RUMORS, LIES & DAMNED LIES

by BS Brash

We’ve all heard the rumors, stories, internet myths and some down right lies, most of which are interesting if they pertain to vehicles. I realize that repeating a rumor is not considered acceptable in polite company but who am I to pass up something worth a few words for The CarNewz Blog.

I guess that you've heard the one about the guy who bought the old Harley Davidson motorcycle for $35 at a swap meet?! His thinking was that it was probably going to be hard to buy parts for, upon calling his local H.D. dealer and giving him the serial number was shortly asked to see if the cycle had "The King" embossed under the seat. It did and thus confirmed (supposedly) that it had indeed been The King’s Harley! Yep, according to the story, it belonged to none other than Elvis Presley. According to the story, he was offered $350,000 for it by a collector. News apparently travels fast in the motorcycle collector underground and shortly the bewildered owner was contacted by Jay Lano who offered him a flat $500,000 for it. This story/rumor doesn't end there though, it is reported that the Harley Davidson Company entered the bidding with a Cool Million Dollars and to sweeten the pot also offered the now stupefied owner an additional Free Harley every year for the rest of his life! I hear tell that he, the owner, still hasn't accepted any offers. I wonder what he's holding out for, President of the USA?

Another recent story/rumor I have heard about involved a 2004 Porsche 944 that was advertised for $500 in a paper up north. Our hero called and was told that it had a clear, paid-off title; it had never been wrecked and had only 1200 actual miles on it. Our hero drove over to look at it and was satisfied that it was indeed everything and more that it was advertised as being. He asked if the woman selling it would take a check, she would, and he rode off in the Porsche.

He had almost made it home when he couldn't take it anymore and stopped to call the lady who sold the Porsche to him with the question of "Why"? She said "My husband is down in the Bahamas and called to tell me to sell the Porsche and wire the money to him". She went on, "what he doesn't know is that I know he is down there with his secretary"!

Another story I heard of several years ago was about a guy who read in the classified section of his local paper about a brand new Cadillac for sale for only $50. This man called and it hadn't been sold yet so went to see it. It was indeed brand new, only 800 miles showing and the lady selling it said the title was clear and the car had never been wrecked. When asked why she was selling it so cheap, the lady said it had belonged to her deceased husband who had specified in his will to sell the car and give the money to his mistress. Our man paid cash and left in his purchase.

Notice the last two stories were about treasured vehicles which were sold by vengeful wives? If there is a moral to these stories I guess it would have to be, if you leave home for anywhere, either take your wife or your classic!
Copyright 2006 BS Brash