Stolen Cuda' -- legal owner cannot get it back!

**earntaz** · #1 07-24-2014, 04:53 PM

From FOX news -- A 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda reported stolen from a Portland garage 13 years ago was found last month in a local towing yard, but its owner can’t get it back.

KATU reports that Rick White got a letter from Budget Towing a few weeks ago, telling him the car was in storage there, but was about to be auctioned off due to thousands of dollars in unpaid bills.

White purchased the car new in 1970, modified it for drag racing, and competed with it at Portland International Raceway for many years.

After his garage was broken into in 2001, white went around to local car shows and swap meets handing out flyers like he was looking for a missing child, but to no avail, so he was ecstatic when he heard the news.

But when he reached out to the towing company, he was told the bills had since been paid by a man named Lee Sitton, and the car was gone.

White contacted police, but they said there was nothing they could do to get the car back, because the three-year statute of limitations for theft had expired.

How the car ended up at Budget Towing isn’t clear, but KATU briefly spoke to Sitton through the intercom at the gate to his home, and he told them that he bought the car years ago, has a bill of sale, and doesn’t believe it was stolen.

White still holds the title to the car, however, which Sitton should’ve filed within 30 days of purchase, according to Oregon law.

Police say they are currently looking into any legal avenues that might be available help White out, but so far their hands are tied.

White’s wife Jackie says Sitton should just give the car back and walk away.

Pulnaway · #2 07-24-2014, 08:19 PM

So, you can steal a car, hide it for 3 yrs and then its yours? Wow!

**njsteve** · #3 07-24-2014, 09:14 PM

The victim needs to get a decent lawyer...fast.

**427.060** · #4 07-25-2014, 04:26 AM

It seem like every couple months there is a new story about someone that had their car stolen 30 or 40 years ago and it was recently found and returned. Why should this one be any different?
James

**black69** · #5 07-25-2014, 06:19 PM

If he collected insurance money, he is better off trying to buy it back. If he gets it returned, he may be on the hook to pay back the insurance company. If I was him, I would go back to the insurance company, and let them go after this. All he has to tell them is he wants his car back, and would make up any difference to them if they get it back, less damage.
Insurance companies probably have lawyers they can throw at this without blinking. Especially if they paid him out 10K or 20k, who knows back in 2001. I am sure they would want a shot at getting their money back. He gets his car back and does not pay legal fees to do so.

If he did not have insurance, this is all a waste of time and interest to me. Should have had it insured.

**Tracker1** · #6 07-25-2014, 07:28 PM

UPDATE:

http://www.katu.com/news/problemsolv...268550612.html

then have a listen to this - what a BS-artist this guy is:

https://soundcloud.com/thelarslarsonshow...stole-1970-cuda

**Mr70** · #7 07-25-2014, 08:15 PM

Another link with vid..
http://www.hotrod.com/news/stolen_19...rned_to_owner/

70 copo · #8 07-26-2014, 11:33 AM

This just played out on a 1973 Camaro: http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=270874

The guy with the car now is pretty much toast- the radio interview is embarrassing.

The Cuda will end no different...guy with the Cuda is in possession of Stolen Property.

Keith Tedford · #9 07-26-2014, 01:22 PM

A race car in a towing compound would attract attention. You would think that the word would get out. In the car world people talk about such stuff. The car would have a VIN to check back on. There were records of who the compound bought the car from and how long it was in the compound. If the car was lettered up for racing, someone would recognize it if the word got out. It wouldn't have been that hard to find the original owner.....if anyone wanted to. I'd be checking the compound people out VERY closely. I smell a rat there.

**iluv69s** · #10 07-27-2014, 12:12 PM

just watched the vid... I cannot imagine the sadness when the original owner of a hemi-cuda walked out in his garage and saw that it was stolen...and now the emotions that the car is located...and he cannot get it back !!

I hope justice prevails and the car is returned to the rightful and original owner !!