Contacting Previous Owners

[Glen C.]

Looking over the limited paper work that came with my car I can identify two additional owners beyond the fellow I bought it from. Running an internet search I can find an address of what appears to be one of the owners and an obit for the other. What is the best way to make the initial contact to the living owner - mail or phone - and does anyone have tips for starting the conversation? Also should I consider contacting the next of kin on the deceased owner?

I scanned the archives but couldn't find anything that specifically dealt with this if I missed it I apologize.

Thanks,

Glen

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Contacting Previous Owners

Looking over the limited paper work that came with my car I can identify two additional owners beyond the fellow I bought it from. Running an internet search I can find an address of what appears to be one of the owners and an obit for the other. What is the best way to make the initial contact to the living owner - mail or phone - and does anyone have tips for starting the conversation? Also should I consider contacting the next of kin on the deceased owner?

I scanned the archives but couldn't find anything that specifically dealt with this if I missed it I apologize.

Thanks,

Glen

I would write a letter & in 2 weeks call the living previous owner.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Contacting Previous Owners

My #2 owner of my 72 had a relatively common name for this area. I found all the people with that same name and sent a letter, then waited for him to call.
He did call and gave me a bit of background as well as clarified the ownership chain a bit.
I've not spoken to him since then.

Patrick

[Michael G.]

Re: Contacting Previous Owners

I had the same experience as Patrick. By sending the letter, you allow them the chance to think about whether or not to respond. Most will (at their convenience) so be patient. Be sure to give them a phone number and not rely on them writing you back. I'm still unsure of how to address the "deceased" situation.

[John H.]

Re: Contacting Previous Owners

I did the same thing - after a lengthy search, I located the retired 84-y/o owner of the small Mom-and-Pop dealership that sold my '67 new (John Falb & Son Chevrolet, in Elgin, Iowa, pop. 602 in 1967). I sent him a letter with my phone number, explained who I was and what I was seeking, and he called me about a week later. We had a delightful 30-minute conversation, and he remembered the original owner's name right off the top of his head, as he personally ordered and delivered the car (he only sold one or two Corvettes a year). Made my day.

[Michael G.]

Re: Contacting Previous Owners

P.S.-- In your letter, make mention of this restoration society you belong to and anything else that would indicate your serious interest in the cars history. It's important to make them feel comfortable with the idea of contacting you and discussing their past history.

[Larry S.]

Re: Contacting Previous Owners

And be prepared to possibly meet a hot-head along the way. I had the original owner's name of my 57 T-Bird. He lived in San Clemente, CA, so I called him. I very nicely explained the purpose of my call, and he said, "I don't talk about that" and hung up.

[Kurt G.]

Re: Contacting Previous Owners

Michael makes a very good point. Mentioning NCRS works well. A few years ago I did a similar search and contact on my 5 previous owner car. All the owners I contacted were very helpful. I learned a lot. Of the 6 previous owner registrations (one owned the car twice) I found one awkward situation, wherein the original owner had retired to AZ and his wife informed me her husband suffered from Alzheimer's.

As for the deceased previous owner, I'd say hand off. Only Dr. Mallard talks to the dead.

[Edward S.]

Re: Contacting Previous Owners

Over the years I was able to contact the original owner of my car and some of the family of the owners of the dealer that sold the car - the dealership had closed many years ago. In each case when I wrote letters to these people I always included pictures of how
the car looked at that time. Many people thought it was great to see the car in much better shape then when they owned it. I always enjoyed great success with these people in assisting me with what every I was looking for. Good luck.

[Pat M.]

Re: Contacting Previous Owners

P.S.-- In your letter, make mention of this restoration society you belong to and anything else that would indicate your serious interest in the cars history. It's important to make them feel comfortable with the idea of contacting you and discussing their past history.

I agree with this and especially with Ed. If they had any love at all for the car a current picture is bound to make a positive impact.

[Glen C.]

Re: Contacting Previous Owners

Thanks everyone. I took the advice and sent a letter along with current photos of the car and mentioned the NCRS. Hopefully I'll hear back from the previous owner.

Thanks,

Glen

[Kenneth H.]

Re: Contacting Previous Owners

I've been following this thread since I have the same issues as Glen about contacting previous owners. I have the sales invoice listing the original owner, but I was hesitant about contacting him. I never thought about writing a letter, or sending pictures or talking about the NCRS and how I'm trying to preserve the history of the car and restore it to its original condition. All great ideas. I'll get on it right away.

Thanks,