We were taken for a ride, say car fans
Motoring buffs say they were duped by international agent. By Martin van Beynen and Blair Ensor.
AN international classic car broker has left New Zealand customers at least $200,000 out of pocket after taking their money and not supplying the agreed vehicles.
Four angry clients are speaking out to warn other potential customers.
Garry Robertson, a developer and farmer based in Auckland, said he started dealing with Bill Johansson, 59, formerly of Wellington, at the end of 2014 to buy old American cruisers.
Johansson was recommended by a friend as someone ‘‘with whom your money is safe’’ and people in the industry were generally trustworthy.
‘‘He gets your confidence and sets you up. He’s very clever. I’m an experienced businessman and he got me.’’
Robertson bought two cars from Johansson without problems but the third deal relating to a Mercury Montclair fell through.
He put his US$10,000 (NZ$13,700) deposit towards a 1959 Cadillac Coupe Deville which Johansson claimed was being sold by parents of the dying owner. Robertson sent Johansson US$45,000 to complete the purchase, but the deal failed.
Robertson agreed for the money to go towards a 1948 Chrysler Town and Country car.
The Chrysler didn’t eventuate and Robertson asked for his money back. Johansson eventually admitted he couldn’t pay.
Robertson sent a letter to all Johansson’s clients (Johansson had accidentally sent him his group email list) warning them of Johansson’s behaviour.
Tony Meester of Rangiora did two deals with Johansson before he sent the broker about $33,000 for a 58 Impala about two years ago. The deal got into difficulties and they agreed on another car. That fell through but Meester is still waiting for a refund.
Kelvin Boult of Ashburton bought a Camaro hot rod through Johansson in July, paying a $2000 deposit. He deposited the balance of $45,000 to Johansson’s bank account in Texas.
A week later he saw the same car he had bought advertised on the internet in Canada. Boult contacted the seller and found no deal with Johansson existed.
He cancelled the deal and asked for his money back. The requests ended in a flurry of insults and Boult is still waiting. He has lodged a complaint with police.
Napier electrician John Faulkner said earlier this year he sent Johansson US$35,000 to buy a 2010 Hennessy Camaro.
Faulkner did not get his car and when he asked for his money back he got numerous excuses. ‘‘I’m willing to go to Australia and deal to him. I’m pissed off.’’
Johansson said each of the deals complained of had specific problems but none were of his making. ‘‘I’ve got nothing to hide. I’ve got a really good reputation. Ninety-five per cent of my deals have no problems.’’