The Ford Capri Laser Page

Hi all,

sorry not strictly capri related but I need advice as I'm at a bit of a loss with this one, I've seen quite a lot of similar cases but not quite like mine.

I sold an old landrover almost 2 years ago to a gentleman in America, he paid promptly, V5 singed over and said he would arrange shipping soon. Time went by and he then said he needed to have the engine out of the car as it was not matching numbers which is a must when importing a classic to the US. He said a garage would pick it up soon to do the work. Anyway almost 2 years has gone by and there has been little attempt to pick it up. I get an email every 3 months saying it'll be picked up soon etc but nothing ever happens. I haven't cared much as I have a big warehouse and the car has sat outside happily. Though 2 years un-started and unwashed, it looks a bit sorry in comparison to what it once was - but I felt it would be risky for me to touch it seeing as I don't own it. Anyway, I'm leaving my storage space at the end of this year, I don't want to cause a fuss with him but what are my options? Do I just roll it on to a curb? Do i say I'll take it with me but I will charge storage? Does it ever become mine again? I've offered to sell it on his behalf and no real response.

Help!!

Thanks chaps

The new owner has free storage as it stands, so personally I would send him an email stating you are leaving the current premises at the end of the year, and if the vehicle isn't collected beforehand it will be left there with the keys in a specific place in the vehicle or with any new owner of the premises, therefore it is not your concern.

As you say you have no right to touch or move it, and it's condition is not your problem as it's now someone elses property.

He bought a car two years ago, paid, and never picked it up? What?!

Pretty much as Andy says, I would just be honest and say you cannot store it any longer and he needs to either collect or find alternative storage himself. I guess you could do the groundwork and find storage on his behalf, he pays of course.

Any pics of the Reliant Robin?

What a bizarre situation!

That's probably not much help to you....

Andrew.

I would amass several bags of particulate iron and aluminium oxides and just claim it rusted away.

If you have an address for the purchaser could you send him a formal letter, preferably by recorded delivery, telling him that if he doesn't collect the vehicle within a certain time then it will be sold for scrap. Send him the same letter by email just to make sure he gets the picture.

Leaving it with you for over two years is unreasonable behaviour and I doubt that any court would find against you if you had sent him the letter/email before disposing of the Land Rover.

From memory although it is worth checking with citizens advice there is a process to follow nd the vehicle can be yours. Its all about what is reasonable. I think it's a period of 3 months and two notifications of disposal if no contact and not collected. You can't be expected to keep a vehicle for that length of time. The buyer may well have good reason such as long term illness or loss of details but providing that you have been reasonable in your efforts then it will weigh in your favour. Whatever costs you incur etc do need to be deducted from what you sell the vehicle for and the rest is yours. There is a correct terminology for this and it is defined in law. I would seek advice and keep all correspondence in relation to this. The best thing you can have is an audit trail and a reasonable due process of actions and behaviour.

Have you responded to his emails ?

Send it to him in bits if he doesnt acquiesce to your demands.. like an 80s kidnapper.

Major_Tom wrote: ↑Sat Oct 12, 2019 2:51 pm Send it to him in bits if he doesnt acquiesce to your demands.. like an 80s kidnapper.

You could write the ransom notes in oil from the car, go full serial killer

D366Y wrote: ↑Mon Oct 14, 2019 8:53 am

Major_Tom wrote: ↑Sat Oct 12, 2019 2:51 pm Send it to him in bits if he doesnt acquiesce to your demands.. like an 80s kidnapper.

You could write the ransom notes in oil from the car, go full serial killer

Yes I concur!