This is an extraordinary automobile auction item; the kind every classic car hunter hopes for!
This 1962 Plymouth Valiant Model V200 has spent most of its existence in storage. The original owner was legendary National League Baseball & World Series umpire, Larry Goetz, who bought this vehicle new in October 1961 and then presented it to his niece in March of 1962 just eight months before he passed away.
Goetz started umpiring in the Blue Grass Leaguefrom 1920 to 1922.He also umpired in the Western Ohio League, Piedmont League, and the American Association.He then became a successful National Leagueumpire from 1936 to 1957. Goetz was notableumpire in the 1941, 1947, and 1952 World Seriesand the 1939 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. He is perhaps most recognizable as one of the three umpires in artist Norman Rockwell'sfamous painting, "Bottom of the Sixth,"which has become one of the most popular Saturday Evening Post magazine covers of all time!
Goetz’s niece kept this special gift from her legendary uncle stored in a private garage and mostly unused while she performed on the professional stage in New York and eventually shipped the car from Cincinnati to Los Angeles where it remained almost entirely under a protective tarp in storage until she herself passed away. Her husband sold the vehicle to a close family friend who registered but has not driven it except to provide the necessary care and maintenance while it has remained unused in local storage ever since.(historical documentation will be provided to the purchaser upon request)
As a result, this vehicle has had only two previous owners. We are able to track and confirm its provenance and it indeed has just 28,600 original miles on the 225 cid engine (which the vehicle was upgraded to) and is in excellent condition for its vintage age. All of the gaugeswork as does the radio and the car drives like, well, a 1962 Plymouth Valiant!
A valiant expert informs us that 1962 was the last year for this body style, that it has the revised front suspension (1962-1966) which makes parts easier to obtain, and that it has a better steering box set-up than in previous years.With a press button automatic transmission, nearly everything on this car is factory original, both interior and exterior, which makes it truly a remarkable eBay auction find!
We are also told that this very same make/model/year/color automobile so impressed President Dwight Eisenhower that he purchased an identical one for First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, now on display at her birthplace in Boone, Iowa(last photo in gallery).
We welcome your serious inspection of this amazing vehicle in Los Angeles upon appointment and, although we are a private party and not any kind of automobile expert or car dealer, we are happy to answer all of your questions as best we can.
Please note that the buyer is responsible for making all arrangements for pickup and/or to delivery to their chosen location. We will happily assist you with your preferred shipping arrangements with a written letter of instruction and authorization.
We are please to say that we have sold several classic vintage cars on eBay in the past with excellent feedback!