An "interesting" test drive. Options

[Cuda911]

So, my sick 914 obsession continues, and have been looking to add to the stable. Yesterday I went to check out a '73 that had some sort of "upgraded" motor, but few specifics.

Seller stated "no rust," "fully restored" "everything that can be done to this car has been done," "excellent condition, only flaw is one minor blemish on seat"... yada, yada, yada....

My observations: Hmmmm...... gaping holes through the trunk covered up with electrical tape is "no rust"? Missing armrests, rotted dash with crappy dash cap, door cut-outs for cheap speakers, after market radio and seat belts, missing gauges, broken roof with rear latches installed backwards, roof surface has been rough-sanded, rotted wood at pedal cluster, both seats torn, back pad falling off, no sun visors or visor clips, missing heat exchangers, Riviera wheels that had been poorly painted black, tons of bondo or some other goop in front and rear trunks, etc. etc., etc. The "all original" paperwork and manual in the car is from a '76.

He said the motor was built by "some famous hot rod company, I forgot their name. No, I don't have any supporting paperwork."

Battery was dead, so he pulls one out of another car. But, it's too tall to allow the engine cover to close. Also, he has no hold downs, so the battery is just sitting on the tray, unattached, as I'm driving down mountain twisties to check out the car.

Right away, before we get out of the driveway, the shift knob fell off of the stick. There was no way to re-attach it, as the crush washer was missing. After driving it a few miles, suddenly I have no gears and am free-coasting down the road. I think the shift rod bolt dropped out.

Had to get towed back to his house by his nephew... they left me to "drive" the car, attached to the back of a pick-up with a 5-foot long strap. It was most fun to avoid smashing into the back of the truck at every stop sign, etc.

I still offered him 7K for the car because I liked the way the motor responded (even though I have no idea what motor it was, nor did he), but he wants 10K.

Good luck with the sale!

Any of you have similar test drive experiences?