Superformance dealers indicted

[Steve Cassani]

I've seen references to 'Titles Unlimited' and a couple of other businesses offerring to aid a car buyer's effort to clear or establish a title. The situations I'm familiar with involve bidders on a car that either has either no title or a 'clouded' title. The bid for the car is reduced to allow for the uncertain legal status and the winner is obliged to make the additional investment necessary if he is to license or sell the car.

Several of the posters on this topic write as though it is common knowledge that the businesses providing assitance in securing a title are fraudulant. My experience with classic car auctions indicates there is no lack of bidders willing to take on the added risk and cost of competing for a car they want, knowing the title is not firm. I'm not thinking here of Barrett-Jackson but of the many auctions that go on most any weekend during the summer, including liquidations of estates where the last person to possess a car never took the time to establish the title and let the car sit in a barn.

So how do bidders on cars that go on the block with no clear title resolve the legal staus of the car they bought? Someone must be making a good faith effort in this area, and staying in business because of it.

[mr bruce]

It is against FEDERAL LAW to make up your own VIN number, or take one from one car and affix it to another. How do you get a proper title to an already existing car?(lost title, etc) Most antique /collectable cars were built by a major MFG and were given a proper VIN when built, so there is a little clearer path to follow. Each state is different, I am only familier with PA. The cars in question weren't "real" cars, only "gliders" (fully assembled, less motor and trans). They are in a super duper grey area. I contacted the SAE in reguards to the MSOs given by the various mfgs. Their thinking was that only bonified auto MFGs could issue VINs, for a complete ,running car, that meets all FEDERAL, safety/ emmission standards, a "kit" car was nothing more than parts so how could it be a car and get a VIN from the MFG? Some companys go so far as to put 1965 as year on their MSOs, how long 'till some bearuocrat looking to move up the ladder goes after that company? Each state is different, with over 70,000 titles in Calif alone, what about the other 49, we have only seen the tip of the iceburg on this matter.

[Lowell W]

In Illinois, upon receipt of the proper documentation (MSO, receipts for major components, photos, license and title application and tax form, and checks for the sales tax and title and registration fees), the Motor Vehicle Department sends an inspector to the car's location to inspect the car. Following a successful inspection, the inspector affixes an Illinois VIN # tag to the frame. The plates and registration arrive in the mail shortly thereafter.

OK: That's one of the other 49.

Lowell

[DAVID GAGNARD]

I have a close friend that has built a half dozen street rods,most old cars (30's to 40's models) do not have titles or even VIN's from back in that era or at least VINs that can be found or read...... I asked him about that,here in Louisiana once you build a car with NO VIN you apply to the DMV for a VIN,a state trooper will come out and inspect the car to see that it complies with all the laws (turn signals/brake lights,w/s wipers/etc.etc.) and if he deems it road worthy,the state police then issue that vehicle a VIN,you take that paperwork to the DMV and get your title and license,same holds true for home-made utility trailers and such.....

I once took three junked out boat trailers and made one good one with the useable parts,state trooper inspection took all of five minutes,he stamped a new VIN on the tongue of the trailer and gave me the paper work,10 minutes at the DMV and I had a new title and license.........

OK: that's another of the other 49........

David

[STG]

DreamMaster,

The fact is that an SPF dealer was indicted. Whether he is guilty or innocent is another matter. And, if memory serves me correctly, that same dealer got into hot water with the DMV before.

Who on this thread implied that SPF as a corporation or other SPF dealers acted improperly or had warrants issued for arrest?

Wouldn't disclosure of this PUBLIC INFORMATION be of interest to you if you had any dealings with the persons in question?

I doubt if anyone reading this thread came away with thinking that Superformance is doing something illegal. You don't have to be an SPF apologist because the company hasn't done anything wrong.

If you don't believe that discussing PUBLIC INFORMATION is relevant or proper, contact your elected represesntatives to change our laws.

By the way. When I visited HOC, I was told that I COULD purchase a new SPF through them. Evidently, they had a refferal arrangement with Hillbank even though HOC was not a SPF dealer.