Last week I noticed the engine sagging slighty. Took me a few days to figure out why. A part called the motor mount bracket had broken ($450, just for the part).
My buddy, Big Al, stopped over this morning to take a look. He's an ex crew chief for race cars. Builds race cars for a living. He said the bracket would not be easy to replace.
We'd have to do what is called a partial engine-drop. He also said not to drive the car, cuz the dang engine could fall out.
So I placed an ad on Craig's List. Within the hour, phone rang. Guy named Alex asked how much I thought the car was worth. I really had no idea, given its condition (undriveable).
But I threw out a number I'd be happy with. Alex said, "If you're willing to sell for that, I'll come over right now and buy it sight unseen."
Well, he did. Him and his buddy. Car left a few hours ago on a flatbed. It all went so very fast. (Made me dizzy.) One minute Big Al was ready to fix the car for me; the next (it seems), it was gone.
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I must say, Alex seemed to know exactly what he was looking at. He wasn't bothered by the poor cosmetic condition of the car. I mean, I didn't even have time to clean it. I was kinda embarrased by all the cheerios on the floor (from the Bug).
Alex designs watches for Oakley. So if you're wearing one of their thermonuclear watches, it might be one of his designs. His wife is expecting (boy) next week. (His first.)
He said, "I just want a car to roll down to the beach on the weekend .. with the top off." His buddy told me, "White is his favorite color."
It was obvious he knew exactly what he wanted (a white 911), and he was willing to look past poor cosmetics (and a broken motor mount bracket) to see the mechanical potential beneath.
It's hard to ask for a high price when you're selling a car that has to be towed away (altho it *would* run), but folks say I got a fair price. Alex certainly seemed pleased. I'm feeling melancholy. Been thru a lot with that car. But the car is really better off with him. I have neither the time nor money it needs. (I feel like crying.)
One good thing .. the Bug was able -- for the first 3 years of his life -- to tootle around town in a 911 .. with the top off .. sitting right beside me (not in the back seat) .. his hair blowing in the salty breeze .. sun on his face.
For more along these lines, here's a Google search preconfigured for the query » porsche 911 carrera
