what to do with an old car?

[ning]

We've got an older car - a 60s muscle car, convertible, definitely wasn't a show car when we got it 20 years ago (numbers match? whaaaaa? hahaha no) but we enjoyed driving it around for a few years. It's history with us was, my wife wanted a convertible, I found this and she liked it and we bought it and drove it some.

Fast-forward a few years and it's just sitting there. Mechanically it was sound; the numbers-definitely-don't-match 460ci 4bbl engine / C3 transmission were strong, the brakes pretended to exist, the paint looked decent at a distance...

... but now, the rats and time have destroyed the interior completely and the crappy paint job no longer looks like a paint job.

How do you sell something like this? At this point I don't care how much I get for it (which means if you say "junk it" I'm about ready to do that) but if I can sell it to someone for more, hey, I have implements to buy, right?

 

[Industrial Toys]

Do one of those charity vehicle donations.

Take some pictures of it. Read a book years ago "Clutters Last Stand". Talked about how many sentimental things junk up our lives and cost us. They suggest taking pictures of such things, then get rid of them.

 

[ponytug]

I'd try it on CL, and racingjunk.com. My bet is that someone would want it for fun or parts. I'd google up a starting price and check kbb.com under a "poor" condition just to see.

All the best, Peter

 

[groundcover]

BAT is another place to post it

 

[oosik]

I donated my 2005 F-150 to the local ASPCA. Then I had space for the Taco Wagon.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Or Ebay it. Lots of old cars went on Ebay.

Depending on what it is, there may be car clubs centered around that model car. Heck they even have AMC Gremlin car clubs now (who knew?). Find a club that centers around that car and advertise it on their website.

 

[two_bit_score]

Somebody out there will buy it. And they will be happy to get it.

 

[BeezFun]

I gave mine to the auto repair program at the local community college. That's tax deductible and they came and picked it up.

 

[Oaktree]

How do you sell something like this? At this point I don't care how much I get for it (which means if you say "junk it" I'm about ready to do that) but if I can sell it to someone for more, hey, I have implements to buy, right?

You don't say what brand/model it is, but you might want to check out classic car forums for that make. Most of them have a classified section, you're probably going to get a better response from fans of that car there. I've seen total basket cases get snarfed right up.

 

[TractorGuy]

If it were mine I would take pictures and put it on craigslist. Pick a price you can live with and watch it go.

 

[LD48750]

Is it even legal to sell or give away a vehicle in that condition in CA?

 

[Jstpssng]

That paint job is quite popular now, they call it "patina". I call it junk, probably because I ran old trucks all of my life. Now that I finally have something decent I don't see the attraction.

 

[Sigarms]

At the end of the day, never has this meant so much as to try to give a reasonable response to a OP's question

I've donated a car to charity, and the bigger question becomes who is actually getting the money and if you might have just been better off selling it and then donating the money.

Sounds like it could be a unique car. What model and year?

 

[Frankenkubota]

But it's a convertible

 

[Sigarms]

But it's a convertible

But given the model/body, could determine what someone is willing to pay for it.

Sounds like a unique car. Can't help but think someone would be interested in it instead of junking it. Little doubt more people would be more interested in a car like this than my 98 avalon with 400k on it that had some electrical issues that no one could figure out.

End of the day I donated my avalon with the "proceeds" going to charity (after everyone involved in picking up the car and whatever they do is paid for their time). After going through that process, I've come to the concusion that if you can actually drive the car, sell it and then just donate the proceeds to the charity directly yourself. End of the day, the charity will probably get more money by doing a direct sale than having someone pick it up.

There are programs that gives your car to people to drive, didn't feel comfortable enough with the electrical issues to go that route.

 

[MossRoad]

 

[kf4uda]

As the old saying goes, "one man's trash is another man's treasure". You might be amazed at what you have. I have a neighbor that builds rat rods. He has built and sold 28 of them over the years. There is no painting involved. His are all rusty and paint faded but 100% mechanical.

 

[Oaktree]

But given the model/body, could determine what someone is willing to pay for it.

Sounds like a unique car. Can't help but think someone would be interested in it instead of junking it. Little doubt more people would be more interested in a car like this than my 98 avalon with 400k on it that had some electrical issues that no one could figure out.

Cars like that are what those "charity" outfits are best for...some worn out POC that will never have any value other than parts. Muscle cars, or (most) pre-smog era cars are in demand, and the OP shouldn't have any trouble finding a good home for it, even in ratty condition.

That paint job is quite popular now, they call it "patina". I call it junk, probably because I ran old trucks all of my life. Now that I finally have something decent I don't see the attraction.

I don't get it either (unless it's intentional, like a on rat rod or something), but people are paying good money for pre-ripped jeans too. Mine get like that the old fashioned way (not that my wife would let me go out in public wearing them).

 

[Gem99ultra]

You'd be surprised at what your old 'junker' is worth. Watch the TV show 'Junk Yard Gold' and you'll see resemblances of some old cars, many much worse than you can imagine. Somewhere, somebody, is trying to restore a car exactly the model that you're trying to get rid of. And trust me, some parts for many of those restorations are simply not available at any cost.

Even your old junker is of interest to me... other than the fact that it has a 460 cid engine, which tells me it's an older Ford. I'm just not into Ford resto's. But that just-right buyer is out there. Patience my friend, just have patience. They'll find you.

 

[dodge man]

Sounds like an old Mustang convertible? You would be surprised how much even an old beater convertible is worth.