Looking for my old '70 Formula 400 RA III

[robbrandt]

Today I saw on the web a car similar to the car I had in high school, and wondered what became of it. I spent a bit of time searching various registries - there's too many of these - with no luck. Maybe some enthusiasts might know about it? I would guess it's worth a pretty penny today.

Here's what I remember about it.

I do not have the VIN or old license number.
I purchased it in 1979 or 80 in Fresno California. I have no reason to believe it was originally sold elsewhere.
I sold it in summer of 1982 via Hemmings Motor News to a guy who claimed to be a collector in Texas. He flew out to look at it and pick it up. I don't recall his age but I don't think he was terribly old. 40ish. He might still be alive.
Blue interior and exterior
I recall it was optioned out except for rear spoiler and FM stereo. Had AM and 8 Track IIRC.
Auto transmission
400ci Ram Air III (man that was a fun car!)

Not looking to procure it, just wondering if it still lives.

Thanks!

[Larry]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this sort of hunt is rarely successful. Obviously with no VIN, even if you stumbled upon the exact match (as you remember it), you could never know/prove it was your original car.

There is no help with DMVs (if you had identifying data) because they cannot give out personal information even if they were staring at the current owner on their computer screen... privacy, you know.

The fact that you remember the fellow being a collector of sorts is a good thing, but you would have to start your Columbo work somewhere in Texas trying to figure out who this was. Then, even if you did, the car has most likely changed other hands in the past 36 years.

This is a near impossible task even with documentation. I always encourage people like you to go hunting for a car like you remember wherever you can. Buy it and enjoy the heck out of it. The car doesn't know who you are, and actually you shouldn't care who the car is either. Just enjoy it as being just like the one you used to have. And if you buy right, probably much better too.

I hunted, and advertised nationally for a number of years for my '66 Fairlane GT I had while in the Air Force. Never found it, got over it, never replaced it, moved on to other things. Would I think it was neat to find it, sure, but if I really wanted one, I would have bought a different one. Some things are best left to memories... hopefully very good ones.