Nothing difficult to understand or respect about someone holding on to an item that has sentimental or some other value - whether real or percieved.
Many other times though (hopefully not in the case of this gentleman), it's just plain grubby old greed and selfishness. Like a toothless dog with a bone - no use for it himself, but dammed if he'll let anyone else have it. I know some people who can't be bothered to pick the fruit from the trees along the road in front of their houses, but they'd rather see it rot on the ground than let anyone else have some. Look back into the past and you'll probably see a misfit kid who refused to share and had difficulty in team sports or just plain getting along with others.
Once again though, often the item in question simply means something special to it's owner and parting with it is just unthinkable to him - at that particular time anyway. Circumstances and feelings do change however; and a friendly, respectful approach will often at least help you learn the story of the man and his car. If you earn his friendship and you're patient, you might well be the one he calls when he feels it's time for him to let it go.
