[sparky]

If Missouri is like Texas, then he can only sell
it for no more than he has tied up in it. All
he's got to do is put a mechanic's lean on it
then he can sell it.

G/L, sparky!!!

 

[_SuperCJ]

$4000.00 too much for a possible Eleanor?
He could probably get alot more

 

[69grandecj]

Yes he can apply for a mechanics lien. If they owner does not respond the shop can then own the car. $4000 sounds like a good price.

 

[olddustyrelics]

Just a word of caution. You want to make SURE that he goes through the proper "abandonement" or "lien sale" paperwork with the state. If not, he has no legal right to sell that car and you could buy it, restore it, and have the previous LEGAL owner claim it. There are folks that specialize in these abandonement processes and will do one for about $400. Once that process is complete he can sell the car. It usually requires printing a legal notice in the paper for three weeks giving the owner the opportunity to pay. Have you thought about contacting the legal owner to see if he might want to sell you the car directly since he is going to lose it anyway? You might be able to work something out with the shop owner with a reduction in charges if you have title in-hand. Also, with the title in hand you could file a "replevin" which requires you to post a bond, remove the car, and the shop owner then must PROVE in a court of law that he met all legal requirements to a) hold the car, b) charge storage c) charge that correct amount. If he did not notify the owner of any pending or accruing storage charges, in many states he is barred from collecting them. In many instances, the shop owner will not even file papers to get the car back or get paid because their paperwork is so crappy.

Just laying out some additional options for rescuing a fastback from dusty shop corner hell.