So let he who binds himself be tested - or - original or not?
10/30/2019
A reader told us a story that once again calls for caution. In March 2018, Mr. Bongartz purchased a 1966 Abarth 659 esse esse at the Techno Classica classic car fair for EUR 52,000. He had the dealer Franco Lembo (Reims/Monaco) confirm in writing that the car was original in all relevant parts.
However, the car then failed the MOT because the engine came from a Polski-Fiat and other parts did not meet the factory specification. Although the dealer agreed to take the car back, this did not happen. Claiming his rights in France was an almost insurmountable obstacle. The courts in Germany declared that they had no jurisdiction.
In the end, Mr. Bongartz bit the bullet and had an original engine installed by Aumüller, which resulted in further costs of EUR 25,000. At a chance meeting with dealer Lembo in April 2019, he agreed to cover half of the additional costs. Owner Bongartz is still waiting for the money today.
What can we learn from this case? Never buy without consulting an expert. Be doubly careful when buying across national borders. Contracts and assurances sometimes don't help either.
