Donald Osborne on Buying Right, Selling Right, and Living Right
About this episode
Donald Osborne, a classic car expert and appraiser, shares insights on buying and selling cars with maximum impact for minimal outlay. He discusses the evolution of Bring a Trailer, the importance of honesty in car transactions, and the emotional aspects of car ownership. Through engaging anecdotes, he highlights the significance of understanding market dynamics and the joy of owning unique vehicles. The conversation also touches on memorable experiences with various classic cars and the thrill of participating in automotive events.
Alex has a lively interview with none other than Donald Osborne (@zagato67 on BaT): ASA accredited senior appraiser, TV personality, principal of Automotive Valuation Services, and consulting director for the Audrain Automobile Museum. They talk about BaT's start as an amalgamation of interesting POSes; maximum impact for minimal outlay; the similarities between a car for sale and the ideal political candidacy; sage advice for sellers on BaT and elsewhere; the art of self-editing; the right price for the wrong car; multitasking, the car guy way; ignoring one's own hard-earned advice; cars as an investment in happiness; driving Derek Drinkwater's Le Monstre replica at Goodwood; and adventures in Sicily on the old Targa Florio route. We'll have Donald back for more!
Links for things mentioned in this episode:
2:11 1960 Fiat 500 D Tetto Apribile BaT listing
21:45 What's My Car Worth? IMDB
23:06 Alfa Romeo 106-Series 2600 BaT model page
30:17 1950 Crosley Gardner Special conceptcarz.com
31:07 1951 Crosley Le Mans Special BaT listing
33:29 Lamborghini Islero BaT model page
52:06 Path Imperfect: Porsche and the Targa Florio PCA YouTube channel
56:40 Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week
57:24 Ex–Jeff Gordon 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR Winston Cup Race Car BaT listing
57:48 Veteran Car Tour
58:36 Sculpture in Motion
Got suggestions for our next guest from the BaT community or One Year Garage episode? Let us know at [email protected]!
Bring a Trailer
"Well, we can start with my background. I knew Randy Nanenberg before Bring a Trailer started, and I spent a very cold evening in Pebble Beach..."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell classic cars. It's popular among car enthusiasts who want to find unique vehicles.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform specializing in classic and enthusiast cars. It allows users to buy and sell vehicles through a community-driven marketplace.
Porsche 911
"Oh, look, it's another new Porsche 911. Oh, you have to explain the color."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people recognize. It's known for its unique shape and powerful performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1964. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, it has become an icon in the automotive world, with numerous variants and generations over the years.
provenance
"...this price range based on its condition, its provenance, all the things that make someone want a car. Then I say, okay, your car also is a really fantastic car..."
Provenance is like a car's biography. It tells you who owned it before, how well it was taken care of, and any changes made to it, which can help you understand its value better.
Provenance refers to the history of ownership and documentation of a vehicle, which can significantly affect its value and desirability. A well-documented history can indicate that a car has been well cared for and may include details like previous owners, service records, and any modifications made.
Cord
"...I have a speeding of pre-war cars, two Cords, and I love them. And I was just back at the big Auburn, Indiana meat..."
Cord was a brand of fancy cars made a long time ago, famous for their unique styles and features.
Cord was a luxury automobile brand in the 1920s and 1930s known for its innovative designs and technology, including front-wheel drive and retractable headlights.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...ay, fine. And then you say, oh, I've always liked Corvette. Terrific. Let's try and find the right Corvette..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous American sports car that people love for its speed and cool looks. It has been around since the 1950s and is known for being fun to drive without costing as much as some other fancy sports cars. Many car enthusiasts talk about it because it's a classic and represents American car culture.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, distinctive design, and cultural significance. First introduced in 1953, it has evolved through multiple generations, becoming a symbol of American automotive engineering and performance. The Corvette is often discussed for its blend of speed, style, and relatively accessible price compared to other sports cars.
Bloomington Gold
"A Bloomington. Give me the Bloomington Golds, Donald. Do not buy the bargain Corvette that your neighbor has had in his backyard that his 17-year-old son has been fixing up. But I get it still cheap."
Bloomington Gold is a well-known event for Corvette enthusiasts where top-quality Corvettes are shown and certified. It helps buyers know which cars are considered the best.
Bloomington Gold is a prestigious Corvette show and certification event that showcases high-quality Corvettes and their restorations. It is often associated with the best examples of the model and can significantly impact a Corvette's value.
Shelby Cobra
"So he said, you know, I love driving my Cobra, but you know, there are many months in the year that more than 10 minutes in the Cobra, I'm over it."
The Shelby Cobra is a famous sports car from the 1960s that is known for being fast and powerful. It's a classic car that many enthusiasts admire.
The Shelby Cobra is a high-performance sports car known for its lightweight design and powerful V8 engine. It was produced in the 1960s and has become an iconic symbol of American muscle cars.
Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint
"it was about my path to an Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint. It's actually how Keith and I met. I was a subscriber to the Alfa Romeo Market Letter..."
The Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint is a classic car from the 1960s that is known for being stylish and fast. It has a four-seat layout, making it a comfortable option for long drives.
The Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint is a classic Italian grand tourer known for its elegant design and performance. It features a 2.6-liter inline-six engine and is celebrated for its stylish bodywork and comfortable four-seat layout.
Alfa Romeo 2600
"...I love the 2600. This is a 1962 Swiss Market poster for the Giulia Ti in the 2600. And I had a black 2600 sprint. So this is absolutely perfect..."
The Alfa Romeo 2600 is a vintage car from the 1960s that many car enthusiasts admire for its looks and driving experience. The Sprint is a sporty version of this car that people often find appealing.
The Alfa Romeo 2600 is a classic car produced in the early 1960s, known for its elegant design and performance. It was available in several variants, including the Sprint, which is a coupe version that emphasizes sportiness and style.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
"...2600. This is a 1962 Swiss Market poster for the Giulia Ti in the 2600. And I had a black 2600 sprint. S..."
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a stylish car that people love for how fun it is to drive. It has been around since the 1960s and is known for looking good and handling well on the road. Many car fans talk about it because it combines Italian design with great performance.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a compact executive car that has garnered acclaim for its stylish design and dynamic driving experience since its introduction in the 1960s. The Giulia is known for its sporty handling and performance, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. It is often discussed for its blend of Italian flair and engineering excellence.
Hemmings Motor News
"...So I'm thumbing through the pages here. I will actually date myself of Hemmings Motor News. So before you could..."
Hemmings Motor News is a magazine that helps people buy and sell classic cars. It's popular among car lovers who are looking for vintage vehicles or parts.
Hemmings Motor News is a well-known publication that focuses on classic cars, providing listings for buying and selling vintage vehicles. It is often referred to as the 'bible' for classic car enthusiasts.
clutch pressure
"the problem is that it really has no clutch pressure at all. And the brakes aren't really good."
Clutch pressure is how strong the clutch system is in a car. If it's low, the car might have trouble changing gears.
Clutch pressure refers to the hydraulic force that engages and disengages the clutch in a vehicle's transmission. Without adequate pressure, the clutch may not function properly, leading to difficulties in shifting gears.
carburetors
"rebuild the carburetors, the notorious Solix PHH 44 carburetors."
Carburetors help mix air and fuel in a car's engine so it can run. They're mostly found in older cars.
Carburetors are devices in internal combustion engines that mix air with fuel for combustion. They are crucial for engine performance, especially in older vehicles that do not use fuel injection.
live auction
"And I'm watching an auction. I won't mention the auction company, but I'm watching a live auction currently online from a location a few hundred miles away from where I am."
In a live auction, people can bid on things like cars right then and there. The person who offers the most money wins the item being sold.
A live auction is an event where items, such as cars, are sold to the highest bidder in real-time. Participants can bid on items as they are presented, often creating a competitive atmosphere.
Fiat 508 Balila Bertone
"...and I'm restoring a 1935 Fiat 508 Balila Bertone sedan, one of three built..."
The Fiat 508 Balila Bertone is an old car from 1935 that is special because it was designed by a famous Italian company. It's rare and valuable because only a few were made.
The Fiat 508 Balila Bertone is a classic car produced in 1935, known for its unique design and limited production. It was styled by the renowned Italian design house Bertone, making it a rare and collectible vehicle.
Lancia Flaminia
"...ne point when I had the 2600 spread, I also had a Lancia Flaminia Penetrina coupe. And I thought, oh, you know, an..."
Lancia is an Italian car brand that has been around for a long time, since 1906, and is known for making stylish and innovative cars. They have created some famous models, especially in racing. People talk about Lancia because of its interesting history and unique designs.
Lancia is an Italian automotive brand known for its innovative designs and engineering, particularly in the luxury and sports car segments. Established in 1906, Lancia has produced several iconic models, including the Lancia Stratos and Lancia Delta, which have made significant impacts in motorsport. The brand is often discussed for its rich heritage and contributions to automotive history.
Fiat 2300
"I also had a, at not the same time, a Fiat 2300 Gia coupe. And I thought, all these cars do exactly the same thing."
The Fiat 2300 is a car made by the Italian company Fiat in the 1960s. It was known for being comfortable and came in different styles, including a coupe.
The Fiat 2300 is a mid-size car produced by Fiat from 1961 to 1969. It was known for its comfort and was available in various body styles, including a coupe.
Crosley Hotshot
"I had a really neat vintage racer that was based on a 1951 Crosley hot shot. I saw the Crosley Gardner Special."
The Crosley Hotshot is a small sports car made in the early 1950s. It was light and fun to drive, making it one of the first American sports cars.
The Crosley Hotshot is a small sports car produced by Crosley from 1949 to 1952. It was known for its lightweight design and was one of the first American sports cars.
Le Mans
"Wait, this isn't the little blue car that raced at Le Mans, is it? No, no, no, no, it's red."
Le Mans is a well-known car race that takes place in France every year. It's famous for being very long and challenging, and many different types of cars compete in it.
Le Mans is a famous endurance race held annually in France, known for its long distance and the variety of cars that participate. It has a rich history and is considered one of the most prestigious races in the world.
VSCCA
"...bought it from Fantasy Junction and brought it back east and raced in the VSCCA. Did it have custom bodies?"
The VSCCA is a club for people who love old sports cars. They hold races and events where these classic cars can be driven and enjoyed.
The VSCCA, or Vintage Sports Car Club of America, is an organization dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of vintage sports cars. They organize events and races for classic cars, allowing enthusiasts to compete and showcase their vehicles.
Crosley
"...there's like, you probably know them, they're probably your buddies. There's a little crew of Crosley racers. The H modified."
Crosley was a car brand that made small cars a long time ago. They were known for being affordable and different from other cars at the time.
Crosley was an American automobile manufacturer known for producing small, affordable cars in the mid-20th century. Their vehicles, including the Crosley Hotshot, were popular for their unique design and lightweight construction.
Halibrand Magnesium Midget Sprint Car Wheels
"The neatest thing about it, and I joke that it was the most valuable part of the car is the fact that it ran on Halibrand Magnesium Midget Sprint car wheels."
Halibrand Magnesium Midget Sprint Car Wheels are special lightweight wheels made for racing cars. They help the car go faster because they are not heavy.
Halibrand Magnesium Midget Sprint Car Wheels are lightweight racing wheels made from magnesium, commonly used in sprint cars for their strength and reduced weight.
Weber carburetor
"Don't they put about a 45 millimeter Weber on them or something like that? It depends. Mine ran on dual wevers..."
A Weber carburetor is a type of device that mixes air and fuel for an engine. It's often used in fast cars because it helps the engine run better and faster.
Weber carburetors are high-performance carburetors commonly used in racing and performance vehicles. They are known for their ability to provide precise fuel delivery, which is crucial for maximizing engine performance.
Lancia Ardea
"I had a 1953, obviously not pre-war, right? You say? Lancia Ardea, which is the last of the series..."
The Lancia Ardea is a small car made by the Italian company Lancia. It was known for having some unique features, like a special engine and a five-speed gearbox, which was rare for its time.
The Lancia Ardea is a compact car produced by Lancia from 1939 to 1953. It is notable for its innovative engineering features, including a narrow-angle V4 engine and the world's first production five-speed gearbox.
five-speed gearbox
"the world's first production five speed gearbox in a production car, pillarless suicide opening doors..."
A five-speed gearbox is a part of a car that helps it change gears. Having five speeds means the car can go faster or use less fuel depending on how you drive.
A five-speed gearbox allows a vehicle to have five different gear ratios, providing better acceleration and fuel efficiency compared to vehicles with fewer gears. It enhances the driving experience by allowing the driver to select the optimal gear for various driving conditions.
Alfa Romeo 2000 Touring Spider
"I had a 1960 Alfa Romeo 2000 Touring Spider, which I absolutely loved."
The Alfa Romeo 2000 Touring Spider is a stylish old sports car from Italy that people loved for its good looks and fun driving experience.
The Alfa Romeo 2000 Touring Spider is a classic Italian sports car known for its elegant design and spirited performance. It features a lightweight body and a lively engine, making it a joy to drive.
Alfa Romeo Spider
"..., I'm bald. I had a 1960 Alfa Romeo 2000 Touring Spider, which I absolutely loved. And then if I wanted ..."
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a classic convertible car that people love for its good looks and fun driving experience. It was popular in the 1960s and 70s and is known for being light and sporty. Many car enthusiasts talk about it because it's a beautiful example of Italian car design.
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a classic convertible sports car that gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, known for its elegant design and enjoyable driving experience. With its rear-wheel-drive layout and lightweight construction, the Spider offers a spirited performance that appeals to enthusiasts. It is often discussed for its timeless appeal and representation of Italian automotive design.
Lamborghini 350 GT
"...always loved, again, loving the Corky. I love the 350 GT. Awesome."
The Lamborghini 350 GT is a luxury sports car that was made in the 1960s and is known for being powerful and stylish. It was the first car made by Lamborghini and helped the brand become famous for fast cars. People talk about it because it's an important part of Lamborghini's history.
The Lamborghini 350 GT, introduced in the mid-1960s, was Lamborghini's first production car and marked the brand's entry into the luxury sports car market. Known for its powerful V12 engine and elegant design, the 350 GT set the stage for Lamborghini's future models and established its reputation for high-performance vehicles. It is often discussed for its historical significance and classic styling.
Lamborghini 400 GT
"...the performance of the 350 GT and the 400 GT in their successor that cost half as much..."
The Lamborghini 400 GT is a more advanced version of the 350 GT. It has a stronger engine and better performance, making it a sought-after classic.
The Lamborghini 400 GT is an evolution of the 350 GT, produced from 1966 to 1968. It features a more powerful V12 engine and improved performance characteristics.
Pebble Beach auction
"...I can sign it for sale at Pebble Beach at auction. And I set a world record for the car at auction..."
The Pebble Beach auction is a famous event where people sell and buy classic cars. It's known for having very rare and expensive cars, and many collectors go there to find unique vehicles.
The Pebble Beach auction is a prestigious classic car auction held annually in Pebble Beach, California. It attracts collectors and enthusiasts from around the world, often featuring rare and valuable vehicles.
Toyota Corolla
"...d, great. The person who bought the car was Adam Corolla. So it was hysterical. When he was building his B..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people buy because it's reliable and doesn't use a lot of gas. It's been around since the 1960s and is popular because it's affordable and easy to take care of. People often mention it because it's a great choice for everyday driving.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in history, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. First launched in 1966, it has become a staple in the compact car segment, appealing to a wide range of drivers due to its affordability and low maintenance costs. The Corolla is often discussed for its reputation as a dependable daily driver.
Lamborghini
"...he was building his Blue Lamborghini collection, that was one of them. So it was quite funny."
Lamborghini is a famous car brand that makes super-fast and expensive cars. They are known for their flashy designs and powerful engines, making them very desirable among car enthusiasts.
Lamborghini is a luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and distinctive designs. The brand is synonymous with speed and exclusivity, often featuring powerful V10 and V12 engines.
Jaguar Mark
"...side. One of the cars I recently sold was a 1953 Jaguar Mark 7, which I absolutely love. This is a fantastic ..."
The Jaguar Mark I is a fancy car made in the 1950s that people loved for its beautiful design and powerful performance. It helped make Jaguar a well-known brand for luxury cars. Many car enthusiasts talk about it because it's a classic example of British car design.
The Jaguar Mark I is a luxury sedan produced in the 1950s, known for its elegant design and performance. It was one of the first models to establish Jaguar's reputation for combining style with powerful engines, making it a favorite among affluent buyers. The Mark I is often discussed for its classic British automotive heritage and influence on future Jaguar models.
Jaguar Dtype
"...the Jaguar pair was going to be a D-Type and a Mark 7."
The Jaguar D-Type is a famous racing car made by Jaguar in the 1950s. It's known for its unique shape and winning races, especially the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Jaguar D-Type is a racing car that was produced in the 1950s, famous for its aerodynamic design and success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is considered one of the most iconic sports cars of its era.
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
"...there was a three-address L Gullwing. That was a nice car. Nothing terribly special that suddenly like set an auction record..."
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is a famous classic car that has doors that open upwards like a bird's wings. It's known for being fast and stylish.
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is a classic sports car known for its distinctive gullwing doors and advanced engineering for its time. It is highly sought after by collectors.
Porsche 906
"...one guy bought a Porsche 906 owner's manual for his 906, right? Like they've been separated for all these years."
The Porsche 906 is a classic sports car from the 1960s that was built for racing. It's famous for being fast and lightweight, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 906 is a lightweight sports car that was produced in the mid-1960s, known for its racing pedigree and advanced design for its time.
Cupra Born
"...om I was probably three or four years old. I was born in 1983. The curator would balance a dime on edg..."
The Cupra Born is a new electric car that is sporty and fun to drive. It was made by a brand called Cupra and is designed to be good for the environment while still being exciting to use. People talk about it because it's a modern car that shows how the future of driving can be both fast and eco-friendly.
The Cupra Born is an all-electric hatchback introduced by the Spanish performance brand Cupra, a subsidiary of SEAT. Launched in 2021, it represents the brand's commitment to electrification and sporty performance, combining eco-friendliness with dynamic driving characteristics. The Born is often discussed for its innovative technology and modern design.
Ford Edge
"...orn in 1983. The curator would balance a dime on edge on the hood of the Kellner Coupe, and then he wou..."
The Ford Edge is a midsize SUV that people like because it has a lot of space inside and is comfortable to drive. It has been around since 2006 and is a good choice for families or anyone who needs a versatile vehicle. Many people talk about it because it combines comfort with practicality.
The Ford Edge is a midsize crossover SUV that has been in production since 2006, known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It offers a range of features and options, making it a popular choice for families and those seeking a versatile vehicle. The Edge is often discussed for its practicality and balance of performance and comfort.
Ferrari 250 GTO
"...ery easy also to become jaded. 100%. Oh, for our 250 GTO. Which chassis number is that? Yeah, whatever. An..."
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a very rare and beautiful sports car from the 1960s that many car lovers dream of owning. Only a few were made, which makes it super special and very expensive today. People often talk about it because it's considered one of the best cars ever made.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a legendary sports car produced in the early 1960s, known for its stunning design and exceptional performance on the racetrack. With only 39 units made, it has become one of the most coveted collector cars in the world, often fetching record prices at auctions. The 250 GTO is frequently mentioned for its iconic status in automotive history and racing heritage.
Pontiac GTO
"...easy also to become jaded. 100%. Oh, for our 250 GTO. Which chassis number is that? Yeah, whatever. An..."
Ferrari 512S
"... the 911 RSRs that were, you know, they take the Ferrari 512s and leave them in the dust going up course, the h..."
The Ferrari 512 M is a race car from the late 1960s and early 1970s that is famous for being fast and having a unique look. It was built by Ferrari to compete in long-distance races and is loved by car collectors today. People talk about it because of its important role in racing history.
The Ferrari 512 M is a racing car that competed in the endurance racing series during the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for its powerful performance and distinctive design. It was part of Ferrari's successful 512 series and is celebrated for its engineering and racing pedigree. The 512 M is often discussed for its historical significance in motorsport and its iconic status among collectors.
Tesla Model S
"...ely. The last two times I've done it in 1907 Ford Model S. Absolutely fantastic. And I will be heading to ..."
Ford Model
"...solutely. The last two times I've done it in 1907 Ford Model S. Absolutely fantastic. And I will be heading t..."
The Ford Model T is an old car that was made over a hundred years ago and is famous for being the first car that many people could actually afford. It changed how cars were made by using an assembly line, which helped produce them faster and cheaper. People talk about it because it played a big role in making cars popular.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is often regarded as the first affordable automobile, making car ownership accessible to the masses. It revolutionized the automotive industry with its assembly line production, drastically reducing costs and time. The Model T is frequently discussed for its historical significance and impact on modern manufacturing.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.