1931 Reo Royale - $15,000 - Seattle, WA - 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 serial number indicates it to be a very early model. I am working with Washington State Highway Patrol to re title the registration but the ease of getting a title changes every time I talk to some one in the department. I will be in Seattle in a couple of weeks and may have better luck getting it done in person.
The good news and the bad news:
The soft top was replaced and welded in solid. A soft panel can be placed over the steel and it will never leak
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 faithfully reproduced in White Ash by a master craftsman 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:
Brand new head gasket, and a complete set of new intake/exhaust and other gaskets.
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, owners manual, lube charts, paint chips and most importantly 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
Some pieces are available by others who are duplicating parts like hub caps, door handles and trim pieces. a little internet search will be all you need .
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) Over the years of ownership I have only seen pictures of three other Victoria coupes and one convertabile.
Gents, let me be real frank here, I won't even consider letting go of this fine car at the prices listed in the price guide, I don't find their numbers to be relevent, based on comparison of available cars and the actual number of remaining REO Royales. I have no intention of "Parting Out" this car, I'd leave it in the garage for another 25 years first. I cannot stress the rarity of this Make and model of car and yes it's going to take some work to get it back, but the great news is it is completely doable and you will own a truley rare and elegant classic automobile that will make you the envy of the car crowd. I think my asking price is fair and reasonable and is a great price for the end investment value. In fact, when I see a couple of the other current asking prices of REO's I am tempted to raise the price.because this is an absolute steal !!.
If this outstanding car appeals to you or you need more information 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 the following points:
This is a restorable, Extremely rare, full Classic Automobile as listed by The CCA.
I will certainly consider all offers that are reasonable based on the preceeding information.
Thank you for your interest and understanding.