Buyer beware split window current reg KGW 701A

[N1 GJT]

I've recently joined the club as I wanted to buy a C2 after a lifetime of hankering after one. I first inspected this car, chassis number ending 112938 in the middle of July. It looks great in Sebring Silver with red interior, and has a rosy sounding history. I wasn't allowed to drive it, and walked away as there was no prospect of price reduction. I was later contacted as the seller was willing to drop the asking price, so I went for a second look taking along a trusty expert. To be fair to the dealers they put the car on a ramp for us. So here is a brief list of what was wrong. Evidence of new front end with loads of filler inside the shell. One front indicator just pulled out to reveal a jagged hole. Masses of filler and padding inside the shell at the rear. Evidence of number tampering: VIN plate has a small split and is riveted when should be spot welded on a '63, dented trim plate, poor quality stampings on engine block. Dented sump.
As my expert said, this was an auction special. It went through Iconic Auctions in 2017, with descriptions of a previous forensic examination with fibre optic inspection of the frame. Somehow they went past the obvious damage. The dented sump actually shows up on the Iconic photos.
It took a month to get my refundable deposit from the dealer. It appeared for sale again the day after our inspection but has happily since been withdrawn.
I think the first UK owner was hoodwinked into importing this car from the USA, and the current owner has just had a shock if he didn't know what he had bid for. The dealer advertises an inspection service, and they clearly fell short here.
I have learnt a lot through this process, but did waste time when I was setting out to view other cars; plus I paid for an inspection.
Anyway I'm very grateful to the club for putting me in touch with members with C2s for sale. I am now the proud owner of a '66 coupe. Many thanks to Rob Tring, and also to Peter Wilcox who had previously helped in getting the car running and was of immense help during the purchasing process.

 

[phild]

You cant be too careful, especially when its an import.
Some years back I had a similar experience when looking to purchase a Viper from a dealer. The dealer was helpful but the information didn't stack up. I was told that the sale was on behalf of a private individual who had provided the vehicle details.
I was provided with the UK registration and VIN to do an HPI check which came back OK and gave me the date of import showing it had been on the road in the US for a few years.
I then did a Carfax search in the US using the VIN and it came back stating the vehicle had been in a serious accident and it was stated not to be repaired and used on the road again, in the US at least.
Whether, or not, it was repaired in the US and exported or exported and then repaired is unknown but it does show that there are unscrupulous people out there although I don't think the seller in the UK was aware of what I discovered. I disclosed this to the dealer who was very shocked and took it off the market, from his stock at least.
I would always recommend getting a Carfax report when dealing with US imports they are very comprehensive and, if all is well, look good as part of the vehicles provenance.

 

[Mr. Cricket]

That engine pad stamp is one of the worst I've seen and the oil pan took a huge impact!

Congrats on the '66

 

[Roscobbc]

That engine pad stamp is one of the worst I've seen and the oil pan took a huge impact!

Congrats on the '66

Concerning too that the flywheel inspection cover was obviously part of that impact and the lower edge has folded over. These stamped covers don't take much to distort and potenially 'rub' on the flywheel and starter teeth.
More concerning is the ethics of the auction house who sold the vehicle........making a big noise about the supposed internal chassis inspection with a 'scope yet totally ignoring the oil pan damage and front end bodges.
And there lies the problem buying at auction. Unscrupulous sellers can distance themselves from the potential buyer who will be unlikely to have the opportunity to thoroughly inspect all aspects of the vehicle (unlike a private or trade sale).
The auction house I'm guessing can itself also 'distance' itself after a very short period from any issues the purchaser finds that were not declared their selling 'blurb'.
Unfortunately potential buyers tend to be 'blinded' by all the typical auctioneers 'cut and paste' fancy 'lifted' general marque information on-line.
I guess if the price eventually paid for the vehicle is significantly less than the recognised 'going rate' for such a vehicle you can 'off-set' any 'nasties' you later find.
Preoblem being with a rare or desireable car like a 'splittie' there will be a hoard of potential buyers jostling to own the car.......and its there where sensibilities go out of the window and a 'pig in a poke' will get sold in the rush.
When I was Vette News editor and later the CCCUK committee there were a few late model Vettes placed for sale that didn't seem quite right. The first clue would be a non-member attempting to place an advert. Second clue would be a relatively new member placing an advert. Simple no-cost checks on-line with the cars vin number would generally show-up the same car with damage images in a scrap yard in the 'States.
Nothing wrong with buying a salvage damaged Vette (if you can assure yourself the repair has been done to a professional standard). The selling price of the car will need to reflect it was a salvage damaged car as you'll experience trouble selling it later.