Going to look at a fantastic 1973 911S tomorrow. Need a bit of advice.

[NorthernThrux]

I'd call the police.
I can not tell you how sorry I am to read this. I'd give you use of my garage to finish it, but seeing where I am, not much use...

I have a lift and everything I need to put the motor in, if it's not done. I just need to make contact with him so I can get the damn car out of his shop. Obviously if the motor is not in, that makes moving things around a lot harder, but nothing is insurmountable. I don't have a dolly or a pump cart at home.

I have talked to my wife (ex-lawyer, now a law librarian) about the police. Not entirely clear what we would report. Stolen car? I know where it is, and it was taken with my permission. It's just not being returned. Civil courts are closed here due to COVID-19, but I could probably get a lawyer at the law firm she works to issue a demand letter. If he ignores that, I could get a court order (??) and involve the police I believe.

[GeorgeK]

Not in your shoes, can't decide for you.
I'd be all guns ablaze by now.
How insensitive can the guy be? does he know about your health struggles?

[NorthernThrux]

Not in your shoes, can't decide for you.
I'd be all guns ablaze by now.
How insensitive can the guy be? does he know about your health struggles?

He does know about the health issues, but seems tone deaf. I really don't want to take punitive actions because the car could end up impounded for months (or longer!) even if it is recovered as "stolen".

I like to think I'm a nice guy and look for the best in others. But this is getting ridiculous, regardless of health issues.

[StephenAcworth]

There has to be limit to 'nice guy' though, Ravi...

Robert seems to be completely out of order in every respect over this; but like you say you don't want the car tied up in a dispute for several months...

This whole situation makes me (1) really angry; and (2) happy I decided not to take my car to him...

Stephen

He does know about the health issues, but seems tone deaf. I really don't want to take punitive actions because the car could end up impounded for months (or longer!) even if it is recovered as "stolen".

I like to think I'm a nice guy and look for the best in others. But this is getting ridiculous, regardless of health issues.

[Rick Cabell]

It doesn't get much worse, but you already know that.........

[Bill Meyer]

Hate to hear these stories, you really have suffered enough. This man is disrespecting your time, health, and mentality, and he knows it but doesn't care.

This game is over, time to surprise him with a 180 on your attitude with this situation, all guns ablaze. Report it stolen, threaten suit, find a local tow company to come recover the car and state your intention to sue him for fee's incurred each time they come, and whatever else a crafty lawyer can threaten him with.

[911kiwi]

Wow, Ravi.
This both saddens me and angers me. Saddens me that you have to suffer this anguish (on top of everything else you are going through), and makes me feel sad & angry me that a human being* (Robert) can be so callous, uncaring & selfish towards a fellow human being.
Given all the options you have offered him - what has he possibly got to gain from this bizarre behaviour?
Perhaps seeking legal advice and proceeding down that path will be more productive now - despite the risk of impoundment of your 911 at least it will not be “in Robert’s hands”. You’ve already waited “how long now”? Another couple of months will be worth it if there is some certainty and less mental stress for you!
I’m no lawyer, just a 911 colleague reaching out in support.
Hoping for a happy conclusion to this saga for you!

* I use this term charitably in view of how he has treated you!

Gary

[terry911t]

My 2c. Call the local Sheriff and explain. I bet they will help try to mediate the end game of you wanting you stuff back. They will stop by his place until they have a conversation with him. Sense of urgency may get elevated with the law asking the questions. If that fails, I would call Ray Donavan(or someone like him).
Good Luck.

[rower]

You should get a court order to seize it back. Make sure he can't assert a mechanic's lien on the car. That this was going to happen was obvious months ago.

Or, I would give someone local the power of attorney and have them take it. Unannounced. Hire someone to do it. Don't make the trip again.

Speaking to the sheriff is a good idea.

[savagejayj]

It's just unbelievable how this started almost 8 years ago and was at first on a record pace of completion and now what must be the ultimate in frustration. I hope it works out and there is some plausible explanation for all this. Good Luck