Dr. Phil's '57 Belair Stolen From Repair Shop!

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Well, money might be able to buy you happiness, but it doesn't always let you keep it! As many of you have probably heard, Dr. Phil's '57 Chevy convertible was stolen last Monday from the Burbank (Los Angeles) auto repair shop he had taken it to for what most classic car enthusiasts would say was a minor repair.

I first heard of the news as I was talking with an exec at LoJack, while researching for next week's article "What's Out There To Help Us Keep Our Prized Rides Safe?". I can't say I'm surprised that a celebrity would fall victim to a theft like this. But I am surprised that it would happen supposedly within a just few hours of Dr. Phil dropping off his Chevy Tri-Five via a flatbed hauler! It just begs the question, "Was this an inside job?" Something I'm sure the police are looking into.



Dr. Phil McGraw's 1957 Chevy Belair Convertible
Stolen 08-27-12 from Burbank, California


According to ABC News report, "McGraw was working on his classic car’s transmission with a friend  in an attempt to get the vehicle to start, TMZ.com reported.  Unsuccessful, McGraw took his Bel Air model to a Burbank auto shop to have the pros take a look." Police have commented that the burglars smashed a roll-up door gain entrance to the shop and steal the car. Another classic car stolen.

Top Speed comments, "The robber must have either been a mechanic and repaired the vehicle, had a tow truck, or had some help to push this large vehicle out of the shop and to its destination – likely a chop shop somewhere in the local Burbank, CA area."

One of TV's most popular psychologists, Dr. Phil is undoubtedly distraught over the loss of his beautiful rag top. The car is reportedly valued at $100,000, but I'm sure it's more than the money that is upsetting Dr. Phil at this time. Guy Algar and I hope the vehicle is found intact and undamaged. As Guy is a '55 Belair owner, and has had his since he was 16 years old, I know it would be devastating to go through something like this.

Once more (and this is happening way too frequently) we're reminded - this can happen to us.

REFERENCES:

ABC News - Dr. Phil's 1957 Chevy Stolen in Los Angeles 
chevyhardcore.com - Dr. Phil's '57 Chevy Convertible Allegedly Stolen From Repair Shop
Entertainment Today - Dr. Phil's '57 Chevy stolen from repair shop
Star Pulse - Dr. Phil's Classic '57 Chevy Stolen
Top Speed - Dr. Phil's '57 Bel Air Stolen from a Repair Shop
TMZ - Dr. Phil's Tragic Car Loss
Topix - $1,000 Reward Offered for Dr. Phil's stolen '57 Chevy
Yahoo! Autos - Dr. Phil's '57 Chevy convertible stolen, likely by people who hate themselves

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.