1931 Reo Royale - $15,000 - Seattle, WA - 1931 Reo Royale Victoria Coupe, OK, Here is the story....
In 1982 I bought a 1931 REO Royale Victoria 8-35 in Argentina and had it shipped to Seattle. It took a little fresh gas and a new battery and the car fired right up. I drove it around for a while then started a frame up restoration. This car was originally purchased and shipped to Argentina by an ESSO executive and remained in his posession until WWII, then it was owned and driven daily by the same gent until I bought it.
The good news and the bad news:
The soft top was replaced and welded in solid
The original trunk was replaced with a lid
The spokes on the wire wheels were tacked in place on the rim
There were some rust out spots in the fenders and battery box
Most of the body wood was replaced in Seattle, the original wood is still intact and available
There were a number of small dents here and there (running boards)
All of the paint has been stripped and primered grey, the original lead work is still in good shape
The seats have been re-upolstered twice over a period of years (3 layers of covering) so there is an original upolsery pattern to follow
Extras:
Engine and transmission
Running boards (Amature restoration) stainless strips are good
Headlights (originals were converted to sealed beam) but the shells and bezel are still good
Taillights & stantions (complete with the correct lenses both clear and red)
An assortment of literature, including a copy of a shop manual for the Royale.
Missing:
Title and Registration
One exterior door handle
One fender light
Clock
Some of the Detroit Lubricator fittings
Trunk box
Hub caps and wheel covers I have one "Lyon" cover
This car is stored in my garage in Seattle and I have now live in Dallas. My interests have changed and I am willing to sell this car under the right circumstances. I have some recent pictures of this car as it sits. The car was taken apart and the nuts & bolts were put in labeled boxes and pieces preserved as best we could.
In twenty five years I have seen only one Victoria in restorable condition come up for sale, Hemmings could find no records of any other Victoria's since this one (Sept/Aug 82)
Gents, let me be real frank here, I won't even consider letting go of this fine car at the prices listed in the Old Car price guide.. Particularly when I see a fender light sell on E Bay for $410. I have no intention of "Parting Out" this car, I'd leave it in the garage for another 25 years first.
If you are interested in learning more info, please start a dialog via this posting, e mail me at "John_Maddock@Yahoo.com".
What I propose is this, if you are interested in owning and completing the restoration of this car to it's full potential, make me an offer based on these points:
This is a restorable, Extremely rare Classic Automobile as listed by The CCA. (Over the years of ownership I have only seen pictures of three other Victoria coupes and one convertabile)
I will certainly consider all offers that are reasonable based on the preceeding information.
Thank you for your interest and understanding.