How a storage-unit Maserati made me $400k

[@earthwindflier]

John is a masterclass in great storytelling. He could talk about a dent in a dumpster and I would listen to the end!

[@strangeclouds7]

I think Ed takes the cake on storytelling but yes John is great too

[@joshuagibson2520]

You should maybe get out more.

[@bwofficial1776]

@@joshuagibson2520 Some people are happy where they are.

[@joshuagibson2520]

@@bwofficial1776 valid point.

[@earthwindflier]

@@bwofficial1776 It’s all good. I get out PLENTY, and totally happy where I’m at. Sarcasm just doesn’t translate well to some on the net. Lol

[@CorradoAlley]

That Maserati employee is what makes this community so great.

[@JonSnowsGhost]

“An Italian V8 sounds like a choir of angels….. Beating the crap out of eachother” 😂😂😂

[@jmoney7289]

Glugga gluh grugga ......

[@foofinatic]

I don't think I've ever heard a better description of an engine's sound in my life.

[@johnsimun6533]

@@foofinatic it’s a beautiful poem, off the top of his head. There is some people who can talk, and there is those that can talk. These quotes, that are from various videos, throughout this extremely large and, extremely varied subjects, on site. Need to be somehow collected together for, basically a overdose of deep, complex, yet as easy as plant style information. With the expansion, just enough to where each quote has a understanding and emotion, so not only does the viewer, get transported to the place, yet they are not invested enough to get stuck for each full length original video. But, they will be compelled to watch all the videos one after another, till the last one. I think it was a vice, but it was about lsd. Look up “Vice Tv, I took lsd and fell in love with a pigeon” there is a short. That’s fine for something quick, but watch the full video. I promise you will be filled with quotes and information beyond what you think is needed. Let me seek if it works “I know telepathy exists because I had this passionate relationship with a pigeon who I brought up from a baby and he fixated and fell madly in love with me and I with him,” she claimed. “He had two main emotions which were passionate love and hateful jealousy.” “He’d always be swooping off somewhere and he could never make out why I didn’t go with him, a pathetic human cripple who couldn’t fly.”

[@EdBolian]

Does it get any better than a John Ficarra rare-car discovery story? Merry Christmas everyone.

[@sadiejustin]

No sir, it does not.

[@mr_spoopy2286]

Merry Christmas Ed.

[@jasonconrad4314]

Merry Christmas Ed

[@Schizz_Popinov]

Only if it is Chris Michaels

[@theanomalous1401]

Merry Christmas to you @EdBolian and your family! "Until the world, a Child is Born"!

[@cmcurran5]

John might not be able to price a supercar, but the man can tell a story

[@TheThend1234]

give him a break!

[@johnmaher1425]

Is he bad at pricing supercars really? I just don’t know

[@fast.biking_freddy]

​@@johnmaher1425 it's not his thing, he's more knowledgeable about the older histroic cars.

[@ShoelessJP]

Ficarra is my favorite presenter on your channel, what a beautiful story. Merry Christmas everyone.

[@j.scottcaudill7543]

I personally can't stand *John Ficarra*

[@kenchen704]

@@j.scottcaudill7543 L

[@christopherkraft1327]

You can always count on John Ficarra to tell a great story!!! Merry Christmas to all!!! 🎄⛄🤶

[@theanomalous1401]

Merry Christmas to you, sir!

[@WeAreCurated]

Stumbling into a car deal like this is the dream! Great work John.

[@theanomalous1401]

Merry Christmas to you and your family John. May your Holiday joys be #Curated

[@halnutt1790]

Hanging on every word.. Ficarra just has that way with words. Not unlike Ed but the unique difference between the two is only matched by few. Thank you!!

[@daxhiestand3827]

Really enjoy the emotion you share in telling your stories John! Glad you are frequently on the channel!!

[@Hogiewan1]

John is such a great storyteller. Thanks Ed, and Merry Christmas!

[@johnnyg9804]

A choir of angels beating the crap out out each other... best quote ever John! ❤

[@timothyodonnell8591]

I'm not a car guy AT ALL. But I love, love, love this channel for the awesome well-told stories. John is one of the best. More, please.

[@russelljacob7955]

Is fascinating how a simple discussion can change things so drastically. Currently talking with older neighbour about a car their dad has. Mentioned since new, has been just locked away in storage. Chatting about it, trying to remember what it is. Citroen SM. So yeah, needless to say when I explained what it was and market? Eyes went wider.

[@Atlas.X9X]

When I realize it's John sharing a story, I stop multitasking and give Mr. Ficarra my undivided attention.

[@jeffpitzer8521]

Great Story! Love all the twists and turns.. love John's passion for our sport/ obsession.. glad it turn out so well for him while honoring the seller and family's wishes...very happy ending..Merry Christmas to all!

[@TheCannonball79]

Merry Christmas John.

[@FicarraClassic]

Merry Christmas!

[@ashp5406]

John you are fantastic in bringing out the emotions behind the story ...

[@dave5833]

What a fantastic story for Christmas thank You Mr Ficarra.

[@tony66au]

Love an awesome Ficarra story! Merry Christmas to you John and Ed, May there be many more Vinwiki stories in 2023 :-)

[@StevensPaul]

Hee. Hee. I have a Blue on Silver '67 Quadraporte which was given to me back in '93. Still have it. Was sold new in New York and migrated to L.A. and eventually ended up in New Mexico in 1985. The original Owner was a New York Central Railroad Executive. I've got All the paperwork from Day 1.

[@jaden19991]

What a perfect early Christmas gift I love a Ficarra story

[@VINwiki]

What is your greatest automotive discovery?

[@richardkraneyum5406]

1972 Chevelle barn find parked for 41 years for $800. Only catch was a family member was murdered in the back seat.

[@ozarkliving7263]

Far from an enthusiast car, but found a 2008 Toyota Solara SLE convertible, 10k miles, original owner, always garaged, blizzard pearl (wife’s favorite color) $12k in 2011. Now 40k miles, my wife absolutely loves driving it on sunny days and I never have to worry about fixing it or it leaving her stranded somewhere. Is it fast? No. Exotic? No. Does it bring joy? Yes, over and over.

[@theanomalous1401]

At this stage of my life, it has to be the VinWiki Car Stories channel. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

[@G59METH]

@@richardkraneyum5406 adds to the value haha

[@SimonTekConley]

It's a unique vehicle, I would've been interested. Lol I remember in 2000, I saw a 1984 quattroporte for sale for $2200. I still regret not buying it.

[@ozarkliving7263]

John needs to replace Freddie Sanford, the junk collector, on Car Trek. A consummate story teller with a keen intellect. Boundlessly interesting.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Yes. Freddie is about as dull as they come.

[@violinmiata]

Ficarra is always a great Vinwiki History, passion and storytelling chops

[@foadrightnow5725]

What an awesome story with an awesome ending told by an awesome story teller! This is classic VINwiki content!

[@jeramiebradford1]

Love John Ficarra thanx for getting him back.

[@ryansantiago941]

But you didn’t make 100x the money! You made 10x your money on it!

[@BatCaveOz]

He said he was into the car for $4,000 He sold it for $38,000 which is about 10x (he made $34,000 profit) He bought the land for $17,000. The land is now worth $400,000 (assuming he sells it for market value). I think it is fair to say that he made 100x (although until he actually sells the property it is an asset... but hasn't realized an actual profit until he sells). You should reconsider giving math advice to people on the internet.

[@proto57]

@@BatCaveOz But Ryan is technically correct, and his math is correct... he actually did make about 10x on the car alone... $4k to $38k. He made the 100x on the purchase of the land with those car profits, not on the car flip itself. This doesn't detract from the story, because it is still a great story... and the part about making $400k is really a bit "tongue in cheek". The sale of the car at a 10x profit was very timely, and allowed the land deal, and he never claims otherwise. It was a bit of a "shaggy dog story", and I waited to hear how he made all this money on the car... and really was wondering all along how he would rationalize making all that money when he assessed the car at only 10k for the Queens heiress. It was actually a relief that he didn't make the big number on the car, but on his own land deal, which was separate from the car deal.

[@bobbycuesroadhouse2204]

To sum it all up, video thumbnail photo, click bait

[@bakha0888]

yeah he made 10x on the car and 23.5x on land if he sells it for 400k. it's like Ed saying "i got a free Murci", no you didn't Ed 😂, buy it makes a great KZbin video title

[@AeroGuy07]

Any story from John is going to be good!

[@the1maxb]

"...a choir of angels, beating the crap out of each other." Pure poetry!

[@ruipacheco2939]

Now I know how angels beating the crap out of each other sounds ;) Thanks John! All the best for 2023!

[@jeffv103]

Captivating story telling at it's pinnacle. Thanks!

[@the_frankc]

John is the best! I hope he tells the Union Boys story this time around 😂

[@Halfstep2024]

John is looking so healthy these days!

[@brianward6291]

LOVE John's stuff, thanks for sharing!

[@Trav81888]

As an Italian American living in Jamaica Queens I’m damn proud people recognize and appreciate the local accent. Bravo

[@cervelo9465]

He made 10x on the car and he made 10x on the land (he did not make 100x on the car) He made 100x across the car deal AND the land deal The lady who let the car go for $2,500 she really deserves something out of all the vast profits, especially after putting story up on Internet

[@G59METH]

I'm not fluent in English and was really confused, I was like: how did he make 400k out of a car he sold for $38k it doesn't make any sense. Also agreed, the lady should've gotten some money afterwards

[@Omar02669]

a choir of angels beating the crap out of each other 😂😂😂😂😂

[@rumblebelly6780]

5 secs into the video: YUP! 14 exiting John minutes coming up!! :D

[@oregonhighway]

One of the good guys, a rarity these days

[@krissolson7043]

Every car is worth whatever someone is willing to pay.

[@BriggsStratton11]

I'm not following the math here. If you invest $4k into something and sell it for $38k, thats a little less than ten times the money, not 100. Someone else purchased it for 38k restored it and it's now worth $400k. That's about ten times the money, but I'm sure the restoration cost was more than $0 so it's not fair to say you earned ten times the investment.

[@sashasiegel4110]

Market manipulation skills: A++

[@illsuspect]

"They sound like a choir of Angels beating the crap out of each other " Lol

[@or-what]

Rabbit's Caravan finally has a Rival!

[@RealDustyChandler]

Looking good, John. Looks like you lost a little weight! Merry Christmas, everybody!!

[@shawnmason5290]

Love Johns story’s

[@CorradoAlley]

I love that he educated the daughter that it could bring more to someone else before the low I don't want to buy it offer. Great story

[@gustavosaliola]

Of course i don't know you John, but it seems this is just (Really) Good Karma. Passion, dedication and a sense of risk and adventure for what you do around cars is what led you to this experience and money made. Congrats!

[@aaronwinter1980]

Strange story. He discourages the original owner, buys it for cheap and then once he owns it, he does the job: look into the history, find the right market for it, ie Europe... and on top of that he memorizes the vin numbers of the cars he owns... all these are red flags.

[@chevyhead7274]

I hope he gave her some of the money

[@michaellawrence3345]

Awesome story love it

[@yrboogiemn]

On the topic of rare cars that nobody wants, I restored a 1 of 250 1999 Saturn SC2 White Hot. I restored it, hopped up the internals to 10.75:1 compression, drove it a few times, never really had the chance to show it and it sat in storage for a year after I moved. Figured it was time to sell it to someone that would love and cherish the car, but in reality, I didn't really want to sell it. So I posted it for an outrageous $5000. Out of the blue, days later, I get a text saying "Did you sell the car? I really want to buy this, don't sell it, I'm a serious buyer." Yeah sure, I still have the car, I'll hold it as long as I can if you're serious. He buys a plane ticket, flies out, drives it around the block and hands me 5k in cash. And this car was and kind of is still unwanted. I paid $550 for it and dropped maybe 1500 into it, in parts I had laying around, as a fun side project/cool daily driver.

[@JohnnyAFG81]

Love these stories, John seems like a great guy to have a drink with.

[@kylepokorski6045]

I'm jealous John me being the car guy in my circle of friends just leads me to a lot of mechanical help

[@markk3453]

great story. now the BIG QUESTION. IS IT ON VINwiki?

[@genemounce8302]

MERRY CHRISTMAS from the frozen Texas hill country yall !

[@theanomalous1401]

Merry Christmas and stay warm now. Ya hear❓

[@johnhufnagel]

yea but... what's the current status of the car!? inquiring minds want to know. is it done?

[@porterdallenbach1639]

Dude's out here explaining supply and demand

[@nathanreece1743]

Nice. John always has good stories.

[@robinpaulse4608]

"...a choir of angels beating the crap out of each other" 🤣🤣

[@jdiluigi]

Well that preview clip locked me in to watch the rest.....

[@tysonjames2723]

Ripping story teller. Love him

[@ThatPaintballGuy]

When he was describing the dream I couldn’t stop thinking that “what if he said: ‘JOHN, I HAD A DREAM, AND THAT DREAM……WAS FOR MORE COWBELL’”

[@gallo2432]

proof of importance of marketing

[@zmanphotos1578]

I don’t really like the new set backdrop tbh

[@TP-3000]

Was waiting for him to say he sent the daughter the money!

[@dougholdem2898]

What a great story, told by a great story teller!

[@flipppy83]

3:02 is it just me or does anyone else get a little giddy when the vehicle being discussed happens to be from your home state/area?

[@milwaukeebrewers6337]

11:24 cool van

[@beatglauser9444]

I always loved vintage Maseratis and my Grandpa owned a 1958 3500 GT. I remember how stunning the Mexico looked in real life when I saw it parked in Ostia Mare. Pictures do not do this car justice. The Quattro Porte on the other hand is not a beauty. Specially the rear is weird. Very similar to some strange Lancias of the early Sixties.

[@silverload3622]

Great story Bro but did u give Stella a little something something extra??

[@mentalmetalist]

This is why I subscribed

[@maverick1685]

Love the story! And, I really like that car - it looks wonderful.

[@Llamacowking99]

Ok but John that's not fair, you made 10x on the car and then bought land now worth way more. That's 2 flips man.

[@77zrod46]

It's not an entirely ugly car.. It has some good lines that could definitely be improved upon.

[@swedishmansion8262]

I had one Mexico I love it and miss it..

[@Shaner9er]

Personally i would have loved to have this car I've looked at these so often just a neat car.

[@JSBIRD69]

I have a question for hard core VinWiki'ers. Who is the VinWiki man who.... 1. Owns and restored one of the 'original' General Lee's 2. Is in the Chicago area (I think) 3. Purchased a lot of US states license plate dies/presses, and can make accurate custom plates. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[@jmoney7289]

Travis Bell

[@runwillrobinson]

He lives in Indianapolis, Travis Bell.

[@JSBIRD69]

Thanks very much fellows! I was getting ready to ask for contact details, and came across his 2+ hour VinWiki special from last year. That led me to Celebrity Machines and his contact info. Merry Christmas all!!

[@MDC_1985]

Great Car, Great story, I love John Ficarra.... But am I the only one here who understands basic math? 4,000 into the car and sells it for 38,000... thats not 100x thats just shy of 10x...? And I've done that...... Bought a '57 T-Bird D-code that was basically scrap-metal.....aside from the genuine '57 F-Code sedan engine that had been swapped into it 40 years ago with the original supercharger, the correct heads, intake, fuel pump, carb etc. I think I cleared $10k on the heads alone. That was almost 10 years ago now, its probably worth twice what I ultimately got out of it.

[@MintyFreshTurds]

I thought the BMW E38 was the best looking sedan in the world...until I saw this car.

[@ejboyd82]

Friend: My father's ghost said you should have this car. John: Nah. Friend: Seriously, I can only honor my father by giving you this car at a token amount. John: Fine. [sells it] Friend's Father's Ghost: [shocked pikachu face]

[@shawnbaker3245]

This sounds just like A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore. That car was fated to be owned by him!!

[@jakespeed63]

I wanna go drinking with this guy and tell stories all night So…,years ago a close friend in Jupiter Florida restores a 1967 Mexico for a guy. After the painstaking cosmetic restoration, the owner disappeared and the car sits in Danny’s garage. It was gorgeous and I had the pleasure of actually going for a ride in it at one time. Fast forward about 5 years ago, they dig the car out and sell it overseas. Cha-Ching!!$$ No one ever heard from the original owner.

[@PowerstrokeSynd]

Can't produce anymore land. That keeps the value rising.

[@cervelo9465]

It is rare and difficult to make 100x. It is far easier and more realistic to make 3x x 4x x 3x x 4x = 144x Learned this from Sven Carlin (modern value investing)

[@larryboles629]

John your one of the good guys. Karma does come around. Be happy, be safe

[@atikovi1]

You got $400K for a '66 4Porte? I call BS. I bought the same car, a red '66 automatic in 1992 for $6000. Sold it in 2017 for $12,000 in similar shape. No way a fully restored example will bring anywhere near $400K.

[@qei431.]

Sounds like my father in law he gets all his very nice running vehicles for usually less then a grand or free sometimes and I can't find one for less the 2400

[@gebusdatrapgod]

It's a beautiful car in my eyes

[@Comakino]

TLDR: I made 400 grand on a used Maserati... and about 17k worth of land

[@bryank3980]

John looks like Metra man from megamind lol

[@Rekuzan]

Beng 'the car guy' means yer the guy they come to after messing it up themselves.... I always tell them: Just bring it to me FIRST next time!

[@derrickwillie4449]

So his 100x profit was not from the car, it was from the land he bought across the street…

[@emixmim]

Great story, this one!

[@jjk087]

Property investment made 400k using proceeds from car sale

[@lesflynn4455]

Golden story.

[@b0rd3n]

where's the car now?

[@TripleZ89]

Where is the Christmas car trek?

[@richardharvey8939]

Great story time.