Classic Recreations declared free of wrong doing

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Ford, Specialty

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500 CR – Click above for high-res image gallery

Classic Recreations and its owner, Jason Engel, are back at work cranking out jaw-dropping interpretations of the Shelby GT500 CR. Early last month, the restoration shop was raided by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. According to Classic Recreations, a former disgruntled employee made false accusations to the OSBI about stolen equipment. Authorities even confiscated multiple vintage Ford Mustangs during the raid, but found no pilfered hardware. Instead, the investigators determined that Engel had not followed proper protocol when replacing rusty sheet metal on the Blue Ovals – specifically where the VIN plate is attached to the vehicle.

The OSBI determined that Classic Recreations couldn’t replace rusty metal around the VIN tag without completely retitling the vehicle – something that should concern anyone with an interest in putting an old car back on the road. Engel said that the OSBI’s findings will only serve to drive up costs for both his shop and his customers as instead of being able to start with a rusty shell, he will now have to start with higher quality donors. We’re guessing the Ford purists out there will be none too happy about that fact, either.

In the meantime, Classic Recreations is carefully inspecting the confiscated cars, detailing them and getting the wild ponies back to their rightful owners. Past that, Engel says that he is working with state legislators to more clearly define what can and cannot be replaced on a vehicle during a restoration. From the sound of things, that’s something that parties on both side of the issue can agree upon. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Classic Recreations Shelby G.T.500CR