[golfer]

Les,
It is interesting to see that my car has struck up such interest. Les, I could not figure out why you kept insisting the car was sold at the Russo Steele Auction. Now I see you have corrected this and said it was an RM auction. I was wondering what I was missing, because at your suggestion Les, I spent an hour on the Russo Steele webb site looking for my car, which obviously was not there.

I spoke to the restorer of my car, who is a well known and respected Shelby restorer and a very fine gentleman. He indicated several things.

First, the engine is not original but a date correct replacement block. Also, at the owners request, he stamped the VIN in the correct place. And yes, it is difficult to find and read. You have to be a three armed Chineese contortionist with good eyesight or reading glasses but it can be done. I will try and take a picture, but I recall being told it was the original drivetrain and had no reason to doubt this when I found this VIN, which unlike Chevys, is somewhat difficult to do while making it look original.

The restorer also indicated that the ownership trail went from the man he restored it for (call him J) to Barrett Jackson, where it was sold to a man from Phoenix. Then Worldwide bought it and then I bought it. This is the ownership trail that I recall. He never mentioned the RM auction, nor have I ever heard that it was sold there. I will try and find out what really happened at the RM auction, maybe the original owner bought it back, I simply don't. I was unsuccessful today, but I will try again tomorrow to contact Worldwide and confirm the ownership trail.

With regard to parts being taken off the car, the restorer assured me that Owner J never removed any parts and sold the car at Barrett Jackson. Les, you said you knew people who had bought parts off this car. Please contact me with information that will allow me to confirm or refute this claim. This is very important, first because I want to sell a car that is as advertised, and second, because I will endeavor to purchase any parts that were sold. Les, is is not enough for you to suggest that I hire some expert to look at the car, due to the fact that you have made a public claim of specific knowledge of people and parts that have been removed. So please, contact me by phone, email, this forum, or PM with whatever specific knowledge you have.

Finally, the restorer also indicated his belief that this car is likely the most original and probably most desireable 69 GT 500 in existence. I agree.

Chip Wright 770-365-1872 or 770-856-1225