Has anyone dealt with The Stable Ltd?

[geshaghi]

They are located in Gladstone, NJ and advertise frequently in some of the major car mags. Thanks

[ibmiked]

No, but please let me know if that Gemini '72 lives up to the description. I've been too lazy to take the hour ride to look at it for myself.

-Mike

[Vin-barrett]

Did some dealer to dealer business with them when I worked at another dealership in the area.
I have always had the perception of them being top notch. I really don't think they sell junk there.
I would bet those cars are worth a look

[geshaghi]

Thanks. I'm supposed to be there Thursday - made arrangements last week - but he emailed me this morning to let me know he is supposed to have a deposit on both cars.

[onboost]

Nice of him to follow-up and inform you.

I've seen that they advertise in a few of the quality mags, appear to have a nice variety of choice vehicles most of the time. If anyone happens to get by there please post your experience.

[geshaghi]

What do you guys think of the two cars he had listed?

[geshaghi]

Originally Posted by ibmiked

No, but please let me know if that Gemini '72 lives up to the description. I've been too lazy to take the hour ride to look at it for myself.

-Mike

I did look at the cars today, spending most of the time with the Gemini Blue T Coupe that he has. Overall, my impressions of the car were favorable, although it it not quite as nice as the photos would suggest. The car does appear to be a good numbers matching car, with the original window sticker and invoice to confirm this. Car shows about 45,000 miles on the odometer, and the seller indicates mileage is 145,000. There is service history going back to the original owner, but no evidence of any engine rebuild or significant mechanical refurbishment. The car did not smoke on start-up, but the dealer admittedly started the car the prior day. The car drove well, no unusual noises and the transmission shifts smoothly with good synchros and solid feel. The car seemed to have a slight hesitation at about 3500 rpm, and I think it may need a new clutch soon, as it felt like there may be some slippage starting. The car was repainted at least once in the past with a reasonable quality paint job that is showing its age a bit but is still very presentable for a high quality driver. There is no evidence of rust repair or major body damage, although I did not have the car put on the lift. While the front pan looks original to me, I think there is a possibility that there was some body damage or rust repair in that area as some of the welds did not look "factory" to me, but I am not an expert and in any event if repairs were done they were professional. Panel fit is good, but not perfect, doors close ok although requiring a bit more force than I think is typical. The rear deck lid had a dent at the closure due to an attempt to open a jammed latch release at the selling dealer, and is out of alignment perhaps as a result. The car has a number of minor dings or paint chips here and there, consistent with a driver, and one paint defect in the rear of a couple of square inches that looks like it could have been poor prep or something worse. As to the interior, the seats are perfect, and claimed original (along with the rest of the interior). Despite the claimed originality, I'm not sure I believe it - the seats are just too nice, even though they have a good patina, and the driver's side door is missing the "pull" portion that is used to close the door. The door pockets are decent and better than most, although the doors have been cut for speakers. A modern stereo is installed, although I didn't turn it on. The dash has several cracks, some of which have been "filled" with something to make them look less conspicuous, but this doesn't work in my opinion. Carpets are very good. Headliner looks original with modest yellowing, a small area of separation at one of the seams, one or two small (less than 1 inch) tears, and an area around the rear driver's side window of more significant damage (although since it is behind you, I wouldn't worry about it).

All in all, I would consider the car to be a very presentable numbers matching driver, although not quite as nice as the pictures would suggest. I think the photos overstate the condition of the paint and the dash. I've seen many T's that are a lot worse, and some that are better. I found the dealer to be very professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with. I made an offer on the car, but we couldn't come to terms. I'm curious if anyone has an opinion of value given the photos at his website and my observations. Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.

Thanks

[ossiblue]

The car does look nice but, IMO, it is a bit steep in price in today's market given what you describe. There are no major defects and everything you mentioned fits for a nice driver. However, what are the engine test #'s?. What about the clutch? Air conditioning but no compressor? Dent in the cover area? Cracked dash and fair headliner?
These questions would make me feel the price should be somewhere in the low to mid 20's. The market is not what it was 6 months ago but very nice cars still move. I do think this is a very nice car but would require more inspection to justify the asking price. Unfortunately, because it is a dealer car, there may not be too much room to negotiate. Just my opinion from across the continent.
BTW, the drive's side door on early cars do not have a pull to close the door as do later cars. Kind of a PITA if the window is rolled up--gotta use the fixed map pocket to pull the door.

[geshaghi]

Thanks L.J. My offer was in-line with your comments.