[Joeaksa]

Kurt,

I had much the same thing happen to me three months ago. Sold my old XJ Jag to a close friend in 1980. Sat in his garage for 18 years waiting for him to restore it. He passed away in January and the wife called me for help. Went there and helped her sell all his toys, a 88 911 and lots of spares among the items.

As I was leaving she told me "my husband would have wanted you to have the Jag back, and for all you have done, I do not want anything for it." I have it back now (it was my Fathers car) and in the end paid her far more than it would be worth on the market. She was left with no funds after he passed away with no life insurance and a 4 year old daughter to support.

Regarding the comments of others about your dealing with the widow... it sounds like she wants the cars to go to a good home. Her husband loved the cars and if you take care of them then you are doing what both of them wanted. Do not let others crass comments get you down. If you want to help financially and she will not accept something to help on the storage fees, then make a donation to her favourite charity after the cars are in your hands and you are sure that they are worth the time and trouble. You may end up with rust buckets or parts cars... or a nice RS! Who knows...

Curt... did not know you were a Leica man! I have collected them for years, but mostly the older "M" rangefinder models. Took my first pic with a lllg at age 4 and still have the camera! Also have a 75 year anniversary M-4P that that I picked up while living in Berlin that is new and still in the orginal box... just love the feel and quality of a Leica... kinda like the 911. If you ever find some "extra" ones... pls let me know. If you are looking for something, pls let me know.

JoeA