It’s amazing what gets donated these days. We first flagged a 1970 Chevy Malibu that ended up at a donation center somewhere near Anaheim, California, shocked to see it listed as running and driving well and looking largely rust-free. It’s a head-scratcher as to why it got donated, so check it out here on eBay where bidding is approaching $7K with just over one day left on the auction – and then look at some of the other donated classics below.
All of these vehicles are from the same seller, who gives a quick rundown on the car’s running and driving condition. Obviously, with donated cars, you’re taking a calculated risk but also likely getting a project at a very reasonable price. This 1962 Ford Thunderbird here on eBay does not run or drive, and will need total restoration. There’s no key so whether it runs or not is a guess, but the bids are also at just $200 at the moment – and it doesn’t appear rusty from here.
Here’s a classic California vehicle, one that I saw many of when I last visited San Diego, usually parked next to popular surf spots. It’s a 1983 Toyota Dolphin motorhome conversion, found here on eBay also as a non-runner due to a faulty fuel pump. The body looks fairly sound, far better than what I see out here in the northeast, but the roof is said to have water damage and there are no photos of the interior. I’m guessing it’s pretty funky inside, especially with a water leak, but again – just one bid to $200.
And if you want to get downright exotic, there’s even a 1986 Maserai Biturbo convertible to check out. Find it here on eBay looking reasonably solid but suffering from mechanical issues (surprised?) It does run, but a leaking radiator and stalling issues prevent it from being called a “driving” vehicle. The body appears to be in fine shape, however, but that interior can quickly unravel with the acres of leather and woodgrain trim found inside. So, now that you’ve taken stock of these latest donated classics, which one would you take a chance on?
The Malibu gets my vote. I like this style a lot and you can do lots with it if you choose to update it.
The Dolphin RV conversion
The RV conversion I would rebuild the drivetrain and redo the interior to my taste then travel full time–hey a guy can dream right??
Someone, some tormented soul, should vote for the Biturbo at $3500 and ending in an hour. It does look pretty nice and it’s not a Rolls or Bentley.
The local donation auction place always says that the non-runners have a “clogged fuel system”. I think it is catch all for “heck, we have no idea why it does not run”.
My vote is for the 70 Malibu…….BUT it’s already up to $7k PLUS $110 doc fee (up to $1k), PLUS $65 doc fee each additional $1k x 6 = $500 in DOC FEE’S! OUCH!!!! What’s with those CRAZY high doc fees!?! I see several signs of bondo cracking under that brown repaint. Looks like a Gobi beige or gold car with gold interior. Fugly colors! I was thinking it was a $5k car.
I’ll bet ya these were donations they bought from Copart!
“Vehicles not paid for in full and picked up within THREE (3) days of end of auction will be subject to a penalty of $60.00 plus $20.00 PER DAY in storage fees (storage fees are not negotiable and must be paid prior to release of vehicle).” WTF???? I can’t arrange shipping across the country that fast! With the crazy doc fees, 3 days to pay/pickup and ALL the fine print they have in their listings, I’d AVOID this seller!
Not that it matters but the t bird is a 63′. Already set up to be a low rider.
I won an auction a few years ago from these guys when I was living in CA…..The cars are hit and miss, but the guys who run this place are A-Holes of the worst kind. They make your average impound lot staff seem friendly. They tack fees on top of fees, beyond the fees they list…..These are NOT car guys, they’re just jerks…IMHO
I suspect the person who donated it needed a tax deduction, whatever it sells for he deducts it as what he donated to charity…he probably couldn’t sell it for half of what folks will be willing to pay as a donation to a charilty…. eveybody wins. Just a guess.
Final ebay price was $7,256 + $565 in doc fees + $80 starting the four day for the FIRST day of storage IF it’s not payed for/pickup by this Wednesday + $20 per day after that! Whew!!!! Who want’s to deal with a seller like that??
Unless it’s a good runner, you’re upside down on that Maserati no matter what you pay. We had a Alpha in the shop a few years ago and quickly found out that the folks in Italy have a strong disdain for returning calls or emails to America. Run.
Seen a Big block Chevelle and a GTO at a public auction. Sitting next to the lawnmowers. Amazed.