Mike,
Deception is a primary tool for forgers. As soon as something is
wanted, someone is willing to counterfeit.
This goes for postage stamps, valuable coins, "found on treasure ship"
and paintings/photos when they are more valuable than it costs to forge
them. Now a lot of counterfeit silver jewelry on eBay. (todays CBS TV
report).
I have absolutely no bad feelings about modifying an Alpine to have the
performance features of a Tiger. They can allow those who like the
Tiger, but can't afford one, to get very close, if not better. No harm here.
However, when the cars have deliberately changed VIN plates to one that
did not come with the car would then be an attempt to deceive. There is
no performance advantage to cosmetic changes, and the intent of the
seller is in doubt.
Now, this is not meant to discourage true hot-rodder, just the ones who
build with the intent to deceive. I can see no other reason to alter the
registration. This is done with stolen cars as well, and the law deals
strongly with stolen car being altered.
I can see no other reason to change the VIN, other than an intent to
deceive. More power to those want want to openly modify their Alpine.
Anybody want a postage stamp with the airplane shown upside-down?
Steve
Steve Laifman
Editor
http://TigersUnited.com
Mike Hokanson wrote:
> It seems the nice green Alpine has been quite a subject of discussion. Lots
> of views/opinions here. But in reality, I think the main issue concerned here
> is the fact a VIN plate was altered/changed and is on another vehicle. When
> you do something like this, it's a no-no. Utilizing VIN plates that are
> stashed in desk drawers and utilized at their discretion is not a smart
> practice. Bottom line - it shouldn't matter whether it was done on a Tiger,
> Alpine, Pinto, Honda or any other car. I personally think a highly modified
> Alpine is a great way to go if you really want to drive and enjoy the car. My
> '67 Alpine has the correct numbers and is titled as such because that's the
> right thing to do. I can cut, modify, rearrange components and do creative
> things involving the installation of today's tech in the old sheetmetal and
> end up with a very custom sportscar that can be enjoyed without fear of losing
> a Tiger shell at the intersection due to some kid texting on her phone. I'm
> curious at the price the car sells for on Ebay, mainly because it's a nice,
> clean sportscar that someone put a lot of time and money into creating. But
> the VIN has been knowingly altered on the car, irregardless of what car it's
> from. That's a red flag to me, and should be to others as well that have an
> interest in buying the car. Imagine the possibility of the car getting
> confiscated due to unlawful activity? There's a possibility that none of us
> will see the final selling numbers due to the listing being pulled if it
> becomes apparent that there may be a lawful issue. Someone said it here
> earlier - the original Alpine numbers should have been retained and there
> wouldn't be any mistake as to what the car really is - an Alpine with a motor
> transplant. Just my .02.
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