This is unfortunately a sad tale. One I am reluctant
to, but feel I must, relate.
I do not wish to flame anyone or to inflame the
situation so no names will be used.
About a year ago I was contacted by a European dealer
about some early 911’s I had. There were three cars he
wanted. We went through basic descriptions and
pictures. I invited him or an assignee over to take a
look at the cars first as that is always the best way
to assess a car. He said he did not have time and
wanted to do a quick deal right now, sight unseen for
all three cars. He made me an offer, under the asking
price but it was a package deal after all. So I
accepted the offer.
That was my first mistake.
As it happened two other local P club members were
over and looking at the cars. I told them what
happened and said it seemed to me a bit hurried and
perhaps a bit odd. They said the exchange rate was
very good for Europeans right now and a lot of cars
were going overseas and selling for good money.
I should have listened to myself.
Anyway the cars were sold and shipped. Two months
later I received a note from the buyer that he was
very unhappy with the cars; he described them as
rusted out junks.
Now the cars were not show cars by any means, rather
more of the driver category. They were not however
total rusted out junk. But details can of course be
argued. Buyers and sellers naturally have different
opinions. The net was he wanted a partial refund to
compensate for condition.
I spoke with my lawyer and some friends. The net was
that the buyer had agreed to buy the cars in “As is,
where is, condition with no guarantees or warrantees
expressed or implied”. This was understood between
myself and the buyer and also clearly written on the
bill of sale. As such the consensus was that I was
under no obligation and should in no way give into
him.
I however felt differently. I was upset that the buyer
was not happy with the deal, for what ever reason I
just wanted things to be harmonious. So the buyer and
I agreed on a number and I sent him the refund. He was
quite satisfied and mailed back that all was well and
he was now happy with the deal. I was out the money
but actually I too was happy that it was resolved to
the satisfaction of all. That was last year. Happy
ending right?
Wrong. And this is where it gets very weird.
The next year I get another note from the buyer,
similar to the first. He says he cannot sell the cars.
He now demands that I cover his losses!
I remind him that we had resolved this issue last
year. He is unhappy with that and threatens a law
suit. It’s like a reoccurring nightmare. Am I now to
expect a new demand each year?
I turned it all over to my lawyer. He says not to
worry, these scams happen all the time.
But still it is upsetting even though I now know that
this buyer has been involved in other similar
situations, three for sure that I know of. Even so I
bear no animosity towards the buyer, additionally this
is not meant to reflect poorly on our good friends
across the pond.
This here is a purely a cautionary tale.