[FWDLK] Fraudulent auction cars

[Wayne Graefen <WGraefen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

There is a simple fact that is easily missed about auctions.  The auction
companies are not liable for documentation about the cars.  The laws
probably vary from state to state to some minor degree but the biggest
auctions are held in states with liberal laws.  Laws that do not hold the
auction co. liable, and laws that allow shill bidding.

Barrett-Jackson does check documentation for each car.  What does that
REALLY mean?
It means that the VIN number on the title that is handed to them must match
the VIN plate on the car.  That much is EASY for any seller to accomplish.
It does NOT mean that they have looked at any further documentation or done
ANY further investigation.
To assume so is to become a mark for those who are looking for fools.

Are a LOT of cars bogus at these auctions?  NO!  The bogus cars are
typically convertibles where the convert model has been proven by previous
sales to bring BIG, really BIG money.  Once the money is known to be paid
for such cars, the fraudulent builder will cut the top off of his hardtop,
often of a lesser model, and build it up into the big money car.

What about the ultra-bucks super-rare cars like Duesenbergs and Bugattis,
you ask?  It can happen there too, however there is typically more advance
advertising of these cars allowing prospective buyers time to do due
diligence research.  Also, the cars are typically heavily tracked by their
respective marquee clubs which keep histories of those cars by VIN and other
numbers.

The Chrysler 300 Club International, for example, in the case of all Letter
Cars, has such VIN histories shared and held by top club members.  A phone
call, fax, or e-mail to the club gets a rapid response.  That particular 300
club has the same microfiche as Chrylser Historical has of the build records
for almost all of the letter series and provides a "read" to members free of
charge.  The "builders" are known to the club and ANY car that went through
one of their hands is suspect.  Yes there are bogus 300 convertibles and
everyone knows them!

Beware of cars without histories, Mopars without documentation from Chrysler
Historical (or 300 International) and do research on any car you buy because
the basic point of law is still "caveat emptor" which is "buyer beware".

Wayne