Well,.... I look at it a different way. It's not like they (the family) came looking for you. You contacted them through the dealer. If their Dad just passed away this past spring, that would explain their interest in getting the car back. For all we know, they have had interest in it all along, but had no idea where the car may be. Odd coincidence that you were checking out the background of the car only to find out the previous owner just passed away this past spring.
The other thing to look at is that if the "Collectors" you are talking about have actually seen the car before making their offers. Offers can always go down once they come to see the car. Don't get me wrong, it sounds like a very nice car. I'm just saying if they haven't seen the car, or made a formal written offer, there is no guarantee that they will actually follow through with their initial offer.
I can understand the family's desire to want the car back, and I can also understand their hesitancy at the price if they have no idea what kind of condition the car is still in, especially for an unplanned purchase you weren't expecting to make. If it were me, I would do as others have suggested and see how close the original family is willing to go in matching the price. I would give them detailed pictures so they can see that it is still in good shape, and let them decide what they want to offer. As others have stated,... if they come close,... sell them back the car. Remember that you have nothing into it, so if you get an amount close to what the collectors offered, you are still good money ahead to put towards your wedding, down payment on a house,... whatever you and your new wife decide together, ....AND they have their Dad's car back. Win/Win for everyone.
Just my thoughts on the subject
