Spring Car Show, Wallingford, CT. Mike O'Neill at 203-266-7089, chrisoneill73@charter.net or website www.nutmegchapterpoci.com

Wanted 1970 or 1971 Lucerne blue 4 speed Trans Am, all matching numbers drivetrain. High quality restoration only. Prefer ram air 3 or 455 on ‘71. Please serious sellers only. Vehicle is for my own personal use. Thank you. Joe at 818-383-2333.

30th Ames Performance Pontiac Nationals, Norwalk, OH. andi@pontiacnationals.com, www.pontiacnationals.com .

21st Annual Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge, TN. www.pontiacsinpigeonforge.com .

Rick McLaughlin / McLaughlin Trans Am Museum / McLaughlin Motor Cars Scam update

There is a lot happening with the Rick McLaughlin Scam and I am asking for some more final bits of information.

A new investigation has gotten underway which is chronicling years of title fraud between Ohio and other states. I am asking anyone who has a car purchased from scamming Rick McLaughlin to send me their info and I will forward to the Ohio Attorney General. As we know Ricks’ s Trans Am Museum is a shell company with all money being funneled through McLaughlin Motor Cars. That has ended but the state wants a list of any cars purchased from Rick. most likely you will find that there is still an active title under McLaughlin Motors… and guess what … illegal!

We are coming to the end so anyone, even those who have civil suits against Rick please contact Detective Hart and Tracey Chapman. There is a little time left for those who where scammed to be made whole.

Recap for those joining the conversation late: 1 year ago, I purchased a 1989 Trans Am Turbo from Rick McLaughlin, after a lengthy battle my car arrived minus ownership papers and keys. I waited and begged Rick McLaughlin for the items and finally an envelope arrived with a forged MSO and other documents… During that time the West Virginia police and owner had contacted me, informing me Rick McLaughlin had stolen the car and my 50K dollars! Since then thanks to the online community we have located many other victims of Ricks scams including suspected insurance fraud, title fraud and grand theft auto and a host of other federal crimes.
Recently 3 people have been able to retrieve their cars from his chop shop in West VA, Jeff, Dennis and Jay are now reunited with their cars and one long term lawsuit was finally settled retuning a restored truck to Mark in Canada!
The federal case against Rick McLaughlin is coming to a close and with a plea bargain and or jail time likely. Hopefully all of the victims (including myself) will eventually be paid or Mr. McLaughlin will have a new address, some new friends and time to reflect on his crimes. We are still searching for some Trans Ams that Rick has sold illegally which are listed below.
Also below is a list of VIN numbers which have duplicate titles in McLaughlin Motor Cars name. Several of these owners have already been notified. If you have one of these cars you MUST contact the OHIO DMV investigative division to insure your car is correctly titled. If you know anyone who has been scammed or owed money by Rick McLaughlin please reach out and I will put you in touch with the authorities.
I want to again thank everyone for the continued support and prayers that this career criminal will no long be able to hurt those simply wanting to enjoy an amazing hobby.
1G2AW87WBN101929
2x87z9n150220 – Looking for this 1979 silver anniversary TA approx. 12K miles w/4 speed
2X87K9L177718 – 3600 miles 1979 silver anniversary TA automatic
2X87Z9L177991
2W87W9L206417
2X87Z9N168068
2X87K9N154205
2X87Z9N154288
2W87W9L206417
2W87Z8N158753
2W87K9N171215
2X87K9L177718
Ben Kenion

Editor’s Note: Ben Kenion can be contacted on our Facebook group (www.facebook.com/groups/firebirdclub) by searching for his posts.