I have purchased my second auto from Jerry Coffee. My first, was a beautiful 1975 Red Corvette convertible that arrived in October of 2017. I enjoy it every warm, sunny day in Oklahoma. My second was a surprise gift for my wife, a 1971 Cutlass Supreme convertible, almost identical to her first car as a teenager, only in much better shape after Jerry restored it for her. Here is the tale, another testament to what a fine, reputable, talented dealership and restoration shop Jerry has, staffed by a magnificent team of auto professionals.
I started looking for an old cutlass convertible for my wife Laura in the spring of 2019. There are always a number of candidates for sale at any given time but I was looking for a 1971 or 1972 Nordic Blue with a white interior - not so plentiful. I finally found one at a dealer in St. Louis, Fast Lane Classic Cars. Rather than call the dealer, I called Jerry. He was instantly helpful: “ Yep, I know the dealer Patrick. He has a good reputation and will shoot straight with me. I’ll give him a call and see if we can strike a deal.” Jerry called me back the same day with news: “ Looks like it’s a great car with nice paint as is, new top, and strong running motor. It could use some minor cosmetic work on the interior, engine compartment, and probably underneath.”
In truth, I did not know whether Jerry did restorations. And in truth, he normally does not. I offered to Jerry that I probably fit the profile of his average buyer, i.e., older, have extra income, love classic cars, but have neither the time, tools, talent, nor facility to do any significant restoration. Would he be willing to allow me to ship the car to him to size up what work is needed, then do it? Jerry swallowed hard and said yes, but with one important proviso, “ I’ll make a list of what I would do to the car if I were to surprise Diane with it. I cannot give you an estimate of what it will all cost because I just don’t know what I will find, but I will keep you advised, give you options, then you can choose how far you want to go.”
So, we shipped the car directly to Jerry’s shop in Pennsylvania. Jerry made a list of “to do’s” that proved remarkably accurate in the end, and he allowed me a few of upgrades (e.g., HEI distributor, modern radio, and tilt steering wheel). Jerry ordered parts for new interior, new bushings, brakes, and countless cosmetic items both under the hood and on the chassis, then professionally installed everything. He kept me posted regularly with progress and photos, and billed me periodically as his costs climbed.
In the end, my wife had the surprise of her life. That beauty arrived after about 5 months of work. It is simply gorgeous. Jerry even helped me devise a surprise reveal at a local restaurant (had my son park it prominently outside the restaurant so she could admire it as we entered, then handed her the keys at the end of our meal. (Tears, hugs, kisses, pledges to nominate me Husband of the Year, all followed.)
Thank you again Jerry and Diane. You are marvelous. Not sure if there is a third auto in me. I already need a bigger garage!
Pat Castleberry From Oklahoma