I just got a PM from Judy:
Eugene and his wife came down this morning. I got it (the Mustang that was stolen from him almost four decades ago) out of my garage and he got in and drove it. We talked and he told me I could buy it from him for $38.00. One dollar for each year I had it. Of course I did this and he signed all the paperwork.
Sounds like a good script for a TV "movie of the week".
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2008 Shelby GT500 torch red with black stripes + sequentials
2001 Cobra mineral grey with 2003 Mach 1 shaker hood
1996 Cobra color-shifting mystic paint + sequentials
It's very refreshing to hear that there are still outstanding people in this day and age, Judy and Eugene. Made my day to read the entire story and proud that Judy is in the same forum.
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"Can you imagine making this trip at 55mph?"
"55 is unsafe."
"It's boring."
"That's why it's unsafe."
"It's fast enough to kill ya, but slow enough to think you're safe."
1995 GT
1999 ZX2
Hey everyone,
I had planned on selling the car 12 years ago to a neighbor and he noticed the different VINs. Right after that, I contacted the San Diego Police Dept. and they sent someone out to check it. They thought everything was fine so some years later I started to sink some money into it. My curosity got the best of me and look what happened. Eugene came out with his wife and he drove it. It really wasn't the same car to him, he has other older cars he likes more. He decided to sell it back to me for one dollar a year I had it. I thought I might clarify that one point, it seems to be an issue. I want to keep it.
Judy
Judy must have had her heart ready to give out after hearing she had to give up her pride and joy.
..And then to hear the guy it was stolen from let her buy it from him for $38!
Fairy Tales do come true!
I suggest we start a modest collection from AFM members and buy a very nice plaque with a picture of Judy and her '65 on it congratulating him for his all too uncommon kindness from Judy and all the AFM Members.
Even at $.50 each paypal it could buy something very nice as a keep sake.
Set it up so Judy could personally present the plaque to him. Might be some good press coverage for us car guys/gals and show the average 'Joe' just how special the car hobby is.
I *think* if his insurance paid him, he is no longer the "rightful owner". The car would belong to the insurance company (if there was one).
How much is a Mustang worth, with almost 300,000 miles on it?
That's a very cool story though. The guy did the right thing. I wonder if he still had the title from all those years ago? She put her heart into that car and it had become hers.
Like if you lost a dog ten years ago and it had been raised by a family two towns over. Would you want it back? It IS your dog, after all....
But what's the right thing to do?
Well, I'd say Mr. Brakke did that. I hope someone buys him a brand new one. Even if he wants it that weird metalflake gold color. Show him what the new Mustang grew up to be.
Glad you got to keep your baby. The man was a true gentleman, a 'mans's man'! Getting closure and being able to sit in it again, and knowing it is in good hands and not chopped for parts or rusting in a junkyard, was probably priceless for him. I love my Mustang, and if I ever found myself in his position I would want nothing more.
Oh, and who says that car needs work? I think it's got the perfect 'character' we just don't see on old Mustangs anymore (mine included).
Cheers,
Michael
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1966 289-2V C-4 Convertible. All original drivetrain. Factory center console and power top. Dual res. MC and power brake upgrade. Rust bucket brought back to life, I am the 2nd owner of "Lucy".
1990 GT 25th Anniversary 5.0 AOD Convertible. Dynomax cat-back, K&N, the usual crap. Welded in subframes, welded in reinforcement plates (Ford riveted them in. Go Ford! )New engine and transmission. Date coded radiator hoses. Second owner of "Katie".
Hey everyone,
I had planned on selling the car 12 years ago to a neighbor and he noticed the different VINs. Right after that, I contacted the San Diego Police Dept. and they sent someone out to check it. They thought everything was fine so some years later I started to sink some money into it. My curosity got the best of me and look what happened. Eugene came out with his wife and he drove it. It really wasn't the same car to him, he has other older cars he likes more. He decided to sell it back to me for one dollar a year I had it. I thought I might clarify that one point, it seems to be an issue. I want to keep it.
Judy
that's a wonderful story!!
It's nice to hear that he let you buy it for $38 instead of just taking it back.
(Mods in profile)
)New engine and transmission. Date coded radiator hoses. Second owner of "Katie".
