United States Congress sets National Collector Car Appreciation Day as July 9, 2010
NATIONAL COLLECTOR CAR APPRECIATION DAY
By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire
Email: bshook@shooklegal.com
May 4, 2010 – At the persuasion of the SEMA Action network with assistance from automotive restoration manufacturers association (ARMO), the United States Senate approved Senate Resolution 213 on May 4, 2010. The Resolution sets National Collector Car Appreciation Day as July 9, 2010. Local, regional and national events to celebrate the newly enacted appreciation day are being developed across the country. This marks a large step forward in collector car hobby.
The resolution, which can be viewed online at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.RES.513: states that:
Designating July 9, 2010, as `Collector Car Appreciation Day’ and recognizing that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.
Whereas many people in the United States maintain classic automobiles as a pastime and do so with great passion and as a means of individual expression;
Whereas the Senate recognizes the effect that the more than 100-year history of the automobile has had on the economic progress of the Nation and supports wholeheartedly all activities involved in the restoration and exhibition of classic automobiles;
Whereas collection, restoration, and preservation of automobiles is an activity shared across generations and across all segments of society;
Whereas thousands of local car clubs and related businesses have been instrumental in preserving a historic part of the heritage of this Nation by encouraging the restoration and exhibition of such vintage works of art;
Whereas automotive restoration provides well-paying, high-skilled jobs for people in all 50 States; and
Whereas automobiles have provided the inspiration for music, photography, cinema, fashion, and other artistic pursuits that have become part of the popular culture of the United States: Now therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate–
(1) designates July 9, 2010, as `Collector Car Appreciation Day’;
(2) recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States;
(3) encourages the Department of Education, the Department of Transportation, and other Federal agencies to support events and commemorations of `Collector Car Appreciation Day’, including exhibitions and educational and cultural activities for young people; and
(4) encourages the people of the United States to engage in events and commemorations of `Collector Car Appreciation Day’ that create opportunities for collector car owners to educate young people on the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the United States, including through the collection and restoration of collector cars.
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is not only a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com
Bid with Knowledge; Buy with Confidence – Vintage Car Law
Mid Atlantic Regional NCRS Meet – Gettysburg, PA – May 6-9-2010
NCRS REGIONAL MEET IN GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA SCHEDULED FOR MAY 6-8, 2010
By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire
Email: bshook@shooklegal.com
Call all Corvette enthusiasts, after a long winter’s wait, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Corvette Restorers Society is hosting the Gettysburg Regional NCRS Meet on May 6-8, 2010. This is a can’t miss event for East Coast Corvette Enthusiasts.
Several special vehicles are scheduled to be on display including a low mileage, all original, Polo Green, 1994 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 formerly of the Chip Miller Collection. The car’s current owner, Andrew Saft of Harrisburg, is proud to offer this important ZR1 for flight judging. Corvettes released from the prized Chip Miller Collection have been known throughout the hobby for years for their quality, provenance and pedigree. This NCRS appearance represents a coming out of sorts for the current Saft Collection ZR1. While ANY ZR1 is exciting both to see and drive, this particular all original ZR1 is sure to please the spectators and enthusiasts that get an opportunity to view it at the 2010 Mid-Atlantic Regional Meet next week.
The NCRS flight process is not a process to be taken lightly, only the best cars are awarded flight awards and any owner who leaves Gettysburg with such an award has surely added much deserved province to his or her beloved Corvette. Best of Luck!
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is not only a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com.
NCRS # 51181
Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence. – Vintage Car Law
Estate Sale of Important Cars Nets Nearly $500,000.00
30+ Antique Cars Sell for $494,400.00 at Rural
Pennsylvania Sale
By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire
Email: bshook@shooklegal.com
Estate Sale – Allen Shaffer, Esquire
April 24, 2010 – Millersburg, Pennsylvania
Allen Shaffer, a well respected local attorney recently passed away and this past Saturday the majority of his car collection came to sale. Over thirty lots were offered with no reserve, no bidder registration charges and with no buyers premium.
By the mid afternoon, all of the vehicles had been sold and the proceeds realized were just about $500,000.00 from the sale of the vehicles.
Here are the results along with the comments of Bryan W. Shook who personally attended the sale.
|
Year |
Make |
Model/Type |
Comments |
Price |
|
1931 |
Ford |
Model T – 5 -Window Coupe |
$19,000.00 |
|
|
1981 |
Delorean |
$20,000.00 |
||
|
1923 |
Buick |
Touring |
bad water pump – lower hose disconnected & pump corroded |
$18,000.00 |
|
1949 |
Studebaker |
Commander convertible |
Nicely Restored |
$25,000.00 |
|
1917 |
Maxwell |
Touring |
Restored 10yrs ago – didn’t run at time of sale |
$17,000.00 |
|
1925 |
Nash |
2dr Sedan |
Nicely Restored |
$11,000.00 |
|
1915 |
Ford |
Model T |
$13,000.00 |
|
|
1925 |
Nash |
Touring |
Great Condition, very nice car |
$20,000.00 |
|
1913 |
Buick |
Touring |
No Title – Yet |
$28,000.00 |
|
1929 |
Lincoln |
7 Passenger Phaeton |
$65,000.00 |
|
|
1910 |
Buick |
Run-a-bout Roadster |
$20,000.00 |
|
|
1908 |
International |
High-Wheeler |
Nice Original – found in barn in New Bloomfield, Perry County, Pa in mid 1940s |
$19,000.00 |
|
1953 |
Ford |
F100 |
Titled as 1954 – OHV I6 |
$15,500.00 |
|
1906 |
Cadillac |
Tulip Roadster |
$54,000.00 |
|
|
1954 |
Ford |
Crestline 4dr |
Needed work & carpeting |
$8,000.00 |
|
1917 |
Studebaker |
Touring |
Nice older restoration |
$23,500.00 |
|
1962 |
Studebaker |
Lark convertible |
$7,500.00 |
|
|
1927 |
Ford |
Coupe |
$8,000.00 |
|
|
1972 |
Chevrolet |
Impala convertible |
Shoddy Repaint – overspray evident, poorly masked |
$9,000.00 |
|
1918 |
Stanley |
Steamer Touring |
$46,000.00 |
|
|
1976 |
Lincoln |
Continental |
$1,600.00 |
|
|
1922 |
Dodge |
Touring |
3 owners from new, had side window curtains – very nice potential |
$9,000.00 |
|
1976 |
Buick |
LeSabre |
$1,300.00 |
|
|
1922 |
Whippet |
4dr sedan |
$9,000.00 |
|
|
1999 |
Ford |
F150 pickup truck |
6cyl 4wd |
$8,000.00 |
|
1951 |
Kaiser |
4dr sedan |
No Title |
$5,000.00 |
|
1965 |
Chevrolet |
Corvair |
Possible missing VIN Plate??? Total Mess |
$1,800.00 |
|
1951 |
Henry J |
Corsair Deluxe |
Cooling Issue |
$8,500.00 |
|
1969 |
AMC |
Rebel SST 4dr Sedan |
6cyl – Very Nice Original |
$1,200.00 |
|
1958 |
Mercedes |
190D – 4dr |
Project car with good parts, some trim, but hood wouldn’t open |
$500.00 |
|
1991 |
Yugo |
“Needs Fuel Pump” |
$2,000.00 |
|
Total Sales: $494,400.00
|
|
As one can surmise from the results listed above, the sales prices were fairly reflective of the market today. While the auction was largely under promoted, collectors, brokers and dealers showed up from several states including, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Maryland and New Jersey to bid on and buy cars and automobilia from this great collection.
Most of the cars in the collection were operational and nearly all of them presented very well. The cars purchased from this collection are sure to be coveted pieces in future collections. While higher prices may have been realized had an auction house such as Carlisle Auctions, RM Auctions, Bonhams or Goodling offered the vehicles, this sale proves that not all collections must be sold through a large auction venue to achieve market value results.
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is not only a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com.
Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence. – Vintage Car Law
Let’s Review: Barrett-Jackson – Palm Beach 2009 Collector Car Auction
Let’s Review:
Barrett-Jackson – Palm Beach 2009
By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire
Email: bshook@shooklegal.com
Well, it’s hard to believe but the 7th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction is behind us.
How did the stars of the auction do?
The top seller of the weekend was Lot Number 369.1 the Super Chevy Magazine feature custom 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS titled “Project American Heroes”. The Camaro, which included parts supplied by over twenty five major speed parts producers and a legendary LS-series GM 427cu GMMG supplied powerplant, hammered sold for $500,000.00! The proceeds from the sale of the Camaro will go to benefit the Armed Forces Foundation, a truly worthy cause.
Two other stars of the auction with their proceeds going to charity were Lots Nos. 655 and 655.1 the 2004 Ford Mustang GT Convertible concept car and the 2004 Ford Mustang GT Coupe concept car, respectively. These cars debuted in January 2003 at the North American Auto Show and arguably started the current muscle car frenzy amongst the big three. Many people believe that these two concept Mustangs are what raised the ante for General Motors and Chrysler to go all in again and give the public what they want, FUN muscle or muscle-type cars. Ford let these two ponies out of their livery for Charity. Both concepts sold individually for $175,000.00, each, a bargain, any way you slice it. The proceeds from the sale of these two pieces of current American automotive history went straight to the benefit of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). After the bidding for the coupe stalled around $150,000.00, Barrett-Jackson, CEO, Craig Jackson and Barrett-Jackson, President, Steve Davis, big against each other with Mr. Davis eventually taking home the concept car for the very reasonable price of $175,000.00.
The third historic Mustang that Ford auctioned off, was lot number 665, a 2010 Shelby GT500 coupe, the very first available for public sale. The hammer price was $150,000.00 and the proceeds above MSRP for the car went straight to the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.
So, how did my “sleeper” predictions go? Pretty well, but judge for yourselves.
1920 Chevrolet Model T – 1 Ton (open cab) chassis truck (Lot # 678) – Sold $37,400.00
1964 ½ Ford Mustang convertible (Lot #347) – Sold $51,700.00
1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne Short Bed pickup (Lot #32) – Sold $35,200.00
1976 Chevrolet C10 Silverado Long Bed pickup (Lot #330.1) – Sold $29,150.00
1994 Pontiac Trans Am 25th Anniversary Edition Convertible (Lot #58) – Sold $37,950.00
1999 Pontiac Trans Am 30th Anniversary Coupe – Daytona 500 Pace Car (Lot #616.1) – Sold $39,600.00
I think my sleepers performed very well considering that the lack of national publicity that other auction cars enjoyed and the current economic situation but they all sold at the high end of their respective value ranges, proving that good quality cars (and trucks) will always command higher prices.
Closing Thought – I believe GM has sold over 200 or so of its Heritage Collection and I hope that this “garage sale” is over soon. On the bright side, I hope that the new owners of these GM refugees allow the cars to see the light of day again and hopefully we can all enjoy them at an upcoming automotive event or car show.
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a seasoned automotive collector and restorer and as such brings real world experience and firsthand knowledge to the table for his clients. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com.
Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence – Vintage Car Law
Record Price – 1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula $38,500.00 – GM Heritage Collection Refugee
1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula – Sells for $38,500.00!!!
By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire
Email: bshook@shooklegal.com
BREAKING NEWS – The 1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula just released from the GM Heritage Collection has just sold for an outstanding $38,500.00! The ‘bird sold as lot #11 today, Thursday, April 09, 2009 at the 7th Annual Barrett-Jackson West Palm Beach Collector Car Auction.
While I cannot confirm that this pale yellow Firebird was a 1LE version, I can state that it featured the highly coveted WS6 performance suspension option, 1LE style brake calipers, no air conditioning and a 305cu tuned port injected small block with a 5spd manual transmission. The car also appeared to have the engine oil cooling package. The VIN of this car was 1G2FS23F0N1200001 confirming that this was in fact the very first 1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula produced.
Although strong money was spent to purchase this car, the buyer can rest assured that he/she has purchased one of the most historically significant 3rd Generation F-Bodies directly from GM! This car was breath-taking in every way and presented as an outstanding, original, vehicle, as close to a brand new one as anyone has gotten in the nearly two decades since production of the third generation F-Bodies ceased.
For more information regarding my views on the up-ward trend of the 3rd and 4th Generation F-Bodies be sure to read my article – “GM F-Bodies – 1982-2002 Can’t Miss Investments, Even in this Economy“
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com.
Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence. – Vintage Car Law
2009 Barrett-Jackson – Palm Beach Auction – Cars to Watch “The Sleepers”
Barrett-Jackson – Palm Beach 2009 Auction
By: Bryan W. Shook, Esquire
Email: bshook@shooklegal.com
It’s that time again in sunny south Florida.The trucks are arriving as I type this delivering one gorgeous car after another. All told, over 700 cars will be sold this week at the “lifestyle” event that is Barrett-Jackson’s 7th annual Palm Beach collector car auction. As has been the norm for Barrett-Jackson auctions over the past five years or so, this will be a “No-Reserve” auction which means all cars will sell to the highest bidder regardless of price
Speed TV will be broadcasting 22hrs of live high-definition coverage of the event.
Although we are technically in a recession, I look for several of the auction lots to sell for strong money. Plenty has been written about the feature cars of the auction so I have chosen to focus this article on what I believe will be the best buys of the auction.
On Tuesday, April 07, 2009, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some time “kicking the tires” and here is my list of vehicles to watch.
· 1920 Chevrolet Model T – 1 Ton (open cab) chassis truck (Lot # 678)
o This truck is coming out of the GM Heritage Collection and is in very nice shape. The truck shows some slight deterioration from sitting and appears to have been restored a number of years ago. Although it’s only sold on a Bill-of-Sale, I believe this will be a great buy. Where else are you going to find one?
· 1964 ½ Ford Mustang convertible (Lot #347)
o This car is extremely well presented and appears to be over restored. If you are looking for a rare color (Skylight Blue) and color keyed blue convertible top car this is the car for you. Although this is an original D-Code (289cu 4bbl) car with 4spd manual transmission, the engine has supposedly been replaced with a circa 1965 Ford 289cu engine. Bottom line is that this is a striking color combination on an extremely significant model year Mustang.
· 1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne Short Bed pickup (Lot #32)
o This truck is as clean as ANY you’ll find. It supposedly features its original number’s matching 402cu big block engine and air conditioning. To say this truck is restored to a high level is an understatement. It is evident that true love went into this restoration and either this was an excellent original when the restoration was started or someone spend A LOT of money, not to mention time, during the restoration seeking out good quality original pieces.
· 1976 Chevrolet C10 Silverado Long Bed pickup (Lot #330.1)
o This is allegedly a 17,000 mile truck. The truck features a 454cu engine, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes and the optional gauge package. The cons on this particular truck are that it is a long bed model and it is painted, assumedly original, light saddle over neutral.
· 1994 Pontiac Trans Am 25th Anniversary Edition Convertible (Lot #58)
o This is an extremely rare 1 of 250 convertible 25th Anniversary Edition Trans Ams that is in very good, original condition. This car is officially 15 years old and looks great. The TA is powered by the corporate 5.7 liter (350cu) 275hp small block Chevrolet engine which is backed by a very fun 6spd manual transmission. The car is extremely clean with only minor road spray on the undercarriage and rear axle assembly. Overall, this vehicle represents an amazing opportunity to purchase a historical vehicle directly from GM. For more support please refer to my article below “‘Can’t Miss Investments, Even in this Economy’ 1982-1992 GM F-Bodys”
· 1999 Pontiac Trans Am 30th Anniversary Coupe – Daytona 500 Pace Car (Lot #616.1)
o This vehicle has it all, the LS1 engine, the signature blue anodized wheels, the white leather seats, removable roof panels (i.e. T-tops) … not to mention provenance directly from GM as an officially 1999 Daytona 500 Pace Car. Again, as stated above, this vehicle represents an amazing opportunity to purchase a historical vehicle directly from GM. For more support please refer to my article below “‘Can’t Miss Investments, Even in this Economy’ 1982-1992 GM F-Bodys” Did I mention this car is a WS6 optioned vehicle with the aggressively styled Ram Air hood and induction system?
The above list represents just a sampling of the vehicles offered at this year’s Barrett-Jackson, West Palm Beach, Florida Auction. For more information, be sure to visit their website at http://www.barrett-jackson.com.
Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence.
Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a seasoned automotive collector and restorer and as such brings real world experience and firsthand knowledge to the table for his clients. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com.
State of the Hobby – March 2009
A review of the Collector Car Market in light of the current Economic Situation
Even considering the uncertainty of the current economic state antique and collector vehicles remain to be good investments. Over the past year we’ve seen the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummet from a high of 13,136.69 to a low of 6,469.95 only a few days ago. This is an evaporation of over 6,600 points or better stated, over 50% in less than one year’s time. How does this translate to the collector car market? The simple translation is BUY!!!
Current market indications are that while the wind may be out of the sails of the Dow Jones, the collector car market, viewed as a whole, is holding its own with bargains being reported from nearly every auction, which is a reiteration that we are in a buyer’s market. Overall, the collector car market has not experienced the same dramatic, marked decline as the Dow Jones. Collector cars remain a great place to park your money. Properly purchased collectible vehicles, if nothing else, continue to be an enjoyable savings account.
The collector car market, like any other free, open market, is driven purely by economics. The premise is simple: supply and demand. Given the current uncertainly of Chrysler, General Motors and Ford, collectively known, at least for the time being, as the “Big Three”, demand for stylish, desirable cars from their past will continue to be high, much higher than supply. It was announced by General Motors on February 20, 2009, that, at least for the time being, all sixty engineers of the High Performance Vehicle Operations (H.P.V.O.) have been “temporarily” reassigned. H.P.V.O. was the birthplace of high performance and specialty vehicles from GM. Therefore it is easy to predict that the future of desirable collectible vehicles from GM will be extremely limited. Over the years, the group has developed vehicles such as the Cadillac CTS-V, STS-V and XLR-V, Chevy SSR, HHR SS, TrailBlazer SS, Colorado V8 and the Saturn Ion Red Line.
Over the past several years we were blessed to see some great vehicles come to life from the drawing boards and auto shows and into the dealerships. These vehicles include the Ford GT, newly redesigned, Ford Mustang, the Dodge Charger and now the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. Other collectible offerings include the Dodge Viper, Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 and C6 ZR-1 and the Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice roadsters.
To collectors’ detriment, the recent economic viability plans submitted to Congress on behalf of the Big Three, predict a paucity of desirable (i.e., collectible) vehicles from Detroit. Instead of producing niche vehicles it seems that hybrids and alternative energy vehicles will be receiving all of the design dollars and energy in the coming years. You should be admittedly suspicious of this choice to design cars around the strings attached to federal bailout monies … hopefully this won’t lead to the insipid vehicles that came from Detroit after the smog regulations were rolled out in the early 1970s. Given the current unfortunate economic situation, headlined, by the Big Three’s struggle to survive, the collector car market stands to benefit exponentially by an increased demand for the past-produced models; especially the high-performance models.
To the true collector, the economy does not necessarily play a role in whether to purchase a vehicle. The true collector’s decision to purchase a vehicle is driven by price, desire to own the vehicle, and the hobby’s market…not the stock market. Buying with this in mind will result in a good vehicle purchased at a good price and a safe investment; or in the very least a good savings account. In contrast to the sharp decline of the stock market over the last year, to the best of my knowledge, we have not seen a single collectible vehicle decrease by 50% in value in less than one year’s time!
Bid with knowledge. Buy with confidence.
This article was written by Bryan W. Shook, Esquire the founder of Vintage Automotive. Attorney Bryan W. Shook is a devoted automotive enthusiast, but is also an experience litigator who devotes a large portion of his law practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Attorney Bryan Shook is available throughout the United States for consultation, advice, and information. If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to speak with Attorney Bryan W. Shook please email him at BShook@shooklegal.com.
Jury Verdict: Restamped Engine is not “original” “number’s matching” engine!!!
Bryan W. Shook, Esquire
717-884-9010
Des Moines, Iowa (1-29-2009) – Jury rules that seller breached contract when he did not disclose a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 (VIN 124379L524309) did not retain its original engine.
The case began in June 2003 when the Defendant, David Reyes, acquired the Camaro from a co-worker for $15,000.00. When the Defendant acquired the Camaro from his co-worker, he testified that it did not have its original engine and that another engine was given to him by his co-worker at the time of the sale. This other engine was the crux of the case.
The story goes that when the engine in the vehicle began to run poorly and smoke a little, the Defendant had the engine that his co-worker had given him rebuilt. Apparently, his co-worker had located the other engine and choose it because it was date coded appropriately for this particular December 1969 built Camaro. The story goes that the co-worker had the vehicle identification number of the Camaro stamped into this replacement engine, making the replacement engine look identical to the original engine, prior to the Defendant acquiring it.
In April 2004, Defendant placed the newly rebuilt, but non-original, restamped engine in the Camaro and placed the Camaro for sale through the internet auction website, eBay.com. The Defendant placed the vehicle up for auction with a “Buy it Now®” price of $35,000.00, over twice what he paid for the vehicle less than a year earlier. This may not seem to be a big deal, but in this case, the numbers on the non-original engine were stamped so well, that even the Defendant’s own expert witness on cross examination by Attorney Shook, at the trial could not tell they were restamped. No where in the description did the Defendant ever say the vehicle did not have its original engine and he never disclosed this fact.
Specifically, the Defendant advertised the car has being “Numbers Matching DZ302 Original,” “unmolested,” “low mileage,” and “as close to being a true survivor as any you’ll find.” The auction ended with the Plaintiff, Daryl Hansmeier of Davenport, Iowa buying the Camaro for $25,200.00.
It was never disclosed to Plaintiff that the engine in the vehicle was not the original engine, as a matter of fact, the engine restamping was not disclosed to Mr. Hansmeier until February 27, 2007 nearly three years after the sale of the vehicle.
In March 2007, the buyer, Mr. Hansmeier contacted noted classic car fraud attorney, Bryan W. Shook (Camp Hill, Pennsylvania) to help him resolve this matter. An inspection of the Camaro was performed by world-renowned Camaro guru, Jerry MacNeish (Eldersburg, Maryland). Upon inspection, Mr. MacNeish confirmed that while the Camaro was a genuine Z/28 model, it did have a restamped, non-original engine. Mr. MacNeish valued the car at $19,500.00 at the time of purchase, meaning that Mr. Hansmeier paid too much for the vehicle when he purchased it.
Local counsel, David Hellstern of the Kreamer Law Firm in West Des Moines, Iowa and Attorney Shook subsequently filed suit on behalf of the Plaintiff, Daryl Hansmeier and his wife for Breach of Contract, Fraud, Material Misrepresentation and Breach of Warranties.
A three day trial was held at the Polk County Iowa Courthouse on January 26-28, 2009 with the Honorable Chief Judge Arthur Gamble presiding.. The Defendant, Mr. Reyes’, defense was that he and the Plaintiff, Mr. Hansmeier, had different meanings of the terms of the contract, namely the term, “Numbers Matching DZ 302 Original.” The Plaintiff put on the testimony of noted Camaro historian and chief judge of concours judging at the Camaro Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Jerry MacNeish, who testified that the phrase, “Numbers Matching DZ 302 Original,” means, to someone in the market for a 1969 Camaro Z/28 that they are looking at a vehicle with its original 302 cubic inch engine with it’s original stampings. Mr. MacNeish stated unequivocally that a person without specialized knowledge would not be able to tell that the engine had been restamped and accordingly wouldn’t know that he had been deceived until someone told him.
The jury retired to the deliberation room early in the afternoon of Wednesday, January 28, 2009 and quickly returned a unanimous verdict finding that the seller, David Reyes was liable for breach of contract for failing to deliver to Mr. Hansmeier the 1969 Camaro he promised him, specifically, a 1969 Camaro Z/28 retaining its original, correct, numbers matching engine.
Attorney Bryan W. Shook, is a true car guy, in every sense of the work, he is not only an collector, restorer and hobbyist, but is also and attorney who devotes a large portion of his practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists when they find themselves the victim of receiving something other than how it was advertised. Currently Attorney Shook is involved in automotive deception cases and represents clients in nearly a dozen states. Attorney Shook had this to say about the case, “Let it be known, that misrepresentations in the collector car hobby will not be dealt with lightly, the court system proved this today by a unanimous jury verdict in favor of full disclosure and truthful dealings.”
Welcome to Vintage Car Law
Attorney Bryan W. Shook through his firm of Vintage Car Law serves the niche market of the collector car hobby. The goal of Vintage Car Law is the preservation of all aspects of the collector car market.
Founder, Bryan W. Shook, is a true car guy, in every sense of the word. He is not only a collector, restorer and hobbyist, but is also an attorney who devotes a large portion of his practice to helping other collectors and hobbyists understand today’s market. Currently, Attorney Shook is litigating several automotive deception cases and represents clients in nearly a dozen states.
Through many years of collector-vehicle restoration and overall market analyzation, Attorney Shook is able to accurately and confidently advise his clients as to which vehicles to purchase and which vehicles to stay away from. Further Attorney Shook has been invited to give his insight into the collector car market by several venues including the Ocean City, Maryland Collector Car Auction held annually in February.
Attorney Shook is available at all major automobile events within the United States for consultation, advice, and information.
For more information, please call 717-884-9010 or email BShook@shooklegal.com.
