Mecum - Indy MAY 12-20 - STAGE 1 CONVERTIBLE

1971 Buick GS Stage 1 Convertible

https://www.mecum.com/lots/SC0523-554086/

I have seen this for sale before, but can't remember where/when.

It's a 1971 with a 1970 rear bumper (look at license plate, kinda funny).

Called Mecum to ask the owner to show Stage 1 or even GS proof (a pic of the VIN, body tag, build sheet, Sloan doc, etc.). Mecum said owner doesn't want VIN publicized as it's personal and Mecum doesn't generally "impose upon seller's" for any specific information. He said if I bought it and it wasn't a Stage 1, then sue the seller...

 

The problem with the Mecum "policy" is that they walk home with the premium on a potentially fraudulent sale. If you sue the seller is Mecum named in the lawsuit, and if you win does Mecum surrender the premium?

 

I doubt you’ll get money back from Mecum, they did their part of selling it for the owner. They make no claims as to a cars authenticity.

 

Crazy to spend that much time on a car and install a 70 bumper.

There are multiple rear 71's on ebay including two with n-25

 

Don't count on mecum for any help cause it ain't happening!!

 

Spoke with Brett Baugh at Mecum today and explained the concept that the burden of proof of authenticity is on the seller, not the buyer.

Let him know I have seen Buick after Buick fraudulently pass through (not just their doors) and get sold for idiotic prices.

His admitted their idea of authenticity was, "don't ask - don't tell". He said they publish what the seller gives them and if it isn't correct, the buyer can litigate; which we laughed at. This particular car is supposed to come from a large collection (family with money). Try going after them legally and you'll see you won't have enough money to follow through.

Brett said the collection owner didn't want to publish the VIN due to privacy issues. So I asked for a pic of the build sheet, any Sloan doc showing authentication, body tag, ANYTHING, etc.

If they allow a fraudulent car to be sold and they profit from it, they are open to accessory after the fact prosecution. Explained to him that we have PLENTY of time for the seller to pony up whatever proof he needs to document his claims.

Explained to him that I have nothing better to do, I'm not going away and Mecum wasn't too big for prosecution; figured even just the hint of impropriety could cause a public stir if done right. Want reform, get them where it hurts, the ability to make obscene amounts of cash.

It failed to meet the auction reserve at Raleigh. Oh, if you didn't notice - this auction has NO RESERVE...

 

Bid accordingly assuming it's a 350 car.

 

You always say the most intelligent things...

 

I owned this car at one time
When I sold it, it was a true #’s matching stage 1 with original drivetrain,frame on resto,
I sold it with a n-25 bumper and protecto plate . Can’t figure out why he changed the bumper.

 

What year did you sell it and who to? Have any copies of the info you had on the car?

Can I ask, how much did you sell it for?

 

I'll take that at face value so thanks & btw, YW for sending you the lead on the '72 Stage 1 convertible.

 

Seller should ath least post the first 7 digits showing its a GS & Flint built. Post a pic of the engine stamps & block the 1st 2 or 3 digits so it doesn't give away their personal info. At least post the POP.

I get that Mecum is largely an in-person event vs. BAT but the 5-10 pics & very ltd. info compared to hundreds of pics & more info on BAT certainly leaves something to be desired & bordering sleazy.

 

Is that Bittersweet Mist or Cinnamon? I know the ad states Bittersweet... Very nice/ striking fall color!

 

TY, I'm chasing it down...

 

What’s “ personal “ at a public auction lol . B-J just sold a stage1 convertible with vin .

 

That's what I asked (about the VIN)...

 

I will have to look this weekend car was sold to the current owner over 8 yrs ago

 

Thank you...

 

The way I see it, it is always the responsibility of the buyer to verify any claims made by a seller or auction company. To clarify, Mecum has a policy that the successful bidder has 24 hours to verify any claims made in the text regarding matching numbers, original engine/trans, and the presence of any original documentation. That seems to me to be just about all an auction company should be expected to do.

 

Mecum has their a$$ covered for sure. As always, Let the Buyer beware.