$500K Engine Swap Scheme: Resto Shop Owner Faces 60-Year Sentence
A Cautionary Tale from the Classic Car Community
The allure of restoring classic cars often leads enthusiasts to hire specialists for engine swaps—a process that can be both complex and costly. Imagine investing your hard-earned money into upgrading a vintage vehicle, only to discover that your mechanic has betrayed your trust.
The Engine Swap Con
Richard Finley, a Texas mechanic and the owner of Classic American Street Rods, is at the center of a shocking scandal that has left numerous classic car owners in distress. What should have been a straightforward engine replacement turned into a nightmare, as Finley allegedly initiated a series of thefts valued at an eye-watering $2 million—spanning several years from 2018 to 2023.
According to a statement from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, Finley was sentenced to an astonishing 60 years in prison and ordered to pay nearly half a million dollars in restitution. His operations were reportedly rife with fraudulent practices, including demanding large upfront payments while either delaying work indefinitely or stripping the vehicles of valuable parts for resale.
The Investigation Unfolds
Picture this: you send your beloved classic car to a mechanic, eagerly anticipating a powerful new engine. Months pass with no updates, and vague reassurances about parts delays leave you more anxious. In between, your car is picked apart for its most valuable components—an all-too-common experience for at least 72 victims of Finley’s operation.
A jury trial in late 2025 revealed the extent of Finley’s deceit. Victims testified that not one of them received the promised engine swap. Instead, many were left with their cars in disarray, some barely recognizable after being robbed of crucial parts.
Returning the Cars
On January 6, 2026, Judge Jeth Jones found Finley guilty of felony theft exceeding $300,000. While many of the stolen parts vanished, the police were able to recover 24 classic cars, returning them to their rightful owners—albeit not in pristine condition. For example, one victim, who paid $10,000 for an engine swap on a 1972 Chevelle, found his vehicle in a disassembled state, stripped of critical components.
This distressing ordeal highlights the importance of vigilance and clear communication when dealing with automotive repair shops. Laws, such as Florida’s Motor Vehicle Repair Act, aim to safeguard consumers, granting them rights like obtaining written estimates and ensuring that no unauthorized work is conducted.
Conclusion: A Lesson Learned
For classic car enthusiasts, Richard Finley’s story serves as a grim reminder of the potential pitfalls in the restoration business. Trust is paramount, and protecting yourself from exploitation requires diligence. It’s essential to be aware of your rights as a consumer to ensure your classic car dream doesn’t turn into a cautionary tale.