Just watching our local news and it seems this guy, who had a place in Glossop, has had about 40 minis in for resto, stripped them down, and done a runner. Really sad seeing people with just the shell of their car returned to them and thousands out of pocket. I had a bt of a google and there are some real horror stories out there.
Looking on Google, this Glossop Mini Centre man has been ripping off mini owners for years. He has been named and shamed but he's probably not bothered. Reading the horror stories, can't help wondering why the mini owners didn't suss out what was going on, they lost a lot of money but they must be partly to blame trusting a con merchant and keep paying him money. Surely they would have gone to check what was being done to their cars.
It does seem to have been going on for years doesn't it? I've found the link now: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-42083513
Hello Mr. Handford, I wonder if you may be able to help me. I have an old classic Mini in need of restoration. My budget is 15k would that be enough. I am not in a hurry so take your time. Here's the cash up front so you can buy all it needs. See you in 6 months.
Does make you wonder why people don't research who they're entrusting their pride and joy to. It is this kind of thing that frightens me though about sending my van away for a resto or part resto. I'd be wanting to be sure the restorer was legit and would be wanting weekly (if not daily) progress reports. I'm bad enough when it goes to the garage for something simple.
I have a small amount of sympathy with the amount of time it can take to do resto work but a decent business should be able to fund the work and Bill the customer on satisfactory completion. As it's not far away I think I might branch out into Minis quick
classic Minis and Morris Minors are making a comeback and much sought after. Prices are high for restored ones and parts, panels, engines and so on are widely available. we know there are good trustworthy garages and restorers out there and this rip off merchant has spoilt it for the good guys. I hope he gets jail.
It’s probably like the world of VW. Even on here you see people recommending places they’ve never used themselves, or places that you know plenty of people have had problems with.
