Tyrese - If I were in your shoes, I would fly out there with a bank draft in the amount he's asking for and lay it on the counter. If there's a bidding battle then proceed from there.
BTW - You do know that Ernie and most likely the others interested in this car are probably reading this forum... Right?
Might be a good time to resort to PMs and Email lest your hand be further exposed. I would start with Fran Hall - if he's still on speaking terms with you.
:lipsrsealed: