olerascal (Mike Mittelstead) checking in to clarify I connected buyer & seller.
Rarely visit Xweb anymore, since I aged out of trackdays,
which was root of my decades-long Fiat lifestyle.
Only occasionally browse FS&W, since I'll have stuff to peddle later.
While coping with dear friend's debilitating illness,
we had been spitballing marketing options for his pristine coupe.
Figured evil-bay 1st, while putting together BAT quality listing (& deal w/ BAT lead time).
Then, spotted Frank's wish list, which appeared with cosmic timing.
Seller can't speak & hands not functional,
so gathering specs for writing ad copy was a challenge.
Yet, also a positive bonding after months of seeing robust & gregarious buddy
lose functions. Slowly at first, then radically over last few months.
Frank got detailed reports over following days,
with a few discoveries along the way.
Some good. Some not good, but not serious either.
More like expected & simple fixes for experienced Fiat wrench like Frank.
Further serendipity that I knew Frank from his days in Oregon
to be an accomplished Fiat wrench, likely with $ resources!
Few gearheads are lucky enough to find buyer like Frank.
Fell on me to locate & pack spares, plus fire up long-standing Fiat.
BTDT many times, but long ago.
Good mental therapy for me to be involved in exciting project!
Bit of physical therapy later, all was ready to ship.
Final cosmic moment came when hauler Jordan arrived.
I expected typical U-ship surly &/or ESL driver, rolling a POS hauler.
Jordan shows up with killer trailer already loaded with a McLaren!
Pure luck of the draw. McLaren shipper paid for primary spot,
then Jordan filled trailer with cars on same path & timeline at U-ship rate.
To ChrisG: Yes, Euro model. Named "Flash" 40 yrs ago by PO.
Huge provenance on this car, decades of records.
26 yr old body/paint tells no lies, hides no secrets.
I restored taillights 20 yrs ago. Good, but PO always wanted best,
so he eventually found NOS Euro lenses. Also has most of Vick's goodies.
Car was like a Barbie doll...always getting new accessories!
To Rob124: Interior is pristine, other than driver seat foam
a bit puckered from PO's husky butt. Bit of foam rework is only flaw.
Roll of upholstery material included if it's ever needed later.
Stunning in person,w/ red accents, french-stich seams on seats & carpet piping.
PO wasn't an internet/forum guy,
so car was known only to a few eastside Portland locals.