Since the early 1980’s, classic car owner Skip Wilson has had his share of bad luck. His prized 1957 Chevy Bel Air was stolen twice during that time. Only this week did that car resurface.
The California Highway Patrol discovered Wilson’s Bel Air in a container last Monday, waiting to go through customs and be shipped off to Australia. It seems someone was trying to make a pretty penny on this car, having fully disassembled, reassembled and restored this car since it was last stolen.
There is a fair amount of confusion over how this car could have passed under the radars for so long, as it was registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the National Insurance Crime Bureau as a stolen car. Both organizations had the vehicles identification number.
Back in 1975, Wilson bought his Bel Air for only $375. It was white and yellow then, and in pretty bad shape. He put a lot of work into the car, only to have it stolen for the first time in 1983. When it was returned to him after the first crime, it was missing the engine and transmission.
Before he even had the chance to restore it, the Bel Air was stolen again, only to resurface this past week. The transformation it has undergone is unbelievable. The Bel Air is sporting all-new 17-inch racing wheels, a 350-horsepower V8, and a Holley four-barrel carburetor. It also has a bright, competition orange paint job now.
Stories like these remind us to protect the cars we love with quality classic car insurance policies. When theft occurs, it pays to have the best protection. Call Classic Auto today for more information on our theft protection.
About the Author
Drew Yagodnik is Vice President of Classic Automobile Insurance Agency, Inc. Classic Automobile Insurance Agency has been protecting collector, classic and exotics since 1992.
