massive heist of John Andrews' Ferraris

Nothing new yet??

 

Just ran onto this thread; I usually look (lurk?) in Vintage. John A is an old friend from the early days of the FOC. He did certainly own all the cars mentioned. In fact I sold him the 275GTB/6C after I gave him a fast ride around Lake Hollywood, where I used to live. It was more or less as pictured, but was running and fast as hell. I remember the passenger seat was out, and John had to sit on a box or spare tire for his "sales ride". I do know that the SWB and the MM-winning 0026 were legitimately sold by John, although he *****es that Mike S. took advantage of him in some fashion on the SWB. I think 0026 brought around $1M. I have pix of 0026 when John was selling it. (Derelict).

Now one must understand that John became a true hoarder; maybe he was always one? The pictures do show how his "shed" looked. It would have been very easy for someone with the initiative to move some of the junk and get at the real gold. His house fronted on one street but there was access from the street behind, directly to his "sheds".

About that dash-board paint: John was an old hot-rodder (as was I), but he also had a sense of humor. At one time he had installed an automatic trans in his Lusso, with dash-mounted selector (Corvair?).

Is John a bit eccentric? Yeah. Nuts? I don't think so. Have I added anything? I doubt it.

 

Mr. Niles, I'm with you. I've seen what can be found in places like that, hoarders who have come of age, and have known some too. Alas, no Ferrari's were uncovered! On properties like John's things grow legs.

It can't be that much of a puzzle to solve: connect the dots, follow the money. A name will pop up. It is somewhat debatable that authorities fail to take action because of someone's appearance.

I remember the press about the barn-find of the SWB well. I was living in Europe at the time, and C&SC reported, with photo's, MS digging it out. I believe the dash was ascribed to some Mexican previous ownership of the car?

 

Apparently Andrew's two motor homes were impounded by the city for code violations.

Of course, what we won't be told is if Andrew registered those vehicles and received proper mailed notices from the city's code enforcement, or if he was dodging taxes by keeping them unregistered.

 

I just read this whole thread and I think I just wasted 30 minutes. What a strange thread.

 

And still no updates?

 

This is one crazy thread and for those readers who have never lived or been in LA it would seem strange or impossible, but this is exactly the strange type of things that do happen in SoCal.

Well you could pay for one registration and lic plate, then just switch it to the car of the day.

 

The L.A. Morgue actually has a Gift Shop, you can order ball caps and coffee mugs....

 

What?? That's so tasteless!

 

All of that is in surprisingly good condition....(and throw in that exhasut sytem on the ground, there)...the hood drew no Bids, (and it's in excellent shape also, IMO) did the car itself sell?

Good find!!

 

Well, my friend Amy Farris came home as a box of bones and dust....THAT was tasteless.....but not part of this thread (look in Texas section for the tribute)..

I just noticed it, researching her File...they handle, like, 200 bodies a day...L.A. is a BIG place.

 

They ARE very cool pictures!

Sets the tone for the story.

I can second the issue on 5 digit VINs, although as No Doubt points out it's VERY important to insure them even as "non running" and the State does indeed call and write me every few years, checking in on "What ever happened to...?"...

In current times the data bases of the insurance and State title offices are linked, (they now scan your Bar Code of the VIN plate for Proof of Insurance on a traffic stop, you'll note) they are mining for the money (of Title registration), but "sitting out in my pasture" is STILL an acceptable answer, oddly enough!!!

 

Apparently Andrews has finally filed a police report??

Frankly, the silence on this thread smells of embarrassment. Seller's remorse? Cars were unregistered?

Cars were uninsured?

Owner was having personal issues?

Bah. Nothing to do but speculate as to why someone would cry out and then remain silent as soon as the first questions were asked.

 

...but don't you see? How can anyone help him remedy his circumstances if he won't describe his circumstances?!

If he didn't register the cars and someone has scammed the registrations, then there are certain methods to employ to counter-attack.

If someone simply physically took the cars, then other remedies come into play.

Were the cars impounded by the city for code violations? Other remedies still.

Is he physically/mentally ill or unnaturally immature? Different remedies again.


He cried out for help. Well, don't leave the deed half done. Out with it!

 

I was just thinking that! Only in a thread this bizarre does the painted dash fall to the wayside.

 

There were things done to cars back then that would put many in this forum into cardiac arrest. How about the 250 spyder that was painted army green with a white star.

 

Possibly the coolest Ferrari ever!

 

Well, it would explain why no one wants to talk more about it.

 

silly coment... we all hold bearer instruments of some kind... the most common is currency... billions are held in bearer bonds... holding an open car title or registration is not unusual... vehicle registration only applies when a vehicle would be operated on public roads... not every possession or property of value is registered or insured... car wholesalers routinely hold their cars on open titles or bills of sale... that is a risk that some are willing take...

in reading about the events, his files containing documentation were stolen / destroyed before any of the thefts occurred... making the theft of the cars an organized preplanned event...

John, as I understand, is actively engaged with the authorities in pursuing criminal and civil action against the perps...

 

Did the city tow away his Winnebago for code violations?

 

Never saw this thread before..... weird. Just plain weird.

Jedi

 

what a strange and convoluted and fantastic story! thread of the month IMO ...nice one Chad!

 

There would be a chain of title from the previous owners. He has to have some record of these cars.