L88 sold at BJ for 85k

[Jon H.]

Re: L88 sold at BJ for 85k

I hope you enjoy the car for what it is and have fun with it. If the plan is to validate that it left the factory as an RPO L88 and if not sue Barrett Jackson or the consignor, I don't think you will have much luck. A number of people have tried without success:

"The Court of Appeals ultimately determined that there were no representations made by Barrett-Jackson that pertained to the vehicle that might otherwise support a consumer fraud claim. The Court’s finding was based in large part on the Bidder Agreement that the purchaser signed prior to successfully bidding on the vehicle. In that Agreement, the purchaser acknowledged that Barrett-Jackson made no representations about any of the vehicles in the auction."

It sounds like from Roy's description it started out as a small block. In these auctions it pays to do your homework and bring someone who knows these cars to check it out. Unfortunately "Numbers Matching" doesn't mean anything these days and it is only a way to limit the liability of the seller. Caveat emptor.

[Jack H.]

Re: L88 sold at BJ for 85k

Agree with Jon on the dissolution of what "numbers matching engine" means anymore, or maybe even what it ever did for that matter...it often means somebody stamped some numbers that match other numbers...often has little to do with "born with engine". I don't see a successful lawsuit here...I do see a pretty sweet car with a really cool engine...maybe not too streetable but I'd like to give it a whirl or two.

[Jon H.]

Re: L88 sold at BJ for 85k

Here is the engine stamping for the car. Although advertised as numbers matching it is not a typical factory production stamping. Incorrect engine suffix code and incorrect characters. Again, it doesn't mean it wouldn't be a fun car to drive and enjoy, but it didn't leave the factory as an RPO L88.


fake l88 pad.jpg

[Bill M.]

Re: L88 sold at BJ for 85k

Years ago there was a dealer in New England who was sued for selling a 65 fuel convertible the car was advertised as matching numbers . When the owner figured out, withe the help of an expert that the car had a replacement block he took the dealer to court. The owner lost as the judge ruled that the dealer did not say the engine was original.

[Jon H.]

Re: L88 sold at BJ for 85k

Yep, that it why all dealers and auction houses use the team matching numbers, to protect themselves. I have yet to see a bidder win a lawsuit against an auction company for misrepresentation. The only expectation is a situation where an auction company sold a car with a know replacement vin tag. They took the car back and had to refund the bidders money. But for cases like this one on this L88 clone, the buyer has no recourse.