At this point, early in the process, we make the reports and wait to see what happens. Thank you all for keeping your eyes open and giving me heads up whenever possible.
I don’t know that the car was insured, I just don’t have all of the information at this point. It’s coming apart quickly. Unfortunately, this will probably end up as another one lost…
A stolen burned up GSX is likely worth about $15,000 to the right party. Selling a burned up GSX reVINed as a Skylark probably will bring about $5,000. Selling burned up GS parts will probably, after a lot of work, net the seller about $5,000. I'm not saying it won't happen, because thieves aren't in the business because they graduated at the top of their class, but smart money says the car should not be retagged or parted out.
Wouldn't they have to show proper identification and possibly a death certificate and a copy of the will to prove the owner died and that the car is rightfully the property of the widow?? How in the cheeseballs did that car even get past the gate unless the owner of the yard is in on it??
Where the car is or what's happening to it is pure speculation. Could be sitting in someone's garage. Who knows.. Enough eyes and ears out there, something will turn up about it.
This needs to be plastered all over Facebook. Craigslist ads, etc... Sone old fashioned "wanted- dead or alive" posters strewn up all over the internet
If a police report gets filed, have them also contact US Customs and Border Protection so they can (hopefully) add the car to their outgoing stolen car watch list. US CBP does check some containers leaving the country for contraband, although this may be a long shot.
Doc this definately stinks. Sorry for the loss of your friend, and condolences to his wife and family. I'm in the Detroit area and will keep my eyes peeled for you and her. Was engine stock? I know first hand what it's like to lose a car, my 1970 GS 455 was taken from me in the late 80's and law enforcement was absolutey useless.
I'm now thinking that the car may still be right there on that storage lot somewhere. It wouldn't surprise me if thats a diversion story from the lot owner or whoever, to just give someone (a woman) the car without the title in hand or some other proof of ownership. Who would know outside of the lot owner/people that they should show up with a woman to retrieve the car. When the wife made contact to get the car back that would be a goofy story that another woman made contact to get the car. Sounds like a quick convenient response to the owner to get her to look elsewhere. Just my thoughts.
Interesting thoughts^^. Find out any name you can of anyone who owns or works at the storage yard and Google Earth their addresses-see who has big backyards or buildings. Might not be a bad idea to follow a few home (from a safe distance, maybe in a borrowed or rented car). Patrick
Once you have the vin I would send it to Wayne Roberts and ask him to watch for anyone running it through his service. He might be able to help you out.
I have no paperwork on the car yet… I’ll try to speak with his widow again this week and see if we’ve learned anything or can move forward.
