GTcarz - Automotive forums for cars & trucks. - Article: Unique Performance In Trouble!!!

By BOB GRITZINGER

We saw trouble on the horizon for Texas-based specialty-car maker Unique Performance a few weeks ago, when we reported on a breakdown in the company's relationship with Carroll Shelby ("Trouble at the Mustang Ranch," AW, Oct. 15).

Since then, the authorities down in Farmers Branch, Texas--home of the Unique Performance headquarters--have been busy wrapping up a month-long investigation into allegations involving improper vehicle identification numbers on cars undergoing makeovers at the company.

Farmers Branch Police Corporal Chad Taylor said his department, in concert with Texas State Police and officials from the Texas Department of Transportation, searched five Unique Performance facilities in the Dallas area Nov. 1-2. No arrests were made, but authorities did confiscate 61 vehicles displaying improper or illegible VINs. Impounded were 58 Ford Mustangs and three Chevrolet Camaros, all 1960s-era models in various stages of repair.

Taylor said further investigation is needed to determine whether charges will be filed against Unique Performance owner Doug Hasty or other company employees. Hasty did not return calls from AutoWeek seeking comment.

Meanwhile, Shelby's licensing arm has taken steps to sever its relationship with Unique Performance, which had been building continuation Shelby GT350SRs and GT500E "Eleanors." The cars, which are refurbished versions of the original cars with updated powertrains, chassis and safety components, carry price tags of $100,000 to $200,000.

A number of customers reportedly placed sizable deposits for cars--there's no word yet on whether the company or Shelby will honor those commitments or refund the deposits. In a statement posted recently on autoweek.com, Hasty said his company had delivered 119 vehicles since 2003 and had invested all the money from deposits into parts and production of 106 more vehicles. Police did not seize any cash or freeze any funds in bank accounts as part of their investigation, Taylor said.