Heartbreak For Murphys’ Mike Schwartz

Murphys, CA — Joy has turned to disappointment for Murphys´ Mike Schwartz.

On March 2 his wife presented him with what she thought to be a 1931 Model A Ford for his birthday which she had purchased off e-Bay. Thinking it would be best to buy from a reputable dealer they found an auction listed by the St. Louis Car Museum and using the “Buy It Now” option, they purchased their dream car for just under $22,000.

Once the car arrived in California Schwartz initiated the registration process only to learn the VIN in the engine compartment was fraudulent. It was determined that the vehicle had been stolen from Carl Bickel of Charlotte, NC 25 years ago.

Bickel was contacted and remembered the theft. Closing in on his 77th birthday, Bickel and his family are now enroute from Charlotte to pick up the vehicle. Turns out the car is either a 1929 or a 1930 mode.

Meanwhile Mike Schwartz is contacting the St. Louis Car Museum and e-Bay for restitution. Will he re-enter the car buying market? At this time he has absolutely no plans to do so.

Written by Bill Johnson