Thursday, October 25, 2012

Theft Alert: 1932 Ford Coupe Stolen While Florida Man On Vacation

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

News broke today of a DeLeon Springs, Florida man who returned home from vacation to find that his 1932 Ford Coupe had been stolen from his garage. As our regular readers are aware, we've been running a weekly series, Keep Our Rides Safe, on classic car and muscle car theft prevention and protection. We had just written about the need to take active steps to protect your rides even in your own garage, and this is heartbreaking proof that these types of thefts DO occur where you feel most safe...your home.


Stolen Car: 1932 Ford 3-window Coupe
Estimated Date of Theft: Sunday 10-21-12 from DeLeon Springs, FL

The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports that David Gallentine discovered the theft when he "went to his garage to put some fishing poles and other equipment away Monday night when he noticed some items out of place. And completely missing was his restored 1932 Ford three-window coupe." Upon closer inspection he discovered that the thieves had pried the metal on the side of his shop to gain access. "They knew it was there, they knew I wasn't here, and they knew how to get into the shop," he said. And the car was the only thing missing. Nothing in the home was touched.

Gallentine estimates that he spent about 3,000 hours building the coupe over a three year period.  The car is estimated to be worth approximately $90,000. One neighbor reported hearing activity on Sunday, thinking it sounded like the car leaving the residence.

If you have any information, please contact the DeLeon Police Department at 386-734-1711.

RESOURCES FOR REPORTING:
DeLeon Police Department - DeLeon Police Dept Website

RESOURCES FOR THEFT PREVENTION:
Classic Car News - Identifying The Potential Classic Car Thief - Know Who Your Friends Are
Classic Car News - How & Where To Park Your Classic or Muscle Car To Minimize The Threat of Theft
Classic Car News - Purchasing Classic Car Insurance - Why You Don't Want To Procrastinate!
Classic Car News - At Home Theft Prevention for Your Classic Car or Muscle Car
Classic Car News - On The Road Theft Protection - How to Keep Your Car Safe While Traveling

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

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