My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

[Edward B.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

Hugh (60000): Great number, by the way. How about an update on your '58/'59 problem. Where does AA stand on the matter?

[Hugh S.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

Ed,
Thanks for your Note.
Well, let me see. In my view, Auctions America is saying all the right words, for example, " Yes, we want to fix the matter, Correct the Bill fo Sale, and get the Vin, Title squared away" etc, etc. They want to bring the car, at their expense back to Auburn, Indiana to take care of this, Title/vin issue , They seem to be saying all the right words, but they seem to be slow in getting this done?? If they would just give me a correct Bill of Sale, I could take care of it.
I can only assume, that they want to see/look at the Frame VIN number themselves and then I guess they will have to get the Indiana DMV involved in a correct title? My patience is beginnig to ware thin.

Hugh (60000)

[Bob H.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

Hugh:

Everyone has their own opinion and mine would be to be refunded immediately in full what you paid for the car. There are too many nice cars out there that are not entangled in the issues you are having. In the unlikely event they work it out, I believe there will always be a cloud on this car. If so, it will likely affect the value of the car going forward. Send the car to them and get your money back!!!

[Don W.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

Hi Hugh (6000),
I know these situations are tough and there is little you can do to force the matter into a successful finale. What works for me is the Serenity Prayer as follows: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

I and we all here hope things work out for the best,
Don

[Jerome P.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

I echo Bob's thoughts. There are other, as Hugh says, "sweet" red Corvettes out there. Take the refund, if offered, and start a new search for your dream car.

[Hugh S.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

Don,
Thank You!! I do pray it all works out! Thank for your Great words and Prayer!
God Bless,
Hugh

[Ara G.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

Hugh, I have been reading this post with interest as it stinks that you have this issue. I have a little different mind-set compared to some others. Possibly it's the attorney in me...but I would not wait for an offer of a refund....I would DEMAND a refund in full, including any shipping costs that you paid to get the car home, state taxes, etc....You will NOT get satisfaction unless you demand a full refund. You will forever have a car with a story and an issue. My Grandmother always said, "If you're going to be a bear, be a grizzly". The squeaky wheel will get the grease. All auction houses factor into their events instances like this. Yours is not the first for AA, and it won't be the last. I know a few guys over there and they should stand behind this deal. Nice people should NOT get taken advantage of. If I can help you in any way I would be happy to. Your money should be in a car that doesn't have cloud of question marks hanging over it. Regards. ARA.

[Tracy C.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

A state issued VIN or impoundment by the state are the only two possible outcomes here. Demand a refund and walk away!

[Leif A.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

Hugh, I have been reading this post with interest as it stinks that you have this issue. I have a little different mind-set compared to some others. Possibly it's the attorney in me...but I would not wait for an offer of a refund....I would DEMAND a refund in full, including any shipping costs that you paid to get the car home, state taxes, etc....You will NOT get satisfaction unless you demand a full refund. You will forever have a car with a story and an issue. My Grandmother always said, "If you're going to be a bear, be a grizzly". The squeaky wheel will get the grease. All auction houses factor into their events instances like this. Yours is not the first for AA, and it won't be the last. I know a few guys over there and they should stand behind this deal. Nice people should NOT get taken advantage of. If I can help you in any way I would be happy to. Your money should be in a car that doesn't have cloud of question marks hanging over it. Regards. ARA.

Hugh,

Ara has hit the nail squarely on the head. Get your money back, learn from this experience and go find a legitimate Corvette...there are plenty enough out there.

Best of luck and utilize Ara, if needed.

Leif

[Ara G.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

Unfortunately I have helped a few friends over the years draft "letters" regarding a seller's misrepresentation or a car that they had bought. I cringe at some of the problems that arise. In my opinion, AA should stand behind this deal, as long as you come full throttle and be dead set on what you want - a refund. Otherwise, they will toy with you and drag it out until you give in and just say "aw heck, I'll just keep it"....Don't do it. I am a HUGE proponent of the NCRS and it irks me that such a new member is having these troubles after just joining the club. This shouldn't be your first "experience" with Vettes, but learn from it and go get what you want. Have an NCRS guy maybe inspect the next one for you. When I go and inspect a 67 for someone, they know something is really wrong with the car when I am calling them 10 minutes after I get to the car.....Tag and VIN issues are something you do NOT want....Be persistent in your ways...ARA

[Joe L.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

Ed,
Thanks for your Note.
Well, let me see. In my view, Auctions America is saying all the right words, for example, " Yes, we want to fix the matter, Correct the Bill fo Sale, and get the Vin, Title squared away" etc, etc. They want to bring the car, at their expense back to Auburn, Indiana to take care of this, Title/vin issue , They seem to be saying all the right words, but they seem to be slow in getting this done?? If they would just give me a correct Bill of Sale, I could take care of it.
I can only assume, that they want to see/look at the Frame VIN number themselves and then I guess they will have to get the Indiana DMV involved in a correct title? My patience is beginnig to ware thin.

Hugh (60000)

Hugh------


I'll repeat something I said before: regardless of whether the frame VIN shows up in a stolen vehicle database, I am 100% confident that this car is a stolen car. There is absolutely no other legitimate reason I can come up with for the circumstances you describe. I would demand to return the car and get my money back. After you accomplish this, I would inform the authorities in the area where the car is returned to. I would provide them withe the situation (i.e. a 1959 Corvette with a 1958 VIN tag) and provide them with the VIN tag number and the frame VIN derivative. Let them take it from there.

[Dan A.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

Hugh------


I'll repeat something I said before: regardless of whether the frame VIN shows up in a stolen vehicle database, I am 100% confident that this car is a stolen car. There is absolutely no other legitimate reason I can come up with for the circumstances you describe. I would demand to return the car and get my money back. After you accomplish this, I would inform the authorities in the area where the car is returned to. I would provide them withe the situation (i.e. a 1959 Corvette with a 1958 VIN tag) and provide them with the VIN tag number and the frame VIN derivative. Let them take it from there.

I agree whole heartedly with Joe Lucia. By not following Joes excellent advise you are in affect aiding thieves, and making it easy for them. A good sewer back up would serve all involved right. I know from experience as someone who lost and very valuable car that was re-VINed. Give some thought to an owner that may have lost a car in this case. Would you like that to happen to you. That is why I asked what part of Canada your car came from.

Joe and Ara have it exactly right. Remember "Nice Guys Finish Last".

[Jim H.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

Hugh, I've hung back on adding to this thread but as an attorney myself I agree with Ara and others in this thread. This situation demands business-like but forceful action and direction by you. The discrepancies in the car are not a minor deviation. They cannot be papered over and they brand the car from this point forward as a problem that will never be worth FMV. The VIN and trim tag are at the heart of the legitimacy of the vehicle and, as Joe Lucia mentions above, there are few legitimate explanations for this anomaly. AA's promoting your car as one thing and delivering it as another is simply unacceptable. AA is charged with expertise and knowledge of the differences between '58s and '59s, including as to the vin and trim tag. Regardless of any auction disclaimers (i.e., "We rely on owner statements regarding the car"), AA has an obligation, where the illegitimacy is as readily apparent as it is in this case, to verify legitimacy - for legal and business reasons. Unless you present a credible threat to AA that the car is not what was represented and you will accept nothing less than a rescission of the sale and return of your money, AA will work from the other end of the spectrum and attempt to frustrate and/or mollify you with inadequate remedies. By now, the damage is done to the car and I doubt any law enforcement agency can legitimize it. While AA has a right to inspect the car to verify your claims, from that point on my opinion is you must push them hard to get you out of the car with your investment returned. Prayers are always good, but in this instance you have the opportunity to undo AA's error and the damage they have caused you if you handle the process w/determination. Good luck. (This is not a solicitation. Ii only handle these types of matters for myself.)

[Ken A.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

That's a pretty BOLD statement. I think he should get his money back, then let AA pick up the car & be done with it. Calling people crooks is not a good idea, unless they're politicians.

[Joe L.]

Re: My Vin Plate and Frame Number don't match?

That's a pretty BOLD statement. I think he should get his money back, then let AA pick up the car & be done with it. Calling people crooks is not a good idea, unless they're politicians.

Ken------


He doesn't have to call anyone a crook. I'm quite sure that the auction company is not the one that stole the car. I'll bet this theft and "retitlement" occurred a long time ago, probably many owners ago. However, a stolen car is always a stolen car. It can never be legitimate until it is returned to its rightful owner, even if that rightful owner is an insurance company. If one has knowledge of a possible stolen vehicle, then one has an obligation to bring that to the attention of the authorities.