Unique Performance scam

[Bob Johnson]

Police seize cars in investigation

FB: They allege that the manufacturer altered identification numbers
12:00 AM CST on Tuesday, November 6, 2007

By SCOTT GOLDSTEIN / The Dallas Morning News
[email protected] Police have confiscated more than 60 vehicles as part of a criminal investigation into a well-known custom car manufacturer based in Farmers Branch.
No charges have been filed against the owners of Unique Performance, but police allege the company has been altering vehicle identification numbers on customized cars that sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Police say the company uses frames from limited-edition vehicles – mostly Mustangs from the 1960s – to build its custom versions. But the titles on many of those frames have been deemed "salvage," meaning the car has been declared a total loss, police Cpl. Chad Taylor said.
That categorization alone severely lowers the value of the vehicle, Cpl. Taylor said. Police allege that in order to hide the salvage status, the company swapped VINs from similar model cars that didn't have salvage titles.
"What we believe they're doing is purchasing a Mustang of the same year, buying Mustangs around the same year that don't have salvage titles" and replacing the VINs on the cars that had salvage titles, Cpl. Taylor said.
Officials with Unique Performance could not be reached for comment Monday night.
According to the company's Web site, Unique Performance "builds small volumes of handcrafted, limited production vehicles ranging from vintage Shelbys and Camaros to a custom version of the current Ford Mustang."
Police confiscated 61 vehicles from two Unique Performance facilities in Farmers Branch, two in Dallas and one in Grayson County, Cpl. Taylor said. The vehicles are being kept at a storage facility in Carrollton, he said.
Cpl. Taylor said charges are likely, though the investigation is still in the early stages.
"We don't have any charges on anybody as of yet just because the vast amount of evidence we have," Cpl. Taylor said. "Pretty much time is on our side now. We believe we have most or all of the cars. We can kind of sit back and look at what we have."
Charges against the company could include placement of serial number with intent to change identity, a third-degree felony, he said.

I've been selling old/classic cars for years. I haven't run across many salvage titles on the old vehicles. They didn't start salvaging titles until a about 15 or so years ago. Shelby and other specialty guys assign their new Vin to the car so that would clean up the Salvage. It's like a kit car when you have to get a new build Vin for it. I don't think they are going to find that he was trying to cover up Salvage titles...Unless he was buying stolen vehicles and hiding the vins. You have to maintain what the vehicle started out as and without a Vin, that's not possible. The cars I saw out in his lot were rusty junky POS that i would even consider starting with. it's amazing what a lot of hype, media coverage will do. It's really the fault of guys in the Media, Auction Copmpanies, TV Shows, etc that lend credibility to crooks. Several of the people mentioned here and their companies have ripped tons of people off yet the media keeps giving them credibility as do major sponsors..even the major Auto makers. One of the guys mentioned here has screwed the same automaker (for years and years) that's promoting him right now. He's received cult status and he hasn't even wiped his pud off from humping them.

[vintageracer]

"Thank you Bob for telling the real story"

Carroll Shelby

[BonzoHansen]

I bet that from the very beginning, they knew the 401k money was going straight into their pockets.If he took any money that was deducted from someone's pay whether it be for retirement, Taxes, or Social Security, that's a no no from the word go. He can bankrupt out of lots of that other stuff, but he will get hammered if he keeps money from deductions.

that is federal tax offense. Jail.

[cfrc51]

I had thought those guys were scum saw them at yeaone event this year. Old man Shelby is the orignal dirt bag.He did almost this smae thing with the cash grab and no car on the series one. He has done it longer than any of them.

What gave me this low opinion is in the lawsuit he tried against the kit car companies he was going after the folks that had bough the kits also.
He wanted 10 k a piece from them since no one was buying his cars at a stupid price. I can see using the cobra name being a problem, But he didnt design that car. The Body belonged to AC Bristol
of the UK. Just showed he was a money grubbing mean ole *******. lol
BTW Know he has Licensed Superformance to make them and they were the biggest competitor to Factory Five.How long before they Do the same thing. Oh yea they are in South Africa out of our legal system. HUMMM.....
Sounds like hes for sale at a high price and integrity is not what your buying.

Want true car guys that has kept honest and true to the sport?
Jack Roush. He has had a amazing life read up on him sometime.
Not a nascar fan myself but what would it be without him?

Saleene Shelby wana be is what hes been called but he has done his on thing. The S7 is outa my range for sure but a wold class car it is.
As far as I know Saleene has done his thing with out factory research and backing. For his own designed vehicles unlike Shelby standing on the backs that Ford Racing program engineers built for him.

[Damn True]

Interesting perspective on the Vin washing allegation. Seems like it is a practice with some precedent:

Shelby VIN's (Vehicle Identification Numbers)

Where to Find Them and What They Mean
VIN Locations:

1 - The numbers are stamped into the aluminum manufacturer's plate which is pop-riveted to the driver's side inner fender panel, over the Ford VIN at the notch in the fender edge. It is visible when the hood is open.

2 - Stamped into the passenger's side inner front fender panel, approximately halfway between the radiator support and the firewall. Visible when the hood is open.

3 - Ford serial number stamped into inner fender panel; one covered by Shelby serial number plate, other two covered by edge of the front fenders, not visible when the hood is open.

Clearly this was a process in use by Shelby during the original run of Mustang production in the 60's. But done completely in the open with full visibility to Ford and the CA DMV.

I suppose the question is a matter of intent. Did Unique intend to replicate the process once used by Shelby, or did Unique intend to mask salvage titles and potentially stolen vehicles through the use of the practice to defraud customers?

[MuscleRodz]

Interesting perspective on the Vin washing allegation. Seems like it is a practice with some precedent:



Clearly this was a process in use by Shelby during the original run of Mustang production in the 60's. But done completely in the open with full visibility to Ford and the CA DMV.

I suppose the question is a matter of intent. Did Unique intend to replicate the process once used by Shelby, or did Unique intend to mask salvage titles and potentially stolen vehicles through the use of the practice to defraud customers?

title washing stolen cars. They HAD an agreement with Shelby that allowed them to carry a Shelby vin and be put on the Shleby registry. It is the only thing that made their junk Elanors more valuable than any other Elanor clone out there.

Mike

[motorheadmike]

Unique has already filed Chapter 7, whomever wrote the article doesn't know it yet. There will be no fixing of customer's cars by Unique. Chapter 7 dismisses all obligations, it's not a re-organization type of bankruptcy.

Serves all of those cheque-book "hot rodders" right. Build your own car, that way it is yours and you know where the project stands at all times.

I read through the Fix Eleanor and associated sites, paying particular interest to the letters/emails/commentary "to and from" the buyer and Unique Performance. One individual paid $250K up front to move "his car" to the front of the assembly line. What does this say to me? Dollar votes and ignorance created this mess as: Greed begets greed, begets corruption.

[6'9"Witha69]

Serves all of those cheque-book "hot rodders" right. Build your own car, that way it is yours and you know where the project stands at all times.

Build your own and fall prey to a crooked parts dealer. Money is lost. Should you be berated for not making your own parts as well? I don't think an attack on the "check writers" is necessary now or ever. I do my own stuff and can make stuff, but I still feel for those who want something done soonerand don't have time to do it themselves. How many here have had their project down and under construction for over 2 years? 5 years? 10 years? The check writer got it built in 1 year and is out driving. Lay off those with less talent and more money cause they can only laugh at those of us still 'building' after 7 years.

[69camarokid]

this is ridiculous... how do people like this stay in business for so long??? why have i only seen articles about how amazing these cars are supposed to be in all the auto magazines. I buy these magazines to know what is going on in the industry i love, whether it be good or bad.

Maybe its just that im only 21 and dont know everything about how big auto bussinesses work, but i just dont see how all this is possible.

I got scammed for a paint guy for 250 dollars adn im still chasing and hounding him after 6 months so i cant imagine what it would be like if it was for hundreds of thousands of dollars

[Bob Johnson]

I had thought those guys were scum saw them at yeaone event this year. Old man Shelby is the orignal dirt bag.He did almost this smae thing with the cash grab and no car on the series one. He has done it longer than any of them.

What gave me this low opinion is in the lawsuit he tried against the kit car companies he was going after the folks that had bough the kits also.
He wanted 10 k a piece from them since no one was buying his cars at a stupid price. I can see using the cobra name being a problem, But he didnt design that car. The Body belonged to AC Bristol
of the UK. Just showed he was a money grubbing mean ole *******. lol
BTW Know he has Licensed Superformance to make them and they were the biggest competitor to Factory Five.How long before they Do the same thing. Oh yea they are in South Africa out of our legal system. HUMMM.....
Sounds like hes for sale at a high price and integrity is not what your buying.

Want true car guys that has kept honest and true to the sport?
Jack Roush. He has had a amazing life read up on him sometime.
Not a nascar fan myself but what would it be without him?

Saleene Shelby wana be is what hes been called but he has done his on thing. The S7 is outa my range for sure but a wold class car it is.
As far as I know Saleene has done his thing with out factory research and backing. For his own designed vehicles unlike Shelby standing on the backs that Ford Racing program engineers built for him.

Jack Rousch was a helluva drag racer in the day...Wayne Gapp/Jack Rousch..the Tijuana taxi 4 door Maverick...had many other Ford drag cars...they were a force to be reckoned with...his little 62 or 63 White Falcon that was at SEMA a few years ago is one B/A piece..he has a very diverse history..and a class act..

[novanutcase]

Serves all of those cheque-book "hot rodders" right. Build your own car, that way it is yours and you know where the project stands at all times.

I read through the Fix Eleanor and associated sites, paying particular interest to the letters/emails/commentary "to and from" the buyer and Unique Performance. One individual paid $250K up front to move "his car" to the front of the assembly line. What does this say to me? Dollar votes and ignorance created this mess as: Greed begets greed, begets corruption.

Sounds like someones got a chip on their shoulder!

I'm a "Check Writer" and proud of it!

I'll tell you, straight out, I can't bend tube or weld like Ironworks and if I'm going to build a car to the level that I want but don't have the talent then I'm going to pay someone who can!

Got a problem with that?

John

[dharrod]

edited my post ..

I think what really gets all of us is when someone gets the capability (customers, people, marketing, awareness, Shelby, Foose) and seemingly blow it. Man I wish I was captain of that ship ..

[novanutcase]

Only if its a bad check .. (ha!). I think its understandable to see some animosity if a person pays more (for anything) than what is worth just because they can. Not saying UP is an example of it but we all have seen cases of it ... look at fashion ... a purse for $5K? Or some resturants that raise the price just to ensure exclusivity. Certainly there all some awsome cars done for under 100K. If I win the Lottery I'll be the first in line probably- me the car, wife the purse. I do know the little things/touches are what cost. I look at the cars a Sema (only seen pictures) and realize how far above my effort they are (granted I'm one guy on my second car .. and these are teams of experts often).

I think what really gets all of us is when someone gets the capability (customers, people, marketing, awareness, Shelby, Foose) and seemingly blow it. Man I wish I was captain of that ship ..

What irks me are people that comment like that but have no idea what it takes to build a car to that level. Unless you're doing it everyday, all day you don't have a prayer! You want to build a car that goes fast? More power to you but I want a car that goes fast and looks good! Doesn't mean that you can't but I have a certain level that I want and I don't have the talent to build it to that level. Sure, I can and have restoed and hotrodded all kinds of cars(doin' a '03 Mustang GT and a '61 T-Bird as we speak!) but I'm tired of building cars at that level and I want to own a car that is beyond that. So what do I do just wallow in self pity at the fact that I don't have the talent? Nope! Get someone who can!
So Mike, what do you do when you can't get it the way you want! Point the finger at someone else and blame them?

John

[MrQuick]

Serves all of those cheque-book "hot rodders" right. Build your own car, that way it is yours and you know where the project stands at all times.

Thats probably the second ignorant statement made here in two weeks...first off your new so we'll let it slide. Bashing car lovers here is a no no.
Second not everyone has the talent or the time to build a car to a certain level. And third, without "cheque writers", shops would not be able to build specialty cars and develop specific parts to make our hobby exist and if not evolve.
Man that snow up there must be making y-all cabin crazy. Relax and enjoy the show.

[dharrod]

People involved with UP mismanaged an opportunity at many levels....

[novanutcase]

Thats probably the second ignorant statement made here in two weeks...first off your new so we'll let it slide. Bashing car lovers here is a no no.
Second not everyone has the talent or the time to build a car to a certain level. And third, without "cheque writers", shops would not be able to build specialty cars and develop specific parts to make our hobby exist and if not evolve.
Man that snow up there must be making y-all cabin crazy. Relax and enjoy the show.

Vince!

Don't waste your breath! The moment this guy joined I knew he was a douche!

John

[zo66]

anybody know how many foose camaros were produced,or elenors were actually made by these guys?

[Rolling_Thunder]

Serves all of those cheque-book "hot rodders" right. Build your own car, that way it is yours and you know where the project stands at all times.

not everyone knows how or wants to build their own cars... trust me, I'm the one they take their cars to when that happens.

My friend's father is a rare exception as he wrenches on some of his cars... but he runs his own business and does not have much free time... thats why he dropped a $275,000.00 check to Henny for a Viper... and a check to his local ferarri dealership....

Is he less of a car guy for dropping checks ? I dont think so - some people have other things to do -

[motorheadmike]

Vince!

Don't waste your breath! The moment this guy joined I knew he was a douche!

What... 3 months after you? Ha, that's fresh.

Clearly I have touched a nerve; write yourself a cheque and you'll feel better.

I wasn't "bashing car lovers", I made a statement about money and corruption. Excessive money: the root of the downfall of the hobby for the true enthusiast. Excessive money ruined Unique Performance. It is the average "car guy", the ones who turn their own wrenches while building cars on limited budgets and limitless imagination that alone drive this hobby and not those who are slumming it as rebels without a clue. Buy a chopper and a go to a Hell's Angels meet while you are at it...

If this is viewed as having a chip on one's shoulder by the population of this site, I think I'll be sticking around and posting more... much more. We'll call it a "Reality Cheque".

Fight for your spot in line for the next fad-tacular Pro-Resto-Touring-Mod... ready your cheque books! Barrett-Jackson here we come!!!

[novanutcase]

Oh that's quaint!

So by your standards if someone writes a check they aren't really an "enthusiast" or "hotrodder"!

I guess I'll just leave it at that and let you hang yourself!

John