a 2,110 should handle A/C with ease. 

Transport companies are all over the place.  Troy sloan or Alan Merklin can suggest trusted ones and a rule of thumb is $2 bucks per mile.

I am surprised that car has not sold yet.  

Gordon can you confirm that it has a ZIP DOWN rear window please.  That is a nice feature found on pretty much all Roadsters made by IM.  

The AC can be fixed easily by getting a new compressor from Rockauto and having it vaccumed dried and recharged.  

I had my car shipped across the country in a special covered wagon for $2200 it should be a lot cheaper for you guys with real money ... not our monopoly money 

 BTW, roll up windows are awesome :") 

Hmmmm.....Thought I replied to this last night.  Must not have hit "send".

Yes, the Haartz Stay-Fast canvass top has a zip-out rear window.  That was one of the first things I noticed, way back in 2004 when John and his friend caravanned to Carlisle with us.  They had the top up and window zipped out and there was zero top buffeting with nice, flow-thru ventilation.  Pretty cool.  

On the Monopoly money up in the Great White North, we have a bunch of "Mickey Bucks" from Disney World, but I think they only work in the parks.....    

I remember meeting John years ago(2006) and have always admired this car. It's an out and out STEAL. I hope someone on here picks it up.

Gordon Nichols posted:

Hmmmm.....Thought I replied to this last night.  Must not have hit "send".

Yes, the Haartz Stay-Fast canvass top has a zip-out rear window.  That was one of the first things I noticed, way back in 2004 when John and his friend caravanned to Carlisle with us.  They had the top up and window zipped out and there was zero top buffeting with nice, flow-thru ventilation.  Pretty cool.  

On the Monopoly money up in the Great White North, we have a bunch of "Mickey Bucks" from Disney World, but I think they only work in the parks.....    

Gordon...did John Estes' car ever get sold ? I don't see it on the IM site for sale. What is the sale status, please ? 

I had a phone conversation with Mrs Estes a couple of weeks before Carlisle The plan was for me to talk with Henry at Carlisle, however he had to cancel, my engine had issues and I dropped the ball not following up .  Gordon perhaps you list it on eBay for Mrs Estes? ? 

Bring A Trailer.

I saw that car on the IM Flickr site. 

I E-mailed back and forth with John's son and was ready to buy the car until I found out what I would have to do to get the car on the road legally in Massachusetts.

I would have to buy a car built before 1974 that has been registered in the last 5 years and have it crushed and properly salvaged , so that I could get an emissions waiver for a car built in 1995. I spoke to the guy with the answers at the Ma. DMV .  I'm checking with salvage yards but I'm not holding my breath. 

I have a car that's grandfathered in Ma. , so I guess that's worth a little more now. Looks like I'll have to drive it for a while longer. Could be worse.

Many thanks to Gordon for getting me the right people to talk to. This car was going to be Gone Baby Gone!   ( Heidi is still a little bummed )

Hypothetically, one could always register it in Montana with an LLC. We live in strange times. 

And if you live in any other state in New England, other than Massachusetts, you can register it as a 1995 Intermeccanica, no problem.

As far as I know, the car is still for sale with a few inquiries but no offers yet.  All the info I had has been forwarded to Robert Ruskey at IM to get it up on their "Pre-Owned" web page and everything after that is handled by Dave Estes, John's son.  I do not know BaT or eBay at all, but gave Dave contact info for people who do know those sites so they can guide him along.

Honestly, I am very surprised that it has not yet sold, as it is a great car needing very little - in fact, it needs nothing for this driving season and maybe only $500 worth of upgrades over next winter, all cosmetic.

AL... pm sent

Al Gallo posted:

I E-mailed back and forth with John's son and was ready to buy the car until I found out what I would have to do to get the car on the road legally in Massachusetts.

I would have to buy a car built before 1974 that has been registered in the last 5 years and have it crushed and properly salvaged , so that I could get an emissions waiver for a car built in 1995. I spoke to the guy with the answers at the Ma. DMV .  I'm checking with salvage yards but I'm not holding my breath. 

I have a car that's grandfathered in Ma. , so I guess that's worth a little more now. Looks like I'll have to drive it for a while longer. Could be worse.

Many thanks to Gordon for getting me the right people to talk to. This car was going to be Gone Baby Gone!   ( Heidi is still a little bummed )

Al, I know it could take time but a well sorted Roadster is a lot more comfortable car.  Especially where more rain and cooler weather rains. 

I think David Stroud did pretty good on the flip or his car,  even if it did take work and he is really enjoying roll up windows. See, we can spend your money easily on this list. 

Stan is correct that you can establish a P.O. box or whatever in several states.  I met a guy in Florida this Winter who had cars all over the country and 7 in his garage.  They were registered in Montana, the Dakotas and other states, but he had business and had traveled around in several states. Still have a speedster in my garage, so there's that.

I have a company in Montana that I have registered several Porsche replicas with in the past.  Here's the drill:

•  You pay an upfront fee...nominal...to create a Montana Limited Liability Company. You send them the title to your car, and they send you a newly-created Montana title.  The Montana title is a permanent title, so you'll never have to re-register or pay any additional fees.  You do have to pay a small annual fee every year to re-register your Limited Liability Company.  The title company acts as your agent in Montana.  I'm not sure whether this would solve some of the problems of our members who are having difficulty registering their cars (California, Massachusetts, etc.) but it could be worth checking out.  I have never had any issues with any of the titles or cars that I have registered through this company.  PM me for contact information.

Bob Templeton, Phoenix

Just an up front caution from what I've learned about how the Mass. Registration/Titling process works:  This process will NOT work in Mass.  While you could get a Montana title and then attempt to title/register in Mass., it will not get you around the emissions requirement for the year your engine was built, regardless of what it replicates.  Plus, the Mass. Titling office is aware of what's going on in Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama and Montana (there may be a few others I haven't heard about) and will assuredly give you a hard time in the process as they've clamped down on that stuff in the last year or so.

Agree with Gordon. that process will not fly in most states as they require particular paperwork to document the build process. If purchased out of your home state as a completed Specialty Constructed vehicle there is a specific enhanced  inspection process which is not easy to navigate.

That is a great car, but I got so frustrated by the State of Massachusetts that I bought a 911 and put money back in my pocket. I still have my Speedster legally registered and it's looking better all the time.

Are there any pictures with the roof up?

I see from the discussion registration might be tricky. I'd be looking to register the car in Florida. Does anyone know how that might work?

Thanks.

I'm not positive, but Florida seems pretty lax with their motor vehicle laws.  You may have a chance with this car but I would check anyway.  I've seen this car and it's a keeper.  Good luck !

@Al Gallo roll up windows is pretty awesome Al. ... your sure it is not worth the effort to register it? 

Richard - I don't work for FL Tax Division (our FL DMV) but you should have no problem.  It seems to have a Rhode Island title - assume as Intermeccanica and hopefully still has the IM data/VIN plate (old one shown - seem to be in passenger's door opening).  I would get a Bill of Sale so you can prove what you paid for it.  FL Taxation Office will physically verify the VIN and mileage against what is on the title.  You can have "a government officer" verify this too - there is FL form - so a Sheriff or State Police  officer can do. 

Assuming it is registered as a 1995, you pay your $225 for new tag (if you aren't transferring one) plus title fee,  yeary registration fee and 6-6.5% sales tax.  Now if vehicle were 30+ years old (most states are 25 years - not FL though), the tags would be only $75 and you  could get antique or use year of build plates.

I'd be on it if I hadn't bought a new MX-5 Miata recently.  

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. Gordon has also been very helpful in providing me info about the car. I've reached out to David (John's son) via email but haven't heard back as yet so I'm not sure if it's actually still for sale. Hopefully there will be positive news on that front shortly. Thanks again.

I agree, Ray, roll-up windows are nice and that's a sweet car, but we went in another direction.  My speedster passed the round trip to Carlisle adventure with flying colors so I'm keeping it.  We have replaced Heidi's MX5 with a 911, so that particular itch has been scratched . 

I hope John's car goes to a good home soon.

Richard - I found a top-up photo from 2006.  Typical IM Roadster top (Haartz Canvas Material) with a full zip-out rear window (zipped out in this photo).  

You can also call Jane Estes.  PM me for her cellphone number.

I never noticed before how nicely Intermeccanica makes the bumpers hug the body. That's a nice look.

Well that zip down window is a great feature on a Roadster, if you do not have it you lose flexibility to have the canopy up in the hot sun. 

not going to lie, although i hope this does go to a great new owner who will enjoy and cherish it... a little part of me hopes it doesn't sell and i can pick it up next summer. AC, roll-up windows, ivory, 2110 engine... that basically checks off all my options. 

anyone want to spot me $20k ;D

It appears that John's car has been sold, but I have no details.  Someone from Rhode Island contacted me about further info and I provided Jane Estes' contact info and heard a few minutes ago that the car had already been sold a couple of days ago.

Someone is getting a beautiful car.

Thanks for posting that Gordon. That explains why I never heard back. Hope the buyer enjoys it. For me, there’ll be others.  

lucky bastard...