SCM Story on stolen 1972 911E

[Jim Schrager]

Wayne picked up on this from Sports Car Market magazine (www.sportscarmarket.com) and wondered what happened.
He suggested I post the story to the list for comments.
A friend bought a 1972 911E Sunroof from Canada, out of the classified ads in Excellence. Had it inspected by an authorized
Canadian Porsche dealer. Engine case had no number, owner
said it was replaced as the original MFI ran rich and blew a rod through the side of the case. After buying the car, my friend discovered the last 4 digits of the serial number were beyond the published 1972 911E range. We thought it was an error, but the factory verified that the published range was correct. When we looked at the hidden tub number under the radio we realized the thieves knew what they were doing. The tub number was neatly cut out. The car was sold at a big loss to a dealer, who then resold the car. It later appeared on eBay, and I asked the seller about his serial number. He indicated he believed it was fine, but prior to the end of the auction, the car was pulled. The seller told me he sold it back to the guy in Canada who sold it into the US! Car is metallic blue/black, sunroof, one sport seat with houndstooth insert, SSIs, flat 15" fuchs. If you see it coming your way, check the serial number!
Best, Jim Schrager, Sports Car Market magazine.

[Soterik]

Jim,

I looked at the car while it was on Ebay....the seller was not the type to be "involved" in a scam.... architect with a family etc. etc.

I was trying to negotiate to buy the car, but ended up in a bidding war with the previous owner from Canada...in the end the car went to Canada because I wouldn't match his offer.

It was a non matching # car, as indicated, however, the serial # stamped into the body did not appear to be modified.

Nothing about the sale of his car would have indicated to me that it was not "above board". There were a fair number of receipts, but not enough on the engine rebuild to make me feel comfortable. In addition, the issue of the the non matching numbers outweighed the fact that it was a nice running/driving sunroof E.

Eric

[Jim Schrager]

Hi Eric, thanks for your note. I agree that the fellow who posted it on eBay had nothing to do with the scam, he of course owning the car after it had been screwed with. My friend was in the same category, owning the car after it had been renumbered. My friend disclosed to the dealer the issues with the car and took a big loss when selling it.
Best, Jim Schrager