Disturbing report on fraudulent 300SLs from famous dealer
Discussion
The voice-over on that video was dreadful; it was an ordeal to listen to it through to the end. A computerised audio translate from the German original or AI?
I thought it was going to be about newly-built fakes, but it just seems to be about manipulating chassis and part numbers (and juggling the parts themselves) to create higher value 'matching numbers' cars or to change the ID of stolen vehicles.
I thought it was going to be about newly-built fakes, but it just seems to be about manipulating chassis and part numbers (and juggling the parts themselves) to create higher value 'matching numbers' cars or to change the ID of stolen vehicles.
These cars are still genuine SLs though, it's just their Ids that are dubious.
Just imagine how many RS Escorts and Mini Coopers there are which have bodyshells from lesser models with swapped chassis numbers.
Back in the day MK3 RS turbos were notorious for being ringed,it was so easy to do.
If there's money to be made people will do it, I bet there's thousands of restored classics that aren't what they started out as
Just imagine how many RS Escorts and Mini Coopers there are which have bodyshells from lesser models with swapped chassis numbers.
Back in the day MK3 RS turbos were notorious for being ringed,it was so easy to do.
If there's money to be made people will do it, I bet there's thousands of restored classics that aren't what they started out as
Bluevanman said:
These cars are still genuine SLs though, it's just their Ids that are dubious.
Just imagine how many RS Escorts and Mini Coopers there are which have bodyshells from lesser models with swapped chassis numbers.
Back in the day MK3 RS turbos were notorious for being ringed,it was so easy to do.
If there's money to be made people will do it, I bet there's thousands of restored classics that aren't what they started out as
Yes, but when high roller investors get 'ripped off' for multi millions it makes bigger headlines.Just imagine how many RS Escorts and Mini Coopers there are which have bodyshells from lesser models with swapped chassis numbers.
Back in the day MK3 RS turbos were notorious for being ringed,it was so easy to do.
If there's money to be made people will do it, I bet there's thousands of restored classics that aren't what they started out as
Should I ever be in the market for a classic car such as these, I would never buy a car based on its provenance, (eg, "originally owned by Stirling Moss - he sat in that very seat") or so-called matching numbers. I would be perfectly happy with a Gullwing owned by a string of unknowns, with a total mismatch of serial numbers, provided that I was happy with its condition. I'd be happier with a Lynx D-type with IRS and a 5-speed gearbox, than an original that's been repaired countless times over the last 65 years, with God knows how much of the original car left.
CanAm said:
Should I ever be in the market for a classic car such as these, I would never buy a car based on its provenance, (eg, "originally owned by Stirling Moss - he sat in that very seat") or so-called matching numbers. I would be perfectly happy with a Gullwing owned by a string of unknowns, with a total mismatch of serial numbers, provided that I was happy with its condition. I'd be happier with a Lynx D-type with IRS and a 5-speed gearbox, than an original that's been repaired countless times over the last 65 years, with God knows how much of the original car left.
As would I.But, we're enthusiasts, not 'investors' who buy based purely on it being worth X more in 5 or 10 years time, and likely never even have any intention of driving the cars.
aeropilot said:
As would I.
But, we're enthusiasts, not 'investors' who buy based purely on it being worth X more in 5 or 10 years time, and likely never even have any intention of driving the cars.
Enthusiasts do buy high-provenance examples; if you're in deep with a brand and not short on cash then it's easy to succumb to the allure of, say, a team car.But, we're enthusiasts, not 'investors' who buy based purely on it being worth X more in 5 or 10 years time, and likely never even have any intention of driving the cars.
That said, long-time enthusiasts tend to know their onions. They'll likely know the car they're looking at, they'll potentially know one or more former owners, they'll do the rounds in the community and take time/pleasure in the process. Conversely, an investor - looking to buy, gain and liquidate - will have to place himself in hands of a greasy "ginger cords and bonhomie" broker and hope for the best!
LotusOmega375D said:
Buy a car brand new directly from the manufacturer and keep it safe till you die. That’s what I’m doing.
Well I transported a 300SL Roadster for a chap who has done exactly that, well actually his father did & he then in turn had it. Unrestored & lots of miles, an awesome car.Cool thing was I collected it from the now defunct Kienle exactly 59 yrs to the day that his father had collected it just a few miles away at the factory from new & drove it back to UK.
hidetheelephants said:
Rich schmucks getting rinsed for their millions. Boohoo.
Thing is, fraud (assuming that is what it was, I am not involved so can't say) isn't excused just because the victim is well off. It isn't as if their customers went to a back-street garage. Keinle was the highest profile gullwing specialist.
nismocat said:
LotusOmega375D said:
Buy a car brand new directly from the manufacturer and keep it safe till you die. That’s what I’m doing.
This!I bought a Dacia Sandero too, what colour did you go for?
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