I Know the Dealership That Sold My Car, Martin Chev, Crystal Lake IL, but,,,

[Bob W.]

I'm aware of the consumer privacy issues that likely prevent dealerships from releasing consumer information, but all I'm hoping for is a name that I can assign to a custody timeline for my car.

The car is a '96 LT4 in Competition Yellow and purchased at Martin Chevrolet in Crystal Lake, Illinois on 1/15/96. The purchaser owned the car for nearly 25 years. It was sold locally to an individual who fell quickly on hard times (as I'm told) and had to quickly sell the car. His friend (whose name I do have) 'bailed' him out by buying the car, and he put the car on a Mecum Indy auction immediately hoping to sell it, and were it not to have sold, he would have kept it. I bought the car via Mecum and its a survivor in wonderful condition.

All I need is a name to fill-in the box. I've just written the owner of the dealership. Wondering if anyone might have a another suggestion to unearth this name?

Thanks,
Bob Weber

[Mark E.]

Re: I Know the Dealership That Sold My Car, but....

Some (mostly obvious) ideas-

- Look through the owners kit. Maybe the original owner filled out or signed something.

- The car didn't come with any service receipts?

- Look under the seat and next to the console for lost cc receipts, etc.

- In Texas you can request a title history from the DMV (at least you could years ago). So ask the DMV in your state what they offer.

- Any dealer service advisor can look this up. The question is what they're directed to share. If no one at this dealer is amenable, approach an advisor at another dealer and use your friendly powers of persuasion. They work on 100% commission so they may accommodate a potentially loyal and grateful customer.

- Google the VIN.

[Bob W.]

Re: I Know the Dealership That Sold My Car, but....

Thanks, Mark.

Turns out the there was a name in the warranty booklet, but it was someone in New York State...so clearly someone bought a owner's manual kit on eBay.

I wrote a note to the owner of Martin Chevrolet and noted that he hosts an annual Corvette car show so he must be sympathetic to my hope to associate the car with an owner for posterity. My appeal worked and he kindly reached out to the orginial owner who came by the dealership and consented to provide his information! I texted the number provided asking for a best time to call and he called me. Nice fellow now driving a '17 C7.

Bob