[alfa] Alfa value

[Jeff Matson <jsm8@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

One way that nobody has suggested yet to protect the value of your car 
is to simply have it appraised by a licensed appraiser.  These guys get 
the respect of the insurance companies (from their licenses), so they 
have more weight than a bunch of ad clippings.  I did this recently with 
my '74 GTV, though not by my choice (my insurance company wouldn't write 
collision or comprehensive coverage for me without an appraisal, which 
in retrospect saves both them and myself a lot of trouble should I ever 
need the coverage).  Getting an appraisal is pretty easy.  I found a 
local guy through the Hemmings website, and took the car to him for 
about half an hour.  He was familiar with Alfas but far from an expert, 
so I clipped a bunch of ads from the Owner and printed them off Alfa web 
sites to help him establish a fair market price, and we chatted about 
the work I had done to the car and its history.  He also asked me what I 
thought it was worth, and when he sent me the appraisal it was right 
about where my guess and the market had established.  He took a series 
of photos of the car, and I did as well, so the condition is documented 
in writing and pictures.  I now have a stated value insurance policy 
that I can count on.  Even if you're not getting this type of coverage, 
the appraisal is a good idea.  I only paid the appraiser about a hundred 
bucks, and that's worth it to me for the peace of mind knowing that I 
won't have to fight for the value of the GTV ever.  I'd be happy to give 
contact info for this guy to anyone in the central Massachusetts area if 
you're interested (he is in Shirley, MA).

Jeff Matson
Harvard, MA
'74 GTV 2000
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