New to the endeavor, this looks swell to me! Should I or shouldn't I? Please educate me...
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Push the "buy it now button!"
Yes, that's a heck of a deal if the ad is truthful.
Very nice car... I want to ask the seller a question and explain this process though.
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not that tough
"if the ad is truthful"
Why is it such a good deal and why is it such a short duration? Gives me the willies.
He's close enough for a visit but I fear I know so little all I will get from it is, yes, there is indeed a car for sale. Also, seven years is seven years. I was hoping to make it last. Lastly, none of my ducks are lined up...can I make it legal in CT? Perhaps I need to post a topic "Connecticut Intermecannicas?"
Ok. I did a bit of Internet research and found the owner where he says he is and from what I can glean, he seems like an upstanding gentleman. Even found the house with the narrow driveway! I have contacted him for a bit more info...anybody got some good questions to ask?
Only issue I might have is 7 year old tires. Right at where they should be replaced simply due to age rubber dries out and gets hard and sidewalls crack.
You can't get hurt at that price. Seriously.
Tires I can replace! Waiting to hear the kicker...something like "you are going to have to replace every piece of rubber on that machine!" Or am I confusing it with its 60 year old great grandfather?
Yeah, Stan, that is what I am thinking. The one thing that might put a bit of a damper on it would be if I could not register it in CT, though. Do you think it would be fair to put that restriction on the purchase? I guess if he gets another offer, that's it, but awfully hard to pull the trigger that damn fast! Haven't heard back fom him yet...
He just got back to me. Says the car is titled and plated in Illinois (as we might have guessed by the pictures). Has gotten many calls and thinks it will sell by Monday. Invited me to come out and see it. Am I right in assuming that it might be easier to register since it already has been? Now, what about emissions? Stuff happening way to quickly for my taste...
If "stuff is happening" too fast for you, then it may be time to bow out on this particular car. There will be lots of chances to buy in the future when you are better prepared to make the move.
True, Jim. And I know it. Here is the latest from him:
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In Illinois the car was titled as a 2005 Custom car.
When I bought the car originally from Intermeccanica they shipped it to a dealer they had in NC originally who was titling them down there for U.S. customers.
So when I bought it I just took that N.C. title to Illinois and they gave me a an Illinois title. So it was easy there.
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Going to call DMV on Monday and see if I can get any idea what they will do with this. I fear it will need emissions testing with that particular listing and won't pass with that particular engine. In any case, I really do not wish to purchase it sight unseen and, although he is happy to have me see it, he can't make it until Tuesday-- the day after the auction ends! Looks like its a game of chicken now with the other interested bidders and, well, I'm too chicken!
Take your time, I didn't. No hurry, snow will be falling soon. Where is this ad?
The ad is here:
Aaaah Michael...creme de la creme!!
The twin sister of Peter Venuti's roadster, sans engine
Worst case, you could flip this and make a profit.
Stuff like this is a tough deal.
You JUST start looking for something, and what really seems to be a good deal pops up. You look at it, want to buy it... but think, "I've been looking for all of 15 minutes, and here's this one. I'm sure there'll be even better deals if I wait".
So... you wait. and wait. and wait. And it turns out the first thing you saw might be the best thing you will see in a very long time. Maybe ever. I'm not saying this is that kind of deal, but you never know. A good deal is a good deal.
It's been said that "ready, aim, fire" beats "ready, fire, aim" every single time. But even "ready, fire, aim" beats "ready, aim, aim, aim aim". I know what it's like to "lock-up" a little, even if I know something is a great deal. I'm in the middle of considering if I want to buy a building, and I'm just having trouble pulling the trigger. I missed out on a 100th Anniversary Heritage Softail set up with a lot of chrome and beach bars because I flopped and twitched for three extra days.
This one isn't the deal of the century, but it is a good deal. If you like the color, and it's near enough that you won't have to ship it, you're many, many dollars ahead of a car that's a great deal on the other coast... but is the wrong color, and is $1500 from your front door.
Forewarned is forearmed.
It is very tempting but too many unknowns to jump on. I think it is only prudent to back off when someone puts time pressure on especially when the deal is "to good to be true." I told him if the car wasn't sold I would come and see it Tuesday (and let's not forget he is unavailable to show it before the auction ends as another red flag). The buy it and flip it if I can't register it idea is more car dealing than I want to deal with right now but think that that is a probable outcome for this car.
Carl: do you think it would be legal in CT?
Thanks, Stan. It's actually not the right color, but it's not the wrong color. If I knew it could be made street legal in CT, my trigger finger would be itchier. I'm going to call DMV tomorrow but, if my understanding from what I have gleaned from this site is true, I think the title classification as a replica, air-cooled engine, and CT emission laws add up to an outlaw car.
Tough to know the difference between being prudent and having "paralysis from analysis".
Maybe a SOC member will take a drive to check it out.
Good looking car.
Michael, If it's registered in NY then it's passed the taste test and is 'legal' in CT
Wrong color??...Angela and Steve (paint it black) are rolling their eyes in dismay
Calling CT DMV?...your chance of talking to someone knowledgable is problamatic...The only question is the engine. If the serial numbered case predates emissions (which it probably does) then you're safe...Call Henry in Vancouver instead.
That is a very nice looking IM. The Roadster/Convertible D does have the advantage of the increased head room, and nicely padded convertible top.
Originally Posted by Bob:
That is a very nice looking IM. The Roadster/Convertible D does have the advantage of the increased head room, and nicely padded convertible top.
Sometimes, though, there are questions that need to be answered before jumping on a nice car. It's always a gamble, but if the car is still there on Tuesday, then you can really dig into finding out what you need to know.
It's actually registered in Illinios. Yeah, I know DMV is probably not going to be helpful. I won't know if I can register it until I try. What a catch-22! Thought about contacting Henry but not sure what he will be able to tell me. Guess it is worth a shot. Thanks!
That's my thinking, Bob. If it hasn't sold, time pressures off and I can try to line up the ducks. If it has sold, I get to keep looking!
BTW: silver metallic/black are my color choices, just so you know...
...or (since you're sitting on pins and needles) call the present owner in Sag Harbour and ask him for the engine's serial number (front of the crankcase under the alternator support bracket)...then reference Muir's Manual, page 327 for production year.
Then simply confirm with DMV if that year engine is emissions exempt...nothing else!...no other questions...don't confuse them!!
Carl- from the DMV site (my underlining). Sounds like
1. this car is classified as a "composite" in the State of Connecticut,
2. as it is already registered and titled as "custom car" in Illinios, only a no charge, courtesy inspection is required (if custom = composite) and,
3. it is exempt from emissions testing.
So the task seems to be call DMV and see if an Illinios custom is a Connecticut composite. Am I missing something?
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A composite motor vehicle is "Any motor vehicle, composed or assembled from several parts of other motor vehicles, or the identification and body contours of which are so altered that the vehicle no longer bears the characteristics of any specific make of motor vehicle. Any vehicle not assembled by a manufacturer licensed as such in the State of Connecticut is classified as a composite motor vehicle."
What to do:
- Vehicle must pass a composite vehicle inspection. All composite inspections are done at the Wethersfield inspection lane between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Note: all lanes will be closed from noon to 1 p.m.)
Note: Composite motor vehicles must be transported on a flat bed trailer or car carrier to the inspection site (not to be driven or towed; no wheel of the vehicle may touch the ground) except if validly registered in another state or if the owner is a licensed dealer or repairer. If vehicle is validly registered and titled out of state as "composite", then only a courtesy inspection is required at no charge. Weth. only. - All composite vehicles are exempt from an emissions test.
- Bring the Certificate of Titles of all vehicles used for major component part
CT emission exemptions
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Exempt Vehicles
There are some exemptions to the program, particularly newer models, many older vehicles, motorcycles and other specialized vehicles:
- New vehicles that are four or less model years old (as of 1/1/12, model years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013).
- A motor vehicle twenty five-years old or older, (C.G.S. 14-164c © “twenty-five or more years ago” shall mean the number of years arrived at by subtracting the model year of the motor vehicle seeking the exemption from the current calendar year).
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds.
- Composite Vehicles (Effective July 1, 2007) (vehicle must be registered as a composite vehicle).
I think I did miss something. Just because they are exempt from testing doesn't mean they are exempt from being equipped to handle emissions. So this is where the year of engine manufacture comes into play. Seems to have to be before 2008 and, as this car I was purchased 2005, pretty likely that it is. As Carl says, just need proof.
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All composite vehicles (except motorcycles) presented for a composite inspection will be required to be equipped with the following emissions systems based on the year of manufacture of the engine used in construction.
Emissions controls must match the year of the engine used in the composite vehicle. Documented proof of engine year must be provided by the applicant. This information will be verified for accuracy and the presence of all required components will be verified during the inspection.
Note: This requirement will not apply to vehicles with engines purchased prior to August 1, 2008. Documented proof of engine year and purchase date must still be provided at time of inspection.
Looks like someone pullyeh the trigger... It is no longer available.
Well, it was a good buy at that price. Seemed to be in excellent condition with few miles on it.
I think it was Vince who bought it. He's always wanted an IM.
Thought someone here might buy it. Looking forward to hearing tales about it if it was. Just too soon for me.
Michael, don't let 'what might have been' keep you up at night. Convince yourself that it was probably a potential piece of crap, take a Xanax, and sleep tight.
No. I think it was probably the right car. Won't lose sleep though, other plans are still in the works. And the right color! Thanks everyone for getting me through last night though. It felt like Speedsters Anonymous for a while!
i wonder how much over 35 he got.
Michael, if I've learned anything about buying cars, there will always be another good buy down the road.
Buying sight-unseen always worries me. I'd rather pay more and be able to examine and drive the car.
Imagine buying one without ever seeing a live replica speedster at all!
You know, I'm not sure the car sold. It simply says seller has removed item because it is no longer available...
Perhaps it is still available. You really need to see the car and to drive it. Most of these cars are so attractive to look at, but you need to be sure it drives the way you want it to drive, because that is how you will really enjoy it.
I am on my third one of these, and I finally have one that drives the way I like to drive. That's the real fun - getting in and driving it. You can only sit and look at it for so long.
Never buy any car on its looks alone, or you will be selling it the next year.