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| 1969 Jaguar XKE |
There’s a certain music to a classic car restoration shop. The steady hum of sanders, the rhythmic whirl of drills, and the lively banter between craftsmen create a melody only true gearheads can appreciate. It’s not noise—it’s harmony. It’s the sound of history being reborn.
On my latest visit to the *Olde Restoration Shop, the atmosphere was alive as ever. Four or five dedicated craftsmen surrounded bare metal shells—each destined to become a masterpiece. Among them: a ’66 Corvette, a Shelby Mustang, a ’54 Ford Pickup, and a Mercury Cougar—just a typical day in the life of vintage metal.
But what really revved things up was the ever-animated shop owner, Justin. When Justin’s in a talkative mood, you know a great classic car tale is coming—and he didn’t disappoint.
The One That Got Away: A Jaguar XKE and a Change of Heart
Years ago, a client approached Justin with a mission: help him find a rare, elusive piece for his prized classic car collection. A 1969 Jaguar XKE—the kind of beauty that completes a serious collector’s dream garage.
As luck (or fate) would have it, Justin knew of such a car. But it wasn’t for sale—not officially. It belonged to another private collector, notorious for hoarding rather than parting with his treasures.
Still, Justin figured it couldn’t hurt to ask. At a local car show, he casually inquired if the Jag might be up for grabs. Instead of the expected “none of my cars are for sale,” the collector surprised him:
“Yes, if the price is right. $125,000. Cash only.”
Without hesitation, the buyer wired the full amount—sight unseen. The deal was done… or so it seemed.
Pickup Day Turns Into a Plot Twist
Justin scheduled transport, hired a professional enclosed carrier, and set out to retrieve the Jag. The location? Less a garage, more a private classic car museum—home to over 150 immaculately maintained vintage cars in climate-controlled perfection.
Upon arrival, the driver and Justin were treated to a full tour. Even though Justin had been here before, the driver was wide-eyed, soaking in the elegance of a life’s work in chrome and curves.
Finally, they reached “the car.” But something felt… off.
The seller appeared tense, fidgety—struggling with the idea of letting go. As they discussed the safest way to extract the Jag from its pristine parking spot, the seller suddenly snapped.
“Get out! Get out! Just get out!” he screamed, his voice echoing through the polished steel sanctuary.
Stunned, Justin and the driver stepped back. The garage door slammed behind them and locked with a metallic finality.
Peeking through a side window, they saw him—the seller had climbed into the Jaguar and shut the door. He wasn’t letting it go. Not now. Maybe not ever.
Seller’s Remorse Hits Hard
Justin knocked. Then pounded. The driver waited, confused. Finally, a voice called out from inside:
“I changed my mind. Go away!”
And that was that.
Despite the buyer wiring $125,000 and the transport truck already on site, the sale was dead.
A costly lesson in classic car seller’s remorse.
In the vintage car world, deals are sealed with a handshake, but sometimes passion outweighs profit. When you’re dealing with true classics, emotions often ride shotgun.
Love Classic Cars? So Do We.
If stories like this make your motor hum, you’re in good company. At All About Detail, we’re all about the roar of a perfectly restored V8, the beauty of hand-finished chrome, and the legends behind every hood ornament.
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