Reply to "Comment on Pantera Prices"

Thanks DeTom. These are the methods I have some experience with in selling a Pantera. I thought I would post them and let other BB users supplement or comment on the list.
1) Determine the value of your car. Consider any time factors you may have. Do you need an immediate sale or are you willing to wait for weeks or months.
2) In determining the value, ask the experts. Have your car looked at to verify originality, rust, mechanical issues, paint quality and ZF condition among other factors. Beware of pulpit bullys who dictate prices without considering the specifics of your car.
3) Marshall all your paperwork. If you can show a prospective buyer the paper trail and also have pictures taken during restoration or when repairs were made, this will greatly enhance the ease of selling your car and may entitle your car to a premium.
4) Consider your location. If you live in Moscow, Idaho, chances are you will not have a lot of visitors. This may impact the value.
5) Security concerns. Your car is an attractive nuisance in a way. We run into all kinds of lovely folks that are unqualified to buy a kiddy car to drive in a Shriner's parade much less purchase a 50K Pantera. They basically want a fast drive for entertainment. Sadly, these same "prospects" could also pose a threat to your safety if they car jack your car or case your joint for later "house cleaning". Do you really want your precious wife to show your Pantera to an unknown buyer when you are away from home?
6) Financials. Does your customer have any money? This may be something you would want to verify before you take them for a 4 second 0-60 blast. Can you help a prospect obtain financing or are you willing to finance your car? How do you qualify somebody without hurting their feelings?
7) Detailing. Few owners really take the time and effort to highly detail their cars. I am talking about a major detail that may cost $1,000.00 and include color sanding, etc. Since most purchasers are "impulse buyers" like I was, a shiney, highly detailed car will have more eye appeal and will get grown men reaching for their check books quicker than a frumpy half-dirty car.
8) Advertising. I will list the options:

eBay! We have auctioned dozens of cars on eBay and seldom does a car reach the reserve. However, the exposure on eBay can lead to an interested customer. It is inexpensive but be ready to answer lots of emails. Take great pictures to present on eBay.

Hemmings Motor News. HMN used to be the absolute best resource for selling a car. They have slipped greatly and I notice only a handful of cars in the latest issue. In the internet age, waiting for a magazine to come out may take too long, although HMN does list your ad on their website. It is worth a try.

This Bulletin Board. It doesn't cost anything and it is immediate. I have sold cars on this BB and I have seen other people succeed.

AutoTrader, local papers, Penny Saver. Not good experiences for us. No pictures or a dinkey picture won't get the job done. AutoTrader ads have worked in the past but local papers are doomed for failure and expensive for what you get.

Pantera International Cars for Sale Page. About half the cars sell within 30-90 days. Especially good for unusual cars and for owners seeking top dollar on their own.

Collector Car Trader Online. Have had some luck with this in the past but not lately. It does have high traffic but the display area on the page is small and this is not cheap.

Concours and car shows. A great place to show your car for sale. Probably can get top dollar at high end shows like the Concorso Italiano. Fun to do and the right kind of people go to these shows.

Consignment at PI Motorsports, Inc. The cost is 8% of the gross sales price and there is a storage fee of $125.00 per month while the car is on our showroom. Virtually no hassle. The seller doesn't have to deal with the general public, tire kickers, fast talkers and dreamers. We have qualified buyers waiting for special cars and PIM has a established presence. Comparing 6-12 Panteras side by side is of value to a buyer. Financing, up to 96 months and 100% is available. All paperwork is handled correctly. PIM has a track record of obtainning the best possible prices for our sellers. The sellers set the prices for their cars. We offer our opinions on market trends. The majority of cars are sold to Europe and overseas destinations. We have 10 years of experience and are the leaders in Pantera sales.

If you are thinking of selling your car, I cannot think of a better time to do so. We can arrange transportation for you.
Thanks for your question and I hope I have answered it. Cordially, Dave Adler