Kansas Highway Patrol seizes 1959 Corvette from innocent owner and now wants to destroy it

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Four-Links - Corvette seized, AMBR in miniature, Ford's Power Pak, Laing and Barking Betty

By Daniel Strohl on Sep 4th, 2021 at 8:00 am

Under civil asset forfeiture laws, states across the country have the right to confiscate property from somebody accused of a crime, even if the person is later cleared of any wrongdoing. In Kansas, that means one man may never get to enjoy the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette that he bought and that the Kansas Highway Patrol now wants to destroy. From the Kansas Justice Institute:

Mr. Martinez bought the classic car in 2016, went to register it in Kansas, and KHP discovered there were VIN issues. The Kansas Highway Patrol then seized the car even though Mr. Martinez was unaware of those issues. In fact, the government’s attorney admits Mr. Martinez is innocent. But, instead of returning the classic car, the government has spent years in court working to destroy the Corvette. After acknowledging Mr. Martinez’s innocence, the Kansas Highway Patrol still argues that the vehicle must be taken from Mr. Martinez as “contraband” and has spent years trying to demolish the vehicle.

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[Historic NY]

1. If they can't prove it was stolen they have no case...

the distinct possibility it was a rebuild from salvage parts. I have a 47-48 Chevy that has a different frame. The State Police could locate the real serial number and they retagged the car using the frame number and Chevy suffix. When I was rebuilding it again in 2006-2012 I located the original plate, I removed it so there would be no question on the new tag. What funny is the couldn't even get the model correct. They should issue a new unique tag and let the car go.

I dealt with a 73 Plymouth Cuda that had to be inspected it had three different numbers on it. One secret, One public and one on the paperwork. Turned out the rebuilder cut up parts from two different cars and installed a dash with the incorrect VIN. I ordered the owner to take the care for SP inspection, in NY they have officers assigned to that task. The owner was later able to pursue a civil claim to recoup money he paid for a car the was doctored up to be more valuable.

NY is trying to sell a new Corvette that was a stolen recovery and its not sold dur to vin issues.

[Lulu KC]

2. Terrible!

Like they don't have anything better to do?