How Can a Classic Car End Up With a Duplicate VIN?
Picture this: you’ve cherished your 1962 Corvette for years, only to discover that someone else is driving around in a car with the exact same VIN. That’s not just a paperwork headache—it’s a gut punch for any classic car owner. Dale Wilkinson found himself in this bizarre situation after moving to Florida and attempting to register his beloved Corvette. To his shock, the DMV flagged his car because a nearly identical ’62 Corvette, complete with matching VIN, was already registered in Texas.
This isn’t just a fluke. Classic cars, especially icons like the Corvette, are prime targets for cloning. Unscrupulous builders can create a convincing replica, slap on a copied VIN, and suddenly there are two “originals” on the road. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, VIN cloning is on the rise, with thousands of cases reported annually in the US. For collectors, it’s a nightmare scenario: your pride and joy’s authenticity—and value—can be called into question overnight.
What’s at Stake When a Classic Car Is Cloned?
The financial implications are staggering. Wilkinson’s legal team estimates that if his car isn’t officially recognized as the original, he could lose up to $110,000 in value. That’s not just a hit to the wallet—it’s a blow to the legacy and collectibility of the vehicle. Once a car’s VIN is compromised, it’s no longer considered a true collectible in the eyes of most buyers and auction houses. The result? Pure magic, gone in an instant.
But it’s not just about money. There’s an emotional toll, too. Classic car owners often pour years of care, restoration, and love into their vehicles. Discovering a clone feels like someone’s stolen a piece of your personal history. And the legal mess that follows can drag on for months, if not years, as owners, buyers, and even auction houses try to untangle who owns what.
How Do Experts Spot a Fake VIN?
You might think it’s easy to spot a fake, but skilled builders can make clones that fool even seasoned collectors. In Wilkinson’s case, an expert discovered that the Texas Corvette’s VIN tag was made from aluminum, not the original steel, and the font was slightly off. These details might seem minor, but they’re red flags for authenticity. According to classic car appraisers, original VIN tags are almost always made from specific materials and stamped with unique fonts that are difficult to replicate.
If you’re buying a classic, experts recommend a thorough inspection—preferably by someone who knows the quirks of that particular model year. Look for inconsistencies in the VIN plate, mismatched rivets, or signs that the tag has been tampered with. And always check the car’s history through reputable databases. It’s a bit like detective work, but it’s essential if you want to avoid a costly mistake.
What Happens to Owners Caught in a VIN Dispute?
The legal fallout can get messy fast. In Wilkinson’s case, he’s taken the matter to court, suing the Texas couple who unknowingly bought the suspected clone at auction. It’s important to note: there’s no evidence the current owners built the replica themselves. They purchased the car in good faith, with receipts from a well-known auction house. Now, both parties are stuck in mediation, hoping to resolve the dispute without a drawn-out trial.
If the court rules against an owner, the consequences are harsh. The losing party may be forced to have a new VIN issued by state police—a process that instantly destroys the car’s collectible status. As attorney Stephen Gehringer points out, “It’s no longer a collectible item.” For many, that’s the ultimate heartbreak.
How Can Collectors Protect Themselves From VIN Cloning?
So, what can you do if you’re in the market for a classic or already own one? First, documentation is everything. Keep detailed records of your car’s provenance, including photos, service records, and any correspondence related to its purchase or restoration. Before buying, insist on a comprehensive inspection by a marque expert, and don’t be shy about asking tough questions.
It’s also wise to check the car’s VIN against national databases and consult with organizations like the Antique Automobile Club of America or the Classic Car Club of America. These groups often have resources and experts who can help verify authenticity. And remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Why Does This Matter for the Future of Classic Cars?
Stories like Wilkinson’s are a wake-up call for the entire collector community. As classic cars become more valuable, the temptation for fraud grows. Auction houses, buyers, and sellers all need to up their game when it comes to verification and transparency. Some experts are even calling for blockchain-based registries to track provenance and prevent cloning—a high-tech solution for a very old problem.
The big takeaway? Protecting your classic isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week—maybe a VIN check or a chat with an expert—and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. In the world of vintage cars, a little vigilance goes a long way.