Yep, that was the version they wanted me on, selling an Isetta. I asked them what the real directorial narrative was, to cut through the froth researchers generate to get you interested. It was the negotiating process. IE confrontation. TV loves confrontation.
Having watched a few where the formate is seller wants £5,000, Brewer tells buyer to offer £2,500, or even less, and it is interiorly expected that the seller would drop. I answered them, and said I would treat them like any other customer. So a ridiculously low offer puts the ultimate price of the car up, or the garage door closes promptly. They could not get their heads round this, despite my pointing out it is a matter of respect for whom your dealing with. You can go to a numbty and use that less than half ploy, by all means. You do not use it when talking to someone who knows far more about the subject that you do. My incentive to continue discussions is little more than nil, is it not? What happens is my answer will be. 'Well its now £5k no negotiations, take or leave it, there is the gate, cheerio'. Something I have done many times in the past, learned from successful trade I traded with. Such customers are going to be trouble after sales too, usually.
So the programme went and bought an Isetta elsewhere rather than educating folk that sometimes being a smart arse buyer does not work at all. As once marked as a non buyer the word goes round.
So then I watched the Messerschmitt being bought, from a trade source. And the arch negotiator, Mr Brewer, rolled over like a puppy and paid about £3k to much, in my opinion. From that I think I learned, in Brian Clough order, that I was right!
As a sort of negative version of that tale, I have been helping a mate ripped off buying an Austin Healey MkII. Several historical claims were made over values and ownership. Using my contacts and knowledge I have come up with proofs that some of these claims are just not true, other extremely unlikely. At the moment I do not think we are at a point where the car goes back, or an agreement is made with a part returned payment, but slowly the props to his case are being removed and a court case might well result. Here is a program for broadcast. Folk buying on eBay and getting money back from lying sellers. Not easy, but doable if you know the right folk. There's confrontation for you. No doubt eBay would sue.
Best car show. I enjoy snippits of Jay Leno, or whatever his name is. His enthusiasm for his topic comes through. He has the money to produce himself, so he shows cars that do not always behave, as its part of the whole of ownership. He makes fun and invites you to join in, rather than the camera pointing at someone saying 'look at that pratt'. Its informative. I particularly enjoyed the Davis.
