I drive a 1969 Plymouth Fury III convertible.
Not a muscle car, but a
beach cruiser/professional gasoline swallower. The other day I was walking away from
my car after I'd parked it at a local shopping strip mall, when some
guy in an SUV stops next to me as he's passing.
"HEY! Want to sell your car?"
Now,
I'm not exaggerating when I say I get this ALL THE TIME. People stop
me to ask, shout it across streets and parking lots, pull up at red
lights, knock on my front door, leave notes, etc. The longing look in
their eyes is downright amusing and they practically drool. Even my
mechanic wants it, and he told me that in his research of my car, it's
estimated value is around $30,000. I already knew this, as I'd done my
own research long ago...but it was nice to hear from an independent
source!
So anyway, I politely decline the guys' offer,
coupled with a smile and my standard response of, "Sorry, it's my baby."
Most people recognize that there is no chance of a sale and accept it
graciously enough.
Not this guy, he's determined.
He's also not pulling away, and I stand there somewhat awkwardly, waiting for him to pass by so I can continue into the store.
"Aw,
come ON! Are you sure you don't want to sell it?" *cue longing look*
"It's an awful nice car, I love those..." *wistful look* Oh dear,
another Fury fan. I can sympathize, I know that illness. I again
decline, with an understanding smile.
Undeterred, he desperately
begins rummaging in his glove compartment. "No, wait! I'll...I'll
TRADE YOU! I can give you TWO fully restored Corvairs! I did them
myself, it's a hobby..." He waves a fistfull of photographs. At this
point he's attracted the frowning attention of a police officer, who is
getting into his cruiser parked nearby.
Oh God, the guy loves
Furys AND is a rabid auto hobbiest. He's now holding forth the
fanned-out photos and has a hungry, pleading look in his eye. This is
getting a bit weird, and I'm not about to approach some strange guy's
car close enough to inspect the photos. The cops' stare is getting
harder by the moment.
I still say no, but nicely, and wish him
goodbye and good luck on his Corvairs, then step back a pace or
two...I'm going to go around the back of his car and into the store that
way. The cop shuts the door to his cruiser and prepares to walk over
to the guy, who now has two cars waiting behind him.
Finally, to
everyone's relief, the guy accepts defeat and goes on about his
business. But I have to say, that's the best offer I've had for my car
yet!
