Please feel free to learn from my experiences with Chris Stage and his cohort Lloyd Towler. Advertisement that I responded to in collector car trader online for car I purchased:
"1970 FORD TORINO, 1970 Torino GT Convertible. 47,000 actual miles. History and Marti Report, M-code 4 speed close ratio Toploader Trans. VERY RARE 1 of 103 built with this motor/tranny 0 miles on professionally built original motor, built to Boss 351 specs with finned alum valve covers, rare Shelby intake, forged pistons, balanced, solid cam, Shaker intake with correct hood. Hide-away lights. 9inch w / posi Rear Power top.
New power disc brakes, new suspension, Needs new top, paint, carpet and reassembly. Meduim Ivy Green metallic with white top, body is nearly rust free. Awesome car to finish! Probably a 1 of 1 built car. First $7,900
Phone: (540) 586-2720"
Traveled 700 miles and what I found was a car that has a myriad of rust, wrong rear end, wrong transmission, not enough parts to make a car, and later found out that the frame has issues that would cost as much to fix as it did to buy the car (assuming that any car can be fixed, no matter what).
For instance, it appears that the car was run up onto a curb or something and a frame piece was bent under the engine. The piece was cut out with a saw and no mention ever made. Chris stated that 'he never got under the car to check things out"
To add to Chris's shell game of deceit, He never even owned the car. When I got within 100 miles of town, he gave me a different address in the middle of the woods where the car was parked in Lloyds garage. The title turned out to be in his name. Chris had said that the car was in a body shop of a friend of his and wouldn't give me his number to talk to him. "His friendship with him was too important"
When I pointed out the wrong parts recieved, he said that he never verifed the parts and that was up to me when I got there. Apparently, Chris assumes 0 responsibilty for anything. I would be surprised if he even ever saw the car in his life. He blames it on Lloyd and visa versa. A perfect scam. Chris also insists on cash, (surprise).
Here was my confirmation email:
If you could send me a pic of the motor, that would be great. Also I would appreciate a picture of the car asap.
To summarize the condition of the car as we discussed, I will need a top, It doesn't have stock rims, all parts are included to restore it to original condition with the exception of weather stripping and paint. The vin number is (modified for this pub) and the odometer shows 46648 original miles.
Here was his reply:
As for your summary, it sounds like you have a good memory. You are correct as for the condition of the car. I say the car should be complete, but you may still need to find a nut or bolt or so. I don't think you will be disappointed with the car... It will be a really awesome car when finished... I will attach a pic of the engine.
Also one pic of a finished car I found online...
Clearly it can never be original condition with the damage it has to it and the parts that aren't there and are wrong.
Chis is a photographer in Bedford and as such is very good with camera angles, lighting, and selective photography. I have seen several other cars for sale on the internet by him and there were 31 cars on Lloyd's property at the time I was there.
To conclude our experience, When we were packing up this car onto a trailer, Chris was avoiding any assistance and had to hurry to go somewhere. My son went into the garage to get his jacket, and he caught Chris doing a dance and singing Money, Money, Money!!!
My son now feels it's his fault that we bought the car and cries and rages at times. I told him to "take comfort, this man is the smoothest snake I have ever seen and that he completely fooled me."
BEWARE!!
0 comments