At Selby TVR, we get approached by collectors and enthusiasts who want quality. Quality workmanship. Quality customer service. Sometimes, they’re looking for work to be done on their car. Other times, they’re wanting advice on what to do, or not do, with their car. This site focuses on classic and sports cars. It also focuses on quality workmanship. That’s a fine combination of services, knowledge, and a commitment to the details of our craft, that helps to preserve these fine machines for years to come. One of those details is how to identify risks and eliminate them before they become problems, including expensive legal issues.
Like a car collector does his due diligence, a car enthusiast or someone who’s facing threats of legal challenges should be prepared for all possible scenarios. If not, what might start out as a simple conversation could quickly lead to something much more serious.
While it’s unlikely someone among those who have a passion for cars would “start something,” there are potential risks to car enthusiasts. You may find yourself in a situation where charges are threatened against you. Or, a lawyer sends a letter about someone’s desired outcome in order to “avoid litigation.” When the possibility of “litigation” comes up, it can be a jarring experience for business owners. You, or anyone involved in classic or sports car collection, will want to avoid being painted with a broad brush or labeled as “bad.” Being “bad” may mean being “untrustworthy” in terms of service, vehicle sales, or repair services. It can also mean being thrust into a situation where you’re painted to be a “bad person.” Or worse, your corporate entity is thought to be a “bad company.” A classy TVR, whether it’s a 260SE or a 450SE or what have you, is something wonderful to own, demonstrate, and enjoy. It can be your baby, and can also be an investment with the potential for appreciation over time.
Unfortunately, while the risk of being wronged by someone is small, it can happen. When it does, you can be tempted to overreact because of what might happen. In order to avoid “legal trouble” or “legal problems,” you might hire an attorney and then, before you know it, have war declared. Keep in mind, unless you ignore all warning signs, the chances of being wronged decrease. And keeping an eye out for what could go wrong (sometimes, called “due diligence”) puts you in a better position to avoid litigation in the first place. Consider these situations: The impact of “legal trouble” varies from circumstance to circumstance. It could be minimal. Or you could wind up spending tens of thousands of dollars hiring an attorney to try to stop a lawsuit where someone “criminalizes” your actions.
If due diligence is in place, you’ll know what kind of action to take, or how to avoid having issues escalate. For example, you’ll know how to negotiate amicably with someone who sees things differently. If they’re not willing to be reasonable, then you’ll know when to call in legal assistance. Again, the term “litigation” matters less than the underlying issue at hand. Your focus is on trying to deal with a person who has a problem. This person might just be someone who’s difficult to deal with. Or, they could be trying to extort money from you, or triggering a lawsuit in order to gain favor in the press.
In some cases, people may just be posturing. In others, there’s a good reason for it. Regardless, you want to keep your interactions professional, civil, and without personal emotion. Otherwise, someone might think you’re just a hothead. It’s worth noting that while car enthusiasts may really enjoy their cars and driving them, they tend not to be automotively inclined. They might not know how to change their oil (or have someone approach the subject incorrectly) or the difference between a V6 and V8 (or not). However, when it comes to dealing with the issues of “legal troubles,” what’s important is the ability to be prepared for what “comes next” and to handle the situation like an adult. High-quality repair work on a classic vehicle minimizes risks long-term, saving you time, cost, and the threat of litigation as a result. When it comes to quality workmanship, and avoiding more costly fixes later, it makes sense to use a business that will treat you as a valued customer and an individual.
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