Texas Classic Car Shop Owner Sentenced to 60 Years After $498K Engine Swap Fraud Scheme
For many people enthusiastssurrender the lover classical Going to a restoration shop takes a leap of faith. In Galveston County, Texas, that trust turned into a years-long nightmare for dozens of car owners.
Richard Thomas Finley, former operator of Classic American Street Rods in the San Leon-Bacliff area, was sentenced to 60 years in prison. prison After being convicted of felony theft of more than $300,000. Prosecutors say Finley defrauded at least 72 victims between 2018 and 2023, collecting large down payments for engine swaps that were never completed. The total amount stolen exceeded $498,000, according to the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office.
Promised Upgrades, Delivered Delayed
Finley reportedly markets his business as a solution for classic car owners looking to modernize their vehicles. He offered “engine swaps” designed to replace aging power plants with newer, more reliable, lower-maintenance options.
Clients were required to pay significant deposits before starting work. What followed was long delays, vague updates and changing explanations, prosecutors said.
Months stretched into years. In most cases, owners never saw any meaningful improvement in their vehicles.
When customers pressed for answers, authorities said Finley provided false status updates about parts, timelines or work performed. Evidence presented during the trial showed not only that promised upgrades were not completed, but also that parts were allegedly removed from customer vehicles and sold elsewhere.
The victims stated that the engine replacements they paid for were never made.
Damage Nearly Half a Million Dollars
Investigators with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s Automobile Crimes Task Force began investigating the complaints and uncovered what prosecutors described as a systematic operation.
More than $498,000 was taken from victims over a five-year period, according to court findings. Authorities seized more than 20 classic vehicles during the investigation and were able to return them to their rightful owners.
While the total dollar figure doesn’t rival some high-profile corporate fraud cases, the human impact was significant. Most of the vehicles in question were long-term projects or highly personal investments, and the owners were left with neither their cars nor the money they paid for them.
Finley was convicted in December and sentenced to 60 years in prison.
A Model in the World of Restoration
This case adds to a growing list of restoration shop fraud convictions across the country.
In November, a New York restoration shop owner was sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of misrepresenting work performed and making false purchase claims to secure payments from customers. In that case, prosecutors said more than $2.5 million was obtained fraudulently.
The difference in sentencing shows how courts can consider factors beyond just dollar amounts. The number of victims was significantly higher in the Texas case; 72 people, compared to three in the New York case.
Federal officials have warned in previous cases that restoration fraud can be particularly difficult for customers to detect. Classic car construction often takes years, creating a gray area where delays can seem normal. Customers often rely on progress updates and reassurances rather than regular personal check-ins.
This dynamic can create opportunities for exploitation.
Why Does Restoration Fraud Continue?
Restoring or modifying a classic vehicle is rarely cheap. Engine swaps, fabrication work, paint and drivetrain upgrades can quickly climb into five-figure territory. Shops often require large deposits to cover parts and labor commitments.
When legitimate, the model works. When misused, financial damage increases rapidly.
The Texas case shows how repeated down payments, stretched timelines and a lack of transparency can allow abuses to continue for years before enforcement action.
For enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that due diligence is important, where written contracts, payments based on milestones, regular documentation, and verified progress can reduce risk.
A Strong Sentence with a Message
A 60-year prison sentence is an unusually serious outcome in automotive fraud cases. While parole eligibility and other legal factors can affect the length of time the actual sentence is served, the sentence itself sends a strong message about how seriously local authorities are taking the case.
Classic car culture is built on trust between builders and owners, buyers and sellers, collectors and craftsmen.
When this trust is abused, the consequences can be permanent.
In this case, the court’s decision makes clear that the restoration scam involving dozens of victims cannot be considered a minor business dispute. This will be considered a major crime.
For collectors and hobbyists alike, this is a cautionary tale about what can happen when passion meets misplaced trust.
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