January 8 marked the day when Kars4Kids received a 1989 Chevy Beretta lowrider as a donation from Medhat Beshai, with the hope that it would find a loving new home. But contrary to his wishes, it wasn’t cherished by new enthusiasts; instead, it found itself in a pick-and-pull yard, picked apart just a day later. Stories like Beshai’s are all too familiar and always heartbreaking.
The process of donating vehicles to organizations such as Kars4Kids is meant to support charitable causes through the funds raised from the vehicle’s sale. In light of controversies regarding the disbursement of these funds, this story will instead focus on the journey of the car post-donation.
Beshai was confident in the condition of the Beretta, noting it had a perfectly functioning engine with no oil or transmission leaks, according to his communication with The Drive.
Despite its condition, an Instagram video surfaced showing the once-admired lowrider stripped of its wheels and parts at a local yard. The vehicle’s unique identity, known among the Californian car community and once featured in Lowrider magazine in the 1990s, made the sighting unmistakable.
The distinctly customized Chevy Beretta bore a Lakers-inspired purple and gold color scheme, ornate hand-painted decorations, and a hydraulic suspension. Inside, a purple suede interior and an eye-catching puffy steering wheel complemented its striking exterior. Though Beshai did not customize it himself, the two-plus decades he owned and cared for it fostered a deep attachment.
Facing a need to part with the Beretta, Beshai initially listed it for sale at $12,500 but found no takers. Even after reducing the price twice, there was no interest, leading to his decision to donate it to Kars4Kids with the hope it would continue to be appreciated and well-maintained.
The sight of his car at the scrapyard, undoubtedly painful for Beshai, dashed the hopes he had for the vehicle’s future.
The question that arises is why such a cherished custom lowrider was condemned to be disassembled for parts. This is not an uncommon fate, as explained by Kars4Kids.
Kars4Kids assesses the value of donated vehicles based on records of what similar cars have sold for in the past. A car, even when operational, may fetch a higher price dismantled for parts than if it were sold whole at auction. This was the verdict for Beshai’s Beretta according to the charity.
Regrettably, individuality and custom work are not variables in the valuation process, resulting in a bleak outcome for this unique 1989 Chevy Beretta.
To car enthusiasts, an old vehicle with unique modifications and custom paintwork carries a value beyond the sum of its parts. Companies like Kars4Kids, however, see such vehicles merely as numbers on a spreadsheet. So despite the potential appeal to a fellow car lover, to the donation organization, the car’s greatest worth came from parting it out.
It is noble to donate a car for a good cause; yet, one must be aware of the probable future for the donated vehicle. Let Beshai’s story serve as a warning: a treasured vehicle may end up neglected and forgotten.
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FAQs
- What should donors consider before donating a car?
Donors should research the organization they plan to donate to, understand the process, inquire about how the proceeds will be used, and manage their expectations regarding the car’s future.
- Do car donation organizations always sell donated vehicles?
No, some cars may be sold for parts instead of being auctioned as a whole, especially if they can fetch a higher price that way based on historical data.
- Is the custom work on a car considered in its valuation by donation organizations?
No, customization and the car’s history are often not factors in the valuation process for car donation organizations like Kars4Kids.
Conclusion
Donating a car to charity is a generous act, but it doesn’t always result in a fairytale ending for the vehicle, especially when it’s a vehicle with sentimental value like Medhat Beshai’s lowrider. It’s important for donors to recognize this possible outcome before donating to mitigate the potential shock and disappointment of seeing their once-loved car reduced to parts in a junkyard. Transparency in the process and understanding the charity’s practices can make this generous act less painful for those emotionally attached to their vehicles.