289FIA Kirkham @ Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by rodneym

Hopefully the new owner is enjoying it.
They may have even stayed away from here due to the story...

Last time I chatted with him, he had decided to keep the car and "give it one last chance." Apparently, all family members were on board with that decision.

[LMH]

At a local Cars and Coffee get together a few month ago, there was a Kirkham 427 that was unpainted, kind of dirty, wheels had brake dust on them, engine wasn't bright and shinny... you get the idea. I liked it and I usually don't like unpainted cars. The body was what I would describe as oxidized brushed. Beyond filed for sure but not polished! It had a 'used' look to it, a couple road scars, a couple small dents but it was pretty cool! Only thing I didn't like was the polished stripes but whatever.
Larry

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by LMH

At a local Cars and Coffee get together a few month ago, there was a Kirkham 427 that was unpainted, kind of dirty, wheels had brake dust on them, engine wasn't bright and shinny... you get the idea. I liked it and I usually don't like unpainted cars. The body was what I would describe as oxidized brushed. Beyond filed for sure but not polished! It had a 'used' look to it, a couple road scars, a couple small dents but it was pretty cool! Only thing I didn't like was the polished stripes but whatever.
Larry

Rat rod Cobra?

I like it - I really like that look.

As to the stripes, they could always be painted, taped or brushed to match the rest of the finish.

[dacobb]

OK, let me get this straight...a Kirkham with the wrong body, wrong engine, pitted and dented exterior, and it still fetches $95K in a somewhat down market?

What exactly am I missing here?

[MKS427]

Originally Posted by dacobb

OK, let me get this straight...a Kirkham with the wrong body, wrong engine, pitted and dented exterior, and it still fetches $95K in a somewhat down market?

What exactly am I missing here?

Don’t forget the “roller” tires.
In my humble opinion, the right buyers just weren’t there. I saw the car on Thursday and it was gorgeous. The buyer got a smokin’ deal.
I’ve talked to 5 or 6 Kirkham owners and admired their cars in the past. All of them are happy with their car. Someday I might own one too.

[King- cobra]

I had one of David's hybrid 289 slabsides. It was a great car and I got $125,000 several years ago for it. It was a painted car with a 302 stroker and five speed. At the time that was as much as 427 Kirkhams were bringing. I have owned several of David's cars and even visited the old shop when I was in town. Is he difficult to reach at times yes, what business owner isn't. He has been nothing but helpful everytime I reach out to him. As for the poor sales price, if you remember I offered you much more than you received at BJ several years ago. This is a hobby and it is very difficult to make money on a hobby.
Just my two cents.

[Dar73]

I guarantee you the person that purchased this car doesn't know a Hybrid Chassis from a hole in the wall.... BJ provides a one paragraph synopsis of the car, a few pictures and adios amigo, it gets what it gets, then you give 10% back and wonder what went wrong. Welcome to the world of no reserve auctions..... RestoCreations starts the thread with glowing details of how great the car is, then immediately turns tail when it crosses the block. Comes off lame. My few dealings with Dave Kirkham have been very pleasant. It's low rent to vent your frustrations after the sale and blame Kirkham.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Dar73

I guarantee you the person that purchased this car doesn't know a Hybrid Chassis from a hole in the wall.... BJ provides a one paragraph synopsis of the car, a few pictures

BJ does not provide any info. All info is provided by the seller. BJ does not in general vouch for its correctness, exceptions being for Corvette HP number (which is provided with the car by GM) and some claims of "numbers matching".

[RUFdriver]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

BJ does not provide any info. All info is provided by the seller. BJ does not in general vouch for its correctness, exceptions being for Corvette HP number (which is provided with the car by GM) and some claims of "numbers matching".

You have to do your homework at Barrett-Jackson or any auction, the auction docket is listed for weeks before the auction, it’s auite easy. For example , there was a particular Porsche at BJ I was interested in bidding, so I researched the car, ran the VIN etc (Google is a great tool). And low and behold it had quite the negative history , smacked a wall at the track/ blown engine etc..., needless to say I passed.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by RestoCreations

I just lost 35k tonight on my 289FIA Kirkham. I’ll never own another. To all, I would suggest never purchasing a polished finish!!! It’s a nightmare and a rip off. It never looked good and as soon as you touch it there are scratches. The car is no longer mine so I can now speak the truth. Paint it! The cars are wonderful works of art, but a polished body or stripes are a nightmare. All the best to the Kirkhams, they are truly artists, but I would never order or pay 16k for a polished finish again!!!

Originally Posted by RestoCreations

After much thought, I have reduced the price to 129,900, which is about what it would cost to build the car with all options if you did every bit of the work yourself. I was a bit exaggerated with my initial price.

Originally Posted by RestoCreations

After much thought, she is headed back to Kirkham to be fully polished. Now if reliable carriers would just be reliable and pick the car up!!!

After trying to the sell the car for $130,000 (roughly his cost w/no labor), unsuccessfully, Resto decided to spend $16,000 to fully polish the body. With shipping back and forth from/to AL, let's say then the total cost of the car was $150,000 rounded. Again, not including his labor, allegedly. Resto netted $95,000 at auction. He lost $35,000?

I'm no mathematician, but I'm missing something. Either the loss was larger or the car's cost wasn't $150,000 all in. At any rate, I just think the global markets are jittery right now and now wasn't the best time to sell a Cobra replica.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I'm no mathematician, but I'm missing something. Either the loss was larger or the car's cost wasn't $150,000 all in.

But I bet you can show him how to move that hobby loss right over in to an ordinary business expense category.

[Dar73]

RodKnock.... your net is High, that was the sale price but both buyer and seller pay 10% commissions. By the time you register the car, transport it, detail it, etc.... you're in for another 5K. He will net about 80 grand.....

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Dar73

RodKnock.... your net is High, that was the sale price but both buyer and seller pay 10% commissions. By the time you register the car, transport it, detail it, etc.... you're in for another 5K. He will net about 80 grand.....

Eh, what do I know about auctions.

So, instead of a $55,000 loss, it's now $70,000? Now we're talking some real money.

[Smurf_GT]

I purchased a used Kirkham last Summer. I sent a message to David and he called me back. I requested information on my car and David posted a ton of photos per my request. He was gracious and was willing to answer all my question. I asked to purchase a new overflow tank and he took the order and I received the part in a few days.

Amazing service. Hate to see this type of "banter" but I guess it's pretty normal online.

Sorry to see someone put so much work and not get a good return. I would blame the buyer. What a jerk for bidding so low.

[rodneym]

"real"-ity is relative.
At least that's what Black Mirror tells me to think.