1988 CHP SSP on eBay

[John10608]

I am guessing that someone has already posted this on here ?
If not, here it is. I assume this vehicle has been on eBay before ??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...011d9e&vxp=mtr

[Rhino]

It's been all over the place - ranging from $19K to $50K+

Well, being that I had 30 minutes free this afternoon, and with all the rumor on this car - I called the seller directly from his # posted on Craigslist to ask about the car.

Nice guy - his name is Jim - and we had a good chat. Will be typing up a bit here - so hang on... (Mike, he mentioned you while on the phone - sounded like you guys had exchanged an e-mail or two.)

Jim verified that yes, he indeed did buy the car directly from the CHP. He befriended Spike years and years ago (circa 1970-80s). He had found a 55 Buick and was restoring it back, and after a few calls to ask about decals, etc. One thing led to another - and by restoring that 55 Buick, he formed a friendship with Spike. He later restored a Dodge B500 (hope I got the model right) and later on a 69 Polara.

One day he was up at the Academy and got a ride in one of the EVOC mustangs. He was hooked. And had to have one. Sounded like he worked out a deal with Spike on wanting to buy one - and when they were ready - Spike called him up and told him they had a car ready and to bring $X number of dollars. He couldn't drive up that day to get it (didn't have his car that day available) - so Spike had one of the local CHP guys pick him up and bring him to Sac to pickup the car.

He purchased it, mostly as you see it today, from the CHP. But the car was WITHOUT decals on it. Jim brought the car home with the letter from Spike - and later called up asking about why he didn't get the car with the decals. They told him to look in the trunk - and inside were 4 sets of decals - which he put back on the car. (Sounded like he may still have a spare set).

The car came with GREY SEATS originally. He was approached by a fellow member in the Shelby club who asked him if he would like a set of mint red seats. He said yes - and put them in. Original ones were well worn and he threw them out. So this answers why there are red seats in the car.

The car was featured back (sounded like 1996) in a magazine shoot at a track event in (Sears raceway?) - which I believe we all have seen pics of at one time or another. He raced it around the track - and loved it. The roll cage really stiffened up the car - and he was in love with it.

At that event - Pete Brock was there - and asked to run round the track. When he got done with the drive, he was impressed with how well the car handled (in EVOC form). Jim and Pete got to talking and that's where the roof signature comes into play with Carroll Shelby. I told Jim that the story of the whole high speed training car was not accurate - he chuckled - and agreed. Said that Pete was being funny, and that it was just his way of acknowledging the car was "cool" - Carroll signed it as well just for fun.

Jim asked if I knew a lot about these cars - I said I know a lot, but am not an expert. I told him there was a recent 1992 EVOC that sold at Mecum. He passionately said that 92 was a "fake". I informed him that I know the former owner, and it is indeed genuine. He said when he called Mecum - they didn't have the same paperwork/documentation like his car had - so it must be a fake. After we chatted a bit and I told him a little about the 92 that we all know well, he changed his tune a bit and seemed to accept that it was the real deal. All about perception I suppose.

Jim asked what I thought the car was worth. I told him that given it's originality that it likely could bring $19-20K to the right buyer and in the right venue. However, I also called it like it is - said his car has been all over the internet ranging from $20K up to $50K+ and that it may have hurt him with so much wide pricing swings. I said that likely it would sell at $15K (as that is what it would be worth to me). He didn't react...just took it in. Said he has a dealer in Oakland that will pay $20K for it and then said they could sell it for $30K. I told him "good luck" with that - and that likely it wouldn't sell for $30K (yet).

He said that the car was pulled back in with a recall from Ford for 2 new catalytic convertors. He had them put on - then took them right off. I believe he has those still.

I asked: Why are you selling it? Seems like you have a strong history on it...so why sell now? Said he recently moved. He's 76. Has a house with a 1 car garage - so this and a Woody panel convertible need to go. While he's not in a "rush" to sell it, I think he's beginning to get real about the pricing.

I asked what he would take - and he's firm (for now) at $20K. He's not keen on selling it to a dealer.

Anywho...hope this helps to dispel some of the myths - and helps to explain the red seats, decals and history.

Is it all true? Who knows. Sounded plausible on everything I was told.

Happy Hunting fellas.

[NoDrama43]

Ryan thanks for taking the time to call him and get the information. It pretty much confirms the thoughts/opinion I had about the car.

In my humble opinion several things bring the price down. The hype/angle the seller is trying to attach to the car, the stupid writing on the roof, and the previous and continued multiple attempts to sell it for incredibly overpriced amounts. History has proven that CHP evoc cars are not the holy grail. Not now not ever.

in today's world/economy I don't think the car is worth a dime north of 12k and that is a stretch, unless you just have to have one.

[Rhino]

^^ Totally agree with above. ^^

Will see what happens. He's dropped it to $19K with no bids. $18K is likely next.

Cool car - and cool history, but in this economy, $12-15K goes a LONG way with buying a very NICE car.

[28HopUp]

It 'sold' on ebay for $19K to a bidder with ZERO feedback.

[NoDrama43]

excellent. Maybe it will go away now.

[Rhino]

LOL