Mecum Auction
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4,247
From: US-PNW
Check out this article that is in discussion on the C1/C2 forum: Another Duplicate 1962 VIN Saga
It tells about a guy who discovered there is another '62 with his same VIN. The allegedly counterfeit car was purchased at auction (Mecum) in 2022. Mecum has protections against any fraud lawsuits involving the cars they sell. Hopefully they will provide all information to the buyers to pursue some sort of remedy with the previous owner.
Then there's the Jerry Seinfeld case where he was accused of selling a fake 356 Porsche through an auction and paid $1.54M to settle with the new buyer. He then settled with the dealer from whom he bought the car in 2013.
All this to say I'd rather take my chances with a private seller where I can talk to the owner, inspect, hear, and drive the car.
It tells about a guy who discovered there is another '62 with his same VIN. The allegedly counterfeit car was purchased at auction (Mecum) in 2022. Mecum has protections against any fraud lawsuits involving the cars they sell. Hopefully they will provide all information to the buyers to pursue some sort of remedy with the previous owner.
Then there's the Jerry Seinfeld case where he was accused of selling a fake 356 Porsche through an auction and paid $1.54M to settle with the new buyer. He then settled with the dealer from whom he bought the car in 2013.
All this to say I'd rather take my chances with a private seller where I can talk to the owner, inspect, hear, and drive the car.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,849
Likes: 367
From: PHOENIX AZ. WHAT A MAN WON"T SPEND TO GIVE HIS ASS A RIDE
Check out this article that is in discussion on the C1/C2 forum: Another Duplicate 1962 VIN Saga
It tells about a guy who discovered there is another '62 with his same VIN. The allegedly counterfeit car was purchased at auction (Mecum) in 2022. Mecum has protections against any fraud lawsuits involving the cars they sell. Hopefully they will provide all information to the buyers to pursue some sort of remedy with the previous owner.
Then there's the Jerry Seinfeld case where he was accused of selling a fake 356 Porsche through an auction and paid $1.54M to settle with the new buyer. He then settled with the dealer from whom he bought the car in 2013.
All this to say I'd rather take my chances with a private seller where I can talk to the owner, inspect, hear, and drive the car.
It tells about a guy who discovered there is another '62 with his same VIN. The allegedly counterfeit car was purchased at auction (Mecum) in 2022. Mecum has protections against any fraud lawsuits involving the cars they sell. Hopefully they will provide all information to the buyers to pursue some sort of remedy with the previous owner.
Then there's the Jerry Seinfeld case where he was accused of selling a fake 356 Porsche through an auction and paid $1.54M to settle with the new buyer. He then settled with the dealer from whom he bought the car in 2013.
All this to say I'd rather take my chances with a private seller where I can talk to the owner, inspect, hear, and drive the car.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 610
Likes: 168
From: Vancouver B.C.
Been to BJ auctions a few times. Most cars seem to have had some sort of undercarriage detailing. Not sure if Barrett’s offers this through contractors. I know Ritchie bros does for industrial equipment and offers this type of service. Spoke to a few patrons at BJ and heard similar stories about cars that were not as expected upon taking delivery and really being able to look the car over and drive it. The auction staging area is an exciting place to walk around, but there is also some chaos with BJ staff armed with battery jump packs etc to get some of these old often seldom driven cars started (happens) and past the auction stage. Some cars have more serious problems that develop, I recall a Boss 302 up on a lift getting some mechanical attention. Sometimes you get lucky and can talk to the owner of a vehicle, but usually it’s like going to a show and shine. The car is there, you look at it. That’s about it. It’s really buyer beware, but you can make some pretty good informed opinions depending on your experience, the amount of info provided by the seller ( like resto pic book, history docs, etc). C3s with Bloomington certifications would bring some comfort. Overall auctions like BJ are a good experience even if you don’t buy. I found Scottsdale better than Vegas for examining cars. Outside light at Scottsdale better than indoor light for me. Finally, as a seller or buyer, I can see the appeal of the BAT auction process as well, not only re the fees, but the whole process with online comments etc.
