Barrett-Jackson’s Diligence Process Aids Authorities In Locating 1971 Plymouth ‘cuda Reported Stolen In 1976
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Jan. 15, 2010 – The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, which produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™,” announced today that the 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Re-Creation scheduled to be sold as Lot #1246 next week in Scottsdale, Ariz., will not cross the block. The car was removed from the docket after auction company officials uncovered a VIN issue, which led to the discovery that the car had been reported stolen in 1976. The vehicle was scheduled to be sold at No Reserve during the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale on Jan. 18-24, 2010, at WestWorld.
As is done with every car scheduled for auction, Barrett-Jackson’s consignment team was in the process of the final steps of its diligence process when the vehicle and all related paperwork arrived onsite for check-in. During this final step of auction preparation, it was discovered that the VIN on the vehicle did not match the VIN on the title provided by the consignor.
“There are a number of legitimate reasons why a car’s VIN may not match the number listed on a title, particularly with older model vehicles that have been around for many years,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “There is a chance that a clerical error may have been made on a title transfer at some point or that a door or body panel may have been replaced during the life of the vehicle, which resulted in the original VIN no longer being in place. It’s also not unusual for a VIN plate to be lost or damaged during restoration. We don’t immediately assume there is an insurmountable problem when a VIN doesn’t match up.”
Once the VIN issue was discovered, a Barrett-Jackson representative delivered the vehicle to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division to request the agency’s input and research assistance in determining how best to resolve the discrepancy. At this stage, if no problem with the car or its history was detected, it would have been possible for the MVD to issue a new Arizona VIN to clear up the issue.
“After we brought the issue to the attention of the local MVD office, it was discovered that the car had been reported stolen in 1976,” continued Davis. “We were then faced with the difficult task of contacting the consignor, Al Jardine, to notify him of the problem. We reached a representative of the consignor late yesterday, and passed on the unfortunate news. We have no reason to believe that this consignor had any prior knowledge of the VIN discrepancy or any knowledge of the stolen vehicle report dating back to 1976.”
Barrett-Jackson’s diligence process is designed to ensure that all customers are treated fairly. The company acts in the best interests of its consignors and its bidders, and always strives to ensure that surprises or problems do not arise for customers after a sale is completed. The process applies to every car sold at Barrett-Jackson, beginning when preliminary consignment requests are submitted months before each auction, and continuing up to the time consigned vehicles arrive onsite.
“Particularly in light of the circumstances that arose with the ‘Buddy Holly’ Impala earlier this week, we’re obviously very disappointed about this situation,” stated Davis. “We regret that this happened, but are gratified that our diligence process uncovered the problem before the car was sold. At that stage, it would have involved another unsuspecting owner in what is clearly a decades-old story.”
Barrett-Jackson has released the vehicle to authorities for further investigation, and the car will not be offered for sale by Barrett-Jackson pending the results of that investigation.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company was established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas, and Orange County, Cali. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
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