- 22 -
displaying the cars at the dealership and promotional events, and
publishing a large booklet on the cars. Personnel of the
dealership testified that they referred serious inquiries
regarding the classic cars to Mr. Taylor, or to a broker retained
by the dealership after Mr. Taylor died. There was also
testimony that Mr. Taylor was frequently on the Galveston
property negotiating with interested buyers.
We find that the dealership always held the classic cars as
inventory for sale. The dealership was merely more flexible
regarding the classic car’s price during the years at issue
because of the immediate need for capital. In addition, we find
that the dealership made efforts to advertise and sell the
classic cars in years before those at issue. Mr. Taylor
personally negotiated these sales, and he would often accompany
potential customers on test drives of the cars. If a potential
customer ever expressed an interest in a classic car, testimony
established that personnel would direct the potential customer to
Mr. Taylor or the broker appointed to sell the classic cars after
Mr. Taylor’s death.
Even though, as respondent contends, the dealership did not
market the classic cars as it marketed the new and used cars, we
find the record replete with evidence that the dealership held
the classic cars as inventory for sale. Mr. Taylor frequently
stated that every classic car was for sale. In fact, the
dealership’s general manager testified that Mr. Taylor said
Page: Previous 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 NextLast modified: May 25, 2011