massive heist of John Andrews' Ferraris

In another world, sometimes you'll see a farmer who lives alone (or with elders) who finally gives up working. He sells a little land here, and a little land there to pay some bills and taxes over time...then one day he cracks and starts ranting about how "someone" STOLE HIS LAND!

At some level it is sad. Anyone who takes the rant seriously, however, can cause grief to the legitimate new land owners. They didn't steal the land, yet they have to defend their purchases to the local townsfolk.

They are the real victims.

 

Probably covered elsewhere in the thread, but the introduction came through Dennis Wilson (Brian's brother). Dennis was equally crazy - well documented. The story is so strange that it was alleged the attack at Polanski's Cielo Drive home was targeted because the house was once owned by Terry Melcher (Doris Day's son), who worked with the Beach Boys / Dennis Wilson. Melcher spurned Manson's desire to have his music published, produced, recorded...whatever.

No real way to prove that, but nonetheless part of the sordid history of the Beach Boys.

 

There needs to be men from Mars in this story. Those guys from Mars love Ferraris.

 

Mars needs guitars, not cars.

 

Absolutely. And to think the preface to it is Dennis Wilson picks up 2 hitch hikers that happen to be part of Manson's clan. Next thing you know, they are hanging with him...he makes the intro to Melcher and the rest is (unfortunate) history. Sad.

Dennis never really spoke about it again. He was interviewed by prosecutors, and one can imagine the guilt he felt. This article suggests Manson knew Melcher moved on, but I've heard otherwise. It's too coincidental:

Mark Dillon: Dennis Wilson and Charles Manson | National Post

 

I for one miss Steve's posts here.

 

After this long who remembers, or really cares about the reason?

 

You think that's what I'm saying?

I was sorry when he left and sorry that he's still gone.

 

From those few posts I read at the end, of the thread it seems that some of the cars were indeed advertised and that others have proof that they paid for them. So does it all come down to a hoarder that has so many things he frankly can't remember what he sold and what he didn't? I am dealing with a hoarder now and they are, as a group ( I don't think they have a lobby) very evasive because they think THEY (whoever THEY are) want to take their things away.

I do business in Riverside near Moreno Valley and am willing to go to the Press Enterprise and see if there was ever a story on this alleged multi-million heist but I have no idea what year to ask them to look up. When did the big heist take place?

I am glad that the 166 coupe is not one of the ones alleged stolen as I am doing a little profile on that car and would be glad to hear from anyone who knows the history of that car.

Finally this is a general question regarding hoarders who hoard cars (a specialized breed). I use as an example Dr. Carr of the UK who hoarded a Bugatti tip 57 for 30-40 years. How does one approach these characters to rescue that treasure. My theory is to roll up with a pickup truck with a trailer, the cash, an instrument of sale that can do as a title transfer, a witness to witness the transfer, and a video camera to record the entire sale including them signing off ownership. I am not trying to steal anyone's treasure, it's just when they get as deep in hoarding as Andrews they aren't doing themselves any favors--they might need the cash just to pay the taxes on their land/home.

 

Crackheads have ripped $30,000 worth of copper gutters off homes that I have built and did another $30,000 in damage doing so. They end up at the scrap metal place where they get $400 or $500 for it.

 

Believe it or not, the bonnet and trunk lid of a Swedish Boano were stolen long ago by a gang that sold tons of stolen lids for scrap.

 

That has been printed more than once, it was also mentioned in the story line of Gram Parsons, and the Burrito Brothers.

All were neighbors, involved in the music business.
It WAS a message Manson sent to Melcher, IMO...

 

No, they knew it was rented.

 

Same here. What was his screen name? I've forgotten. (Along with a lot of other important stuff).

 

Krasnavian.

I only remembered it after checking my PMs. He was the first to PM me.

 

Oh, yeah.....thanks.

 

You would think that with the theft of so many valuable cars
that would merit a story in the local newspaper which is the Press-Enterprise.
I haven't gone down to their office yet but
usually Google would point a direction, just as if you
google "English Lord claims Ferraris stolen" you find that story
from England about Lord Brockett.

At least the 166 belonging to Jack Croul seems to be not one of
the cars alleged taken, so I am assuming at one time cars in the Andrews collection were legitimately bought and sold.